Abstract: A process for the removal of catalytic residues from hydrogenated thermoplastic or elastomeric polymers is achieved by treating the residue with an amine compound. The amine compound is selected from the class consisting of an HCl salt of an amine or a diamine having an alkyl group containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group containing from 4 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group containing from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and combinations thereof; a substituted glyoxime wherein the substituted group is selected from the class consisting of an alkyl having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl having from 4 to 6 carbon atoms, an aryl having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and combinations thereof; and the heterocyclic nitrogen compounds of pyrrole and pyridine.

Abstract: Conjugated dienes and alpha-olefins, such as butadiene and propylene, are copolymerized by a catalyst system comprising a metal component TiCl.sub.n Br.sub.4-n or VCl.sub.m Br.sub.5-m, a reducing agent of the formula AlR.sub.2 H wherein R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group, there being at least one hydrocarbon group per molecule, and a carbonyl-containing compound such as acetophenone. The use of the aluminum hydride compound allows the use of higher and more practical temperatures to obtain desirable molecular weights, yields and microstructure that with aluminum trialkyls require much lower and less practical polymerization temperatures.

Abstract: When polyphosphazenes are exposed to elevated temperatures, their physical properties deteriorate. The addition of zinc bis hippurate to polyphosphazene rubbers has been found to result in improved retention of the physical properties of polyphosphazenes. Further the use of such an additive does not adversely affect the ability of peroxy compounds to cure the polyphosphazenes to form vulcanizates.

Abstract: The evolution of smoke from the combustion of organic polymers which contain aromatic moieties, especially polymers of styrene, with and without other monomers, is reduced materially by forming a complex of the polymer and chromium carbonyl.

Abstract: Selective hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbon polymers is achieved utilizing compounds of rhodium, ruthenium and iridium in the presence of hydrogen. The hydrogenation is largely selective with respect to external or pendant points of unsaturation on the polymer resin. The invention is particularly pertinent with respect to polymers made from dienes such as butadiene, isoprene, styrene-butadiene and the like which are utilized in the manufacture of rubber compounds.