Abstract: The instant invention relates to unique and novel ionic polymer compositions which are characterized as being processable at high temperatures, for example, 200.degree. C., while retaining adequate physical properties at both room temperature and elevated temperatures which are below the processing temperature. The ionic polymer compositions include a metal neutralized sulfonated polymer which is plasticized with a preferential plasticizer, at a concentration level of about at least 7 parts by weight per 100 parts of the metal neutralized sulfonated polymer. The preferential plasticizer acts to disrupt the ionic association of the metal or ammonium salt groups of the neutralized sulfonated polymer, thus allowing the ionic polymer to act as a noncrosslinked material at the processing temperature. When the composition is in this state, it can be compounded with oils, fillers, etc. The plasticized metal neutralized sulfonated polymer has excellent physical properties at room temperature and up to 100.degree. C.

Abstract: Ionically crosslinked polymers are plasticized by blending the ionic compositions with a plasticizer which is normally liquid and non-volatile, the plasticizer compounds having a solubility parameter of at least 9.0. The plasticizers are preferential plasticizers for their ionic domains and do not ordinarily plasticize the polymeric backbone.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method for making processable ionic polymer compositions which are characterized as being processable at high temperatures, for example, 200.degree. C, while retaining adequate physical properties at both room temperatures and elevated temperatures which are below the processing temperature, for example, up to 100.degree. C and more. In this method, an ionic polymer comprising an elastomeric or plastic backbone and pendant acid groups is combined with a first neutralizing agent having two components. One component of said neutralizing agent is a metal or ammonium type moiety which combines with the pendant acid groups as a metal or ammonium salt thereof; the other component of neutralizing agent takes up the hydrogen ion present in the pendant acid groups and is converted into a preferential plasticizer for said ionomer.

Abstract: This invention relates to blends of sulfonated elastomers with crystalline polyolefins. The sulfonated elastomer comprises from about 0.2 to about 20 mole percent sulfonate groups, at least 95% of which are combined with metal counter ions selected from the group consisting of Groups I and II of the Periodic Table of the Elements, aluminum, and lead; organic amines; and mixtures thereof. The crystalline polyolefin is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, including high and low density polyethylenes, and polypropylene. The crystalline polyolefin comprises a minor portion of said blends.