Abstract: A selectively hydrogenated block copolymer of general formula S-E-S, (S-E1)nX, or mixtures thereof is disclosed, where n has a value of 2-6, and X is a coupling agent residue. Before hydrogenation, S is a polystyrene block having a molecular weight of 4,400-5,600 g/mol, and E and E1 are polydiene blocks having molecular weights of 18,000-36,000 g/mol and 9,000 to 18,000 g/mol, respectively, selected from polybutadiene, polyisoprene and mixtures thereof, and having a total vinyl content of 60-85 mol %. After hydrogenation, the block copolymer has 0-10 percent of styrene double bonds reduced and at least 80 percent of conjugated diene double bonds reduced. The block copolymer has a solution viscosity of less than 80 centipoise (cP); a polystyrene content of 25-40 wt. % and up to 50 wt. % of diblock units of general formula S-E or S-E1.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer with high vinyl content, low viscosity, low order-disorder temperature and improved processability. The hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers can be extruded or molded with a minimum of additives. The hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers have high melt flows allowing for ease in processing such as injection molding, overmolding, dipping, extrusion, roto-molding, slush molding, fiber spinning, film making, 3D printing and foaming.

Abstract: A selectively hydrogenated block copolymer of general formula S-E-S, (S-E1)nX, or mixtures thereof is disclosed, where n has a value of 2-6, and X is a coupling agent residue. Before hydrogenation, S is a polystyrene block having a molecular weight of 4,400-5,600 g/mol, and E and E1 are polydiene blocks having molecular weights of 18,000-36,000 g/mol and 9,000 to 18,000 g/mol, respectively, selected from polybutadiene, polyisoprene and mixtures thereof, and having a total vinyl content of 60-85 mol %. After hydrogenation, the block copolymer has 0-10 percent of styrene double bonds reduced and at least 80 percent of conjugated diene double bonds reduced. The block copolymer has a solution viscosity of less than 80 centipoise (cP); a polystyrene content of 25-40 wt. % and up to 50 wt. % of diblock units of general formula S-E or S-E1.

Abstract: Selectively hydrogenated block copolymers having semi-crystalline blocks hard blocks and copolymer soft blocks having a combination of excellent physical properties and solvent resistance have been discovered. The block copolymer comprises at least one A block of hydrogenated, polymerized 1,3-butadiene and at least one B block which is a random copolymer or a controlled distribution copolymer of conjugated diene and mono vinyl aromatic monomers in which the conjugated diene monomer units are selectively hydrogenated. Polar functionalized block embodiments of the block copolymers are also disclosed. Compositions comprising the block copolymer and articles made from the block copolymer have also been discovered. A method is disclosed which provides highly isotropic, high strength melt cast films of block copolymers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer with high vinyl content, low viscosity, low order-disorder temperature and improved processability. The hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers can be extruded or molded with a minimum of additives. The hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers have high melt flows allowing for ease in processing such as injection molding, overmolding, dipping, extrusion, roto-molding, slush molding, fiber spinning, film making, 3D printing and foaming.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a block copolymer composition comprising a tetra-branched block copolymer (IV) having a true number average molecular weight of 40,000 to 120,000 represented by the general formula (A-B)4X; a tri-branched block copolymer (III) having a true number average molecular weight of from 30,000 to 90,000 represented by the general formula (A-B)3X; di-branched block copolymer (II) having a true number average molecular weight of from 20,000 to 60,000 represented by the general formula (A-B)2X; and a linear diblock copolymer (I) having a true number average molecular weight of from 10,000 to 30,000 represented by the general formula A-B; where A represents a polymer block of a mono alkenyl arene; B represents a polymer block of a conjugated diene, wherein the B has a true number average molecular weight ranging from 7,000 to 20,000 g/mol; and X represents the residue of an alkoxy silane coupling agent.

