Abstract: A hydrogel having a floatability where from 40% to 90% of a solution and/or suspension to be thickened are thickened starting from the surface of the liquid and the rest of the solution and/or suspension to be thickened is thickened starting from the bottom of the container, a process for preparing the hydrogel and also its use for absorbing blood and/or body fluids, especially in hygiene articles, or for thickening aqueous solutions and/or suspensions, especially for thickening medical wastes.

Abstract: A golf ball material composed of (A) an olefin-containing thermoplastic polymer having an acid content of at least 0.5 wt % but less than 5.0 wt %, (B) a resin composition which includes one or more selected from the group consisting of diene polymers, thermoplastic polymers and thermoset polymers, and (C) an oxygen-containing inorganic metal compound has a good thermal stability, flow and processability, making it suitable for injection molding. The golf ball material is ideal for the production of high-performance golf balls endowed with durability, scuff resistance and optimal hardness without a loss of rebound in the molded article.

Abstract: Provided is a styrene-based resin-containing composition including (A) a polymer saponified product which is obtained by saponifying an ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer with potassium and has a potassium ion concentration in the range of 0.1 to 5.8 mol/kg, in an amount of 2 parts by mass or more and less than 100 parts by mass, and (B) a styrene-based resin, in an amount of more than 0 parts by mass and 98 parts by mass or less, the composition having a potassium ion concentration of 0.002 to 5.8 mol/kg.

Abstract: A method of producing an enlarged rubber that includes mixing 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of a condensed acid salt (B) and 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of the solid fraction of an acid group-containing copolymer latex (C) with 100 parts by mass of the solid fraction of a rubber-like polymer latex (A). A graft copolymer obtained by polymerization in the presence of an enlarged rubber obtained by the above production method, a thermoplastic resin composition containing the graft copolymer, and a molded item obtained by molding the thermoplastic resin composition. The acid group-containing copolymer latex (C) is a latex of an acid group-containing copolymer obtained by polymerizing, within water, a monomer mixture containing 5 to 30% by mass of an acid group-containing monomer and 95 to 70% by mass of an unsaturated carboxylate ester-based monomer.

Abstract: Ferromagnetic multi-block copolymers of the sort which can be used to provide high-density, highly ordered thin films, composites and related articles.

Abstract: A method for preparing acid-containing polymers by reacting them in the presence of end-capped polyols or amines in the presence of phosphorous-containing compounds.

Abstract: The process of the present invention is directed toward conducting highly selective, high yield post polymerization reactions on polymers to prepare functionalized polymers. An embodiment of the present invention comprises conducting click chemistry reactions on polymers. Preferably, the polymers were prepared by controlled polymerization processes. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention comprise processes for the preparation of polymers comprising conducting a click chemistry reaction on a functional group attached to a polymer, wherein the polymer has a molecular weight distribution of less than 2.0. The functional polymers may be prepared by converting an attached functional unit on the polymer thereby providing site specific functional materials, site specific functional materials comprising additional functionality, or chain extended functional materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a molded polymer material which is obtained by subjecting a polymer composition that includes (A) at least one polymer containing ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, (B) at least one diene polymer, (C) at least one metal cation source, and (D) at least one organic peroxide, and has a chemical structure arrived at by neutralizing some or all of the carboxyl groups in component A with component C in the presence of component B, to molding and crosslinking under the influence of radicals generated by decomposing component D. The molded polymer material has a high resilience, a high hardness and a good durability, making it well-suited for use in golf balls.

Abstract: The present invention is an antistatic acrylic fiber which comprises 90 to 99% by weight of acrylonitrile polymer containing 80 to 100% by weight of acrylonitrile as a constituting component and 10 to 1% by weight of acrylic antistatic resin containing 10 to 70% by weight of acrylonitrile as a constituting component, characterized in that alkali metal ion is contained in an amount of not less than 150 ppm to the fiber. The acrylic fiber of the present invention has antistatic property which does not lower so much even if the fiber is subjected to a spinning and dyeing step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a metallized substrate, comprising the steps consisting in: grafting onto said substrate a compound of polymer type optionally bearing a group that is capable of chelating at least one metal ion; placing said compound of polymer type that is capable of chelating at least one metal ion in contact with at least one metal ion, and subjecting the compound of polymer type to conditions for reducing said chelated metal ion(s), and repeating the chelation/reduction steps until a metallized substrate is obtained. The present invention also relates to the substrate obtained during this process and to the uses thereof.

