Abstract: A method for preparing tapered block copolymers which are particularly useful for blend components in blends with polymers of styrene. In the first embodiment of this invention the copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (4) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer. In a second embodiment of the invention tapered block copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; (4) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (5) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer.

Abstract: A method for preparing tapered block copolymers which are particularly useful for blend components in blends with polymers of styrene. In the first embodiment of this invention the copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (4) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer. In a second embodiment of the invention tapered block copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; (4) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (5) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer.

Abstract: This invention provides a process to produce a composition that comprises diluent and copolymer and also provides the composition. The process of this invention comprises: (a) producing a composition that comprises diluent and copolymer; and (b) removing a portion of said diluent from said composition. This produces a composition that has a lower amount of diluent and a lower amount of imperfections.

Abstract: A method for preparing tapered block copolymers which are particularly useful for blend components in blends with polymers of styrene. In the first embodiment of this invention the copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (4) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer. In a second embodiment of the invention tapered block copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; (4) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (5) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer.

Abstract: A method for preparing resinous polymodal monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymers and polymers produced thereby are provided. The method comprises sequentially contacting under polymerization conditions:(a) a monovinylarene monomer and initiator;(b) initiator and a monovinylarene monomer;(c) a sequence of at least two charges selected from the group consisting of (i) initiator and a monovtnylarene monomer, (ii) a mixture of monovtnylarene monomer and conjugated diene monomor, (iii) a conjugated diene monomer, (iv) a monovinylarene monomer;(d) a coupling agent;wherein the sequence of at least two charges in step (c) can be made in any order. In a preferred embodiment, at least three Initiator charges are provided. In another preferred embodiment, at least three monovinylarene charges precede the first charge containing conjugated diene. In another preferred embodiment, at least four monovinylarene charges precede the first charge containing conjugated diene.

Abstract: A method for preparing tapered block copolymers which are particularly useful for blend components in blends with polymers of styrene. In the first embodiment of this invention the copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (4) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer. In a second embodiment of the Invention tapered block copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; (4) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (5) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer.

Abstract: A method for preparing block copolymers from which can be made transparent blue articles comprising sequentially charging under polymerization conditions at least one monovinylaromatic monomer and at least one conjugated diene monomer, wherein at least the first monomer charge is a monovinylaromatic monomer charge polymerized in the presence of an initiator; wherein at least one other charge polymerized in the presence of an initiator is a monomer selected from the group of conjugated diene monomers and mixtures of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; wherein the final monomer charge is a conjugated diene charge; and thereafter charging the reaction mixture with at least one coupling agent. The invention copolymers are particularly useful for applications such as packaging, display devices, toys and decorative items in which transparent blue appearance is desired without significant compromise of other physical and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method for preparing resinous polymodal monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymers and polymers produced thereby are provided. The method comprises sequentially contacting under polymerization conditions:(a) a monovinylarene monomer and initiator;(b) initiator and a monovinylarene monomer;(c) a sequence of at least two charges selected from the group consisting of (i) initiator and a monovinylarene monomer, (ii) a mixture of monovinylarene monomer and conjugated diene monomer, (iii) a conjugated diene monomer, (iv) a monovinylarene monomer;(d) s coupling agent;wherein the sequence of at least two charges in step (c) can be made in any order. In a preferred embodiment, at least three initiator charges are provided. In another preferred embodiment, at east three monovinylarene charges precede the first charge containing conjugated diene. In another preferred embodiment, at least four monovinylarene charges precede the first charge containing conjugated diene.

Abstract: A method for preparing tapered block copolymers in a polymerization process by charging an initiator and monomers sequentially with one or more charges of first one of the monomers, then with a mixture of the two monomers, and then with one or more charges of the second monomer alternating with one or more charges of the first monomer with subsequent coupling to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer. Suitable monomers include conjugated dienes and monovinylaromatic compounds. The copolymers are suitable for use in injection and blow molding equipment; the copolymers are particularly useful for shrink films, containers, tubes, fibers and other packaging applications.

Abstract: A method for preparing resinous copolymers by sequential charge copolymerization of at least two charges, at least one being a conjugated diene and at least one being a monovinylarene; followed by a charge of a polyfunctional coupling agent; and the final charge being an essentially difunctional coupling agent. The copolymer made by this method and articles made from this copolymer are also provided.

Abstract: A method for preparing tapered block copolymers in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; (3) an initiator and a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (4) a coupling agent to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer. The copolymers are particularly useful for packaging applications which require good environmental stress crack resistance.

Abstract: A process is provided comprising contacting under deodorizing conditions, at least one deodorizing composition with at least one poly(mono-1-olefin), wherein said deodorizing conditions comprise, a standard pressure from about 1 to about 5, and a standard temperature from about 0.5 to about 2.5.

Abstract: Residual volatiles in styrene polymers can be reduced by combining a minor amount of a styrene-conjugated diene block copolymer with the styrene polymer.

Abstract: A method for preparing tapered block copolymers in a polymerization process by charging an initiator and monomers sequentially with one or more charges of first one of the monomers, then with a mixture of the two monomers, and then with one or more charges of the second monomer alternating with one or more charges of the first monomer with subsequent coupling, to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer. Suitable monomers include conjugated dienes and monovinylaromatic compounds. The copolymers are suitable for use in injection and blow molding equipment; the copolymers are particularly useful for shrink films, containers, tubes, fibers and other packaging applications.

Abstract: A thermosetting composition exhibiting improved physical properties and little or no blistering is provided consisting essentially of a CO.sub.2 or O.sub.2 terminated high vinyl alkadiene polymer, an inorganic filler, an organic peroxide compound, and a polyolefin modifier.

Abstract: Conjugated diene homo- or copolymers having chemically bound antioxidant functional groups are prepared by the reaction of polymer-alkali metal with certain antioxidants containing a functional group reactable polymer-alkali metal, providing both coupling and bound anti-oxidant groups. These polymers having antioxidant functional groups chemically attached into the polymer chain have better aging stability than similar polymers containing non-bound antioxidants.

Abstract: A continuous solution polymerization process for polymerizing conjugated dienes alone or with a copolymerizable monovinylarene in the presence of a gel inhibitor employing a first stirred reactor in series with a following plug-flow tube reactor.

Abstract: In the solution polymerization process wherein monomers comprising at least one conjugated diene are polymerized followed by coupling with a polyfunctional coupling agent which results in some alkyl chloride formation and solvent recovered from said polymerization is used in a subsequent solution polymerization process, the improvement comprising contacting said solvent with a molecular sieve to remove alkyl chloride therefrom before said solvent is used in said subsequent polymerization.

Abstract: Continuous or incremental addition of a coupling agent, such as silicon tetrachloride, during the polymerization step of organolithium initiated polymerization processes results in polymers of improved processability, as well as other improved properties such as high green strength, low die swell, and minimal shrinkage on extrusion.

Abstract: Processable substantially random conjugated diene/monovinylaromatic compound copolymers are produced by continuous polymerization employing an alkoxysilicon treating agent in the first of a series of reactor means.