Abstract: A process for producing a monovinylidene aromatic polymer having molecular weight (Mw) greater than 275,000 which comprises polymerizing a monomer mixture comprising a monovinylidene aromatic monomer in the presence of:A) from 10 to 2000 ppm by weight of at least one free radical generating, branching polymerization initiator; andB) from 10 to 2000 ppm of one or more organic gel reduction agent selected from the group consisting of:1) mercaptans, terpenes, halocarbons and halohydrocarbons, such agent having up to 20 carbons,2) distillate recovered from the reaction devolatilization process (recycle), and3) mixtures of 1) and 2).

Abstract: A multi-layer container suitable for use in microwave cooking of food comprising a substrate layer of a thermoplastic polymer that is not suitable for contact with foods or hot foods, and an inner protective layer designed to contact the food, said inner layer comprising a blend of a styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer and a polymer selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, rubber modified polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, rubber modified polymethyl methacrylate, polypropylene, and mixtures thereof.