Abstract: A polyol-crosslinkable fluororubber composition comprises 100 parts by weight of polyol-crosslinkable fluororubber; 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a perfluoroalkane represented by the general formula F(CF2)2nF (n: 5˜30), a 1H-perfluoroalkane represented by the general formula F(CF2)mH (m: 10˜30), or a mixture thereof; 0.5 to 2 parts by weight of basic magnesium aluminum hydroxycarbonate hydrate; and 1 to 5 parts by weight of an acid acceptor compound excluding Ca compounds.

Abstract: Thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer obtained by dynamic vulcanization of a heterophasic polyolefin composition in presence of at least (i) an alkenyl-substituted alkoxysilane grafting agent and (ii) water; wherein said heterophasic polyolefin composition has flexural modulus equal to or lower than 150 MPa, and comprises: (a) a crystalline propylene homopolymer or copolymer of propylene with up to 15% of ethylene or other alpha-olefin comonomer(s), or their combinations, and (b) a copolymer or a composition of copolymers of ethylene with other alpha-olefins, containing from 15% to 40% of ethylene, said thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer having compression set values in the range from 45-65%, the ratio of elongation at break to compression set values over 10 and hardness shore A values below 90.

Abstract: A water-absorbing agent according to the present invention includes water-absorbent resin particles having an internal cross-linked structure, wherein a vicinity of a surface of the water-absorbent resin particle is cross-linked with a surface cross-linking agent, and the water-absorbent resin particle has therein a sea-island structure having (i) part containing a first water-soluble multivalent metal salt such as aluminum sulfate and (ii) part not containing the first water-soluble multivalent metal salt. With this arrangement, it is possible to provide a water-absorbing agent having less water-soluble component content, more excellent liquid permeability, and more excellent water retention under pressure than the conventional water-absorbing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a substantially hydrogenated vinyl aromatic/conjugated diene block copolymer, which has a hydrogenation level of greater than 90 percent. The resulting substantially hydrogenated vinyl aromatic/conjugated diene block copolymer has advantageous physical properties suitable for use in discs, optical films, light guide plates, etc.

Abstract: A sodium/zinc mixed ionomer comprises carboxylate groups and a combination of counterions that consists essentially of sodium cations and zinc cations. The sodium/zinc mixed ionomer is the neutralization product of a precursor acid copolymer. The precursor acid copolymer comprises copolymerized units of an ?-olefin and an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, and it has a melt flow rate of about 10 to about 4000 g/10 min. In addition, the precursor acid copolymer, when neutralized to a level of about 40% to about 90%, and when comprising counterions that consist essentially of sodium ions, produces a sodium ionomer that has a freeze enthalpy that is not detectable or that is less than about 3.0 j/g, when determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Further provided are articles comprising or prepared from the sodium/zinc mixed ionomer.

Abstract: A flame retardant thermoplastic composition comprising in combination a polycarbonate component; an impact modifier composition, the components of the impact modifier composition comprising a) a bulk polymerized ABS, and b) an impact modifier different from the ABS; an ungrafted rigid copolymer; and a flame retardant. The compositions have an improved balance of physical properties such as impact strength and flow, while at the same time maintaining their good flame performance.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a compatibilizing agent for a polymer alloy, which can increase the compatibility with a variety of polymers; a polymer alloy using the compatibilizing agent; and master batch for a polymer alloy. Specifically disclosed is a compatibilizing agent which is used for the preparation of a polymer alloy by blending at least one polymer (A) selected from the group consisting of a polyphenylene sulfide, a polyphenylene ether and a polyamide with a polymer (B) of a different type from the polymer (A) at such a ratio that the amount of the polymer (A) blended is the same as or more than that of the polymer (B). The compatibilizing agent comprises a nanosheet-shaped layered titanic acid which is produced by intercalate an organic basic compound between the layers of a layered titanic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block copolymer prepared by ATRP, wherein the polymer chain terminal group is structurally modified with the functionally effective group of a lubricant or polymer additive selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, metal deactivators, antiwear and extreme pressure additives and corrosion inhibitors. The invention also relates to a composition comprising the structurally modified block copolymer and a composition of matter subject to oxidative, thermal or light induced degradation, such as lubricants or polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a novel thermoplastic material and a golf ball utilizing the thermoplastic material of the invention. The golf ball (10) preferably comprises a core (12), a cover (16) and, optionally, a boundary layer (14). At least one of the core (12), cover (16) or boundary layer (14) of the golf ball (10) comprises a thermoplastic material according to the invention. A thermoplastic material of the invention comprises a partially to highly neutralized blend of an acid copolymer, a copolymer comprising a metallocene-catalyzed alpha-olefin and a softening comonomer, and a fatty acid or fatty acid salt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition which comprises or consists essentially of a high melt index ethylene acid copolymer comprising monomer units derived from ethylene, an alkyl (meth)acrylate, a (meth)acrylic acid, and an optional comonomer. Also disclosed is a composition comprising the ethylene acid copolymer crosslinked with a polyamine, a polyvalent metal salt, or combinations thereof. Also disclosed is a solution of the ethylene acid copolymer which can be used for solutions application to substrates.

