Abstract: Substantially linear ethylene polymers, e.g., polyethylenes prepared by constrained geometry catalysis (substantially linear ethylene), which are grafted with one or more unsaturated organic compounds containing both ethylenic unsaturation and a carbonyl group, e.g., maleic anhydride, exhibit desirable adhesive properties. These graft-modified substantially linear ethylene polymers also impart desirable compatibility and impact properties to various thermoplastic polymer blends.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of ethylene/.alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid interpolymers (e.g., random ethylene/acrylic acid interpolymers) are formed using a mixture of bases at a concentration of at least about 0.2 equivalents of base per mole of .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid. The dispersions have at least about 10 weight percent dispersed solids and not more than about 1 weight percent of the initial polymer in non-dispersed form. Preferred bases for use in forming the dispersions are ammonium hydroxide and/or alkali metal hydroxides. A mixture of ammonium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide is especially preferred for forming the dispersions with ethylene/acrylic acid interpolymers at an ammonium hydroxide:acrylic acid molar ratio of about 1:1 and a potassium hydroxide:acrylic acid molar ratio in the range of about 0.6-0.8:1. The dispersions are particularly useful in forming thin coatings of adhesive on substrates, such as paper and metal foil, using conventional techniques.

Abstract: A homogeneous, random interpolymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid or ester having a melt flow rate in the range of about 0.1 to about 300 g/10 minutes, as determined by ASTM D-1238 (190.degree. C./2160 g), is improved during its manufacture when made in a substantially constant environment in a stirred autoclave under substantially steady-state conditions of temperature, pressure, and flow rates, said temperature and pressure being sufficient to produce a single phase reaction, using a free-radical initiator, said improvement being obtained by the use of a minor amount of a telogenic modifier in the reaction mixture, the process being further characterized by the use of either, or both, of (a) a temperature which is lower than that which would be required without the presence of the telogen, or (b) a pressure which is higher than that which would be required without the presence of the modifier.

Abstract: Ethylene-acrylic acid type interpolymer compositions and films having increased slip and reduced block. A compositionally uniform interpolymer is compounded with at least one amide additive of the formula R.sub.1 --CO--NH--R.sub.2 in which R.sub.1 is selected from saturated alkyl groups having from 13 to 25 carbon atoms and mono-olefinically unsaturated alkyl groups having from 17 to 23 carbon atoms and in which R.sub.2 is selected from saturated alkyl groups having 14 to 26 carbon atoms and mono-olefinically unsaturated alkyl groups having from 18 to 24 carbon atoms; and optionally, finely divided inorganic. In another embodiment, a compositionally uniform or a compositionally non-uniform interpolymer is compounded with: (i) about 0.025-1 weight percent of saturated secondary fatty acid amide; (ii) about 0.025-1 weight percent of unsaturated or mixed unsaturated secondary fatty acid amide; and optionally (iii) about 0.025-1.5 weight percent of finely divided inorganic.

Abstract: Ethylene-acrylic acid type interpolymer compositions and films having increased slip and reduced block. A compositionally uniform interpolymer is compounded with at least one amide additive of the formula R.sub.1 -CO-NH-R.sub.2 in which R.sub.1 is selected from saturated alkyl groups having from 13 to 25 carbon atoms and mono-olefinically unsaturated alkyl groups having from 17 to 23 carbon atoms and in which R.sub.2 is selected from saturated alkyl groups having 14 to 26 carbon atoms and mono-olefinically unsaturated alkyl groups having from 18 to 24 carbon atoms; and optionally, finely divided inorganic. In another embodiment, a compositionally uniform or a compositionally non-uniform interpolymer is compounded with: (i) about 0.025-1 weight percent of saturated secondary fatty acid amide; (ii) about 0.025-1 weight percent of unsaturated or mixed unsaturated secondary fatty acid amide; and optionally (iii) about 0.025-1.5 weight percent of finely divided inorganic.