Abstract: Nuclear fuel rods are disclosed. The nuclear fuel rods include a substrate and a chromium alloy coating layer applied to the substrate. The chromium alloy coating layer comprises chromium (Cr); a element or compound selected from the group consisting of yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La), thorium (Th), zirconium (Zr), titanium (Ti), hafnium (I-lf), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), vanadium (V), rhenium (Re), ruthenium (Ru), cobalt (Co), aluminum (Al), carbides, borides, intermetallics, and combinations thereof; and interstitial elements up to 1500 ppm, wherein carbon (C), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N) are each 500 ppm or less.

Abstract: A method to purify a polymer is disclosed. The method is part of a manufacturing process wherein a virgin polymer is produced from a polymerization process employing at least a monomer or a comonomer as a feedstock. The monomer or the comonomer is selected from the group consisting of organic polar monomers, inorganic monomers, vinyl aromatic monomers, conjugated dienes, and mixtures thereof. In the method, the polymer in solid, liquid or molten state is brought into contact with a fluid solvent or an extraction fluid in a supercritical state or near supercritical state. The contact is at controlled temperature and pressure, allowing the fluid solvent to diffuse into the polymer and extract the impurities intended to remove. The method can be used to remove at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 50% of the target impurity from the polymer.

Abstract: A foamed article formed by foam injection molding or foam extrusion of a composition is disclosed. The article is formed from a molding composition consisting essentially of: 100 phr of at least two different hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers (HSBC), a first HSBC and a second HSBC, having different molecular weights, a molecular weight ratio of at least 1.2:1, respectively; and a weight ratio of ranging from 5:95 to 95:5, respectively; 10-55 phr of a polypropylene having a melt flow of at least 2 g10/min; and optionally up to 55 phr of a plasticizer, selected from hydrocarbon based oils, fatty acids, triglyceride oils, and mixtures thereof. The composition has a melt flow rate of 2-50 g/10 min, a Shore A hardness of 60-90, a melt strength (F) of at least 0.010 N, and a melt strength (V) of at least 10.

Abstract: Articles having improved properties are disclosed. The articles are formed from a composition obtained by dry blending: a) 70-95 wt. % of a polyolefin polymer selected from polypropylene homopolymers, polypropylene copolymers, polypropylene impact copolymers, and mixtures thereof; and b) 5 to 30 wt. % of a free-flowing styrenic block copolymer coated with a functional dusting agent having a maximum particle size of 100 microns. The free-flowing styrenic block copolymer requires less than 400 lbs/ft2 of force to break in a blocking test. The molded article has improved impact strength and haze.

Abstract: A method to purify a polymer is disclosed. The method is part of a manufacturing process wherein a virgin polymer is produced from a polymerization process employing at least a monomer or a comonomer as a feedstock. The monomer or the comonomer is selected from the group consisting of organic polar monomers, inorganic monomers, vinyl aromatic monomers, conjugated dienes, and mixtures thereof. In the method, the polymer in solid, liquid or molten state is brought into contact with a fluid solvent or an extraction fluid in a supercritical state or near supercritical state. The contact is at controlled temperature and pressure, allowing the fluid solvent to diffuse into the polymer and extract the impurities intended to remove. The method can be used to remove at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 50% of the target impurity from the polymer.

Abstract: Articles having improved properties are disclosed. The articles are formed from a composition obtained by dry blending: a) 70-95 wt. % of a polyolefin polymer selected from polypropylene homopolymers, polypropylene copolymers, polypropylene impact copolymers, and mixtures thereof; and b) 5 to 30 wt. % of a free-flowing styrenic block copolymer coated with a functional dusting agent having a maximum particle size of 100 microns. The free-flowing styrenic block copolymer requires less than 400 lbs/ft2 of force to break in a blocking test. The molded article has improved impact strength and haze.

Abstract: A foamed article formed by foam injection molding or foam extrusion of a composition is disclosed. The article is formed from a molding composition consisting essentially of: 100 phr of at least two different hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers (HSBC), a first HSBC and a second HSBC, having different molecular weights, a molecular weight ratio of at least 1.2:1, respectively; and a weight ratio of ranging from 5:95 to 95:5, respectively; 10-55 phr of a polypropylene having a melt flow of at least 2 g10/min; and optionally up to 55 phr of a plasticizer, selected from hydrocarbon based oils, fatty acids, triglyceride oils, and mixtures thereof. The composition has a melt flow rate of 2-50 g/10 min, a Shore A hardness of 60-90, a melt strength (F) of at least 0.010 N, and a melt strength (V) of at least 10.

