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: Compounding or extrusion rates can be increased by splitting the polymer solid feed. Melting of additional solid polymer is significantly assisted by excess enthalpy from incoming melt from a primary mixing stage. Depending on resin rheology and melting characteristics, rate increases were achieved of from up to about 55 to about 100% rate increase over the use of a single feed at the same rotor speed. The net result is a decrease in the overall SEI (specific energy input to the polymer) and thus melt temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is a moisture-crosslinkable polymeric composition comprising (a) a silane-functionalized olefinic polymer, (b) an acidic silanol condensation catalyst, and (c) a secondary-amine-containing antioxidant composition. The antioxidant composition can be (1) a secondary amine substituted with two aromatic groups or (2) a combination of a first antioxidant and a secondary amine antioxidant substituted with at least one aromatic group. The moisture-crosslinkable polymeric compositions can be used for making fibers, films, pipes, foams, and coatings. Notably, the compositions may be applied as a coating over a wire or a cable.

Abstract: An electronic device module comprises: 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 an ethylene multi-block copolymer. Typically, the polyolefin material is an ethylene multi-block copolymer with a density of less than about 0.90 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc). The polymeric material can fully encapsulate the electronic device, or it can be laminated to one face surface of the device. Optionally, the polymeric material can further comprise a scorch inhibitor, and the copolymer can remain uncrosslinked or it can be crosslinked.

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. 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.

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: The present invention is a free-radical carbon-FRTS-carbon crosslinkable polymeric composition. The resulting carbon-FRTS-carbon crosslinked polymer is prepared from at least one polymer which upon forming free radicals preferentially degrades or carbon-carbon crosslinks. The present invention permits suppression of the preferential reaction while permitting the polymer to be carbon-FRTS-carbon crosslinked through a free-radical trapping species. Suppressing the undesirable degradation or carbon-carbon crosslinking reaction and permitting the desirable carbon-FRTS-carbon crosslinking reaction yield a uniquely crosslinked polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is a moisture-crosslinkable polymeric composition comprising (a) a silane-functionalized olefinic polymer, (b) an acidic silanol condensation catalyst, and (c) an antioxidant, not having a tertiary alkyl-substituted aryl or phenolic group, wherein the polymeric composition does not generate a high amount of foul-smelling or combustible gases. Alternatively, the antioxidant is substantially free of substituents vulnerable to dealkylation in the presence of the acidic silanol condensation catalyst and at conventional processing conditions. The invention also includes methods for preparing the moisture-crosslinkable polymeric composition. The moisture-crosslinkable polymeric compositions can be used as a coating and applied over a wire or a cable.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved free-radical crosslinking process and free-radical crosslinking polymer compositions. The improved process delivers hotter processing conditions, faster crosslinking, or increased crosslinked densities. The crosslinkable polymeric composition comprises (1) a free-radical crosslinkable polymer, (2) a free-radical inducing species, and (3) a crosslinking-temperature-profile modifier.

Abstract: The present invention is a rheology-modifiable polymeric composition. The resulting rheology-modified polymer is prepared from at least one polymer which upon forming free radicals preferentially degrades or carbon-carbon crosslinks. The present invention permits suppression of the preferential reaction while permitting the polymer to be coupled through a free-radical trapping species. Suppressing the undesirable degradation or carbon-carbon crosslinking reaction and permitting the desirable coupling reaction yield a rheology-modified polymer.

Abstract: An improved process for crosslinking a polyolefin polymer is described. The process involves grafting a silane material onto the polyolefin based polymer in the presence of a free radical generating initiator material and then hydrolyzing the silane material to form crosslinks. By using an effective molar ratio of silane material to free radical of 40 or greater in the grafting reaction, premature crosslinking is controlled and the grafted polymer can be shaped first and then crosslinked. In another aspect of the invention, the crosslinking process is improved by adding a catalyst for the hydrolysis catalyst to the surface of a shaped article made from the grafted polymer. Grafted polymer and articles made from the grafted polymer, particularly fibers, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a stable organic free radical polymer system. The system is useful as a composition, provides processing advantages over existing grafting technologies, and imparts unique properties to articles of manufacture made therefrom.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a composition useful in telecommunications jacketing comprising: (i) introducing a polyolefin into the first mixing zone of a melt/mixer having first and second mixing zones; (ii) introducing particulate carbon black per se or a premix of said carbon black and polyolefin into the first mixing zone, said carbon black being in an amount of about 2 to about 50 percent based on the weight of the polyolefin introduced into the first mixing zone; (iii) melting the polyolefin in the presence of the carbon black in the first mixing zone; (iv) mixing the carbon black and the molten polyolefin in the first mixing zone to provide a molten mixture; (v) passing the molten mixture from step (iv) into the second mixing zone; (vi) adding sufficient polyolefin to the molten mixture from step (v) to dilute the carbon black to a level of about 2 to about 3 percent by weight based on the weight of the total polyolefin in the melt/mixer; (vii) mixing the added polyolefin with the molten mix