Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomeric compositions and processes for preparing the compositions comprising a blend of polypropylene, styrene-ethylene butylene-styrene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer elastomer, linear low density polyethylene, peroxide crosslinking agent and a crosslinking coagent. The peroxide crosslinking agent and crosslinking coagent provide a crosslinking system. The compositions improve melt strength and increase resistance to flow and tear. The composition may further comprise mineral oil, antioxidant, colorant, a processing aid and stabilizer and mixtures thereof. The processes for preparing thermoplastic elastomeric compositions are particularly useful in microcellular injection molding to form articles with improved surface characteristics.

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 composition for sealants and films comprising polymers (A-b), (B-b) and from 0 to 50% by weight (C-b) is taught. Polymer (A-b) contains 10 to 70% by weight of an ethylene/?-olefin polymer having a ?-olefin content of 7 to 30 mol %, a density of 0.850 to 0.900 g/cm3 and a melt flow rate (MFR-A), at 190° C., of 0.1 to 10 g/10 min. Polymer (B-b) contains 10 to 80 wt % propylene polymer with a melt flow rate (MFR-B), at 230° C., of 0.5 to 100 g/10 min. Polymer (C-b) contains an ethylene polymer having a density of 0.900 to 0.960 g/cm3. The ratio of MFR-B to MFR-A is 3 to 500.

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: The present invention provides: a production process for a basic water-absorbent resin to be a main component of a water-absorbing agent which exhibits an excellent water absorption capacity under a load with high productivity; a production process for a water-absorbing agent; and use thereof. The production process for an irregular shape basic water-absorbent resin comprises the step of reacting a basic resin and a crosslinking agent in order to obtain the basic water-absorbent resin, with the process forwarding a crosslinking reaction and pulverizing the resultant product at the same time. The first production process for a water-absorbing agent comprises the step of blending an acidic water-absorbent resin with the basic water-absorbent resin obtained by the above-mentioned process.

Abstract: A polymer blend is described which contains at least one acrylic resin or vinyl resin having at least one ionic or ionizable group and at least one thermoplastic fluoropolymer. Preferably, the polymer blend is an intimate blend of the two polymers which are useful in a variety of applications including in the formation of a membrane which is useful in batteries and fuel cells and the like. Methods of making the polymer blends are also described.

Abstract: Compositions comprising (A) non-branched polybutadiene having terminal hydroxyl functionality less than 2 per molecule by average; and (B) branched polybutadiene having terminal hydroxyl functionality more than 2 per molecule by average; the weight ratio of (A) to (B) being about 99:1 to 1:99. These compositions are reacted with organic polyisocyanates to form prepolymers which are cured by reaction with a chain extender such as a diol to produce cured resins which exhibit unexpectedly improved tear strength properties and themoplasticity with high modulus, and improved tackiness and shelf life for hot melt adhesives. The prepolymers have lower viscosity and better storage stability as compared with those from conventional branched polybutadienes of the (B) type. Alternatively, the compositions can be cured directly in a one-shot reaction with diisocyanates to form a polyurethane with the described combination of properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molecular blended polymer that includes two or more types of polymers blended at the molecular level. At least one monomer is polymerized in the presence of two or more kinds of catalysts supported on a mesoporous molecular sieve having a pore size of 20 ? to 500 ?. The polymerization occurs in the pore of the mesoporous molecular sieve and is controlled at the molecular level. Thus, the polymer material is controlled extremely well and the function and physical properties of the polymer material are greatly enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition comprising a coupled impact propylene copolymer. Preferably, the coupled impact propylene copolymer has an elastomeric phase that is present in an amount of at least 9 weight percent of the coupled propylene copolymer. Articles formed from the coupled propylene copolymer exhibit improved directionally balanced impact properties as compared with articles formed form comparable noncoupled impact propylene copolymers and also exhibit improved ductile-to-brittle transition temperatures compared with comparable noncoupled impact propylene copolymers. The invention also includes methods for making the coupled impact propylene copolymers using coupling agents, preferably, poly(sulfonyl azides). The invention further includes articles of manufacture that are made from the coupled impact propylene copolymer of the invention.

