Abstract: A polymer composition containing a polymer component containing styrenic polymer, a brominated vinyl aromatic/butadiene copolymer and a polyethylene wax, concentration of the polyethylene wax is 0.02 to 1.0 weight percent based on weight of the polymer component, the polyethylene wax has average molecular weight of 10,000 g/mol or less than 10,000 g/mol. The polymer composition can be a polymeric foam.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising the following: A) an ethylene/?-olefin/diene interpolymer; B) an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer with a Mooney Viscosity [ML(1+4) at 125° C.] greater than 40; and C) a peroxide; and wherein the ?-olefin of the ethylene/?-olefin copolymer of component B comprises at least four carbon atoms; and wherein component A is present in an amount from 50 to 95 weight percent, based on the sum weight of components A and B.

Abstract: A propylene polymer composition comprising (percent by weight): A) 65%-85% of a propylene copolymer containing from 2.0% to 5.0% of ethylene derived units having MFR L (Melt Flow Rate according to ASTM 1238, condition L, i.e. 230° C. and 2.16 kg load) from 0.5 to 50 g/10 min and a melting temperature Tm ranging from 146° C. to 155° C.; B) 15%-35%, of a copolymer of ethylene and propylene with from 74% to 87%, of ethylene derived units; the composition having the intrinsic viscosity of the fraction soluble in xylene ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 dl/g preferably from 0.9 to 1.1 dl/g.

Abstract: Temperature switchable adhesives formed by combining a pressure sensitive adhesive, which does not exhibit temperature switchable properties, with a crystallizable oil are described. These temperature switchable adhesives exhibit a sharp reduction in peel strength when the temperature is raised above the switching temperature. The adhesive properties of these adhesives may be readily tuned by adjusting the ratio of the elastomer, tackifier, and the crystallizable oil, and by choosing different crystallizable oils. The temperature switchable adhesives have use in medical, consumer, and industrial applications.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions including component C, an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer wherein the interpolymer has a Mooney Viscosity (ML 1+4, 125° C.) greater than, or equal to 55 and a ?Hf greater than, or equal to 36 J/g; and component D, a high density polyethylene (HDPE) are provided. In particular, the thermoplastic compositions are characterized by the ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer which is an ethylene/a-olefin/diene interpolymer having a rheology ratio (V0.1/V 100) at 190° C. greater than, or equal to 25. Also are provided the articles comprising the thermoplastic compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising the following: A) an ethylene/?-olefin/diene interpolymer; B) from 40 to 70 weight percent, based on sum weight of A and B, of an ethylene/?-olefm copolymer; and C) a sulfur-containing compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber composition including (A) at least one rubber component selected from the group consisting of a synthetic rubber and a natural rubber; (B) a polymer of farnesene having a weight-average molecular weight of not less than 2,000 and less than 25,000; and (C) carbon black.

Abstract: A refrigerator interior liner can be made of a composition including a monovinylaromatic polymer matrix having an average molecular weight in weight Mw above 150,000 g/mol; rubber particles; and low- Mw plasticizers. The rubber particles can have an RPS volume of about 8.5 ?m, a monomodal distribution, a swell index above 13.8, and an RPVF of at least 39%. The composition can be prepared by forming a polymerizable mixture including a monovinylaromatic monomer, and dissolving a viscous rubber in the polymerizable mixture. A free radical initiator and a chain transfer agent can be contacted with the polymerizable mixture at conditions whereby phase inversion subsequently occurs. The chain transfer agent can produce an increase of the rubber to PS phase viscosity ratio within the inversion reactor. Polymerization can be continued until a monovinylaromatic polymer matrix having rubber particles dispersed therein is obtained.

