Abstract: The present invention is a multistage process for the preparation of a co)polymer composition. Said process comprises the steps of: i) polymerizing in a first stage a reaction mixture comprising one or more monomer with optionally a rubber, a comonomer, a polymerization initiator, a chain transfer agent, a decomposition catalyst and/or a solvent, in the presence of one or more stable free radical precursor which provides a stable free radical during the polymerization process and/or one or more stable free radical such that the polymerization proceeds via a mediated free radical polymerization mechanism until a partial conversion of monomer(s) to (co)polymer is obtained and ii) polymerizing in a second stage the partially converted reaction mixture under reaction conditions that proceed via a free radical polymerization mechanism to obtain a further degree of conversion of monomer(s) to (co)polymer.

Abstract: A reactive hot melt composition, having a softening point of at least 50° C., and being curable on heating to a temperature of 150° C. The composition comprises a blend of (a) a macrocyclic oligomer having a softening point of at least 50° C., containing at least one ring having eight or more atoms, and being able to undergo decyclization at a temperature of 150° C. or more, to produce a polymerizable species, wherein each cyclic oligomer molecule provides two or more structural repeat units of the same or different formula for the resulting polymer, and (b) a thermoplastic resin, its use as an adhesive and methods of its application.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymers derived from macrocyclic oligomers containing organo clay fillers comprising a) a polymer derived from a macrocyclic oligomer; b) clay platelets; and c) the residue of one or more onium compounds having at least one ligand with a C5 or greater carbon chain and at least one ligand containing one or more functional groups having one or more active hydrogen atoms wherein the functional group is reactive with the macrocyclic oligomer and/or functional groups formed when the macrocyclic oligomer decyclizes wherein a portion of one or more of the onium compounds is ironically bound to the clay platelet and covalently bonded to the polymers derived from macrocyclic oligomers. The invention also relates to processes for preparing such compositions. Furthermore, the invention relates to articles prepared from organoclay filled polymer compositions.

Abstract: Cyclic oligomers containing ester linkages are polymerized in the presence of a catalyst having at least one oxygen atom bonded to two metal atoms. At least one of the metal atoms is a tin atom, which is preferably tetravalent, i.e., bonded to three other groups in addition to the oxygen atom. The other metal atom may also be another tin atom, which is again preferably tetravalent, or a zinc, aluminum or titanium atom. The catalyst may contain multiple oxygen atoms that are bonded to two such metal atoms as described. These catalysts are active, efficient polymerization catalysts. They are often liquids at polymerization temperatures. The catalysts can be formed in situ in the polymerization process, which provides additional flexibility in the process and increased storage stability of starting materials.

Abstract: A process for producing 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional near net shape prepregs suitable for use in preparing structural composite parts of complex shape, including

Abstract: There is disclosed a molding compound. The molding compound preferably includes a macrocyclic oligoester that reacts with itself, a secondary compound or another macrocyclic oligoester during molding of the molding compound. Exemplary secondary compounds include a cyclic ester, a dihydroxyl-functionalized polymer or the like.

Abstract: Rubber-modified monovinylidene aromatic copolymers having an enhanced combination of gloss, toughness and melt flow characteristics are provided by a process wherein a rubber latex having a specified particle size is partially agglomerated, emulsion graft polymerized to a specified graft copolymer to rubber (G/R) ratio and a specified graft copolymer molecular weight and further agglomerated during subsequent dewatering and/or melt compounding operations.

Abstract: Disclosed are styrenic polymer blends, preferably rubber modified styrenic polymer blends, containing a binary styrene/acrylonitrile copolymer in combination with a fumaronitrile-containing styrenic copolymer. The preferred rubber modified styrenic polymer blends hereof have improved heat and impact resistances and are composed of a binary styrene/acrylonitrile copolymer grafted to and/or occluded within a rubber substrate and dispersed in a matrix phase copolymer comprising fumaronitrile, styrene, and, optionally, acrylonitrile such that the concentration of acrylonitrile in the grafted and/or occluded portion of the rubber modifier is at least equal to and is preferably greater than the total concentration of fumaronitrile and acrylonitrile in the copolymer of the matrix phase.

Abstract: Copolymers of .alpha.-methylstyrene and acrylonitrile having improved composition of uniformity are prepared by emulsion polymerizing a first monomer stream having a weight ratio of .alpha.-methylstyrene/acrylonitrile from about 75/25 to about 85/15 and thereafter polymerizing a second monomer feed stream comprising acrylonitrile.