Abstract: Syndiotactic polypropylene blends having a unique set of mechanical properties may be prepared by blending syndiotactic polypropylene with an ultra low density polyethylene and, optionally, an isotactic polypropylene random copolymer. The syndiotactic polypropylene blends of the present invention have been found to have improved impact strength, reduced haze, increased light transmittance, and reduced flexural modulus. It has been determined that the addition of about 10 to about 50 wt % of an ultra low density polyethylene plastomer to a syndiotactic polypropylene can greatly enhance mechanical toughness, particularly at low temperatures, while maintaining good optical clarity. These results are made possible by using a sPP material with good optical clarity and dispersing the ULDPE plastomer uniformly throughout the sPP matrix to act as a sort of impact modifier.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for preparing a thermosetting power coating composition having the steps of blending vinylidene fluorine copolymer particles and methyl methacrylate copolymer particles, and pulverizing the blended copolymer particles to an average particle size of 1 to 100 &mgr;m under 40° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyolefin resin for hot melt adhesives containing [I] a propylene polymer in an amount of 20 to 99 mass %, and [II] an adhesive capacity applying resin in an amount of 80 to 1 mass %, wherein [I] the propylene polymer satisfies the requirements of (1) a meso pentad fraction (mmmm) is from 0.2 to 0.6; and (2) a racemic pentad fraction (rrrr) and (1−mmmm) satisfy the relation: [rrrr/(1−mmmm)]≦0.1. The polyolefin resin for hot melt adhesives is superior in thermostability or flowing ability at high-temperature, easy for coating, environmentally friendly with little fear of generating toxic gas in the disposal and incineration, superior in adhesive property to lowly polar substances and in heat resistance of the adhesion face.

Abstract: Provided is a melt processable fluorothermoplastic composition comprising a major amount of a first semi-crystalline fluorinated copolymer and a minor amount of a second fluoropolymer effective to reduce melt defects in the composition. Each fluoropolymer is selected from four classes. The first class, (a), includes a semi-crystalline perfluorinated copolymer. The second class, (b), includes a fluoropolymer derived from interpolymerized units of at least one essentially perfluorinated monomer and at least one non-fluorinated hydrogen-containing monomer. The third class, (c), includes a fluoropolymer derived from interpolymerized units of at least one partially-fluorinated monomer, and optionally at least one essentially perfluorinated monomer. The second fluoropolymer is selected from a category other than the category in which the first fluoropolymer is selected. The minor component also can include interpolymerized units of a PAVE, and/or a PAOVE.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber-reinforced polyolefin resin composite containing a polyolefin resin (components (A)), fibers (component (B)) and a heavy metal deactivator (component (C)), the ratio of the weight of component (A) to the weight of component (B), (component (A)/component (B)), being from 20/80 to 95/5, the ratio of the weight of component (C) to the combined weight of component (A) and component (B), (component (C)/[component (A)+component (B)]), being from 0.001/100 to 5/100, wherein in the composite substantially all the component (B) have lengths of 2 mm or more. The composite has an improved durability under circumstances of contact with metal. A molded article obtained from the composite is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer blend is described which contains at least one acrylic resin or vinyl resin having at least one ionic or ionizable group and at least one thermoplastic fluoropolymer. Preferably, the polymer blend is an intimate blend of the two polymers which are useful in a variety of applications including in the formation of a membrane which is useful in batteries and fuel cells and the like. Methods of making the polymer blends are also described.

Abstract: A process for making an aqueous emulsion of self-emulsifiable polyolefin employs a high molecular weight functionalized polyolefin and a hydrophilic polymer. The aqueous emulsion can be used to prepare a hybrid polyolefin-polyurethane dispersion useful, inter alia, as an adhesion-promoting coating for polymers such as the polyolefins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoplastic vulcanizate comprising four components (A, B. C, D), notably: a thermoplastic (A); a substantially non-cross-linked polyethylene (B); an at least partially vulcanized rubber (C); a softener (D); as well as standard blend ingredients (E). The above mixture contains between 5 and 20% by weight thermoplastic (A), in relation to the sum of the four components (A, B, C, D). The invention also relates to advantageous material parameters and process steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer blend containing at least one nitrile rubber polymer having a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 @ 100° C.) below 10 and at least one nitrile rubber polymer having a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 @ 100° C.) above 30 wherein said polymer blend has a multi-modal molecular weight distribution, a process for preparing said polymer blend wherein at least one nitrile rubber polymer having a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 @ 100° C.) below 10 and at least one nitrile rubber polymer having a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 @ 100° C.) above 30 are mixed in a solvent and the blend is isolated from the solvent. The present invention also relates to a process for the manufacture of a shaped article including the step of injection molding the polymer blend.