Abstract: A crosslinkable rubber composition comprising 0.2 to 10 parts by weight of an aromatic secondary amine-based anti-aging agent and 0.5 to 20 parts by weight of a polyamine-based crosslinking agent with respect to 100 parts by weight of a nitrile rubber including an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated nitrile unit and an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid monoester unit, and with iodine value of 120 or less. The present invention can provide a crosslinkable rubber composition, providable of a cross-linked rubber excellent in a variety of properties such as mechanical strength and small in compression set, and a cross-linked rubber obtained by cross-linking the rubber composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire, the tread of which comprises an elastomer composition comprising: from 10 to 60 phr of a polybutadiene (BR) elastomer; from 10 to 60 phr of a saturated thermoplastic styrene (TPS) elastomer; a reinforcing filler. The combined use of BR and saturated TPS elastomers makes it possible to increase the stiffness and thus to improve the handling performance of the tires, without adversely affecting the hysteresis and therefore the rolling resistance of these tires.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strippable adhesion composition, and it has the advantage of good stripability. The invention also provides a strippable material and method for manufacturing the same and an electronic device and method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: An essentially halogen-free, plasticizer-free thermoplastic elastomer compound is disclosed. The compound has from 10-80 weight percent of a hydrogenated styrene butadiene copolymer having a styrene content of less than 20 weight percent; from 20-90 weight percent of a polyolefin; and less than about 3 weight percent of antioxidant. The compound is capable of being solvent bonded or welded to another thermoplastic material using cyclohexanone alone or with methyl ethyl ketone. The compound is especially useful as medical tubing connected to other parts of medical equipment. The bond strength of the compound to the other thermoplastic material is properly determined only after multiple days of bonding.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion including an acid-modified polyolefin resin (A) having a content of an unsaturated carboxylic acid component of 0.1 to 10% by mass, a rubber component (B), a tackifier component (C) and an aqueous medium, wherein in relation to 100 parts by mass of the acid-modified polyolefin resin (A), the content of the rubber component (B) is 5 to 1900 parts by mass, and in relation to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of the acid-modified polyolefin resin (A) and the rubber component (B), the content of the tackifier component (C) is 5 to 300 parts by mass.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition for a tire, which is, when it is used as a rubber composition for a tire, capable of exhibiting good dry grip properties and excellent grip properties in both a relatively low temperature range and a relatively high temperature range, as well as a tire produced by using the rubber composition. The rubber composition of the present invention contains: a rubber component made of at least one type of diene-based polymer; and a copolymer resin obtained by copolymerizing ?-methylstyrene based monomer and aromatic vinyl monomer.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a self-sealing elastomer composition, wherein the process comprises the following steps: firstly a masterbatch comprising at least one diene elastomer and a thermoplastic plasticizing hydrocarbon resin with a content greater than 30 phr is manufactured by compounding these various components in a mixer at a temperature or up to a temperature called the “hot compounding temperature” which is above the softening point of the hydrocarbon resin; and then at least one crosslinking system is incorporated into the masterbatch thus prepared, by compounding everything, in the same mixer or in a different mixer, at a temperature or up to a maximum temperature which is kept below 100° C., in order to obtain said self-sealing composition, and wherein at least one liquid plasticizer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) below ?20° C. is furthermore incorporated in an amount of less than 60 phr into said masterbatch or into said composition.

Abstract: A halogen-free resin composition including (A) 100 parts by weight of polyphenylene ether resin containing an alkenyl group; (B) 10 to 50 parts by weight of cyclo olefin copolymer (COC); (C) 5 to 50 parts by weight of 1,2,4-trivinylcyclohexane resin and/or 1,3,5-triethyloxymethyl cyclohexane resin; and (D) 5 to 150 parts by weight of polyphenylene ether pre-polymerized branch cyanate ester. The halogen-free resin composition can manifest low dielectric constant, low dielectric dissipation factor, high heat resistance, and high glass transition temperature by using the specified ingredient in the specified ratio, thus can be used in preparing a prepreg or a resin film, which is applicable to copper clad laminates and printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A binder resin for a toner containing a vinyl resin (A), a non-crystalline polyester resin (SN) and a saturated crystalline polyester resin (SC), in which the content of the vinyl resin (A) is equal to or more than 65 mass % and equal to or less than 95 mass %, based on the total content of 100 mass % of (A), (SN) and (SC), (A) is composed of a carboxyl group-containing vinyl resin (C), a glycidyl group-containing vinyl resin (E) and a reaction product of the vinyl resins, the ester group concentration of (SC) is equal to or more than 10.0 mmol/g and equal to or less than 13.5 mmol/g, (SN) is dispersed in an island form in (A) and (SC) is contained in the island phase of (SN), and the metal component (M) containing at least one kind selected from the group consisting of Zn, Ca, Mg, Al and Ba (excluding metal oxide) is contained at least in (SC).

