Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a branched aromatic ionomer, and a process of making it, by co-polymerizing a first monomer comprising an aromatic moiety and an unsaturated alkyl moiety and a second monomer represented by the general formula: [R-AZ]y-MX wherein R is a hydrocarbon chain having from 2 to 40 carbons and at least one polymerizable unsaturation; A is an anionic group; M is a cationic group; Z is ?1 or ?2; X is +1, +2, +3, +4, or +5; and y is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4. The branched aromatic ionomer has a melt flow index ranging from 1.0 g/10 min. to 13 g/10 min. Optionally the melt flow index ranges from 1.3 g/10 min. to 1.9 g/10 min.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a branched aromatic ionomer, and a process of making it, by co-polymerizing a first monomer comprising an aromatic moiety and an unsaturated alkyl moiety and a second monomer represented by the general formula: [R-AZ]y-MX wherein R is a hydrocarbon chain having from 2 to 40 carbons and at least one polymerizable unsaturation; A is an anionic group; M is a cationic group; Z is ?1 or ?2; X is +1, +2, +3, +4, or +5; and y is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4. The branched aromatic ionomer has a melt flow index ranging from 1.0 g/10 min. to 13 g/10 min. Optionally the melt flow index ranges from 1.3 g/10 min. to 1.9 g/10 min.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a branched aromatic ionomer, and a process of making it, by co-polymerizing a first monomer comprising an aromatic moiety and an unsaturated alkyl moiety and a second monomer represented by the general formula: [R-AZ]y-MX wherein R is a hydrocarbon chain having from 2 to 40 carbons and at least one polymerizable unsaturation; A is an anionic group; M is a cationic group; Z is ?1 or ?2; X is +1, +2, +3, +4, or +5; and y is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4. The branched aromatic ionomer has a melt flow index ranging from 1.0 g/10 min. to 13 g/10 min. Optionally the melt flow index ranges from 1.3 g/10 min. to 1.9 g/10 min.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a branched aromatic ionomer, and a process of making it, by co-polymerizing a first monomer comprising an aromatic moiety and an unsaturated alkyl moiety and a second monomer represented by the general formula: [R-AZ]y-MX wherein R is a hydrocarbon chain having from 2 to 40 carbons and at least one polymerizable unsaturation; A is an anionic group; M is a cationic group; Z is ?1 or ?2; X is +1, +2, +3, +4, or +5; and y is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4. The branched aromatic ionomer has a melt flow index ranging from 1.0 g/10 min. to 13 g/10 min. Optionally the melt flow index ranges from 1.3 g/min. to 1.9 g/10 min.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a branched aromatic ionomer, and a process of making it, by co-polymerizing a first monomer comprising an aromatic moiety and an unsaturated alkyl moiety and a second monomer represented by the general formula: [R-AZ]y-MX wherein R is a hydrocarbon chain having from 2 to 40 carbons and at least one polymerizable unsaturation; A is an anionic group; M is a cationic group; Z is ?1 or ?2; X is +1, +2, +3, +4, or +5; and y is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4. The branched aromatic ionomer has a melt flow index ranging from 1.0 g/10 min. to 13 g/10 min. Optionally the melt flow index ranges from 1.3 g/10 min. to 1.9 g/10 min.

Abstract: A suction canister liner including a one-piece liner having a generally cylindrical shape with an open end, a closed end, a sidewall connecting the open end to the closed end, and a rim extending outward generally perpendicular to the sidewall at the open end. An inner surface of the sidewall at the open end of the liner is configured to receive a lid in a sealing engagement and the rim can engage an open-ended suction canister and support the liner within the suction canister.

Abstract: A suction canister liner including a one-piece liner having a generally cylindrical shape with an open end, a closed end, a sidewall connecting the open end to the closed end, and a rim extending outward generally perpendicular to the sidewall at the open end. An inner surface of the sidewall at the open end of the liner is configured to receive a lid in a sealing engagement and the rim can engage an open-ended suction canister and support the liner within the suction canister.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a branched aromatic ionomer, and a process of making it, by co-polymerizing a first monomer comprising an aromatic moiety and an unsaturated alkyl moiety and a second monomer represented by the general formula: [R-AZ]y-MX wherein R is a hydrocarbon chain having from 2 to 40 carbons and at least one polymerizable unsaturation; A is an anionic group; M is a cationic group; Z is ?1 or ?2; X is +1, +2, +3, +4, or +5; and y is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4. The branched aromatic ionomer has a melt flow index ranging from 1.0 g/10 min. to 13 g/10 min. Optionally the melt flow index ranges from 1.3 g/10 min. to 1.9 g/10 min.

Abstract: Expanded polystyrene, foamed articles and methods of making the same are described herein. The expanded polystyrene generally includes polystyrene selected from expandable polystyrene and extrusion polystyrene, the polystyrene exhibiting a molecular weight of from about 130,000 Daltons to about 220,000 Daltons; a melt flow index of from about 20 to about 30 and a density of from about 0.1 lb/ft3 to about 10 lb/ft3; and wherein the expanded polystyrene exhibits a density of from about 0.1 lb/ft3 to about 10 lb/ft3.

Abstract: A monovinylidene aromatic polymer with a melt flow index of at least 7 g/10 min and a Vicat softening temperature of at least 200° F. may be useful for injection molding with reduced cycle time. The monovinylidene aromatic polymer may be general purpose polystyrene or high impact polystyrene. It may include reduced amounts of mineral oil and increased amounts of an additive such as zinc dimethacrylate to optimize its processability and mechanical characteristics.