Abstract: A subject for the invention is to provide a method of refractive index regulation by which the refractive index of an optical polymer molding can be efficiently changed without necessitating a complicated step, such as the step of oxidizing beforehand, and which when used for producing an optical device, imparts excellent transparency thereto. Another subject is to provide a photochemically refractive-index-changing polymer or photochemically refractive-index-changing polymer composition for use in the method.

Abstract: A flame retardant thermoplastic composition comprising in combination a polycarbonate component; an impact modifier composition, the components of the impact modifier composition comprising a) a bulk polymerized ABS, and b) an impact modifier different from the ABS; and a flame retardant. The compositions have an improved balance of physical properties such as impact strength and flow, while at the same time maintaining their good flame performance.

Abstract: A golf ball material composed of (A) an oxygen-containing inorganic metal compound in the form of a particulate or a master batch capable of neutralizing at least some of the acid groups in an acid-containing polymer blend, (B) one or more polymer selected from among diene polymers, thermoplastic polymers and thermoset polymers, and (C) an acid-containing polymer is prepared by mixing component A in a blend of components B and C. The golf ball material has a good heat resistance, flowability and processability, and can be used to produce high-performance golf balls having durability, scuff resistance and optimal hardness without a loss of rebound.

Abstract: A compatibilizer including a first portion compatible with a fluoropolymer and a second portion compatible with a polyolefin. Compatibilized compositions comprising a polyolefin, a fluoropolymer, and a compatibilizer are also disclosed. Methods for forming both the compatibilizer and the blends contained in the compatibilizer are described. The compatibilized compositions of the present invention exhibit desired mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation. The flame retarded compatibilized blends exhibit desirable dielectric properties, are flame resistant and exhibit low smoke emission.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer/metal nano-composite. The nano-composite includes at least one copolymer chain having alkenyl monomer units and maleimide monomer units, and a nano-sized metal or inorganic crystal. It also provides a method of producing nano-sized metal/inorganic crystals in pure form. These nano-composites and nano-crystals can be useful as polymer fillers, tire rubber compounds, semiconductors, nano-magnets, catalysts, and quantum dots etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is the preparation of compositions which are blends of certain types of hydrogenated ethylene-dicyclopentadiene (E/DCPD) copolymers in combination with elastomeric polymers. An E/DCPD copolymer and an elastomeric polymer are co-dissolved in a common liquid reaction medium which is then subjected to hydrogenation conditions. These hydrogenation conditions serve to hydrogenate in-situ at least a portion of the residual double bonds of the E/DCPD copolymer component and possibly also eliminate any residual unsaturation which might be present in the elastomeric polymers. This combination of materials which has been hydrogenated in-situ can then be co-precipitated to form a polymer composition which can be molded into polyolefin materials of improved structural, thermal and mechanical properties with desirable impact resistance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one layer, such as a center, a cover layer, or an intermediate layer, which is formed from a polymer composition comprising at least 25 wt %, based on the total polymeric weight of the polymer composition, of an acid polymer having acid groups, wherein at least 90% of the acid groups are neutralized. The polymer composition also comprises at least 10 wt %, based on the total polymeric weight of the polymer composition, of a non-fatty acid melt flow modifier selected from polyesters, polyacrylates, polyurethanes, polyethers, thermoplastic polyureas, and combinations thereof. The polymer composition is substantially free of fatty acids and their salts and has a melt flow index of from 0.5 g/10 min to 10.0 g/10 min.

Abstract: Residual monomer in a polymer matrix may be reduced by a method including admixing a polymer matrix comprising an amount of residual monomer and a conjugated diene. This method can be carried out under reaction conditions such that the amount of residual monomer is reduced. The monomer comprises at least one electron withdrawing substituent and the conjugated diene comprises at least one electron donating substituent. This method is particularly useful for reducing the amount of residual styrene monomer in polystyrene homopolymer and copolymer compositions.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions that include: a first component that includes a polymeric adhesive material that is a solid at room temperature; a second component that is a different material than the first component and is a solid at room temperature; and a third component that is a liquid at room temperature. The adhesive compositions are in the form of (i) a liquid dispersion when stored at temperatures from about room temperature up to about 140° F., (ii) a molten blend when heated above about 300° F. and mixed, and (iii) a solid adhesive when the molten blend cools to a temperature below about 140° F. The second component substantially minimizes exuding of the liquid from the solid adhesive.

