Abstract: A joint sealing tape preferably has the following composition in mass %: 35 to 36% of a premix comprising 73 to 75% of a soft grade of bitumen, 18 to 19% rubber and 7 to 8% of comminuted tire rubber; 31 to 32% of a soft ge of bitumen; 19 to 20% ground slate; 11 to 12% cellulose powder; and 2% silicon dioxide.

Abstract: Product and method for making an asphaltic emulsion enjoying the weather-resistant and durability advantages of a fully-oxidized asphaltic base. Preferred compositions according to the invention comprise a fully-oxidized asphalt having a softening point of between about 110.degree. F. and about 160.degree. F. and a slurry, the slurry comprising water, a colloidal clay (preferably bentonite clay), barium chloride, and citric acid. Optionally sodium dichromate, fillers such as cellulose fibers, and biocidal agents are added as well. The method for making such asphalts comprises oxidation of a flux asphalt in an air still, preparation of the slurry, and combination of the oxidized asphalt and the slurry in a high speed mixing machine such as a colloidal mill.

Abstract: Process and composition for styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer modified asphalt mixtures for use in roofing, sealing, paving, and waterproofing membranes. Powdered and pelletized SEBS is added to oxidized or unoxidized asphalt flux in high-shear processes, and is applied in hot and ambient uses such as cutbacks and emulsions, with or without added fillers, fibers, or other additives.

Abstract: A rubber composition obtained by recycling scrap material and adapted for use as raw material for manufacturing products for building, automobile accessory, and footwear industries possibly as a replacement for wood, zinc sheet, fiber cement, plastic and any other rigid or semirigid material. The composition includes from about 66% to about 77% of particles of ground tires having a size between about 18 and about 30 microns, from about 15% to about 22% of particles of ground plastic material having a size between about 18 and about 30 microns, and from about 8% to about 12% of a solution of acid with toluene or methyl isobutyl ketone. The acid may be lactic acid, phosphoric acid or formic acid. The percentage of acid in the solution by volume is from about 12% to about 50% and the percentages of toluene or methyl isobutyl ketone in the solution by volume is from about 50% to about 88%.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a bitumen composition comprising blowing a mixture with an oxygen-containing gas which mixture comprises a bitumen having a penetration of at least 300 dmm (as measured by ASTM D 5 at 25.degree. C.), a thermoplastic rubber which is present in an amount of less than 10% w, and a bitumen blowing catalyst which is present in an amount in the range of from 1 to 3% w, both based on total mixture; and bitumen compositions obtainable by such process.

Abstract: Process and composition for styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer modified asphalt mixtures for use in roofing, sealing, paving, and waterproofing membranes. A plasticized SEBS compound is added to oxidized or unoxidized asphalt flux in either low-shear or high-shear processes, and is applied in hot and ambient uses such as cutbacks and emulsions, with or without added fillers, fibers, or other additives.

Abstract: Disclosed are a curable composition, a cured article therefrom having improved properties, an asphalt emulsion, an asphalt mixture for paving, and a cured article prepared therefrom having an excellent water permeability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bitumen composition comprising a bitumen component, a thermoplastic rubber in an amount of less than 8 % wt, and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer in an amount of less than 5 % wt, both based on total bitumen composition, wherein the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer has a vinyl content in the range of from 20 to 35% wt, based on copolymer; a process for preparing such bitumen composition; and the use of such bitumen compositions in asphalt mixtures for road applications.

Abstract: Functionalized elastomer/bitumen compositions with a broad plasticity range are produced by contacting a bitumen or bitumen mixture with an elastomer, a functionalizing agent and optionally a peroxide compound at 100.degree.-230.degree. C. under stirring conditions. The funtionalizing agent is a thiolcarboxylic acid having 3 or more carbon atoms, a thiolcarboxylic acid ester and specifically a disulphide having carboxylic groupings or carboxylic esters. The compositions may be used either directly or in diluted form to produce bitumous binders for making road surfacings, coated materials and sealing coatings.

