Abstract: Disclosed is a method for formation of block copolymers using a Single Electron Transfer Living Radical Polymerization (SET-LRP) process. The process can be used to form di and tri-block copolymers from vinyl monomers. In one embodiment the SET-LRP process comprises initially forming a macroinitiator using SET-LRP to form a first block of a di or tri-block copolymer and then using SET-LRP to form additional blocks of the copolymer. The produced block copolymers have very narrow polydispersity indexes and controlled molecular weights. The process permits incorporation of photoinitiators in any of the block formation reactions. The method also includes purification processes that result in a block copolymer having very low color making it useful in a variety of applications. In one application block copolymers prepared according to the present process can be used in hot-melt adhesives.

Abstract: The present invention discloses polymers prepared from polar vinyl monomers and non-polar olefin monomers with the polymers having high olefin content and high weight average molecular weights as well as methods of preparing them. The inventive polymers possess interesting properties that make them particularly attractive in several industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thiol-ene curing compositions, which cure upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and/or heat. The compositions include components having alkenyl (or “ene”) functionality and components having thiol functionality, which undergo thiol-ene curing. The compositions also include a cure system. More specifically, in some embodiments, the curable compositions include a vinyl polymer bearing alkenyl or thiol terminal functional group(s) and a cross-linking agent having the opposing functionality, i.e., thiol cross-linking agents with alkenyl-terminated vinyl polymers and vinyl cross-linking agents with thiol-terminated vinyl polymers. Also provided are methods of making and using the compositions, such as for sealants for in-place gasketing applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-functional polymeric resin blends which have a defined average molecular weight distribution. Additionally each polymeric component of the blend has a polydispersity of from about 1.01 to about 2.50. The average functionality of the blend is from about 1.8 to about 4.0. More particularly, the present invention relates to poly(meth)acrylates having three or more functional groups. These highly functionalized resin blends are desirably prepared using controlled free radical polymerization techniques, such as single electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) processes to produce a variety of blended resin systems which have tailored and enhanced properties.

Abstract: Living radical polymerization processes, reaction products of such processes, and compositions containing such reaction products are provided. More particularly, a living radical polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid monomers employing having a defined order of introduction of the reactants and/or a specific set of reaction conditions, is provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for controlled single electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) of monomers with increased conversion, high molecular weights and low polydispersity by allowing the polymerization to proceed at low temperatures via a tubular reactor either made of copper or containing copper metal surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions useful for maintaining sealing force over time while under compression in compressive gaskets. Additionally, methods of preparing and using the sealing compositions and improving sealing performance using such compositions are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for controlled single electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) of monomers with increased conversion, high molecular weights and low polydispersity by allowing the polymerization to proceed at low temperatures via a tubular reactor either made of copper or containing copper metal surface.

Abstract: A method of conducting controlled radical polymerization, including: (a) providing a mixture of at least one monomer; at least one monomer solvent; at least one compound metal coordinating capable; and at least one initiator; (b) directing the mixture at a rate over a solid catalyst surface contained in an external chamber to the vessel, the catalyst including a metal or metal compound capable of at least two oxidation states; (c) monitoring the reaction vessel temperature; (d) adjusting the flow rate when the temperature is outside a selected temperature range; and (e) allowing the polymerization to proceed to desired conversion level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-functional polymeric resin blends which have a defined average molecular weight distribution. Additionally each polymeric component of the blend has a polydispersity of from about 1.01 to about 2.50, The average functionality of the blend is from about 1.8 to about 4.0. More particularly, the present invention relates to poly(meth)acrylates having three or more functional groups. These highly functionalized resin blends are desirably prepared using controlled free radical polymerization techniques, such as single electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) processes to produce a variety of blended resin systems which have tailored and enhanced properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thiol-ene curing compositions, which cure upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and/or heat. The compositions include components having alkenyl (or “ene”) functionality and components having thiol functionality, which undergo thiol-ene curing. The compositions also include a cure system. More specifically, in some embodiments, the curable compositions include a vinyl polymer bearing alkenyl or thiol terminal functional group(s) and a cross-linking agent having the opposing functionality, i.e., thiol cross-linking agents with alkenyl-terminated vinyl polymers and vinyl cross-linking agents with thiol-terminated vinyl polymers. Also provided are methods of making and using the compositions, such as for sealants for in-place gasketing applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photocurable elastomer compositions and methods of preparation and use of such compositions for cure-in-place applications such as gaskets. The curable compositions generally include an elastomer component, a monofunctional and/or multifunctional reactant and a photoinitiator that in various aspects may be a visible and/or UV curing initiator. The various components may be present in different amounts, depending on the combination of components and composition desired.

Abstract: Macro-photoinitiators having defined polymer chain structure are provided. The macro-photoinitiators are terminated with residues of thiol and/or hydroxyl functional photoinitiators. The macro-photoinitiators may be prepared by controlled radical polymerization methods, such as atom transfer radical polymerization and single electron transfer polymerization methods. Also provided are curable (e.g., photocurable) compositions that include the macro-photoinitiators of the present invention.

Abstract: Living radical polymerization processes, reaction products of such processes, and compositions containing such reaction products are provided. More particularly, a living radical polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid monomers employing having a defined order of introduction of the reactants and/or a specific set of reaction conditions, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns improved polymerizable anaerobic compositions which contain (meth)acrylic ester monomers, peroxy polymerization initiators, saccharin a saccharin derivative or a related sulfimide derivative and an activator containing a ferrocene moiety.

Abstract: A process of controlled radical polymerization, and products made therefrom is disclosed. The process includes performing controlled radical polymerization on a composition comprising a polymerizable compound, an initiator, a ligand, and a catalyst; permitting the controlled radical polymerization reaction to proceed until a desired level of conversion is attained, but prior to complete conversion to obtain an intermediate polymerization product; and further reacting the intermediate polymerization product with a reactant having a cluster of multiple reactive sites to provide a polymer reaction product having a cluster of pendent multiple reactive sites adjacent to said terminal ends of said polymer reaction product.

Abstract: A fuel cell, having improved sealing against leakage, includes a fuel cell component having a cured sealant, wherein the cured sealant includes a telechelic-functional polyisobutylene, an organhydrogenosilane crosslinker, a platinum catalyst and a photoinitiator. The fuel cell component may be a cathode flow field plate, an anode flow field plate, a resin frame, a gas diffusion layer, an anode catalyst layer, a cathode catalyst layer, a membrane electrolyte, a membrane-electrode-assembly frame, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Provided are polydisulfides that are useful in moisture curable sealants. The polydisulfides have an S—S link in the backbone and are end-capped with at least one alkoxysilane functional group. Also provided are methods of making the polydisulfides, including methods that do not require the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: A process of controlled radical polymerization, and products made therefrom is disclosed. The process includes performing controlled radical polymerization on a composition comprising a polymerizable compound, an initiator, a ligand, and a catalyst; permitting the controlled radical polymerization reaction to proceed until a desired level of conversion is attained, but prior to complete conversion to obtain an intermediate polymerization product; and further reacting the intermediate polymerization product with a reactant having a cluster of multiple reactive sites to provide a polymer reaction product having a cluster of pendent multiple reactive sites adjacent to said terminal ends of said polymer reaction product.

Abstract: The present invention concerns improved polymerizable anaerobic compositions which contain (meth)acrylic ester monomers, peroxy polymerization initiators, saccharin a saccharin derivative or a related sulfimide derivative and an activator containing a ferrocene moiety.