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive comprising an olefin polymer composition comprising a first amorphous polymer having a crystallinity of 5% or less, prepared with a first catalyst; and a second crystalline polymer, differing in chemical and physical properties from the first polymer, having a crystallinity of 20% or more, prepared with a second catalyst; and where the olefin polymer composition has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more on Kraft paper; an Mw of at least 7,000 to 80,000; a branching index (g?) of from 0.4 to 0.90 measured at the Mz of the polymer composition; and a crystallinity of between 5 and 40%.

Abstract: Natural rubber blends, methods for making the same, and articles made therefrom are provided. The natural rubber blend includes at least one propylene copolymer containing ethylene derived units. The natural rubber blend can further include one or more reinforcing fillers, such as carbon black. The presence of the propylene copolymer significantly improves the ozone resistance and ageing properties of the natural rubber gum stock.

Abstract: A thermoplastic vulcanizate composition comprising from 5 wt % to 95 wt %, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate composition, of a first component comprising a first propylene-based polymer selected from the group consisting of (i) propylene/?-olefin copolymers comprising from 1 to 20 wt % ?-olefin and characterized by a g? ratio of less than 1, measured at interpolymer number average molecular weight (Mn), an MFR (2.16 kg @ 230° C.) greater than or equal to 0.01, a density greater than or equal to 0.850 g/cc, and a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, less than or equal to 3.5, and (ii) combinations thereof; and from 5 wt % to 95 wt %, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate composition, of a second component selected from the group consisting of curable or vulcanizable rubbers, having a density from 0.85 to 0.88 g/cc, I2 from 0.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomer compositions including at least one elastomeric component and at least one semi-crystalline polymer are provided. In particular, thermoplastic elastomer composition characterized by an SRI less than or equal to 1.6 at 10000 Pa s, and less than 4.5 at 1000 Pa s for compositions with TMA at 1000 ?m greater than 85° C. are provided. Also provided are articles made from the thermoplastic elastomeric compositions.

Abstract: An aromatic vinyl-based thermoplastic resin composition includes a rubber-modified acrylic graft copolymer and a branched aromatic vinyl copolymer resin including a silicon compound.

Abstract: The present invention describes a composition comprising a diene-based rubber and at least one cyclo-aliphatic epoxide-based polyether or polyglycol ether. The present invention also describes a composition comprising at least one extending oil and at least one cyclo-aliphatic epoxide-based polyether or polyglycol ether, wherein the at least one extending oil is selected from the group consisting of an aromatic oil, an aliphatic oil, a naphthenic oil, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A composition includes specific amounts of a poly(arylene ether), an unfunctionalized hydrogenated triblock copolymer, an unfunctionalized polyolefin, and magnesium dihydroxide. The composition is useful for forming insulation and sheath layers of wire and cable.

Abstract: A composition for use in grips is disclosed. The composition may be used, for example, in making a golf club grip. The disclosed grip provides for improved shock absorption and other beneficial properties. In one embodiment the comprises a cross-linked composition of from about 40% by weight to about 80% by weight of one or a combination of a first material selected from the group consisting of butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber and chloroprene rubber, and from about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight of one or a combination of a second material selected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer (EPDM), polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polypropylene and cork.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of an elastomer composition having a self-sealing property which is based on at least (phr meaning parts by weight per 100 parts of solid elastomer): a solid unsaturated diene elastomer; between 30 and 90 phr of a hydrocarbon resin; from 0 to less than 30 phr of filler; between 0.5 and 15 phr of thiuram polysulphide, in which, during a first stage or stage (a), a masterbatch comprising at least the solid unsaturated diene elastomer and between 30 and 90 phr of a hydrocarbon resin is prepared by mixing these various components in a mixer at a “hot compounding” temperature or up to a “hot compounding” temperature which is greater than the softening temperature of the hydrocarbon resin.

