Abstract: A method for property modification of bulk polymers, by initially treating a short chain monomeric organic acid, having a carboxylic group (with dissociation constant between 10.sup.-2 to 10.sup.-6 cm.sup.-1, and less than 8 carbons); with a Group IA, IIA or IIB metal, metal oxide, peroxide, hydroxide, or halogens, for forming a metal ligand or complex metal salt of the acid. The bulk polymers are mixed with the complex metal salts and free radicals are introduced into the mixture by means of oxidizing materials, to functionalize the bulk polymer with ionic polymerization sites. A copolymer formation is effected between the monomeric organic metal salt anion and the bulk polymer, as catalyzed by the metal cation, at such sites. The polymerization is a substantially non-cross linked ionic one resulting from the dissociation parameters and the short chain length of the complex metal salt, which is maintained prior to copolymer formation.

Abstract: A partially-neutralized, fatty-acid modified alkylbenzene sulfonic acid is useful as a processing aid for use with natural, synthetic or reclaimed rubber, and it is useful in the mastication and peptizing steps of rubber processing, as well as in dispersing and emulsifying additives for the rubber and in improving the wetting characteristics of the rubber. The partially-neutralized, fatty-acid modified sulfonic acid may be formulated into a composition having particular utility as a lubricant for rubber by mixing with a fatty acid amide, a polyethylene glycol, a wax and, optionally, a fluorinated surfactant.

Abstract: Unsaturated polyester resin systems are modified to provide a curable, stable water-in-oil emulsion by reacting the resin system with a hydrolized source of hypochlorite ion, while maintaining during the reaction a pH of at least 4, whereby the reaction is predominantly one of chlorohydration. The hypochlorite ion may be provided by addition of an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt of hypochlorous acid, e.g. by an aqueous solution of sodium, potassium, lithium, or calcium hypochlorite; or by an aqueous solution of a suitable chloramine; or the additive may comprise the reaction product of a chloramine with an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt of hypochlorous acid. The modified resin system yielded by the invention may include over 50% by weight of water; and high quantities of conventional fillers may be added without disrupting the emulsion. The cured products yielded from the modified resin systems have excellent mechanical characteristics, and are highly flame-retardant.