Abstract: Disclosed are a precursor composition, a rubber component and a shear ply prepared from the precursor composition, and methods for making and using the same. The precursor composition includes a first hydrogenated nitrile conjugated-diene copolymer modified by a metal salt unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, wherein the first hydrogenated nitrile conjugated-diene copolymer is derived from a first ethylenically unsaturated nitrile and a first conjugated diene a second hydrogenated nitrile conjugated-diene copolymer derived from a second ethylenically unsaturated nitrile and a second conjugated diene; and a curing agent.

Abstract: A resin composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C), wherein the content of component (A) is from 10 to 90 wt %, component (B):component (C)=from 10:1 to 1:5 (weight ratio), the intrinsic viscosity [&eegr;] is in the range from 0.17 to 0.40 m3/kg, and the density is in the range from 935 to 968 kg/m3: Component (A): a homopolymer of ethylene or a copolymer of ethylene having an &agr;-olefin content of from 0 to 0.5 wt %, and an intrinsic viscosity [&eegr;] of from 0.035 to 0.17 m3/kg, Component (B): a homopolymer of ethylene or a copolymer of ethylene having an &agr;-olefin content of from 0 to 0.5 wt %, and an intrinsic viscosity [&eegr;] of from 0.2 to 1.0 m3/kg, and Component (C): a copolymer of ethylene having an &agr;-olefin content of from 0.7 to 15 wt %, and an intrinsic viscosity [&eegr;] of from 0.2 to 1.0 m3/kg.

Abstract: A brominated butyl rubber and a polymer based on a conjugated diolefin monomer are grafted by mixing the solid polymer at a temperature greater than 50° C. for a time sufficient to cause grafting. The grafted copolymer is useful especially in tire tread compositions.

Abstract: A melt processable thermoplastic blend and a process for the preparation thereof is disclosed. The blend comprises an intimate mixture of polypropylene copolymer, EPDM and other additives and exhibits suitable flow properties as well as mechanical properties (such as melt flow index: 10-15 g/10 minutes; flexural modulus: 8000-15000 kg/cm2; (notched Izod impact strength: 50-60 kg.cm/cm; and heat deflection temperature: 60-105° C.) necessary for injection molding of car bumpers as well as their property requirements. It is prepared by extruding the components in a twin screw extruder or a Buss co-kneader all together or in separate batches, while for example, the twin screw temperature is maintained in the range of 180 to 250° C. and the screws are rotated at a speed of 50 to 100 rpm.

Abstract: A propylene polymer composition of high melt tension, which is especially favorable for foam moldings of uniform thickness, and foam moldings thereof having a uniform thickness, are obtained by melt-kneading a polymer mixture of a specific ethylene polymer (A) and a specific olefin multi-stage polymer (B) to satisfy the following formula: Log(MS)>0.91−0.

Abstract: This invention relates to power transmission belts and to a rubber composition for use therein. The composition contains from 90 to 10 phr alkylated chlorosulfonated polyethylene and 10 to 90 phr ethylene vinyl acetate.

Abstract: A golf ball whose core is covered with a cover, wherein the core is constituted of a rubber composition containing polybutadiene rubber and the cover is constituted of a resin composition composed of ionomer resin and diene rubber. A golf ball cover material composition composed of ionomer resin, diene rubber and non-staining antioxidant. A method of manufacturing a golf ball cover material composition constituted by mixing/kneading ionomer resin and diene rubber.

Abstract: A thermosetting powder coating composition has an average particle diameter of entire particles is within a range from 5 to 50 &mgr;m, an average circularity of the particles is 0.90 or more, and a circularity of particles having a maximum number frequency in circularity distribution is within a range from 0.98 to 1.00, prepared by spray-drying an organic solvent solution containing, as a coating film forming component, an epoxy group-containing vinyl copolymer (A) having a glass transition temperature of 40° C. or higher, an epoxy group-containing vinyl copolymer (B) having a glass transition temperature of 0° C. or lower and a polycarboxylic acid (C) as an essential component.