Abstract: Bitumen/polymer compositions with a broadened plasticity range are produced by contacting a bitumen or bitumen mixture with a sulphur-cross-linkable elastomer and a sulphur-donating coupling agent, at 100.degree.-230.degree. C. and under stirring conditions, to produce a cross-linked bitumen/polymer composition, then adding to the composition, maintained at 100.degree.-232.degree. C. and under stirring conditions, an acidic additive selected from polyphosphoric acids, acids of formula R--(COO).sub.t --SO.sub.3 H wherein t=0 or 1 and R is a monovalent hydrocarbyl radical having up to 12 carbon atoms, and mixtures of both types of acid separately or jointly with sulphuric acid, and maintaining the resulting reaction medium at 100.degree.-230.degree. C. and under stirring conditions for at least ten minutes. The bitumen/polymer compositions may be used directly or in diluted form to produce bituminous binders for making road surfaces, coated materials or sealing coatings.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a bitumen-polymer composition which comprises(a) producing at a temperature of between 100.degree. C. and 230.degree. C., a mixture of(i) a bitumen(ii) a linear block copolymer of styrene and a conjugated diene, the block copolymer being used in a quantity of from 0.5% to 25% by weight of bitumen and having a weight-average molecular weight of between 170,000 and 250,000 and a structure of A-B-A with A denoting a polymer block consisting of a polystyrene block which may be extended on the B side by a random copolymer of styrene and of the conjugated diene and B denoting a polymer block consisting of conjugated diene units, and(iii) a coupling agent containing at least one sulphur-donor compound and used in an amount to provide a quantity of sulphur representing, by weight, 0.1% to 10% of the weight of the linear block copolymer of styrene and conjugated diene; and(b) keeping the mixture thus produced at a temperature of between 100.degree. C. and 230.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a bitumen composition which comprises mixing at an elevated temperature an oxidised bitumen having a penetration index of at least 0 with a thermoplastic rubber which is present in an amount of less than 5% wt., based on total bitumen composition; bitumen compositions obtainable by such process; and the use of such bitumen compositions in asphalt mixtures for road applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-soluble, acid-groups-containing graft copolymers which are at least partially biodegradable and are based on sugars and monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids and/or phosphonic acids or the salts of said acids as well as optional further monomers. The present invention further relates to a process for producing the graft copolymers at temperatures of up to 200.degree. C. by means of radical polymerization initiators, in that a total mixture of 5-60%-wt. mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, the derivatives thereof or the mixtures thereof, and 95-40%-wt. of a monomer mixture comprising at least one monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, at least one monoethylenically unsaturated sulfonic acid, one monoethylenically unsaturated sulfuric acid ester and/or vinylphosphonic acid or the salts of said acids with monovalent cations, as well as optional further monomers is polymerized.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for synthesizing a styrene-butadiene polymer, which is particularly useful for modifying asphalt to improve force ductility, elastic recovery, toughness and tenacity, by a process which comprises the steps of: (1) continuously charging 1,3-butadiene monomer, an organo lithium compound, a polar modifier and an organic solvent into a first polymerization zone, (2) allowing the 1,3-butadiene monomer to polymerize in said first polymerization zone to a conversion of at least about 90 percent to produce a living polymer solution which is comprised of said organic solvent and living polybutadiene chains having a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 20,000 to about 60,000, (3) continuously withdrawing said living polymer solution from said first reaction zone, (4) continuously charging styrene monomer, divinyl benzene and the living polymer solution being withdrawn from the first polymerization zone into a second polymerization zone, (5) allowing the s

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a bitumen composition comprising blowing a mixture with an oxygen-containing gas which mixture comprises a bitumen having a penetration of less than 300 and a thermoplastic rubber which is present in an amount of less than 5% w, based on total mixture; bitumen compositions obtainable by such process; and the use of such bitumen compositions in asphalt mixtures for road applications.

Abstract: A method of preparing an asphalt emulsion composition comprises mixing an aqueous asphalt emulsion, water, latex rubber, and a solids mix composition comprising reclaimed rubber particles passing through a 40 mesh U.S. series sieve and one or more solid addends selected from the group consisting of a rheological agent, gilsonite, carbon black, surface active clay and polymer fibers, and mixtures thereof and wherein the ratio of latex rubber:rubber particles is between about 1:1 and about 1:10, by weight, respectively, and mixing the components at substantially ambient temperature.

