Abstract: Provided are blends of branched hydrocarbon comb polymers having tailored branching and molecular weight parameters, with substantially linear polymers. Such blends have been found to have improved extensional rheological properties, while maintaining nearly the viscosity of the substantially linear polymers. The blends of the hydrocarbon comb polymers with the substantially linear polymers thus maintain the extrusion processing characteristics of the linear polymer alone, but have improved extensional flow processability, with strain hardening ratios (SHR) greater than 1. The blends are effective in blown film processing. Also disclosed are related methods for improving extensional flow processability using the branched hydrocarbon comb polymers, as well as the branched hydrocarbon comb polymers themselves, including as a property enhancing additive for such substantially linear polymers.

Abstract: Provided are blends of branched hydrocarbon comb polymers having tailored branching and molecular weight parameters, with substantially linear polymers. Such blends have been found to have improved extensional rheological properties, while maintaining nearly the viscosity of the substantially linear polymers. The blends of the hydrocarbon comb polymers with the substantially linear polymers thus maintain the extrusion processing characteristics of the linear polymer alone, but have improved extensional flow processability, with strain hardening ratios (SHR) greater than 1. The blends are effective in blown film processing. Also disclosed are related methods for improving extensional flow processability using the branched hydrocarbon comb polymers, as well as the branched hydrocarbon comb polymers themselves, including as a property enhancing additive for such substantially linear polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for separating slurry components. In particular, the invention relates to the concentration of polymer particles in a slurry from the polymerization of C4-C7 isoolefins.

Abstract: Graft copolymers having cationic units pendant to the backbone chain are disclosed. These polymers are prepared by reacting a polymer containing halogenated para-methylstyrene units in the chain, e.g., a brominated copolymer of isobutylene and para-methylstyrene, with an anionically polymerized polymer made using an organolithium initiator compound having the formula R1 R2 Z R3—Li where R1 and R2 are alkyl radicals, R3 is a direct link or an organic radical and Z is nitrogen or phosphorous. Reaction of the anionically polymerized polymer having an R1 R2 Z R3— end group with the halogenated polymer leads to graft polymers coupled by a quaternary ammonium or phosphonium groups.

Abstract: Graft copolymers having cationic units pendant to the backbone chain are disclosed. These polymers are prepared by reacting a polymer containing halogenated paramethylstyrene units in the chain, e.g., a brominated copolymer of isobutylene and para-methylstyrene, with an anionically polymerized polymer made using an organolithium initiator compound having the formula R.sub.1 R.sub.2 Z R.sub.3 --Li where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyl radicals, R.sub.3 is a direct link or an organic radical and Z is nitrogen or phosphorous. Reaction of the anionically polymerized polymer having an R.sub.1 R.sub.2 Z R.sub.3 --end group with the halogenated polymer leads to graft polymers coupled by a quaternary ammonium or phosphonium groups.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a method for inhibiting the formation (nucleation, growth and agglomeration) of clathrate hydrates. The method comprises adding into a mixture comprising hydrate forming substituents and water, an effective amount of a hydrate inhibitor selected from the group consisting of anionic, cationic, non-ionic and zwitterionic hydrate inhibitors. The hydrate inhibitor has a polar head group and a nonpolar tail group not exceeding 12 carbon atoms in the longest carbon chain.

Abstract: An elastomeric material nanocomposite having sufficiently low air permeability to be useful as a tire inner liner among other things, can be prepared by dispersing a layered clay material into the elastomer in the form of packets having an average thickness in the range of about 100 .ANG. to about 1400 .ANG.. Accordingly, the present invention provides in one embodiment, a novel composite composition, and in another embodiment, a novel tire inner liner composition.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of clathrate hydrates in a fluid having hydrate forming constituents is disclosed. More specifically, the method can be used in treating a petroleum fluid stream such as natural gas conveyed in a pipe to inhibit the formation of a hydrate restriction in the pipe. The method uses a mixture comprising a first additive and a second additive. The mixture produces a synergistic hydrate inhibition effect. The first additive is selected from the class of substantially water soluble polymers. The second additive is selected from the class of ionic or non-ionic organic compounds which have a polar part and nonpolar part with the nonpolar part having an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group with 12 or fewer carbon atoms.