Abstract: A molded or extruded article, e.g., an electrical part or shielded cable, comprises at least one insulation layer and at least one semiconductive layer, the semiconductive layer thick and comprising in weight percent: A. 1 to 30 wt % of conductive filler; B. 10 to 90 wt % of a non-olefin elastomer; C. 10 to 90 wt % of an olefin elastomer; and D. Optionally, 0.5 to 2.5 wt % of peroxide. Carbon black and/or metal particulates or powder typically comprise the filler, silicone or urethane rubber the non-olefin elastomer, and EPR or EPDM the olefin elastomer.

Abstract: An electronic device module comprising: A. At least one electronic device, e.g., a solar cell, and B. A polymeric material in intimate contact with at least one surface of the electronic device, the polymeric material comprising (1) a polyolefin copolymer with at least one of (a) a density of less than about 0.90 g/cc, (b) a 2% secant modulus of less than about 150 megaPascal (mPa) as measured by ASTM D-882-02), (c) a melt point of less than about 95 C, (d) an ?-olefin content of at least about 15 and less than about 50 wt % based on the weight of the polymer, (e) a Tg of less than about ?35 C, and (f) a SCBDI of at least about 50, (2) optionally, free radical initiator, e.g., a peroxide or azo compound, or a photoinitiator, e.g., benzophenone, and (3) optionally, a co-agent. Typically, the polyolefin copolymer is an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer. Optionally, the polymeric material can further comprise a vinyl silane and/or a scorch inhibitor, and the copolymer can remain uncrosslinked or be crosslinked.

Abstract: Tapes comprising (A) a first ribbon comprising (1)(a) a polyolefin containing at least one silane functionality, and (1)(b) a hydroxy-terminated silicone polymer, or (2) a blend of a vinyl silane, polyolefin, organic initiator, e.g., peroxide, and a hydroxy-terminated silicone polymer, and (B) a second ribbon comprising a catalyst masterbatch, the second ribbon carried on the first ribbon, allow for the delivery of a consistent mixture of resin and catalyst to an injection molding machine.

Abstract: An electronic device module comprising: A. At least one electronic device, e.g., a solar cell, and B. A polymeric material in intimate contact with at least one surface of the electronic device, the polymeric material comprising (1) a polyolefin copolymer with at least one of (a) a density of less than about 0.90 g/cc, (b) a 2% secant modulus of less than about 150 megaPascal (mPa) as measured by ASTM D-882-02), (c) a melt point of less than about 95 C, (d) an ?-olefin content of at least about 15 and less than about 50 wt % based on the weight of the polymer, (e) a Tg of less than about ?35 C, and (f) a SCBDI of at least about 50, (2) optionally, free radical initiator, e.g., a peroxide or azo compound, or a photoinitiator, e.g., benzophenone, and (3) optionally, a co-agent. Typically, the polyolefin copolymer is an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer. Optionally, the polymeric material can further comprise a vinyl silane and/or a scorch inhibitor, and the copolymer can remain uncrosslinked or be crosslinked.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a multilayer article, the article comprising two crosslinked semiconductive layers separated by and bonded to an insulation layer, the semiconductive layers formed from a peroxide-crosslinkable olefin elastomer and the insulation layer comprising composition comprising a silane-grafted olefinic elastomer, the process comprises the steps of: (A) injecting the silane-grafted olefinic elastomer between the two crosslinked semiconductive layers so as to have direct contact with each semiconductive layer, and (B) crosslinking the silane-grafted olefinic elastomer in the absence of a peroxide catalyst.

Abstract: Silicone-thermoplastic polymer reactive blends and copolymer products are prepared using economical post-reactor reactive mixing, e.g., extrusion. The procedure is based on the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic siloxanes within a thermoplastic polymer matrix. In a preferred mode, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyolefin, optionally containing silane groups that are available for reaction with the silicone polymer that is formed in situ. The resulting materials provide hybrid performance that can extend the range of applications beyond those which are served by thermoplastic polymers or silicones alone, or their physical blends.

Abstract: Free radically crosslinked, electrically conductive compositions exhibiting a highly stable volume resistivity comprise an olefin multiblock copolymer (OBC) having a high, e.g., greater than 20 mole percent comonomer content, e.g., butylene or octene, and carbon black. These compositions exhibit a highly stable volume resistivity relative to a composition similar in essentially all aspects save that the high comonomer OBC is replaced with a low comonomer OBC of similar density and melt index.

Abstract: Free radically crosslinked, electrically conductive compositions exhibiting a highly stable volume resistivity comprise an olefin multiblock copolymer (OBC) and a conductive filler, e.g., a conductive carbon black. These compositions exhibit a highly stable volume resistivity relative to a composition similar in essentially all aspects save that the OBC is replaced with a conventional polyethylene of similar density and melt index.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crosslinkable mixture comprising a polyolefin, an alkoxysilane, an organopolysiloxane, a free radical initiator and a liquid polymer modifier. The organopolysiloxane contains two or more hydroxyl end groups. When the crosslinkable mixture is melt-shaped, a unique crosslinked composition is formed. The liquid polymer modifier improves flexibility of the melt-shaped article without decreasing dielectric strength.

Abstract: Crosslinked, melt-shaped articles are manufactured by a process that does not require the use of post-shaping external heat or moisture, the process comprising the steps of: A. Forming a crosslinkable mixture of a 1. Organopolysiloxane containing one or more functional end groups; and 2. Silane-grafted or silane-copolymerized polyolefin; and B. Melt-shaping and partially crosslinking the mixture; and C. Cooling and continuing crosslinking the melt-shaped article. Crosslinking is promoted by the addition of a catalyst to the mixture before or during melt-shaping or to the melt-shaped article.