Abstract: Solid blends of rubbery polymers and amorphous or crystalline polymers, said blends being free-flowing at temperatures lower than the glass transition temperature or crystalline melting temperature of the amorphous or crystalline polymer, are prepared by intimate mixing procedures. In general, said mixing conditions include high shear conditions sufficient to convert polymer A to dispersed particles coated with polymer B and produce a free-flowing powder blend.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molecular blended polymer that includes two or more types of polymers blended at the molecular level. At least one monomer is polymerized in the presence of two or more kinds of catalysts supported on a mesoporous molecular sieve having a pore size of 20 Å to 500 Å. The polymerization occurs in the pore of the mesoporous molecular sieve and is controlled at the molecular level. Thus, the polymer material is controlled extremely well and the function and physical properties of the polymer material are greatly enhanced.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer exhibiting scarce tendency of depositing gummy crust around the extrusion die upon extrusion molding articles therefrom and a superior oil-resistance, which comprises (A) a crystalline polyolefin resin and (B) a cross-linked rubber component produced by a specific melt-kneading technique and which has a certain high level of gel content, a high oil-resistance and a certain reduced rate of deposition of gummy crust on the extrusion die.

Abstract: A golf ball whose core is covered with a cover, wherein the core is constituted of a rubber composition containing polybutadiene rubber and the cover is constituted of a resin composition composed of ionomer resin and diene rubber. A golf ball cover material composition composed of ionomer resin, diene rubber and non-staining antioxidant. A method of manufacturing a golf ball cover material composition constituted by mixing/kneading ionomer resin and diene rubber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of molding a polyolefin-based resin comprising the steps of dissolving at least one dibenzylidene sorbitol compound in a molten polyolefin resin, cooling the molten resin to a temperature not higher than the sol-gel transition temperature during the cooling cycle to form network-like crystals of the dibenzylidene sorbitol compound, and molding the resulting resin composition at a temperature not lower than the melting temperature of the polyolefin-based resin but not higher than the sol-gel transition temperature during the heating cycle; and a polyolefin resin molded article obtainable by this molding method.

Abstract: Materials ranging from impact-modified thermoplastics to thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) can be obtained from blends of phase compatibility-treated recycled thermoset rubber with thermoplastic polymers by varying the ratio of components in the blend, or by changing the components themselves. The rubber component may include carbon black, or other fillers and additives, and it may be selected from among a variety of thermoset rubbers, both natural and synthetic. The thermoset rubber component can be obtained from a rubber material recycled according to a variety of known techniques. The thermoplastic component can be virtually any suitable polymer, the properties of which can be advantageously modified by combination with a rubber. Polyolefins are among the more preferred thermoplastic components.

Abstract: Polymer composition comprising (A) (co)polymers based on chlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) and (B) copolymers based on ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) and/or ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE).

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable article suitable for use as an insulating or coating material comprises a crosslinked composition of a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer and an ethylene-propylene elastomer. The article is formed by a process comprising: i) creating a blend of the polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer and the ethylene-propylene elastomer by melt mixing; ii) melt processing the blend produced in i) to produce a melt processed material; iii) crosslinking the melt processed material produced in ii) by exposing it to radiation to produce a crosslinked material; iv) stretching the crosslinked material at a first temperature close to or above its softening or melting point and subsequently cooling it to a second temperature below its softening or melting point, to thereby freeze the crosslinked material in its stretched form. Subsequent heating of the article close to or above its softening point or crystalline melting point results in recovery of the pre-stretched dimensions of the article.