Abstract: A reactive extrusion process for producing an ionomer is disclosed. The process comprising adding a polymer containing a carboxyl functionality to an extruder, then homogenously melting the polymer in a melting zone of the extruder. A first melt seal zone of the extruder is formed to separate the melting zone from an injection zone where an aqueous solution of metallic ions are added to the molten polymer. The first melt seal zone is formed by increasing the pressure in the melt seal zone to a pressure which is higher than the vapor pressure of the water at any point in the injection zone and the reaction zone. The aqueous solution of metallic ions is then mixed with the polymer containing the carboxyl functionality in a reaction zone of the extruder under conditions such that the metallic ions are substantially reacted with the carboxyl functionality.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for stabilising and at the same time phase compatibilising plastics or plastic compositions by incorporating polymeric compounds obtainable by reacting a compound selected from the group consisting of the sterically hindered phenols, sterically hindered amines, lactones, sulfides, phosphites, benzotriazoles, benzophenones and 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazines, which compounds contain at least one reactive group, with a compatibilisator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine. The method comprises forming a reaction mixture comprising at least one substituted or unsubstituted phenolphthalein, at least one substituted or unsubstituted primary hydrocarbyl amine, and an acid catalyst; and heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of less than 180° C. to remove a distillate comprising water and form a crude 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine product; where the 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine has a formula: where R1 is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen and a hydrocarbyl group, and R2 is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl group, and a halogen.

Abstract: A surface protecting adhesive film for a semiconductor wafer in which an adhesive layer is formed on one surface of a base film, wherein the adhesive layer comprises 100 weight parts of a polymer (A) having a functional group capable of reacting with a cross-linking agent and a temperature in a range of from ?50° C. to 5° C. at which tan ? of a dynamic viscoelasticity is maximized, from 10 weight parts to 100 weight parts of a polymer (B) having a functional group capable of reacting with a cross-linking agent and a temperature in a range of from more than 5° C. to 50° C. at which tan ? of a dynamic viscoelasticity is maximized, and from 0.

Abstract: An alkenyl- or crosslinkable silyl-terminated vinyl polymer is provided. Such a functional group is introduced into its terminus at a high ratio, not via sulfur atoms. Those polymers can be prepared by polymerizing a vinyl monomer for obtaining a halogen-terminated vinyl polymer, and then substituting an oxy anion or carbanion having such a functional group for the terminal halogen of said polymer.

Abstract: An olefin thermoplastic elastomer sheet which has the same or similar rubber elasticity, flexibility and molding and processability as those of the conventional olefin thermoplastic elastomer sheets, and is good in mechanical properties and excellent in mar resistance in particular, and a production process thereof, and a laminate having a surface layer composed of this sheet. The olefin thermoplastic elastomer sheet according to the present invention is composed of an elastomer material comprising an olefin random copolymer formed by copolymerizing ethylene, an ?-olefin having 3 to 10 carbon atoms and an unsaturated monomer having a functional group, and optionally a non-conjugated diene, and metal ions crosslinking the olefin random copolymer.

Abstract: A compatibilizer including a first portion compatible with a fluoropolymer and a second portion compatible with a polyolefin. Compatibilized compositions comprising a polyolefin, a fluoropolymer, and a compatibilizer are also disclosed. Methods for forming both the compatibilizer and the blends contained in the compatibilizer are described. The compatibilized compositions of the present invention exhibit desired mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation. The flame retarded compatibilized blends exhibit desirable dielectric properties, are flame resistant and exhibit low smoke emission.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making natural or synthetic latex articles without the use of accelerators, thiurams or carbamates. The method includes making an elastomeric material by mixing a base polymer containing carboxylate groups with a carboxylic acid or derivative thereof, a divalent or trivalent metal, an amine or amino compound, and a neutralizing agent. The elastomeric material is formed into a latex article. The present invention is also directed to a latex article made according to this method. The latex article does not contain any accelerators, thiurams or carbamates.

Abstract: An automotive molding, which is excellent in scratching resistance, has high gloss, and is excellent in weathering resistance. The automotive molding of the invention has a part composed of an elastomer material containing an olefinic random copolymer obtained by copolymerizing ethylene, an ?-olefin having 3 to 10 carbon atoms and an unsaturated monomer having a functional group, and optionally a non-conjugated diene, and a metal ion for crosslinking the olefinic random copolymer.