Abstract: Selectively hydrogenated block copolymers having semi-crystalline blocks hard blocks and copolymer soft blocks having a combination of excellent physical properties and solvent resistance have been discovered. The block copolymer comprises at least one A block of hydrogenated, polymerized 1,3-butadiene and at least one B block which is a random copolymer or a controlled distribution copolymer of conjugated diene and mono vinyl aromatic monomers in which the conjugated diene monomer units are selectively hydrogenated. Polar functionalized block embodiments of the block copolymers are also disclosed. Compositions comprising the block copolymer and articles made from the block copolymer have also been discovered. A method is disclosed which provides highly isotropic, high strength melt cast films of block copolymers.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a block copolymer composition comprising a tetra-branched block copolymer (IV) having a true number average molecular weight of 40,000 to 120,000 represented by the general formula (A-B)4X; a tri-branched block copolymer (III) having a true number average molecular weight of from 30,000 to 90,000 represented by the general formula (A-B)3X; di-branched block copolymer (II) having a true number average molecular weight of from 20,000 to 60,000 represented by the general formula (A-B)2X; and a linear diblock copolymer (I) having a true number average molecular weight of from 10,000 to 30,000 represented by the general formula A-B; where A represents a polymer block of a mono alkenyl arene; B represents a polymer block of a conjugated diene, wherein the B has a true number average molecular weight ranging from 7,000 to 20,000 g/mol; and X represents the residue of an alkoxy silane coupling agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to unique applications for the novel high melt flow, low viscosity, selectively hydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene (hSBS) or selectively hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene-butadiene/styrene-styrene (hSBSS) block copolymers, wherein the melt flow rate of said block copolymer is at least 100 g/10 min at 230° C. under 2.16 kg mass according to ASTM D1238. These block copolymers are novel and have the highest melt flow rate of any styrenic block copolymer also possessing high strength and elasticity. It has applications that prior to the present invention were not normally possible due to the normal low melt flow rate of styrenic block copolymers. The present invention also encompasses various fields of use such as a fiberglass hSBS or hSBSS reinforced mat, low viscosity hSBS or hSBSS coatings for industrial uses, hot melt adhesives prepared from hSBS or hSBSS blended with polyalpha-olefins, and elastic film, fiber, and nonwoven constructions using hSBS or hSBSS.

Abstract: The invention relates to unique applications for the novel high melt flow, low viscosity, selectively hydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene (hSBS) or selectively hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene-butadiene/styrene-styrene (hSBSS) block copolymers, wherein the melt flow rate of said block copolymer is at least 100 g/10 min at 230° C. under 2.16 kg mass according to ASTM D1238. These block copolymers are novel and have the highest melt flow rate of any styrenic block copolymer also possessing high strength and elasticity. It has applications that prior to the present invention were not normally possible due to the normal low melt flow rate of styrenic block copolymers. The present invention also encompasses various fields of use such as a fiberglass hSBS or hSBSS reinforced mat, low viscosity hSBS or hSBSS coatings for industrial uses, hot melt adhesives prepared from hSBS or hSBSS blended with polyalpha-olefins, and elastic film, fiber, and nonwoven constructions using hSBS or hSBSS.

Abstract: An elastic material for use in an absorbent article is provided. The elastic material contains a crosslinked network formed from a linear block copolymer having a monoalkenyl aromatic midblock positioned between conjugated diene endblocks (e.g., butadiene-styrene-butadiene (“B-S-B”) triblock copolymer). Prior to crosslinking, such linear block copolymers have a relatively low viscosity and thus may be readily formed into a precursor elastic material (e.g., film, strands, web, etc.) that is subsequently crosslinked to achieve the desired elastic and mechanical properties. Crosslinking is typically achieved through the formation of free radicals (unpaired electrons) that link together to form a plurality of carbon-carbon covalent bonds at the conjugated diene endblocks.

Abstract: Bicomponent fibers comprising a thermoplastic polymer and an elastomeric compound are made which can be continuously extruded from the melt at high production rates. The elastomeric compound has high flow and consists essentially of a selectively hydrogenated block copolymer and a tackifier resin, an alpha-olefin copolymer, an alpha-olefin terpolymer, a wax or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment the block copolymer has at least one polystyrene block of molecular weight from 5,000 to 7,000 and at least one polydiene block of molecular weight from 20,000 to 70,000 and having a vinyl content of greater than 60 mol %. In a second embodiment the block copolymer has a vinyl content of less than 60 mol %. The bicomponent fibers are useful for the manufacture of articles such as woven fabrics, spun bond non-woven fabrics or filters, staple fibers, yarns and bonded, carded webs.

