Abstract: Provided is a wedge-shaped multilayer interlayer and a glass laminate containing such interlayer, wherein the interlayer is based on the combination of (a) an integrated multilayer interlayer sheet having an overall substantially consistent thickness and a substantially consistent thickness of an interior layer, and (b) a separate wedge-shaped film.

Abstract: Described are nanoparticles-containing stratified compositions, and processes to prepare, for low refractive index compositions of utility as anti-reflective coatings for optical display substrates. The compositions comprise a high index refractive stratum containing nanoparticles and a low refractive index stratum on top of the high index stratum.

Abstract: Polymers containing ?-methylenelact(ones)(ams) such as ?-methylenebutyrolactones are useful in blends with other polymers. For examples such polymers which have reactive groups are toughened by mixing with a rubbery material which has complimentary reactive groups, or polymers containing repeat units derived from ?-methylenelact(ones)(ams) are toughened by mixing with polymeric core-shell particles having an elastomeric core and a specified thermoplastic shell. The properties of thermoplastics are also improved by blending with ?-methylenelact(ones)(ams) such as ?-methylenebutyrolactones containing (co)polymers.

Abstract: A controlled free-radical polymerization process for forming end-functionalized polymers is disclosed, particularly by degenerative iodine transfer. The end-functionalized polymers are characterized by a polydispersity less than 2.5 and a predetermined molecular weight. The end-functionalized polymers are useful as reactive intermediates in condensation polymerization, chain polymerization and heterogeneous polymerization reactions.

Abstract: Polymers containing &agr;-methylenelact(ones)(ams) such as &agr;-methylenebutyrolactones are useful in blends with other polymers. For examples such polymers which have reactive groups are toughened by mixing with a rubbery material which has complimentary reactive groups, or polymers containing repeat units derived from &agr;-methylenelact(ones)(ams) are toughened by mixing with polymeric core-shell particles having an elastomeric core and a specified thermoplastic shell. The properties of thermoplastics are also improved by blending with &agr;-methylenelact(ones)(ams) such as &agr;-methylenebutyrolactones containing (co)polymers.

Abstract: Compositions comprising homopolymers or copolymers containing repeat units derived from &agr;-methylenelact(ones)(ams) such as &agr;-methylenebutyrolactones and an inorganic filler such as alumina trihydrate are described. The decorative sheets and articles made from these compositions may have one or more of higher thermal resistance, higher hardness, higher scratch and mar resistance, faster polymerization rates, antimicrobial properties, lower coefficient of thermal expansion and, owing to a higher refractive index, a higher transparency.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a process for making &agr;-methylenelactones and &agr;-substitute hydrocarbylidene lactones. More specifically, the present invention obtains high yields of &agr;-methylene-&ggr;-butyrolactone by heating &ggr;-butyrolactone and diethyl oxalate in the presence of a base. The second step comprises treatment of the &agr;-oxalyl enolate salt with formaldehyde to afford the &agr;-methylene-&ggr;-butyrolactone.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a process for making &agr;-methylenelactones and &agr;-substituted hydrocarbylidene lactones. More specifically, the present invention obtains high yields of &agr;-methylene-&ggr;-butyrolactone by heating &ggr;-butyrolactone and diethyl oxalate in the presence of a base. The second step comprises treatment of the &agr;-oxalyl enolate salt with formaldehyde to afford the &agr;-methylene-&ggr;-butyrolactone.

Abstract: Polymers containing &agr;-methylenelact(ones)(ams) such as &agr;-methylenebutyrolactones are useful in blends with other polymers. For examples such polymers which have reactive groups are toughened by mixing with a rubbery material which has complimentary reactive groups, or polymers containing repeat units derived from &agr;-methylenelact(ones)(ams) are toughened by mixing with polymeric core-shell particles having an elastomeric core and a specified thermoplastic shell. The properties of thermoplastics are also improved by blending with &agr;-methylenelact(ones)(ams) such as &agr;-methylenebutyrolactones containing (co)polymers.

Abstract: A polymerization process for the preparation of (meth)acrylate containing homopolymers or block copolymers comprises heating a mixture of a free radical initiator, a stable free radical agent, and a polymerizable monomer compound to form a thermoplastic resin or resins with a narrow polydispersity. The stable free radical agent is a piperazinone or morpholone based nitroxide or any adducts thereof.

Abstract: A controlled free-radical polymerization process for forming end-functionalized polymers is disclosed, particularly by degenerative iodine transfer. The end-functionalized polymers are characterized by a polydispersity less than 2.5 and a predetermined molecular weight. The end-functionalized polymers are useful as reactive intermediates in condensation polymerization, chain polymerization and heterogeneous polymerization reactions.