Abstract: A process for preparing a rubber comprising polymeric composition, and the resulting compositions, and certain isoprene comprising interpolymers.

Abstract: Adducts of an unsaturated metathesis polymer or interpolymer and an unsaturated diacid anhydride. A process for producing adducts of an unsaturated metathesis polymer or interpolymer and unsaturated diacid anhydride.

Abstract: A composition includes a baleable polymer resulting from the polymerization of at least one conjugated diene in the presence of an anionic initiator. The baleable polymer has carboxylate termination resulting from the addition of carbon dioxide to terminate the polymerization reaction. The polymer has Mooney ML1+4 viscosity of >35 and a solution viscosity of X, where X is >75 cP. The addition of an lonolizer to a composition that includes the polymer reduces the solution viscosity of the polymer from X to Y where Y meets the following formula: 0.4X?Y?0.58X. The baleable polymer is blended with impact-modified plastics resulting in improved izod values and optical qualities. Processes for making and utilizing the polymer composition, and ionolizer are also described.

Abstract: A functional polymer having at least one substituent capable of forming a stable free radical is formed by polymerizing a diene monomer, such as butadiene, to form a first polymer block of the functional polymer. The first polymer block has a weight average molecular weight of less than 150,000. A vinyl aromatic monomer, such as styrene, is polymerized to form at least a second polymer block of the functional polymer. The copolymer is contacted with a stable free radical providing compound to form the functional polymer. By adding sufficient vinyl aromatic monomer, a low molecular weight functional rubber polymer can be rendered processable at ambient temperatures, while maintaining a solution viscosity which is suited to subsequent free radical catalyzation of vinyl aromatic monomers.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacture of a polymer including branched and linear components comprising first polymerizing conjugated diene(s) in the presence of an organometallic initiator to a conversion that is at least 90% complete. A coupling agent is added to obtain a polymer including branched and linear components. The coupling agent is added at a ratio of about 0.3 to about 0.6 coupling equivalents to initiator equivalents.

Abstract: A functional polymer having at least one substituent capable of forming a stable free radical is formed by polymerizing a diene monomer, such as butadiene, to form a first polymer block of the functional polymer. The first polymer block has a weight average molecular weight of less than 150,000. A vinyl aromatic monomer, such as styrene, is polymerized to form at least a second polymer block of the functional polymer. The copolymer is contacted with a stable free radical providing compound to form the functional polymer. By adding sufficient vinyl aromatic monomer, a low molecular weight functional rubber polymer can be rendered processable at ambient temperatures, while maintaining a solution viscosity which is suited to subsequent free radical catalyzation of vinyl aromatic monomers.

Abstract: A functional polymer having at least one substituent capable of forming a stable free radical is formed by polymerizing a diene monomer, such as butadiene, to form a first polymer block of the functional polymer. The first polymer block has a weight average molecular weight of less than 150,000. A vinyl aromatic monomer, such as styrene, is polymerized to form at least a second polymer block of the functional polymer. The copolymer is contacted with a stable free radical providing compound to form the functional polymer. By adding sufficient vinyl aromatic monomer, a low molecular weight functional rubber polymer can be rendered processable at ambient temperatures, while maintaining a solution viscosity which is suited to subsequent free radical catalyzation of vinyl aromatic monomers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming a high-cis polydiene. The process includes catalyzing a diene polymerization, and terminating the polymerization with a termination mixture comprising an inorganic base and at least one of an amine and a carboxylic acid. The catalyst system is a mixture of (a) organoaluminum compounds; (b) organonickel compounds; and (c) fluorine-containing compounds. The use of an inorganic base reduces the amount of more expensive amine necessary to effectively terminate the polymerization as well as reducing the corrosion in the reaction container. The use of an inorganic base with a carboxylic acid results in a very low gel content as well as reducing the corrosion in the process systems.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacture of a polymer including branched and linear components comprising first polymerizing conjugated diene(s) in the presence of an organometallic initiator to a conversion that is at least 90% complete. A coupling agent is added to obtain a polymer including branched and linear components. The coupling agent is added at a ratio of about 0.3 to about 0.6 coupling equivalents to initiator equivalents.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacture of a polymer including branched and linear components comprising first polymerizing conjugated diene(s) in the presence of an organometallic initiator to a conversion that is at least 90% complete. A coupling agent is added to obtain a polymer including branched and linear components. The coupling agent is added at a ratio of about 0.3 to about 0.6 coupling equivalents to initiator equivalents.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising at least two end segments that make up less than 15% of the total polymer composition. Each end segment has a vinyl content greater than about 45%. However, the vinyl content is less than about 35% throughout the remainder of the polymer composition.

Abstract: Energy efficient apparatus of compact size and configuration for the decontamination of the PCB contaminated fluid removed from transformers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid circulation loop with a side stream to a distillation means followed by a venturi for reintroducing the vapors of distillation into the circulating loop of contaminated fluid.