Abstract: The present invention is an article of a film or sheet or a laminate of the film or sheet with nonwoven facing layer(s). The film or sheet is a blended compound of selectively hydrogenated thermoplastic block copolymer, a tackifying resin, and polyolefin and/or polystyrene, that has superior tensile strength and a good balance of good elasticity, low stiffness and good adhesion.

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 present invention comprises an uncrosslinked composition of a styrenic block copolymer and PMS-I/B-PMS (paramethylstyrene-isoprene/butadiene-paramethylestyrene) block copolymer, optionally with one or more antioxidants and a carbon radical scavenger. The mid-block IB is a random mixture of isoprene and butadiene. Further, a process is disclosed for making the uncrosslinked composition. The present invention also includes an uncrosslinked composition of homo polystyrene, and PMS-I/B-PMS block copolymer, optionally with one or more antioxidants and a carbon radical scavenger. The present invention also comprises a crosslinked polyolefin-free composition of PMS-I/B-PMS block copolymer, optionally with a styrenic block copolymer and one or more antioxidants, a carbon radical scavenger, and free radical initiator.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an uncrosslinked composition of a styrenic block copolymer and PMS-I/B-PMS (paramethylstyrene-isoprene/butadiene-paramethylestyrene) block copolymer, optionally with one or more antioxidants and a carbon radical scavenger. The mid-block IB is a random mixture of isoprene and butadiene. Further, a process is disclosed for making the uncrosslinked composition. The present invention also includes an uncrosslinked composition of homo polystyrene, and PMS-I/B-PMS block copolymer, optionally with one or more antioxidants and a carbon radical scavenger. The present invention also comprises a crosslinked polyolefin-free composition of PMS-I/B-PMS block copolymer, optionally with a styrenic block copolymer and one or more antioxidants, a carbon radical scavenger, and free radical initiator.

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: The present invention is an article of a film or sheet or a laminate of the film or sheet with nonwoven facing layer(s). The film or sheet is a blended compound of selectively hydrogenated thermoplastic block copolymer, a tackifying resin, and polyolefin and/or polystyrene, that has superior tensile strength and a good balance of good elasticity, low stiffness and good adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles prepared from novel anionic block copolymers of mono alkenyl arenes and conjugated dienes, and to blends of such block copolymers with other polymers. The block copolymers have mono alkenyl arene end blocks and controlled distribution blocks of mono alkenyl arenes and conjugated dienes. The block copolymer may be blended with at least one other polymer selected from the group consisting of olefin polymers, styrene polymers, amorphous resins and engineering thermoplastic resins.

Abstract: Articles and methods for forming articles containing hybrid block copolymers having conjugated diene and/or alkenyl aromatic and at least one block of (1-methyl-1-alkyl)alkyl ester groups and/or anhydride groups which are derived from the ester groups and/or acid groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles prepared from novel anionic block copolymers of mono alkenyl arenes and conjugated dienes, and to blends of such block copolymers with other polymers. The block copolymers are selectively hydrogenated and have the structure C-A-B2-A-C or (C-A-B)nX, where the molecular weight of B2 is twice that of B, n is an integer between 2 and about 30, X is the residue of a coupling agent, and wherein prior to hydrogenation each A block is a mono alkenyl arene homopolymer block, each B block is a polymer block of at least one conjugated diene and each C block is a polymer block of (i) ethylene, (ii) alpha olefins of 3 to 10 carbon atoms; or (iii) monomers of 1,3-butadiene having a vinyl content less than 10 mol percent prior to hydrogenation. The block copolymer may be blended with at least one other polymer selected from the group consisting of olefin polymers, styrene polymers and amorphous resins.

Abstract: Protective film in the form of a tape or sheet comprising a substrate layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising (a) anionic block copolymers of mono alkenyl arenes and conjugated dienes where one of the blocks is a controlled distribution copolymer of a conjugated diene and mono alkenyl arene having a specific arrangement of the monomers in the copolymer block, and (b) tailored softening modifiers have a particular structure that results in a surprising improvement in properties for the composition. Also included are processes for the manufacturing such novel compositions and various end-uses and applications for such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising (a) anionic block copolymers having at least two blocks of a mono alkenyl arene and at least one block of a conjugated diene and mono alkenyl arene having a specific arrangement of the monomers in the copolymer block, and (b) tailored softening modifiers have a particular structure that results in a surprising improvement in properties for the composition. Also included are processes for the manufacturing such novel compositions and various end-uses and applications for such compositions.