Abstract: A method of modifying the rheology of a thermoplastic resin that includes the steps of providing a thermoplastic resin and blending interpolymer resin particles with the thermoplastic resin. The interpolymer resin contains a styrenic polymer intercalated within a polyolefin, such that the thermoplastic resin is present as a continuous phase and the interpolymer resin is present as a dispersed phase. The method provides a rheology modified thermoplastic resin with improved physical characteristics.

Abstract: A method of modifying the rheology of a thermoplastic resin that includes the steps of providing a thermoplastic resin and blending interpolymer resin particles with the thermoplastic resin. The interpolymer resin contains a styrenic polymer intercalated within a polyolefin, such that the thermoplastic resin is present as a continuous phase and the interpolymer resin is present as a dispersed phase. The method provides a rheology modified thermoplastic resin with improved physical characteristics.

Abstract: A polymer composition that includes a first polyolefin polymer and an interpenetrating network polymer. The interpenetrating network polymer includes a second polyolefin polymer present in an amount of from 10 percent by weight to 80 percent by weight, based on total weight of the interpenetrating network polymer, and a vinyl aromatic polymer present in an amount of from 20 percent by weight to 90 percent by weight, based on total weight of the interpenetrating network polymer. As initially provided in the polymer composition, the interpenetrating network polymer is substantially free of crosslinking. The polymer composition itself is at least partially crosslinked. An expandable polymer composition is provided that includes the polymer composition and an expansion agent, which can be expanded to form an expanded polymer composition that can have a density of from 16 to 400 Kg/m3.

Abstract: A polymerization process to prepare polyolefin-clay nanocomposites from modified clay is described. Polystyrene-clay nanocomposites formed using the inventive method are highly exfoliated and show improved physical properties relative to polystyrene polymers. The process can be applied to bulk or suspension polymerization. The process provided is a two stage polymerization of monomer in the presence of a modified clay. In a first stage, monomer is polymerized within a clay gallery by an intercalated free radical initiator which is activated at a first polymerization temperature. In a second stage, monomer extrinsic to the clay is polymerized using an oil soluble free radical initiator which is activated at a second polymerization temperature.

Abstract: Composite materials that include a resin containing a polymer obtained by polymerizing a monomer mixture that contains at least one polymerizable monomer and a magnetic material, where the composite material can be used to make sheet stock and articles, such as storage containers. The composite materials can be made by mechanical milling the magnetic material into the resin or by using bulk, suspension, emulsion, mini-emulsion or micro-emulsion polymerization techniques where the resin is formed in the presence of the magnetic material. Articles made of the composite material can be used in a method of deterring theft of an article which includes providing the above-described container, applying a magnetic field to an interrogation zone, causing movement of the container into the interrogation zone, and detecting a magnetic response resulting from the container moving into the interrogation zone.