Abstract: The use of a minor amount of poly-1-butene for improving the processability or extrusion efficiency of a metallocene-made thermoplastics, particularly metallocene-made low density polyethylene, by adding about 0.1-15 wt % of poly-1-butene to the metallocene-made thermoplastics which are melt incompatible with the poly-l-butene prior to processing.

Abstract: An improved process for pelletizing thermoplastic material, particularly ultra low melt viscosity thermoplastic polymer, using an underwater pelletizer adapted to prevent extruded material from agglomerating in the pelletizer, which pelletizer comprising a cutting assembly having (1) a shroud fixedly mounted on the outer periphery of the cutting assembly thereby preventing pellets from being trapped between the die face and the cutting assembly; and (2) novel knives contoured to conform in their angular positions to the curvature of the shroud to avoid pellet agglomeration.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the formation of polybutylene pipes having improved mechanical properties, by reduction in the rate of cooling of the extrudate used to form the pipe sections. Preferably, the ratio of the cooling bath residence time in minutes divided by the cooling water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit is selected to be in the range of from about 0.004 to about 0.010.

Abstract: Polymer blends of improved properties for use in packaging applications comprise blends of a crystalline poly(1-butene) and a selectively hydrogenated block copolymer of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and conjugated alkadiene of the SEBS type.