Abstract: A process for crosslinking comprising (a) introducing into a reactor, under crosslinking conditions, a mixture comprising(i) one or more polyolefins;(ii) organic peroxide;(iii) an ester, ether, or ketone containing two or more unsaturated groups; and(iv) a compound having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R=hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R.sup.1 =an alkylene having 1 to 6 carbon atoms;andR.sup.2 =an alkyl having 8 or more carbon atoms or Si(R.sup.3).sub.3 wherein R.sup.3 is hydrogen or alkoxy having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; each R.sup.3 is the same or different; and at least one R.sup.3 is an alkoxy,and (b) crosslinking the polyolefin(s).

Abstract: An auxiliary power supply is connected through a fast acting switch to the output of a regulated, constant current welding power supply. A current sensing circuit monitoring the output current level actuates the fast acting switch whenever the current level falls below a predetermined value to insure that a minimum output current level is maintained. The auxiliary power supply is disconnected after the current level rises to a second, higher current level.

Abstract: Head pressure and extruder torque in the extrustion of linear ethylene polymers such as linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) are reduced by adding a small amount (less than 5 weight percent) of a thermoplastic polyurethane. Films extruded from the blend exhibit better surface appearance by reduction of melt fracture.

Abstract: Films containing LLDPE having a high modulus and good tear strength for the high modulus and improved processing conditions are obtained by blending minor amounts of polystyrene or other aromatic polymer, and polypropylene with the LLDPE.

Abstract: The extrudability of linear polymers of ethylene such as low density copolymers of ethylene and C.sub.4 --C.sub.10 olefins (LLDPE) into thin films is improved by adding small amounts, e.g., 0.02 to 2 weight percent ethylene-vinyl polymer to reduce melt fracture, head pressure and to obtain films having excellent anti-blocking characteristics. Optionally, diatomaceous earth is added to further reduce blocking.

Abstract: Composition and films of linear ethylene polymers such as linear low density polyethylene containing up to about 3 weight percent of a blend of polyphenylene oxide and styrene resin exhibit excellent physical properties particularly impact strength.

Abstract: The extrudability of linear polymers of ethylene such as low density copolymers of ethylene and C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 olefins (LLDPE) into thin films is improved by adding small amounts, e.g., 0.02 to 1 weight percent polyacetal fluoride to reduce melt fracture, head pressure and extruder torque.

Abstract: The extrudability of linear polymers of ethylene such as low density copolymers of ethylene and C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 olefins (LLDPE) into thin films is improved by adding small amounts, e.g., 0.02 to 2 weight percent polyvinylidene fluoride to reduce melt fracture, head pressure and to obtain films having excellent anti-blocking characteristics.

Abstract: Linear low density copolymers (LLDPE) are blended with up to about 10 weight percent of an aromatic polymer, e.g., polystyrene or poly(para-methylstyrene), to give films having improved MD tear strength or equivalent MD tear strength and higher stiffness compared to the LLDPE alone. Also, extruder torque is lower and bubble stability is greater in blown film extrusion with the blends as well as in blends in which medium or high density polyethylene is used instead of the LLDPE.

Abstract: Polymeric blends comprising linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) as the major constituent (60 percent or more), and polypropylene (PP) or ethylene-propylene copolymer having a high propylene content and ethylene-propylene rubber as minor constituents exhibit improved stiffness, tear and impact strength compared to blends of LLDPE and PP. The blends are suitable for use in the films.

Abstract: A solenoid power control circuit provides full power during lifting and reduced power during maintaining a lift condition in a lifting solenoid of an electric arc stud welding gun. During the stud lifting portion of a stud welding process, relatively high power is provided to the lifting solenoid to effect work necessary to accomplish the lift; but after a lifted condition has been achieved, the invention phases back power to reduce the energy dissipated while the stud and the lifting solenoid are maintained in lifted condition. A relaxation oscillator having two different charging time constants that can be selected to provide long or short phase delay is employed for the phase modulation control of lifting solenoid energization.

Abstract: Linear low density copolymers (LLDPE) are blended with up to about 10 weight percent of an aromatic polymer, e.g., polystyrene or poly(para-methylstyrene), to give films having improved MD tear strength or equivalent MD tear strength and higher stiffness compared to the LLDPE alone. Also, extruder torque is lower and bubble stability is greater in blown film extrusion with the blends as well as in blends in which medium or high density polyethylene is used instead of the LLDPE.

Abstract: Melt strength of polyethylene and ethylene-higher olefin copolymers during processing is improved by pretreating the polymer in melt form at a temperature of at least 230.degree. C. in the presence of an organic peroxide for a period of time equal to at least three times the half-life of the organic peroxide at the melt temperature.

Abstract: Polymeric blends comprising linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) as the major constituent (60 percent or more), and polypropylene (PP) or ethylene-propylene copolymer having a high propylene content and ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber as minor constituents exhibit improved stiffness, tear and impact strength compared to blends of LLDPE and PP. The blends are suitable for use in films.

Abstract: Reprocessable thermoplastic graft copolymers of propylene polymer and ethylene copolymer are herein described. These graft copolymers are prepared by heating the propylene polymer and ethylene copolymer in the presence of select peroxides in order to graft the propylene polymer onto the ethylene copolymer.

Abstract: Polymer composites having enhanced mechanical or chemical properties have been prepared by first coating the filler component of the composite with a free-radical polymerization initiator which adheres to the surface of the filler and then polymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer onto the filler.

Abstract: The facile extrusion of ethylene oxide resins has been effected by employing water as an extrusion aid.