Abstract: The subject invention is directed to polymer compositions which comprise a homogeneous ethylene/&agr;-olefin interpolymer, a wax and a nucleating agent, wherein the nucleating agent is provided in an effective amount such that the percent elongation at break of the polymer composition is at least about fifty percent greater than the percent elongation at break of a comparative composition which lacks the nucleating agent. The polymer compositions of the invention will find utility in applications r equiring high elongation at break, while maintaining a high onset of crystallization temperature, such as in the high-speed coating of fabrics, carpet backing, floor tile and sheeting, and adhesives.

Abstract: Polymer mixtures are disclosed which comprise at least one homogeneously branched ethylene polymer (A) and at least one ethylene polymer (B) having a crystallinity which is at least 7% greater than the crystallinity of polymer (A) with certain provisos. A process for making a molded article using the disclosed polymer mixtures is disclosed as well as films, film layers, coatings and molded articles formed from those mixtures. These mixtures have several advantages over polymer compositions of the prior art, including improved properties at elevated temperatures such as improved softening point under load, improved hardness, improved toughness, improved 100% modulus of elasticity, improved compression set, improved ability to prevent oil bleed out at lower temperatures when the mixture contains oil and reduced injection molding cycle time. The mixtures retain their performance advantages even when substantial amounts of additives such as oil and filler are incorporated into the mixture.

Abstract: Paintable thermoplastic polyolefin compositions are disclosed which comprise (i) about 20 to about 70 wt % of at least one graft-modified polypropylene, (ii) about 10 to about 40 wt % of at least one nongrafted or graft-modified homogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer, ethylene-propylene monomer rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber, heterogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer, styrene block copolymer, or a combination thereof and (iii) about 5 to about 50 wt % of an interpolymer of ethylene and an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carbonyl copolymer, e.g. a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic acid. The polypropylene and, optionally the homogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer, ethylene-propylene monomer rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber, heterogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer, and styrene block copolymer are grafted with an unsaturated organic compound containing at least one site of ethylenic unsaturation and at least one carbonyl group, e.g. maleic anhydride.

Abstract: Paintable thermoplastic polyolefin compositions are disclosed which comprise (i) 30 to about 70 wt % of at least one polypropylene or graft-modified polypropylene, (ii) 0 to about 40 wt % of at least one nongrafted or graft-modified substantially linear ethylene polymer, and (iii) 0 to about 50 wt % of an interpolymer of ethylene and an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carbonyl copolymer, e.g. a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic acid. The polypropylene and substantially linear ethylene polymer are grafted with an unsaturated organic compound containing at least on ethylenic unsaturation and at least one carbonyl group, e.g. maleic anhydride. The compositions exhibit excellent paintability with conventional paints without prior application of a primer or surface treatment, good heat resistance, and good low temperature impact resistance and they can be recycled by melt blending the compositions with thermoplastic materials, e.g., in an extruder.

Abstract: Novel ionomers of normally solid, thermo-plastic, orientable, copolymers of ethylene and at least one alpha,beta-ethylenically-unsaturated carboxylic acid having a relatively high content of the carboxylic acid are prepared under conditions whereby the copolymers are essentially solubilized in a strong base and contacted with at least one compound which contains ionomer-forming cations. One of the preferred polymers is an ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer. The so-formed ionomers are useful as materials for constructing various items and articles.

Abstract: Novel filters are prepared, and filtrations are performed, using porous fibers and filaments which are comprised of normally solid, thermoplastic, orientable, organic polymers which have reactive or reactable groups pendent from the polymer chain, said polymers being made using a process which involves reactions of said pendent groups while the polymer is in an oriented condition. One of the preferred polymers is a copolymer of ethylene/acrylic acid. Ionomers of the polymers can be used.

Abstract: Novel filters are prepared, and filtrations are performed, using porous fibers and filaments which are comprised of normally solid, thermoplastic, orientable, organic polymers which have reactive or reactable groups pendent from the polymer chain, said polymers being made using a process which involves reactions of said pendent groups while the polymer is in an oriented condition. One of the preferred polymers is a copolymer of ethylene/acrylic acid. Ionomers of the polymers can be used.

Abstract: A biocidal foam product comprising a foam having incorporated therein a water insoluble thermoplastic copolymer consisting of an alpha olefin and an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, said copolymer having at least one biocidal agent ionically bonded to said copolymer.

Abstract: A water insoluble material useful for making biocidal barriers and biocidal filter for use in fluid systems, said material comprising a water insoluble thermoplastic copolymer consisting of an alpha olefin and an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, said copolymer having at least one biocidal agent ionically bonded to said copolymer.

Abstract: A biocidal foam product comprising a foam having incorporated therein a water insoluble thermoplastic copolymer consisting of an alpha olefin and an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, said copolymer having at least one cationic biocidal agent ionically bonded to said copolymer.