Abstract: Bituminous compositions modified with self-adhesive cold-application polymers generally used for manufacturing of watertight panels, said compositions comprising a mixture containing a rubbery styrene-diene polymeric mixture, one or more tackifying resins, and bitumen.

Abstract: A functionalized elastomer is provided which is of the type containing a substrate elastomer, having a weight-average molecular mass (Mw).sub.0 of between 10,000 and 600,000 daltons and a polydispersity index of less than 5, onto which are grafted, in an amount representing 0.1 to 10% by weight of the substrate, sequences carrying carboxyl or ester functional groups, wherein its weight-average molecular Mw is such that the ratio ##EQU1## is less than 20% and the sequences grafted onto the substrate correspond to the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 denotes an (x+z+1)-valent C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 hydrocarbon radical, X represents H or a monovalent C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 hydrocarbon radical R, z is equal to zero or 1 and x is an integer having a value ranging from 1 to 3 with x+z .ltoreq.3. Bitumen/EF compositions useful for making surfacings may be produced by incorporating the EF into a bituminous component.

Abstract: A bituminous composition comprising a bituminous component and a block copolymer composition which comprises at least one of the group consisting of linear triblock copolymers, multi-armed block copolymers, and diblock copolymers, which block copolymers comprise at least one block of a monovinylaromatic hydrocarbon (A) and at least one block of a conjugated diene (B), wherein the block copolymer composition which is present in an amount in the range of from 1 to 10% wt, based on total bituminous composition has a vinyl content of at least 25% by weight, based on the total diene content, and any diblock copolymer (AB) present has an apparent molecular weight in the range of from 60,000 to 100,000.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an asphalt composition prepared from bitumen (asphalt), linear and non-linear copolymers of styrene and butadiene, cross-linking agents, and emulsifiers. The present invention compositions are useful for industrial applications, such as hot-mix and emulsified asphalts used with aggregates for road paving, and repair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-soluble, acid-groups-containing graft copolymers which are at least partially biodegradable and are based on sugars and monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids and/or phosphonic acids or the salts of said acids as well as optional further monomers. The present invention further relates to a process for producing the graft copolymers at temperatures of up to 200.degree. C. by means of radical polymerization initiators, in that a total mixture of 5-60%-wt. mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, the derivatives thereof or the mixtures thereof, and 95-40%-wt. of a monomer mixture comprising at least one monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, at least one monoethylenically unsaturated sulfonic acid, one monoethylenically unsaturated sulfuric acid ester and/or vinylphosphonic acid or the salts of said acids with monovalent cations, as well as optional further monomers is polymerized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an asphalt composition prepared from bitumen (asphalt), linear and non-linear copolymers of styrene and butadiene, and elemental sulphur. The present invention compositions are useful for industrial applications, such as hot mix asphalts used with aggregates for road paving, and repair.

Abstract: Non-gellable, high temperature storage-stable bitumen/polymer compositions are provided and which are produced by stirring a sulphur-cross-linkable elastomer, an antigelling adjuvant and a sulphur-donating coupling agent into a bitumen or bitumen mixture at 100.degree.-230.degree. C. The antigelling adjuvant has the formula R--X wherein R is a C.sub.2-50 monovalent organic radical and X is a carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid or phosphoric acid group. The bitumen-polymer compositions may be used directly or in diluted form in a bitumen or bitumen mixture to form bitumen/polymer binders for producing road surfaces, coating materials or sealing materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing non-blocking slats of normally tacky amorphous propylene copolymers. The process entails coextruding the normally tacky amorphous propylene copolymer with a low viscosity polyolefin such as a polyethylene wax forming a core of amorphous propylene copolymer covered with a sheath of polyethylene wax. The coextruded article is cooled, cut (while exposing less than 40 percent of the core) and then coated with a non-tacky powder; thereby, forming non-blocking slats. Disclosed is also a novel amorphous propylene copolymer composition containing no more than 90 weight percent propylene and up to 70 weight percent of an alpha olefin comonomer having a needle penetration greater than 70 to less than 100 dmm at 23.degree. C. and a Brookfield Thermosel Viscosity below 1000 cP at 190.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for improving the storage stability of a polymer-modified bituminous composition, which comprises using as a compatibilizing agent a bis(nitroaryl) disulphide and/or nitroaryl aryl disulphide. The invention further provides a polymer-modified bituminous composition comprising such a compatibilizing agent.

