Abstract: Liquid rubbers that are ordinarily immiscible in liquid thermoset resins can be made miscible by the addition of at least one non-functional aromatic end-group to the polymer chains of such liquid rubber compositions. Such addition may be initiated by high-temperature peroxides in non-functional aromatic solvents. The liquid rubbers are found to improve the fracture toughness of cured thermoset resins while maintaining dimensional and heat resistance.

Abstract: Processes for utilizing various emulsion polymerization procedures for preparing aqueous nanocomposite dispersions are disclosed. The disclosed processes include both in-situ polymerizations in the presence of at least partially exfoliated unmodified clays as well as admixtures of polymer dispersions with at least partially exfoliated unmodified clay dispersions. The disclosed nanocomposite dispersions are useful for preparing a variety of materials, such as coatings, adhesives, caulks, sealants, plastics additives, and thermoplastic resins. Processes for preparing polymer clay nanocomposite powders and use of these powders as plastic resin and plastics additives are also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes for utilizing various emulsion polymerization procedures for preparing aqueous nanocomposite dispersions are disclosed. The disclosed processes include both in-situ polymerizations in the presence of at least partially exfoliated unmodified clays as well as admixtures of polymer dispersions with at least partially exfoliated unmodified clay dispersions. The disclosed nanocomposite dispersions are useful for preparing a variety of materials, such as coatings, adhesives, caulks, sealants, plastics additives, and thermoplastic resins. Processes for preparing polymer clay nanocomposite powders and use of these powders as plastic resin and plastics additives are also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes for utilizing various emulsion polymerization procedures for preparing aqueous nanocomposite dispersions are disclosed. The disclosed processes include both in-situ polymerizations in the presence of at least partially exfoliated unmodified clays as well as admixtures of polymer dispersions with at least partially exfoliated unmodified clay dispersions. The disclosed nanocomposite dispersions are useful for preparing a variety of materials, such as coatings, adhesives, caulks, sealants, plastics additives, and thermoplastic resins. Processes for preparing polymer clay nanocomposite powders and use of these powders as plastic resin and plastics additives are also disclosed.

Abstract: A new class of low flammability cosolvents comprising saturated C1-C8 alkyl (meth)acrylate oligomers having a molecular weight in the range of from about 160 to 1000 g/mol are disclosed for use in nonaqueous electrolytes for electrochemical cells. A novel process for preparing saturated meth(acrylic) oligomeric electrolyte cosolvents is also disclosed. Secondary electrochemical cells employing an anode, a cathode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution comprising these new cosolvents are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved process, preferably continuous, for the manufacture of gradient refractive index optical objects, wherein a core polymer, which itself may be prepared by a continuous and incorporated process, is passed through a hollow porous surrounding, generally cylindrical so as to obtain and maintain a rounded fiber, through which is fed a second monomer whose polymer has a lower refractive index than the core polymer, so as to swell the core polymer. The swollen polymer with a gradient of swelling by the second monomer from surface to core, is then led to a polymerization unit to complete the polymerization before equilibration of the second monomer throughout the core polymer occurs. The resulting polymers are useful in the preparation of optical fibers and light pipes.

Abstract: Polymer blends of at least one polar polymer are prepared by admixture with a poly(vinyl alcohol) and a (meth)acrylate copolymer also containing vinyl amide and/or unsaturated acid units. The ternary compositions have attractive processing and performance properties.

Abstract: A miscible blend of two acrylic polymers, one of which contains a poly(1,2 -alkyleneoxy) side chain, with a soluble lithium salt yields a conducting polymer system useful in small rechargeable batteries without the need for volatile polar solvents. By employing one polymer with a glass temperature below 35.degree. C. in conjunction with control of molecular weight of both components, a flexible film may be formed by conventional thermoplastic methods. The conductive salt, preferably LiN(CF.sub.3 SO.sub.2).sub.2), may be incorporated during the polymerization which forms the acrylic polymers.

Abstract: Polymers containing a high percentage of vinyl alcohol units may be blended with copolymers of alkyl methacrylates and unsaturated organic acids and processed into sheet, film, fiber and other objects which exhibit an useful balance of barrier and strength properties.