Abstract: A floor covering including one of a sheet-shaped or plate-shaped matrix made of an elastomeric material. The matrix is provided with particles made of a thermoplastic material, where the elastomeric material of the matrix and the thermoplastic material of the particles each have at least one matching monomer.

Abstract: A sulfur-crosslinkable rubber mixture which, for improved abrasion characteristics with no significant deterioration in rolling resistance and in wet grip, comprises at least one functionalized diene rubber, the functionalization of which is along the polymer chain and/or at the end and enables attachment to fillers, the diene rubber having a glass transition temperature Tg of ?110 to ?15° C., at least one aliphatic and/or aromatic hydrocarbon resin with a softening point (ring and ball to ASTM E 28) of 50 to 150° C. and a mean molecular weight Mn of 200 to 2000 g/mol, and a polydispersity D=Mw/Mn of 1 to 5, and at least one filler.

Abstract: This invention is a rubber stopper for medical treatment, which is obtained by molding a resin composition containing a component (A): at least one of a block copolymer having at least two of a polymer block P containing a vinyl aromatic compound as the core and at least one of a polymer block Q containing a conjugated diene as the core and a hydrogenated block copolymer thereof, a component (B): a hydrocarbon-based softening agent for rubbers, and a component (C): a polyolefin-based resin, wherein the resin composition contains a specified amount of the component (C) based on the total amount of the component (A) and the component (B), and the resin composition has a specified molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: Provided is a polyolefin-based resin composition capable of obtaining a molded product having a high modulus of elongation and a low coefficient of linear expansion. The polyolefin-based resin composition includes a polyolefin-based resin containing either one or both of an acid-modified polyolefin-based resin and a polyolefin-based resin with a hydroxyl group, and flaked graphite. The flaked graphite is uniformly dispersed in the polyolefin-based resin. As a result, a molded product formed by using the polyolefin-based resin composition has excellent mechanical strength such as a high modulus of elongation, a low coefficient of linear expansion, and high dimensional stability, and can be used for various applications such as a material that is suitable for use as the exterior panels of automobiles or a steel sheet replacement material.

Abstract: Method of applying corrosion control coats, especially integrated pretreatment layers or coats for atmospheric corrosion control, to metallic surfaces, using copolymers comprising as monomeric building blocks 20% to 70% by weight of monomers containing nitrogen heterocycles, 10% to 50% by weight of monomers containing acidic groups, 10% to 50% by weight of vinylaromatic monomers, and optionally 0% to 25% by weight of further monomers. Copolymers of the stated composition, and also preparations for applying corrosion control coats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for coating metallic surfaces, comprising a binder component; a corrosion inhibitor polymer based on an ethylenically monocarboxylic and dicarboxylic acid and, if appropriate, further ethylenical monomers, a solvent component, and, if appropriate, crosslinkable components, and also pigment/filler components. The invention further relates to processes for its preparation and also to methods of coating a metallic surface using the composition, to coated metallic surfaces thus obtained, and to the use of the composition as a primer, particularly in coil coating or in atmospheric corrosion control. After drying, the applied layer preferably has a thickness of at least 3.1 ?m and is therefore thicker than a typical pretreatment layer.

Abstract: A laser-engraveable flexographic printing precursor or patternable element comprises a laser-engraveable layer having two orthogonal dimensions. This laser-engraveable layer comprises one or more elastomeric resins and non-metallic fibers that are oriented in the laser-engraveable layer predominantly in one of its two orthogonal dimensions. The non-metallic fibers have an average length of at least 0.1 mm and an average diameter of at least 1 ?m. The oriented non-metallic fibers reduce curl and shrinkage in the precursor and improve print quality and press life.