Abstract: A bituminous composition comprising a bituminous component and a radial block copolymer of styrene and butadiene which has the generalized formula:(B.sub.1 --S--B.sub.2).sub.n --Ywherein B.sub.1 is a block of polybutadiene having a weight average molecular weight of from 2000 to 8000, S is a block of polystyrene having a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 30,000, B.sub.2 is a block of polybutadiene having a weight average molecular weight of from 40,000 to 100,000, Y is a multifunctional coupling agent, and n is an integer from 3 to 6.

Abstract: An improved asphalt composition is provided with the addition of a graft copolymer resin comprising a rubbery polymeric substrate and a rigid polymeric superstrate. A preferred graft copolymer resin is acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin. Preferred compositions have increased temperature range performance and/or decreased penetration values as compared to the same compositions not containing the graft copolymer resins. The asphalt compositions may optionally contain a vulcanized rubber, preferably obtained from scrap tires.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved bitumen compositions including:(A) 100 parts of bitumen(B) 0.1 to 10 parts of a copolymer of an alpha-olefin, of an unsaturated epoxide and of an ester of unsaturated carboxylic acid(C) 0.1 to 10 parts of a copolymer of an alpha-olefin and of an ester of unsaturated carboxylic acid,(D) 0 to 10 parts of a thermoplastic elastomer(E) 0 to 10 parts of a polymer which is reactive with (B)(F) 0 to 10 parts of an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer.These bitumens are stable when stored and resist rutting.

Abstract: A floor covering having a bitumen composition as a backing layer, such as carpet tiles, which bitumen composition comprises straight run bitumen and a mixture of high density and low density polyethylene polymers blended and dispersed in the straight run bitumen as a continuous phase in an amount of up to about 12% by weight and which bitumen composition contains a minimum of about 40% by weight of a mineral filler material, such as limestone, and the bitumen composition having improved dimensional stability, adhesion, static loading and electrical conductivity and having lower cost and processing advantages.

Abstract: An asphalt-polymer composition containing:a) at least 25 to 97 wt % of an asphalt,b) at least 1 to 25 wt % of a polymer, andc) at least 2 to 50 wt % of aromatic compound(s),whereinthe aromatic compound(s) is present in an amount greater than 2 wt %,the at least one aromatic compound(s) and the polymer are present in amounts such that the ratio of amount present of aromatic compound to amount present of polymer is from 0.5 to 10, andthe composition has a FRAASS point of less than or equal to -13.degree. C. and a storage stability defined by a".DELTA. ring-and-ball" and a ".DELTA. penetrability" of less than or equal to 5. Also a process for preparing such asphalt-polymer composition including mixing the asphalt, the polymer and the aromatic compound at a temperature from 190.degree. to 300.degree. C. for a period of time preferably exceeding 30 minutes. The asphalt-polymer composition can be used as a road asphalt, emulsion or surface coating.

Abstract: An asphalt blend is presented in which asphalt is blended with a phenolic tar. The phenolic tar is primarily cumyl phenol and phenolic materials having a molecular weight of between about 300 and 1000. The tar is obtained as the bottoms product of a phenol heavy ends separation process and may also include phenol and acetophenone. A process for preparing this blend is also presented.