Abstract: A combination of a low flexural modulus and low crystallinity polyolefin and a functionalized polyolefin were found to result in an olefin composition with excellent adhesion to metals and polar polymers (e.g. polyesters, polyamides, etc) especially fibers therefrom. When these two polyolefins were added to a thermoplastic vulcanizate (e.g. used to partially or fully replace the semicrystalline polyolefin of a thermoplastic vulcanizate), the thermoplastic vulcanizate was found to have the necessary adhesion to form fiber reinforced thermoplastic vulcanizate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a technique for making a high quality natural rubber composition having a dirt content of less than 0.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition comprising a coupled impact propylene copolymer. Preferably, the coupled impact propylene copolymer has an elastomeric phase that is present in an amount of at least 9 weight percent of the coupled propylene copolymer. Articles formed from the coupled propylene copolymer exhibit improved directionally balanced impact properties as compared with articles formed form comparable noncoupled impact propylene copolymers and also exhibit improved ductile-to-brittle transition temperatures compared with comparable noncoupled impact propylene copolymers. The invention also includes methods for making the coupled impact propylene copolymers using coupling agents, preferably, poly(sulfonyl azides). The invention further includes articles of manufacture that are made from the coupled impact propylene copolymer of the invention.

Abstract: A moisture-crosslinkable polypropylene material, comprising silane-grafted polyolefin or olefin-silane copolymer and non silane-modified polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer; and coatings or insulations, including heat-shrinkable coatings and insulations, prepared therefrom. The coating material is formed by a process comprising: (a) reacting polyolefin with a silane in the presence of a free-radical initiator to form a silane-grafted polyolefin, or copolymerizing a polyolefin with silane; (b) preparing a mixture of the silane-modified polyolefin prepared in (a) with polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, and a silanol condensation catalyst; (c) forming the coating or insulating material by melt processing the mixture formed in step (b); and (d) crosslinking the coating or insulating material by exposing it to moisture, preferably at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: The invention concerns redispersible polymer powders which can be used in a variety of ways, for example, in hydraulically binding systems, but also as binder in greatly varied applications and which can be produced by spray-drying of aqueous dispersions. The sprayable aqueous dispersions are prepared by mixing an aqueous polymer dispersion 1 (containing polymer I) with an aqueous polymer dispersion 2 (containing polymer II) where the diameters of the particles of polymer I are greater by a factor of 5 to 150, preferably 15 to 50, than the diameter of the particles of polymer II, and polymer I is a polymer which forms films at room temperature, while polymer II has a glass transition temperature which is higher than that of polymer I, is insoluble in water and thus it is present in the undissolved form in the aqueous dispersion to be sprayed. The polymer powders according to the invention excel by a clearly improved resistance to blocking and very good storage stability.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of a thermoplastic elastomeric resin composition comprising melt kneading (a) 100 parts by weight of a block copolymer consisting of at least two polymeric blocks (A) composed mainly of a vinyl aromatic compound and at least one polymeric block (B) composed mainly of a conjugated diene compound, and/or a hydrogenated block copolymer obtained by hydrogenating said block copolymer, (b) 40 to 240 parts by weight of a non-aromatic softening agent for rubber, (c) 5 to 300 parts by weight of polyethylene or a copolymer composed mainly of ethylene, and (d) 5 to 60 parts by weight of polypropylene or a copolymer composed mainly of propylene, characterized in that the process comprises the following steps: (I) melt kneading the whole amounts of components (a), (b) and (d) and a part of component (c), and, at the same time or subsequently, melt kneading these with (f) an organic peroxide, and (II) melt kneading the product obtained from step (I) with the remai

Abstract: A method for fabricating a preform for a plastic optical fiber, having continuous refractive index profile in a radial direction, comprising a firs step of introducing a mixture consisting of at least two substances, each having a different density and refractive index relative to each other, to a cylindrical reactor and polymerizing the mixture in a centrifugal field generated by rotating the reactor; a second step of compensating for a void formed by volume shrinkage from the polymerization in the first step with a mixture consisting of at least two substances, each having a different density and refractive index relative to each other, and polymerizing the mixture in a centrifugal field generated by rotating the reactor, and a third step of repeating the second step until there is no void after polymerization

