Abstract: A blended multimodal polymer product is disclosed that comprises a first polymer, wherein the first polymer is a homopolymer of propylene or a propylene copolymer having an ethylene or a C4 to C10 olefin comonomer; and a second polymer, wherein the second polymer is a propylene homopolymer and a propylene copolymer having an ethylene or a C4 to C10 olefin comonomer, and wherein the first polymer and second polymer have a difference in heat of fusion of about 25 J/g or more. Methods for making such a polymer product using at least two reactors in parallel and for separating a propylene-based polymer from a solvent using a liquid-phase separator are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a low molecular weight polyolefin adhesive component, the process including the steps of (a) cooling a polymer solution to a temperature less than or equal to about its cloud point to form a cooled polymer solution; (2) filtering the cooled polymer solution using a filter, wherein the polymer solution includes a low molecular weight polyolefin adhesive component and a solvent; and (b) recovering the solvent and the polyolefin.

Abstract: A blended multimodal polymer product is disclosed that comprises a first polymer, wherein the first polymer is a homopolymer of propylene or a propylene copolymer having an ethylene or a C4 to C10 olefin comonomer; and a second polymer, wherein the second polymer is a propylene homopolymer and a propylene copolymer having an ethylene or a C4 to C10 olefin comonomer, and wherein the first polymer and second polymer have a difference in heat of fusion of about 25 J/g or more. Methods for making such a polymer product using at least two reactors in parallel and for separating a propylene-based polymer from a solvent using a liquid-phase separator are also disclosed.

Abstract: A blended multimodal polymer product is disclosed that comprises a first polymer, wherein the first polymer is a homopolymer of propylene or a propylene copolymer having an ethylene or a C4 to C10 olefin comonomer; and a second polymer, wherein the second polymer is a propylene homopolymer and a propylene copolymer having an ethylene or a C4 to C10 olefin comonomer, and wherein the first polymer and second polymer have a difference in heat of fusion of about 25 J/g or more. Methods for making such a polymer product using at least two reactors in parallel and for separating a propylene-based polymer from a solvent using a liquid-phase separator are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blocked process for producing polymers of high and low molecular weights utilizing the same polymer separator. The separator is operated in a different mode depending on the molecular weight of the polymer being produced such that the separation system is operated in flash mode for the separation of low molecular weight polymers and operated in lower critical solution temperature (LCST) mode for the separation of high molecular weight polymers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blocked process for producing polymers of high and low molecular weights utilizing the same polymer separator. The separator is operated in a different mode depending on the molecular weight of the polymer being produced such that the separation system is operated in flash mode for the separation of low molecular weight polymers and operated in lower critical solution temperature (LCST) mode for the separation of high molecular weight polymers.

Abstract: A blended multimodal polymer product is disclosed that comprises a first polymer, wherein the first polymer is a homopolymer of propylene or a propylene copolymer having an ethylene or a C4 to C10 olefin comonomer; and a second polymer, wherein the second polymer is a propylene homopolymer and a propylene copolymer having an ethylene or a C4 to C10 olefin comonomer, and wherein the first polymer and second polymer have a difference in heat of fusion of about 25 J/g or more. Methods for making such a polymer product using at least two reactors in parallel and for separating a propylene-based polymer from a solvent using a liquid-phase separator are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing agglomeration resistant particles composed of tacky polymer compositions. The method includes the steps of providing particles of the polymer composition at or above the glass transition temperature of the polymer composition, increasing the tackiness of the polymer composition particles by contacting the polymer composition particle with a first fluid at an elevated temperature, while the polymer composition particles are in contact with the first fluid, contacting the polymer composition particles with an antiblock composition, and separating the polymer composition particles from the first fluid. These methods at least partially coat the polymer composition particles with the antiblock composition.

Abstract: It has been discovered that improved polystyrene products may be obtained by polymerizing styrene in the presence of at least one multifunctional initiator that is trifunctional or tetrafunctional and at least one lower functionality initiator that is difunctional or monofunctional. These polymers may have increased Mz, increased MFI, and increased MWD. Optionally the resin may include at least one chain transfer agent, at least one cross-linking agent and/or a styrene-conjugated diene-styrene block copolymer. The presence of the multifunctional initiator tends to cause more branched structures in the polystyrene.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of reducing volatiles in a mass processable polymer. The apparatus includes a multi-chambered devolatilizer having first and second collectors contained therein. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method that includes passing the mass processable polymer stream from a polymerization process to a first devolatilizer. The method continues by passing the polymer stream from the first devolatilizer to the multi-chambered devolatilizer. The apparatus and method allows for the production of a polymer having less than 100 ppm of volatiles.

Abstract: It has been discovered that improved polystyrene products may be obtained by polymerizing styrene in the presence of at least one multifunctional initiator that is trifunctional or tetrafunctional and at least one lower functionality initiator that is difunctional or monofunctional. These polymers may have increased Mz, increased MFI, and increased MWD. Optionally the resin may include at least one chain transfer agent, at least one cross-linking agent and/or a styrene-conjugated diene-styrene block copolymer. The presence of the multifunctional initiator tends to cause more branched structures in the polystyrene.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for purifying copolymer compounds having monovinyl aromatic blocks and conjugated diene blocks by reducing the residual monomer content of the finished polymer. The method and apparatus includes a combination of heat exchangers and devolatilizers used in conjunction with a copolymerization reactor system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solvent exchange column for continuously exchanging styrene monomer with the solvent used to produce polybutadiene and a method of use therefor. The solvent exchange column includes an exchange plate support structure coupled to and supporting spaced apart exchange plates, wherein each of the exchange plates has holes located therein to allow a passage of fluid therethrough. The solvent exchange column further includes a vapor ventilation system for allowing the volatized solvent to exit the solvent exchange column.