Abstract: Coating compositions comprising aluminum pigment, neoprene latex asphalt emulsion, at least one surfactant for reducing reaction of the aluminum pigment with water and with the neoprene latex, at least one organic solvent, and water. The compositions are formed by providing an aluminum pigment mixture comprising aluminum pigment, the surfactant and the organic solvent, providing an aqueous neoprene latex asphalt emulsion and mixing the pigment mixture and the aqueous neoprene latex asphalt emulsion to form the coating composition. The compositions are suitable for coating a variety of surfaces, particularly roof structures and the like.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the preparation of storage stable asphalt-polymer blends, comprising:a. contacting sulfur with asphalt; andb. contacting a polymer with the sulfur-asphalt mixture under conditions such that a compatible and homogeneous polymer-asphalt blend is formed.The process of the invention allows the preparation of compatible asphalt-polymer blends that are more stable while utilizing a more cost efficient, faster process and still maintaining the desired physical properties of good weatherability and creep resistance.

Abstract: A composite material is provided comprising an elastomer, from about 0.1 wt % to about 15 wt. % of a layered mineral based on the weight of the total composition and from about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of asphalt based on the weight of the total composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making storage-stable road paving binders by blending a minor amount of an unsaturated polymer (e.g., having at least one diene monomer) with a major amount of asphalt at an elevated temperature such that the components are sufficiently fluid to blend; treating the asphalt-polymer blend with a sulfonating agent; and stripping the treated asphalt-polymer blend at an elevated temperature with sufficient stripping gas to remove strippable sulfur moieties and to stabilize the resulting stripped, treated blend. The invention also provides asphaltic compositions made by the method. The asphaltic compositions are useful as binders in road paving applications.

Abstract: A new stable liquid suspension of a non soluble particulate material, and a method of preparation of same are provided. Such compositions comprise at least one oil, one oil soluble resin and a non oil soluble particulate material mixed together In the appropriate quantities and conditions.

Abstract: Bitumen/polymer compositions with a broadened plasticity range are produced by stirring together a bitumen or bitumen mixture and a sulphur-cross-linkable elastomer as well as a sulphur-donating coupling agent at 100.degree.-230.degree. C. to give a cross-lined bitumen/polymer composition, stirring an acid or acid anhydride inorganic admixture into the composition at 100.degree.-230.degree. C., and maintaining the resulting reaction medium at 100.degree.-230.degree. C. while stirring for at least 20 minutes. Such bitumen/polymer compositions may be used directly or in dilute form to provide bituminous binders for road surfaces, coated materials and sealing coatings.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a bitumen-polymer composition which comprises(a) producing at a temperature of between 100.degree. C. and 230.degree. C., a mixture of(i) a bitumen;(ii) a linear block copolymer of styrene and a conjugated diene, the block copolymer being used in a quantity of from 0.5% to 25% by weight of bitumen and having a weight-average molecular weight of between 170,00 and 250,000 and a structure of A-B with A denoting a polymer block consisting of a polystyrene block which may be extended on the B side by a random copolymer of styrene and of the conjugated. diene and B denoting a polymer block consisting of conjugated diene units, and(iii) a coupling agent containing at least one sulphur-donor compound and used in an amount to provide a quantity of sulphur representing, by weight, 0.1% to 10% of the weight of the liner block copolymer of styrene and conjugated diene; and(b) keeping the mixture thus produced at a temperature of between 100.degree. C. and 230.degree. C.

Abstract: A thermosetting asphalt product includes a blend of an asphalt and an epoxy-functionalized polymer, the epoxy-functionalized polymer being present in an amount within the range of from about 4 to about 30 percent of the combination of asphalt and epoxy-functionalized polymer, where the epoxy-functionalized polymer forms a continuous phase within the asphalt product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bituminous compositions comprising oxidized bitumen and styrene-conjugated diene block copolymers for the manufacture of soundproofing materials. The use of said materials for the automotive soundproofing is also concerned.

Abstract: A process for preparing a homogenous asphalt composition includes introducing distillation tower bottoms at a temperature of about 425.degree.-470.degree. F. to a vessel through which air is flowing at about 6-15 psi pressure, introducing ground tire rubber to the vessel and bombarding the distillation tower bottoms and ground tire rubber with the air until the mixture is completely and stably homogenized, and recovering the homogenized asphalt composition. The homogenized asphalt composition is a two-component composition of distillation tower bottoms and ground tire rubber abrasively absorbed therein.