Abstract: A foam composition and method of making the same. The foam of the present invention comprises a mixture of glutarate ester plasticizer, adipate ester plasticizer, alcohol carboxylic acid ester, cell stabilizer, barium/zinc activator stabilizer, potassium/zinc activator stabilizer or zinc stabilizer, azodicarbonamide blowing agent, low-fogging vinyl dispersion resin, vinyl blending resin, and black acrylic pigment dispersion. The foam is made by the process of mixing the ingredients until a homogenous liquid mixture is present, de-airing the homogeneous liquid mixture, casting the liquid mixture on a non-fogging release-coated surface, expanding the cast liquid mixture by exposing it to an elevated temperature for a prescribed duration of time, and then either cooling the expanded mixture and winding it into rolls, or coating the stabilized composition with pressure sensitive adhesive, cooling it, and then winding it into rolls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic elastomer vulcanizate obtained from a thermoplastic propylene/ethylene/&agr;-olefin terpolymer, a rubber component and optional additives, by dynamic vulcanization of the rubber component with a non-peroxide curing system. The vulcanizate has both superior physical properties and excellent processability.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer prepared by a process comprising reacting an elastomer containing at least one reactive halogen atom with a poly(R1(R2)ethylene-co-maleimide) in the presence of a compatibilizer that reduces surface tension between the elastomer and the poly(R1(R2) ethylene-co-maleimide) and in the presence of a Lewis base catalyst, where R1 is a monovalent organic group and R2 is hydrogen or a monovalent organic group.

Abstract: Random thermoplastic ethylene copolymers can be used to increase the elongation to break and toughness of thermoplastic vulcanizates. Polypropylene is a preferred thermoplastic phase. The rubber can be olefinic rubbers. Random thermoplastic ethylene copolymers are different from Ziegler-Natta ethylene copolymers as the compositional heterogeneity of the copolymer is greater with Ziegler-Natta copolymers. This difference results in substantial differences in properties (elongation to break and toughness) between thermoplastic vulcanizates modified with random thermoplastic ethylene and those modified with Ziegler-Natta ethylene copolymers. An increase in elongation to break results in greater extensibility in the articles made from a thermoplastic vulcanizate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a blended thermoplastic resin composition that includes combining a ground crosslinked rubber with a thermoplastic material and a compatibilizer, and the products formed thereby. The ground crosslinked rubber has an average particle size of about 80 mesh or smaller. The thermoplastic material can be a polyolefinic resin or a polyolefinic elastomer or olefinic vulcanizate elastomer. The ground crosslinked rubber is included in amounts of up to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the blended thermoplastic composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer blends which can be used both in foamed and unfoamed states as a replacement for conventional EPDM and other elastomers. The composition of the blend includes a single-site catalyzed polyolefin resin having a density of below 0.878 g cm−3 and up to 40 weight percent a polyolefin including ethylene and propylene. The polymer blend is cross-linked. The polymer blends are formable and foamable. The use of sulfur to vulcanize the polymer blend is not necessary. The polymer blends can be used to make foam for floatation or for making gaskets.

Abstract: The invention includes a process of reacting a poly(sulfonyl azide) with a polymer comprising steps (a) forming a first admixture of a first amount of a first polymer or in a liquid which does not require removal from the polymer and a poly(sulfonyl azide); (b) then forming a second admixture of the first admixture with a second amount of at least one second polymer; and (c) heating the second admixture at lest to the decomposition temperature of the coupling agent for a time sufficient to result in coupling of polymer chains. The invention further includes all compositions obtainable by processes of the invention as well as blends of those compositions with one or more polymers of compositions different from the first or second polymer or the product of a process of the invention.

Abstract: A rubber composition obtained by (a) kneading at least one low air permeable rubber having vulcanizable functional group and a curing agent, which can vulcanize the low air permeable rubber having vulcanizable functional group, at a temperature within a range where the low air permeable rubber having vulcanizable functional group is not vulcanized, and (b) blending 25 to 100 parts by weight of at least one rubber having vulcanizable carbon-carbon double bond per 100 parts by weight of the low air permeable rubber having vulcanizable functional group with the kneaded product, kneading at a temperature within a range where the low air permeable rubber having vulcanizable functional group can be vulcanized to selectively vulcanize the low air permeable rubber having vulcanizable functional group.

Abstract: A polymer blend having a high melt strength and a low Young's modulus after irradiation of the polymers contains (1) a propylene homopolymer or copolymer having an isotactic index of greater than 90 and (2) a propylene homopolymer or copolymer having a crystallinity of <24% made using a metallocene catalyst. The blend can be used for extrusion coating (including fabric coating), foam extrusion, blow molding, and thermoforming applications.