Abstract: Metallated aminosilane compounds for use as functional initiators in anionic polymerizations and processes for producing an aminosilane-functionalized polymer using the metallated aminosilane compounds to initiate anionic polymerization of at least one type of anionically polymerizable monomer. Preferred use of the metallated aminosilane compounds results in rubber compositions for use in tires comprising an aminosilane functionalized polymer.

Abstract: A composition for use in grips is disclosed. The composition may be used, for example, in making a golf club grip. The disclosed grip provides for improved shock absorption and other beneficial properties. In one embodiment the comprises a cross-linked composition of from about 40% by weight to about 80% by weight of one or a combination of a first material selected from the group consisting of butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber and chloroprene rubber, and from about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight of one or a combination of a second material selected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer (EPDM), polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polypropylene and cork.

Abstract: The invention provides for the use of dry building materials comprising one or more polymers in the form of water-redispersible powders, and optionally mineral binders, optionally fillers and optionally additives, for the surface treatment of cementitious substrates that are as yet not fully set.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition that exhibits excellent rubber elasticity, etc. is obtained by dynamically heating a polymer composition in the presence of the crosslinking agent, the polymer composition including an ?-olefin thermoplastic resin (A), and an oil-extended ethylene copolymer (B) that includes an ethylene copolymer that satisfies given conditions, and 50 to 150 parts by mass of a first mineral oil-based softener based on 100 parts by mass of the ethylene copolymer, the content of the oil-extended ethylene copolymer (B) being 30 mass % or more based on the total amount (=100 mass %) of the polymer component including the ?-olefin thermoplastic resin (A) and the oil-extended ethylene copolymer (B).

Abstract: Alkaline earth metal carbonate exhibiting a resistance to acids expressed as pH of less than 7 measured after suspending 1.0 g of the particles in a mixture made of 20 ml of toluene and 80 ml of an aqueous phase consisting of deionized water, 11.76 g/L of citric acid monohydrate, 2.57 g/L of NaCl and 0.068 mol/L of NaOH, after 35 minutes of stirring at 25° C. and at 1 000 rpm, or expressed as a moisture pick-up lower than or equal to 2 g water/kg of calcium carbonate after one week of storage at 22° C. and 50% relative humidity, or as a Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) spectrum showing at least one peak between 170 and 190° C. when measured at a heating rate of 10° C./min under nitrogen atmosphere from 25 to 250° C. in open cells. Process for the preparation of said particles, compositions containing said particles and the use thereof.

Abstract: A sulfur-crosslinkable rubber mixture which, for improved abrasion characteristics with no significant deterioration in rolling resistance and in wet grip, comprises at least one functionalized diene rubber, the functionalization of which is along the polymer chain and/or at the end and enables attachment to fillers, the diene rubber having a glass transition temperature Tg of ?110 to ?15° C., at least one aliphatic and/or aromatic hydrocarbon resin with a softening point (ring and ball to ASTM E 28) of 50 to 150° C. and a mean molecular weight Mn of 200 to 2000 g/mol, and a polydispersity D=Mw/Mn of 1 to 5, and at least one filler.

Abstract: There is provided a ring-opening polymer of cyclopentene wherein a cis ratio of the cyclopentene-derived structural units is 30% or more, a weight average molecular weight (Mw) is 100,000 to 1,000,000, and a functional group containing a structure represented by the general formula (1) or (2) is included at an end of the polymer chain. —Y—H ??(1) (in the above general formula (1), Y represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom.) —NH-Q ??(2) (in the above general formula (2), Q represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group or a silyl group which may have a substituent group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-based dispersion comprising: a) a water-based medium, b) a dispersing agent, and c) a blend of a thermoplastic polymer and a non-thermoplastic elastomer as a dispersed phase. The present invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of the dispersion as defined above, comprising the steps: (a) providing a homogeneous blend of a thermoplastic polymer and a non-thermoplastic elastomer; and (b) adding alkaline water-based medium to the blend and dispersing the blend in the medium in the presence of a dispersing agent. The dispersion according to the present invention can be used for various purposes, e.g., for the provision of a sealant. The present invention also relates to a lid or a package comprising a sealant derived from a dispersion according to the present invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for producing polymerization initiators comprising at least two protected primary amine groups. Polymers prepared using such polymerization initiators can comprise a residue of the polymerization initiator and can initially comprise the at least two protected primary amine groups. Such polymers can undergo a deprotection process thereby yielding a polymer having one or more unprotected primary amine groups. Polymers having primary amine groups can be employed in rubber compositions, which have a variety of potential applications, such as, for example, in tire manufacturing.