Abstract: A pavement rejuvenating and/or conditioning composition in which particular coal tar derivatives and other optional ingredients are supplemented with an elastomeric constituent. A rejuvenating or conditioning composition containing an elastomer will reliably hold in place a top layer of fine aggregate, whereas a rejuvenating or conditioning composition without elastomer does not, and also allows for early restoration of traffic, prompt resistance to rain, and good repair and wear resistance of and in the pavement to be maintained. The elastomer is preferably acrylonitrile-butadiene polymer although other polymers can also be substituted including natural and nitrile-rubbers, polyorganosiloxane and, less preferably, styrene-butadiene, neoprene- and polybutadiene polymers.

Abstract: A method of producing formable material of dissimilar polymers and the amalgamated product produced thereby in which mixed thermoplastic polymers have a small percentage of blown asphalt combined therewith, the asphalt acting somewhat as a flux to promote commingling and amalgamation of the polymers during processing to form a product as in extrusion and injection molding operations.

Abstract: A bituminous mixture having improved physical properties is obtained by adding to a bitumen a polyphosphoric acid (I) containing phosphorus, calculated as P.sub.2 O.sub.5, in amount from 80% to 87% by weight, and a polymer composition (II) comprising (A) a propylene homopolymer or copolymer, (B) optionally an ethylene copolymer fraction insoluble in xylene at ambient temperature and (C) a copolymer fraction soluble in xylene at ambient temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of making storage stable road paving binders by blending a minor amount of a polymer having at least one diene monomer with a major amount of asphalt containing at least 0.3% by weight of total nitrogen at an elevated temperature such that the components are sufficiently fluid to blend; treating the asphalt-polymer blend using not more than 250 meq of a sulfonating agent per 100 g of asphalt-polymer blend to introduce the corresponding acid functionality into the blend; maintaining the sulfonated asphalt-polymer blend at a sufficiently elevated temperature and stripping the sulfonated blend with sufficient chemically unreactive gas to remove a major fraction of the acid functionality introduced by sulfonation. The invention also provides for the compositions made by the process. These are useful as binders in road paving applications.

Abstract: A rubber modified asphalt for use as a paving compound is formed by reacting very fine ground particulate rubber with paving grade asphalt and mixing the combination at between 300 and 400 degrees F. The resulting mixture reacts fully within 25 minutes or less to form a freely pouring mixture; the reacted mixture can be held at normal asphalt working temperatures for at least 96 hours without degradation.

Abstract: A flame retardant asphalt material useful for the processing and formation of a roofing membrane includes from about 40 to about 50 parts by weight of asphalt; from about 10 to about 20 parts by weight of a copolymer; from 0 to about 5 parts by weight of polypropylene homopolymer having at least about 45 percent by weight of crystallinity; from about 10 to about 40 parts by weight of a functional filler having a decomposition temperature above the processing temperature of the material; from about 0 to about 15 parts by weight of a non-functional filler; and, from about 0.5 to about 10 parts by weight of an intumescent material.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of bitumen-polymer compositions wherein bitumen is mixed at a composition between 100.degree. C. and 230.degree. C. with a block copolymer of styrene and a conjugated diene and a coupling agent containing a sulphur-donor compound for a duration of at least 10 minutes. The coupling agent is comprised of an elementary sulphur vulcanization agent and at least one sulphur-donor vulcanization accelerator from among morpholine disulphide, N,N'-disulphide of caprolactam and thiuram polysulphides.

Abstract: Blended polymer compositions are disclosed comprising an admixture of (a) a copolymer of ethylene and an alphaolefin and (b) an amorphous polypropylene, and/or amorphous polyolefin, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A bituminous composition comprising a compatible bituminous component and a completely non-tapered radial block copolymer of a conjugated diolefin and a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon wherein the polymer has from 3 to 6 arms, a molecular weight of from 150,000 to 400,000, a coupling efficiency of at least 95 percent, and a polyvinyl aromatic hydrocarbon blockiness of at least 98.5%.