Abstract: A method for making a polymer blend composition includes combining at least one component A incorporating at least five percent by weight of anionic functional groups in its structure, at least one component B, preferably free of such functional groups, and at least one component C, which is a metal cation. The method allows for greater flexibility in preparation of polymer compositions than methods previously known.

Abstract: A compatible blend of an engineering thermoplastic such as a polyamide and an olefin polymer material is prepared by (1) making an oxidized olefin polymer material containing carboxylic acid groups or derivatives thereof, (2) extruding a mixture of (a) the oxidized olefin polymer material from step (1), (b) an engineering thermoplastic, (c) optionally, an inorganic base, and (d) optionally, a non-oxidized olefin polymer material, and (3) recovering a blend of the engineering thermoplastic, the oxidized olefin polymer material or an ionomer thereof, which acts as a compatibilizer, and, optionally, the non-oxidized olefin polymer material. The oxidized olefin polymer material can be made by treating the olefin polymer material with an organic peroxide initiator while adding a controlled amount of oxygen.

Abstract: Fluoropolymers are prepared by a process comprising polymerizing at least one fluoromonomer in an aqueous reaction medium containing monomer, a radical initiator and a 3-allyloxy-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid salt as surfactant. The medium may optionally contain one or more of an antifoulant, a buffering agent and a chain-transfer agent.

Abstract: Compositions of elastoplastic ionomeric polymers having hardness below 92 points Shore A. comprising polar elastomers (10-45 wt. %), such as polyacrylic and nitrile rubbers, apolar crystalline polyolefins (15-40 wt. %) and elastoplastic polyolefins (25-75 wt. %). These compositions are used for making single-layer and multilayer laminar products that can be bonded by radio-freqeuncy welding, and manufactured articles possessing antistatic properties.

Abstract: A laminated film exhibiting excellent interlayer adhesiveness obtained by extrusion-laminating a resin directly on a polyester film without effecting anchor-coating or without treating the molten film of the extrusion-laminated resin with ozone. The laminated film is obtained by extrusion-laminating, onto the polyester film, an ethylene copolymer containing an unsaturated carboxylic acid and a (meth)acrylic acid ester, which may be further blended with a small amount of an ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer having a density of 840 to 900 kg/m3, the amount of the unsaturated carboxylic acid component being from 1 to 12% by weight and the amount of the (meth)acrylic acid ester component being from 2 to 25% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel golf ball cover composition comprised of a blend of a new metal cation neutralized high acid ionomer resin and an ionomer resin containing an additional comonomer of the acrylate ester class. When the new ionomer resin blend is utilized to manufacture a golf ball, the golf ball produced thereby exhibits an improved combination of distance, playability, and/or durability properties.

Abstract: A golf ball material containing (a) a calcium ion-neutralized olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylate random copolymer having an acid content of 2-12% by weight, and (b) a calcium ion-neutralized olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer having an acid content of 8-15% by weight, in a weight ratio from 100:0 to 40:60, and having a Shore D hardness of 30-60 is effectively moldable and is capable of providing golf balls with excellent rebound energy and a pleasant feel when hit.

Abstract: Polymeric materials that differ from each other in solubility parameters and other properties are covulcanized by reaction with a hydrogenated carboxylated nitrile rubber, a multivalent salt of an organic acid and a curing agent.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising at least a cover layer and a core layer, wherein at least one layer is formed from a blend comprising about 97 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of at least one high acid ionomer resin, about 3 wt. % to less than 15 wt. % of at least one very low modulus ionomer (VLMI) resin, and optionally less than about 70 wt. % of at least one standard ionomer resin.

Abstract: A modified pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) is produced by polymerizing at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer to form a base polymer and reacting the base polymer with a modifying polymer comprising units derived from a n-vinyl lactam to thereby produce a modified polymer. The modified polymer can be used to form modified PSAs having improved adhesion properties over PSAs formed from the unmodified base polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to predispersions of rubber chemicals and to a process for the preparation thereof. The present invention also relates to a novel polymeric composition for dispersing a rubber chemical and to a process for the preparation of said composition.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and two or more outer layers covering said core, wherein the first outer layer is formed mainly from a mixture of a non-ionomer thermoplastic elastomer and an isocyanate compound and the second outer layer is formed mainly from a mixture composed of a resin component consisting of an ionomer resin and a non-ionomer thermoplastic elastomer, a fatty acid and/or a derivative thereof, a metal ion source capable of neutralizing unneutralized acid radicals in the above-mentioned components, and a compound having two or more reactive functional groups and a molecular weight no larger than 20,000, with the first outer layer being contiguous to the second outer layer, which exhibits superior in durability and rebound resilience.