Abstract: A continuous process for the production of a dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer comprising a thermoplastic resin and a non-halogenated elastomer with a multiolefin content of greater than 3.5 mol % that has been modified in situ with a carboxylic anhydride. The process provides materials with improved elongation at break and ultimate tensile strength that can be produced economically and with reduced environmental impact.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of a dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer comprising a thermoplastic resin and a non-halogenated elastomer with a multiolefin content of greater than 3.5 mol % that has been modified in situ with a carboxylic anhydride. The process provides materials with improved elongation at break and ultimate tensile strength that can be produced economically and with reduced environmental impact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for recycling articles made from butyl ionomers and processes for producing recycled butyl ionomers. The invention further relates to composites comprising recycled butyl ionomers and fillers and articles made from recycled butyl ionomers. The invention also relates to uncured filled articles made from butyl ionomers having certain physical properties. Exemplary fillers include silica, carbon black, talc and clay, particularly onium substituted high aspect ratio nanoclays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for recycling articles made from butyl ionomers and processes for producing recycled butyl ionomers. The invention further relates to composites comprising recycled butyl ionomers and fillers and articles made from recycled butyl ionomers. The invention also relates to uncured filled articles made from butyl ionomers having certain physical properties. Exemplary fillers include silica, carbon black, talc and clay, particularly onium substituted high aspect ratio nanoclays.

Abstract: A butyl rubber ionomer having improved adhesion to substrates whose surfaces have polar functional groups. Examples of such substrate materials include stainless steel, glass, mylar or Teflon®. The adhesion of the butyl rubber ionomer to the substrate is at least 25% greater than the adhesion of a non-ionomeric butyl rubber to the same substrate surface and with certain substrates is more than 150% greater. The adhesion is improved with increasing levels of multiolefin content in the butyl rubber ionomer. The adhesion is greatest for butyl rubber ionomers having a high multiolefin content (at least 3.5 mol% of multiolefin monomers or at least 1.5 mol % of residual multiolefins). By taking advantage of these high adhesion levels, a composite article can be formed between the butyl rubber ionomer and the substrate.

Abstract: A continuous extrusion process for the functionalization of polymers through reactive extrusion. The process uses a continuous extrusion reactor comprising at least two sequential, very closely-coupled, independently driven screw extruders having a total effective length to diameter ratio greater than 60 to 1 and as high as 112 to 1 and providing greatly extended reaction times for efficiently producing a grafted polymer having a high level of functionalization. Drying of the polymer feed is performed in the continuous extrusion reactor. Multiple injections of reactants may be provided. Shear modification of the molecular weight of the grafted polymer is performed in the continuous extrusion reactor after the functionalization reactions. A continuous extrusion reactor and a grafted polymer having a high level of functionalization are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to peroxide cured thermoplastic vulcanizates comprising a thermoplastic and an isomonoolefin-multiolefin elastomer, such as butyl rubber. More particularly, the invention relates to peroxide cured thermoplastic vulcanizates wherein the elastomer comprises at least 3.5 mol % of multiolefin in order to facilitate peroxide curing. The thermoplastic vulcanizates according to the present invention are useful in the preparation of shaped articles for high purity applications, such as condenser caps, medical components and fuel cell components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multistage process including at least two steps for making a heat and oil resistant preroxide-cured thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) based on hydrogenated carboxiated nitrile butadiene rubber (HXNBR) and at least one polyamide. TPV's according to the present invention have improved properties and morphology over known TPV's prepared in single-stage processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixtures composed of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers and of crosslinkable rubbers having reactive groups and their use for production of moulded items with good barrier properties. The inventive mixtures in particular feature the good barrier properties and high impact resistance particularly at low temperatures, with a resultant broad application profile for these mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multistage process including at least two steps for making a heat and oil resistant preroxide-cured thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) based on hydrogenated carboxiated nitrile butadiene rubber (HXNBR) and at least one polyamide. TPV's according to the present invention have improved properties and morphology over known TPV's prepared in single-stage processes.