Abstract: There is provided a thermoplastic elastomer composition for an air bag cover obtained by dynamically heat-treating, in the presence of a cross-linking agent, and the following components (A1), (B) and (C), wherein component (A1): a propylene-based resin, component (B): an ethylene-?-olefin-nonconjugated diene copolymer rubber, and component (C): a mineral oil-based softener, which is excellent in appearance and mechanical strength.

Abstract: An environmentally-friendly ceramic-plastic composite and the preparation method thereof. The composite comprises: thermoplastics, bamboo or wood flour, plasticizer, inner and outer lubricant, crosslinking modifier, filling agent, flame retardant, pigment and ash raw material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adhesive composition comprising a mixture of multi-block copolymers, in particular, an adhesive composition comprising a block copolymer represented by Formula 1, a hydrocarbon adhesive resin and a plasticizer. The adhesive composition according to the present invention can be easily processed due to its low melting point and shows improved adhesive properties such as loop tack, 180° peel strength and holding power.

Abstract: An elastic film material that resists the propagation of a tear. The film material includes an SEEPS elastomeric block copolymer and has a time to break of at least 10 hours. The elastomeric block copolymer has a Tm of between about 10° C. and 20° C.

Abstract: There are provided a rubber composition simultaneously improving low loss factor and wear resistance as compared with the conventional ones as well as a tire using such a rubber composition. The invention lies in a rubber composition using a modified conjugated diene rubber and being excellent in the low loss factor and wear resistance as well as a tire. The rubber composition of the invention is formed by compounding a filler to a rubber component containing (A) a modified conjugated diene rubber having a cis-bond content in conjugated diene portion of not less than 87% and a vinyl bond content of not more than 2% and containing a functional group reactive with a filler and (B) a modified polymer having a modifying functional group number per 1 molecule of an unmodified polymer of not less than 0.6.

Abstract: An elastomeric, non-aqueous coating composition that includes biobased materials in a solvent system for application to the exterior surface of a structure. The coating composition includes at least one tackifier, a block copolymer, at least one biobased material, and an organic solvent system. The coating composition has a VOC content of less than 250 g/L.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition comprising in combination a polycarbonate, an impact modifier composition comprising ABS or BABS, a second impact modifier different from BABS or ABS, an aromatic vinyl copolymer, and a gel-type low gloss additive, wherein the 60° gloss of the thermoplastic composition is measured to be less than or equal to 11.3 GU on 3 millimeter chips having a textured surface when measured according to ASTM D2457, and wherein a molded sample of the thermoplastic composition has a low temperature notched Izod impact at ?40° C. of at least 30 KJ/m2 when measured according to ISO 180/1A is disclosed. The composition has low gloss and a significantly improved balance of properties.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition comprising in combination a polycarbonate, a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer, an impact modifier composition comprising ABS or BABS, a second impact modifier different from BABS or ABS, an aromatic vinyl copolymer, and optionally a gel-type low gloss additive, wherein the 60° gloss of the thermoplastic composition is measured to be less than or equal to 14 GU on 3 millimeter chips having a textured surface when measured according to ASTM D2457, and wherein a molded sample of the thermoplastic composition has a low temperature notched Izod impact at ?40° C. of at least 65 KJ/m2 when measured according to ISO 180/1A is disclosed. The composition has low gloss, high low temperature impact, and a significantly improved balance of properties.