Abstract: An injection molding process for making a plastic article, the process comprising the steps of: A. Forming a moisture-curable composition comprising a 1. Silane-functionalized polyethylene, 2. Moisture source, e.g., a moisture-containing filler, wherein the moisture source excludes alcohols, and 3. Condensation catalyst; B. Injecting the composition into a mold; C. Subjecting the composition to conditions sufficient to 1. Release moisture from the moisture source, and 2. Partially cure the composition; D. Removing the partially cured composition from the mold; and E. Continuing the cure of the composition outside of the mold. The process is particularly well suited for the manufacture of thick parts, such as wire and cable elastomeric connectors.

Abstract: The present invention is a moisture crosslinkable composition. It may be (i) a blend of a nonpolar polyolefin and a second highly polar or amorphous polyolefin or (ii) a copolymer of a nonpolar polyolefin and the second polar or amorphous polyolefin. The present invention is useful for the preparation of moisture-cured wires, cables, film, pipe, hot melt adhesives, and other extruded or injection molded articles. The present invention is also useful in the preparation of media for fast transport of selective species, including film membranes.

Abstract: A molded or extruded article, e.g., an electrical part or shielded cable, comprises at least one insulation layer and at least one semiconductive layer, the semiconductive layer thick and comprising in weight percent: A. 1 to 30 wt % of conductive filler; B. 10 to 90 wt % of a non-olefin elastomer; C. 10 to 90 wt % of an olefin elastomer; and D. Optionally, 0.5 to 2.5 wt % of peroxide. Carbon black and/or metal particulates or powder typically comprise the filler, silicone or urethane rubber the non-olefin elastomer, and EPR or EPDM the olefin elastomer.

Abstract: Silicone-thermoplastic polymer reactive blends and copolymer products are prepared using economical post-reactor reactive mixing, e.g., extrusion. The procedure is based on the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic siloxanes within a thermoplastic polymer matrix. In a preferred mode, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyolefin, optionally containing silane groups that are available for reaction with the silicone polymer that is formed in situ. The resulting materials provide hybrid performance that can extend the range of applications beyond those which are served by thermoplastic polymers or silicones alone, or their physical blends.

Abstract: The present invention is a moisture crosslinkable composition. It may be (i) a blend of a nonpolar polyolefin and a second highly polar or amorphous polyolefin or (ii) a copolymer of a nonpolar polyolefin and the second polar or amorphous polyolefin. The present invention is useful for the preparation of moisture-cured wires, cables, film, pipe, hot melt adhesives, and other extruded or injection molded articles. The present invention is also useful in the preparation of media for fast transport of selective species, including film membranes.

Abstract: Nano-composites that comprise a thermoplastic polymer (TPO) and an exfoliated organoclay are prepared by a method comprising contacting under exfoliating conditions at least one molten TPO polymer with at least one organoclay and at least one exfoliating agent of H-TEMPO or an amine precursor to H-TEMPO such that the exfoliating agent exfoliates the organoclay.

Abstract: Scorch is inhibited during the free-radical crosslinking of a crosslinkable polymer, e.g., an EPDM, by incorporating into the polymer before melt processing and crosslinking a scorch inhibiting amount of a derivative, preferably an ether, ester or urethane derivative, of a TEMPO compound, e.g., 4-hydroxy-tetrahydrocarbylpiperidin-1-oxyl. The scorch inhibitors of this invention perform as well, if not better, than their 4-hydroxy-tetrahydrocarbylpiperidin-1-oxyl counterparts in similar polymer compositions and under similar conditions in terms of scorch inhibition and ultimate degree of crosslinking, but exhibit less volatility and less migration within the polymer composition.

Abstract: Tapes comprising (A) a first ribbon comprising (1)(a) a polyolefin containing at least one silane functionality, and (1)(b) a hydroxy-terminated silicone polymer, or (2) a blend of a vinyl silane, polyolefin, organic initiator, e.g., peroxide, and a hydroxy-terminated silicone polymer, and (B) a second ribbon comprising a catalyst masterbatch, the second ribbon carried on the first ribbon, allow for the delivery of a consistent mixture of resin and catalyst to an injection molding machine.

Abstract: The present invention is an article of construction formed from an article adhesively-bonded to a layering material through (a) reactive coupling of a functionalized nitroxide or (b) the adhesion of components in a polymer matrix made from or containing a polymer, an organic peroxide, and a functionalized nitroxide. The initial article may be expanded. It may also be polar or nonpolar. Similarly, the layering material may be polar or nonpolar. Other embodiments of the present invention are described, including other articles and methods for preparing the articles.

Abstract: Scorch is inhibited during the free-radical crosslinking of a crosslinkable polymer, e.g., an EPDM, by incorporating into the polymer before melt processing and crosslinking a scorch inhibiting amount of a derivative, preferably an ether, ester or urethane derivative, of a TEMPO compound, e.g., 4-hydroxy-tetrahydrocarbylpiperidin-1-oxyl. The scorch inhibitors of this invention perform as well, if not better, than their 4-hydroxy-tetrahydrocarbylpiperidin-1-oxyl counterparts in similar polymer compositions and under similar conditions in terms of scorch inhibition and ultimate degree of crosslinking, but exhibit less volatility and less migration within the polymer composition.