Abstract: Bimodal polyethylene resins having reduced long-chain branching and suitable for use in pipe resin applications as a result of their improved SCG and RCP resistance are provided. The improved resins of the invention are produced in a two-reactor cascade slurry polymerization process using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system and wherein an alkoxysilane modifier is present in both reactors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multimodal, high density, homopolyethylene barrier resin. The resin is preferably made by a multistage process. The process comprises a first stage in which ethylene is homopolymerized in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, organoaluminum cocatalyst, alkoxysilane modifier, and hydrogen. The reaction mixture from the first stage is devolatilized to remove all or substantially all of the hydrogen. The polymerization continues in a second stage wherein ethylene is added to the devolatilized reaction mixture to produce the barrier resin. The barrier resin provides films with improved barrier properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multimodal, high density, homopolyethylene barrier resin. The resin is preferably made by a multistage process. The process comprises a first stage in which ethylene is homopolymerized in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, organoaluminum cocatalyst, alkoxysilane modifier, and hydrogen. The reaction mixture from the first stage is devolatilized to remove all or substantially all of the hydrogen. The polymerization continues in a second stage wherein ethylene is added to the devolatilized reaction mixture to produce the barrier resin. The barrier resin provides films with improved barrier properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyethylene composition having faster crystallization rate and improved environmental stress cracking resistance. The polyethylene composition comprises a multimodal polyethylene and a nucleating agent. The multimodal polyethylene comprises from 25 to 50 wt % of a low molecular weight ethylene homopolymer component, from 25 to 50 wt % of a medium molecular weight ethylene copolymer component and from 25 to 50 wt % of a high molecular weight ethylene copolymer component. The polyethylene composition has an environmental stress cracking resistance (ASTM D1693, Condition B in 100% Igepal) greater than or equal to 40 days and a crystallization half time less than or equal to 70% of the crystallization half time of the multimodal polyethylene without nucleating agent.

Abstract: Bimodal polyethylene resins having reduced long-chain branching and suitable for use in pipe resin applications as a result of their improved SCG and RCP resistance are provided. The improved resins of the invention are produced in a two-reactor cascade slurry polymerization process using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system and wherein an alkoxysilane modifier is present in both reactors.

Abstract: Filled propylene polymer compositions having significantly improved melt strength are provided. The compositions are blends of propylene polymer, mineral filler with an ethylene polymer component consisting of an ethylene plastomer and a silane-containing ethylene polymer.

Abstract: Cellulosic-reinforced composites having increased resistance to water absorption are provided. The improved composites are obtained using a mixture of high density polyethylene and silane copolymer with the cellulosic filler.

Abstract: Resins comprising a relatively high-density, low-molecular-weight polyethylene component and a relatively low-density, high-molecular-weight ethylene copolymer component and methods of making the resins are disclosed. The rheological polydispersity of the high-density component exceeds that of either the resin or the low-density component. The resins are valuable for making films, sheets, coatings, pipes, fibers, and molded articles having a favorable balance of good stiffness and excellent environmental stress crack resistance.

Abstract: Ethylene polymer composites, concentrates and a process utilized for their preparation are provided. The composites of the invention have increased melt strength compared to the base resin and other improved physical characteristics. The composites contain an organically modified clay and may also contain a compatibilizng agent, depending on the base resin used.

Abstract: A process for copolymerizing ethylene with vinylsilanes is disclosed. The process uses a Ziegler-Natta catalyst and cocatalyst wherein the Ziegler-Natta catalyst is prepared from a Group 4-6 halogen-containing transition metal and a mixture of an organomagnesium compound and a silicon-containing compound. Silane-functionalized polyolefins produced using the process can be crosslinkable and can be used to bond polyolefins to polysiloxanes or other functionalized polymers.

Abstract: Ethylene polymer composites and concentrates utilized for their preparation are provided. The composites of the invention have increased melt strength compared to the base resin and other improved physical characteristics. The composites contain an organically modified clay and may also contain a compatibilizng agent, depending on the base resin used.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions having significantly improved melt strength are provided. The compositions are blends of propylene polymer and silane-containing polymer and may also contain mineral fillers and ethylene copolymer plastomers. Compositions of the invention are particularly useful for thermoforming applications.

Abstract: A process for producing olefin polymer composites having improved melt strength and other improved physical characteristics is provided. The process is a solution process wherein an organically modified clay is intimately incorporated, at low levels and without the use of compatibilizing agents, into an olefin polymer base resin.

Abstract: A blend comprising a high molecular weight, high density polyethylene (HMW HDPE) and a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) is disclosed. The blend comprises from about 50 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of HMW HDPE. The HMW HDPE has a density greater than about 0.94 g/cc and a melt index MI2 less than about 0.1 dg/min. The blend also comprises about 20 wt. % to about 50. wt % of LLDPE. The LLDPE has a density within the range of about 0.90 to about 0.93 g/cc and an MI2 within the range of about 0.5 to about 5 dg/min. The LLDPE is a copolymer of ethylene with 1-hexene that has a dart drop impact strength of greater than about 500 grams as measured by ASTM D1709/A. The blend shows increased resistance to environmental stress cracking.

Abstract: A process for producing olefin polymer composites having improved melt strength and other improved physical characteristics is provided. The process is a solution process wherein an organically modified clay is intimately incorporated, at low levels and without the use of compatibilizing agents, into an olefin polymer base resin.

Abstract: Ethylene polymer composites and concentrates utilized for their preparation are provided. The composites of the invention have increased melt strength compared to the base resin and other improved physical characteristics. The composites contain an organically modified clay and may also contain a compatibilizng agent, depending on the base resin used.

Abstract: Propylene polymer composites containing modified clays and compatibilizing agents, more specifically hydrogenated tallow modified montmorillonite and maleic anhydride grafted propylene polymers, are provided. Concentrates or masterbatches used to prepare the composites are also described. The improved composites of the invention exhibit increased melt strength compared to the base resin and to composites similarly formulated using other types of modified clays. Moreover, the improved results are achievable at lower compatibilizer levels and lower ratios of compatibilizer to clay than has heretofore been considered practical.

Abstract: Propylene polymer composites containing modified clays and compatibilizing agents, more specifically hydrogenated tallow modified montmorillonite and maleic anhydride grafted propylene polymers, are provided. Concentrates or masterbatches used to prepare the composites are also described. The improved composites of the invention exhibit increased melt strength compared to the base resin and to composites similarly formulated using other types of modified clays. Moreover, the improved results are achievable at lower compatibilizer levels and lower ratios of compatibilizer to clay than has heretofore been considered practical.