Abstract: Bicomponent fibers having a sheath-core morphology where the sheath is a thermoplastic polymer and the core is an elastomeric compound are made which can be continuously extruded from the melt at high production rates. The elastomeric compound comprises a coupled, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer having high flow. The block copolymer has at least one polystyrene block of molecular weight from 5,000 to 7,000 and at least one polydiene block of molecular weight from 20,000 to 70,000 and having a high vinyl content of 60 mol % or greater. The bicomponent fibers are useful for the manufacture of articles such as woven fabrics, spun bond non-woven fabrics or filters, staple fibers, yarns and bonded, carded webs. The bicomponent fibers can be made using a process comprising coextrusion of the thermoplastic polymer and elastomeric compound to produce fibers at greater than 800 mpm and having a denier from 0.1 to 50 g/9000 m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to soft touch fibers and nonwoven fabrics made from such fibers. The fibers comprise an incompatible polymer system which leads to the soft touch quality. The fibers comprise a mixture of at least two thermoplastic polymers each having different viscosities and wherein the mixture has an interfacial tension from about 0.5 to about 20 mN/m, and wherein the mixture comprises a portion of the fiber surface. The fibers may include from 40-98 percent of a polyolefin continuous phase and from 2 to 60 weight percent of an amorphous thermoplast dispersed phase, such as polystyrene or polyamide.

Abstract: Bicomponent fibers having a sheath-core morphology where the sheath is a thermoplastic polymer and the core is an elastomeric compound are made which can be continuously extruded from the melt at high production rates. The elastomeric compound comprises a coupled, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer having high flow. The block copolymer has at least one polystyrene block of molecular weight from 5,000 to 7,000 and at least one polydiene block of molecular weight from 20,000 to 70,000 and having a high vinyl content of 60 mol % or greater. The bicomponent fibers are useful for the manufacture of articles such as woven fabrics, spunbond non-woven fabrics or filters, staple fibers, yarns and bonded, carded webs. The bicomponent fibers can be made using a process comprising coextrusion of the thermoplastic polymer and elastomeric compound to produce fibers at greater than 800 mpm and having a denier from 0.1 to 50 g/9000 m.

Abstract: Bicomponent fibers having a sheath-core morphology where the sheath is a thermoplastic polymer and the core is an elastomeric compound are made which can be continuously extruded from the melt at high production rates. The elastomeric compound comprises a coupled, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer having high flow. The block copolymer has at least one polystyrene block of molecular weight from 5,000 to 7,000 and at least one polydiene block of molecular weight from 20,000 to 70,000 and having a high vinyl content of 60 mol % or greater. The bicomponent fibers are useful for the manufacture of articles such as woven fabrics, spunbond non-woven fabrics or filters, staple fibers, yarns and bonded, carded webs. The bicomponent fibers can be made using a process comprising coextrusion of the thermoplastic polymer and elastomeric compound to produce fibers at greater than 800 mpm and having a denier from 0.1 to 50 g/9000 m.

Abstract: An elastic material for use in an absorbent article is provided. The elastic material contains a crosslinked network formed from a linear block copolymer having a monoalkenyl aromatic midblock positioned between conjugated diene endblocks (e.g., butadiene-styrene-butadiene (“B-S-B”) triblock copolymer). Prior to crosslinking, such linear block copolymers have a relatively low viscosity and thus may be readily formed into a precursor elastic material (e.g., film, strands, web, etc.) that is subsequently crosslinked to achieve the desired elastic and mechanical properties. Crosslinking is typically achieved through the formation of free radicals (unpaired electrons) that link together to form a plurality of carbon-carbon covalent bonds at the conjugated diene endblocks.

Abstract: It is herein disclosed a polymer blend having and exhibiting excellent tribological properties comprising a major amount of polyketone polymers and a minor amount of one or more silicone oil. The blend also has and exhibits improved lubricity and has a low DCOF of from about 0.3-0.4. The blend is particularly useful in the manufacture of articles used in applications where surfaces are in contact during motion.

Abstract: It is disclosed a toughened polyamide comprising a polyamide, such as Nylon 6, and a minor amount of a linear alternating polymer of carbon monoxide and at least one or more ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon. The toughened polyamide has and exhibits improved properties such as Notched Izod strength and flexural modulus and can be used in the manufacture of articles suitable in many applications.