Abstract: Copolymers produced by polymerization of a mixture comprising a 1,3-cyclodiene, an acyclic conjugated diene, and, optionally, a vinyl aromatic compound are epoxidized to form epoxidized copolymers exhibiting improved green tensile strength, moduli, and oil resistance properties in comparison with the unepoxidized parent copolymers.

Abstract: A 1,3-cyclodiene comonomer and a linear conjugated diene comonomer are copolymerized employing a catalyst formed from a mixture comprising a triorganoaluminum compound, a nickel (II) compound and a Friedel-Crafts type cocatalyst. Also, a catalyst and a method for the production thereof which is useful in the copolymerization is provided.

Abstract: A catalyst system comprising (I) an organoaluminum compound, (II) an organophosphine compound, and (III) a metal salt of a beta-diketone, is effective to homopolymerize an alkene oxide, homopolymerize an ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid or certain other vinyl monomers, or to copolymerize an alkene oxide with an ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid or certain other vinyl monomers. Suitable vinyl monomers include vinyl esters, vinyl ethers, or vinyl ketones.

Abstract: A catalyst system comprising (I) an organoaluminum compound, (II) an organophosphine compound, and (III) a metal salt of a beta-diketone, is effective to homopolymerize an alkene oxide, homopolymerize an ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid or certain other vinyl monomers, or to copolymerize an alkene oxide with an ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid or certain other vinyl monomers. Suitable vinyl monomers include vinyl esters, vinyl ethers, or vinyl ketones.

Abstract: An organopolyhalide-coupled conjugated diene polymer is treated with an organometal compound after the coupling step and prior to hydrogenation. The treated polymer is hydrogenated to result in hydrogenated polymers exhibiting low residual unsaturation.

Abstract: Epoxidized polymers having the structure S-D/S-S or D/S-S-D/S-S in which S represents a polystyrene block and D/S represents a tapered block of styrene and butadiene and/or isoprene, with the further provision that 5-95% of the olefinic unsaturation of the polymer has been epoxidized, exhibit good oil and ozone resistance.

Abstract: A catalyst system comprising (I) an organoaluminum compound, (II) an organophosphine compound, and (III) a metal salt of a beta-diketone, is effective to homopolymerize an alkene oxide, homopolymerize an ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid or certain other vinyl monomers, or to copolymerize an alkene oxide with an ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid or certain other vinyl monomers. Suitable vinyl monomers include vinyl esters, vinyl ethers, or vinyl ketones.

Abstract: A copolymer is produced by polymerization of a mixture comprising a 1,3-cyclodiene and an acyclic conjugated diene wherein a substantial percentage by weight of the acyclic conjugated diene units of the copolymer is in the trans and vinyl configurations. A method for producing the copolymer is provided employing an organolithium initiator. A hydrogenated copolymer and method of its production is also provided.

Abstract: A furan, a maleic anhydride and at least one unsaturated compound selected from a conjugated diene, e.g., butadiene and a vinyl aromatic, e.g., styrene are reacted in presence of a free-radical initiator, e.g., an organic peroxide or azo compound for example di-t-butyl peroxide or 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile), in solution, e.g. in a hydrocarbon solution for example in toluene to produce a terpolymer. In one specific embodiment, furan, maleic anhydride and styrene and in another butadiene in lieu of the styrene are selected monomers. White powdery polymers are produced which can be converted to metal carboxylate salts. Additionally, the unsaturation in the polymer backbone permits crosslinking that is of value in the formation of protective coatings. Pendant anhydride groups are also crosslinking sites as by reaction with a diol.