Abstract: A process for extruding a thermoplastic polymer comprising:(a) introducing into an extruder a copolymer of ethylene wherein one of the copolymerized monomers has the following formula:CH.sub.2 .dbd.C[(CH.sub.2).sub.n --CH.sub.3 ]-Si(OR).sub.3wherein eachR is independently a saturated aliphatic group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; andn is 0, 1 or 2;(b) extruding the copolymer of step (a); and, thereafter,(c) contacting the extrudate with sufficient moisture to effect crosslinking.

Abstract: Crosslinkable polymers prepared by reacting a polymer with an azido silane having the general formulaN.sub.3 --(X)m Si (OR).sub.3wherein X is a divalent hydrocarbyl group having one to six carbon atoms andR is an alkyl group containing one to twenty carbon atoms andm is zero or onethe reaction being carried out under conditions which cause the azidosilane to graft to the polymer with the elimination of nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A composition suitable for use as an electrical insulation comprises a polymeric component and a water-tree retardant additive which is either an organo orthoborate of partial ester of boric acid having the formula B(OR) (OR.sup.1) (OR.sup.2) or an organo orthoborate or partial ester of boric acid with a polyhydric hydrocarbyl alcohol.

Abstract: A water curable composition comprising:(a) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of silane grafted homopolymers of ethylene, propylene, or 1-butene; silane grafted copolymers wherein a major proportion thereof is attributed to an ethylene, propylene, or 1-butene monomer; and a copolymer wherein a major proportion thereof is attributed to an ethylene, propylene, or 1-butene monomer and a minor proportion thereof is attributed to silane, each polymer having at least one silane moiety containing at least one hydrolyzable group; and(b) at least one polysiloxane having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R=C.sub.3 H.sub.6 (OC.sub.3 H.sub.6).sub.y (OC.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a thermoplastic elastomer comprising admixing, under reaction conditions, an unsaturated elastomer containing carbon-carbon double bonds; an essentially saturated thermoplastic homopolymer or copolymer; a multifunctional organosilicon compound containing an average of at least two Si--H groups per molecules; and a catalyst capable of hydrosilylating the carbon-carbon double bonds of the unsaturated elastomer.

Abstract: A crosslinkable composition comprising (A) a copolymer of ethylene and an unsaturated silane compound having hydrolyzable group(s) optionally with other comonomers and (B) a defined dihydrocarbyl tin (IV) carboxylate compound as silanol condensation catalyst. The tin compound is preferably dibutyl tin maleate. The composition can be thermoformed to produce articles having improved surface finish.

Abstract: A crosslinkable composition comprising (A) a silyl polymer, for example an ethylene/vinyl trimethoxy silane copolymer, and (B) a silanol condensation catalyst which is an organic polymer having its polymer chains bridged by dihydrocarbyl tin (IV) containing units of the formula .O.SnR.sup.1 R.sup.2 O. Also disclosed are aliphatic alpha-olefin/unsaturated carboxyl compound copolymers containing similar dihydrocarbyl tin (IV) bridges. The compositions can be thermoformed into articles, e.g. cable insulation, and crosslinked by water treatment.

Abstract: A crosslinkable thermoplastic polymeric composition comprising a component inherently adapted for crosslinking by thermal or chemical treatment e.g. a peroxide-containing polyolefin component or a silane-modified polyolefin and a fluorocarbon polymer. The composition can be thermoformed to produce useful articles e.g. cable insulation and the presence of the fluorocarbon polymer (e.g. a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene) results in the articles having improved surface finish.

Abstract: A crosslinkable composition comprising a silyl modified ethylene (co)polymer, a defined phosphorus or antimony compound and optionally a silanol condensation catalyst. The silyl modified polymer has hydrolysable silane groups introduced therein by copolymerization grafting or transesterification. The phosphorus or antimony compound (e.g. tributyl phosphite) reduces premature crosslinking during extrusion of the composition.