Abstract: A foamed sheet containing a polymer composition including a polymer formed by polymerizing a mixture including 40% to 90% of styrenic monomers; 5% to 45% of maleate-type monomers; 0.1% to 25% by weight of elastomeric polymers with Mn greater than 6,000; and 0.1% to 10% by weight of low molecular weight polymers that include one or more monomers according to the formula CH2?CR3R2, where R3 is H or a C1-C3 alkyl group and R2 is a C1-C22 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkenyl groups. The low molecular weight polymer has Mn of from 400 to 6,000 and can optionally include functional groups. The foamed sheet is made by injecting blowing agents into the polymer melt composition; mixing the blowing agent with the polymer composition; and extruding the mixture to provide a foamed sheet. The foamed sheets can be thermoformed into containers suitable for use in microwave heating of food.

Abstract: A styrenic copolymer composition comprising 55% to 94% by weight of one or more styrenic monomers; 2% to 25% by weight of one or more maleate-type monomers; and 4% to 20% by weight of an elastomer composition comprising one or more partially hydrogenated elastomeric polymers comprising repeat units from one or more monomers according to the formula 63% 1,4 cis/trans butadiene, 1% 1,2 vinyl butadiene, 26% tetramethylene, and 10% butylene. The styrenic copolymer composition may also comprise one or more high molecular weight elastomeric polymers having a number average molecular weight of greater than 12,000 and optionally, polybutene. The styrenic copolymer composition is formed via polymerizing methods. A thermoplastic sheet is made by extruding the polymer melt composition to provide a thermoplastic sheet. The thermoplastic sheets can be thermoformed into containers suitable for use in microwave heating of food.

Abstract: A foamed sheet containing a polymer composition including a polymer formed by polymerizing a mixture including 40% to 90% of styrenic monomers; 5% to 45% of maleate-type monomers; 0.1% to 25% by weight of elastomeric polymers with Mn greater than 6,000; and 0.1% to 10% by weight of low molecular weight polymers that include one or more monomers according to the formula CH2?CR3R2, where R3 is H or a C1-C3 alkyl group and R2 is a C1-C22 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkenyl groups. The low molecular weight polymer has Mn of from 400 to 6,000 and can optionally include functional groups. The foamed sheet is made by injecting blowing agents into the polymer melt composition; mixing the blowing agent with the polymer composition; and extruding the mixture to provide a foamed sheet. The foamed sheets can be thermoformed into containers suitable for use in microwave heating of food.

Abstract: A thermoplastic sheet containing a polymer composition including a polymer formed by polymerizing a mixture including 40% to 90% of styrenic monomers; 5% to 45% of maleate-type monomers; 0.1% to 25% by weight of elastomeric polymers with Mn greater than 12,000; and 0.1% to 10% by weight of low molecular weight polymers that include one or more monomers according to the formula CH2?CR3R2, where R3 is H or a C1-C3 alkyl group and R2 is a C1-C22 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkenyl groups. The low molecular weight polymer has Mn of from 400 to 12,000 and can optionally include functional groups. The thermoplastic sheet is made by extruding the polymer melt composition to provide a thermoplastic sheet. The thermoplastic sheets can be thermoformed into containers suitable for use in microwave heating of food.

Abstract: Interpolymer resin particles comprised of 20% to 60% by weight of uncross-linked polyolefin e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene, and from 40% to 80% by weight based on the weight of the particles of a vinyl aromatic monomer, e.g. styrene, that is polymerized in a suspension process to form an interpenetrating network of polyolefin with polymerized vinyl aromatic monomer particles and having a gel content of 0 to 1.5% by weight based on the weight of the particles for improved processability in end-use applications and improved ESCR properties. The interpolymer resin particles have a VICAT softening temperature from about 90° C. to about 115° C., and a melt index from 0.2 to 35.0g/10 minutes (Condition G). The particles can be mixed with a blowing agent to form extruded foam articles, such as foam board, and can be used in extrusion, injection molding, rotomolding, and thermoforming processes to form a layer, e.g.

Abstract: Styrenic resin composition comprising a rubber modified styrene maleic anhydride copolymer and polybutene. The resin is prepared by several methods including adding polybutene into the reactor, or adding polybutene to the syrup exiting the reactor and prior to entering the devolatilizer, or compounding polybutene into the polymer in an extruder after the polymer exits the devolatilizer. The polybutene ranges from 0.1 to 8% by weight and has a number average molecular weight from 900 to 2500. The rubber ranges from 4% to 20% by weight and has a particle size from 0.1 micron to 11 microns. The resin can be extruded into sheet and thermoformed into an article or can be coextruded to produce a laminated article, which may be a container for packaged foods that can be heated in microwave ovens and which container has improved toughness, elongation, and heat distortion resistance properties.

Abstract: A true solution of up to about 15 weight % of polyphenylene ether (PPO) in a styrenic polymer may be prepared by dissolving the PPO in one or more of the monomers polymerized to form the styrenic polymer and polymerizing the resulting solution in the presence of a free radical initiator. The resulting polymer has a higher Tg than crystal polystyrene and is suitable for use in hot drink containers.