Abstract: The invention relates to very high melt flow fluoropolymer compositions, having low melt viscosities. The fluoropolymers have low molecular weights of from 5 kDa to 200 kDa and melt viscosities of less than 2 kilopoise (kP) at 232° C. and 100 s?1. One use for the high melt flow fluoropolymers is in the formation of very small diameters fibers, useful for melt-blown non-woven materials. Fiber diameters of less than 9 microns, and preferably 500 to 2000 nm can be produced.

Abstract: To provide a fluororubber molded article which is inexpensive and excellent in fuel barrier properties against an alcohol-containing fuel. A fluororubber molded article obtained by molding and crosslinking a cross-linkable composition comprising a fluoroelastomer (A) and a fluoroelastomer (B), wherein the fluoroelastomer (A) is a copolymer comprising tetrafluoroethylene units and perfluorovinyl ether units represented by CF2?CF—O—Rf (Rf is a C1-20 perfluoroalkyl group or a C2-20 perfluoroalkyl group having an etheric oxygen atom between carbon atoms), the fluoroelastomer (B) is a copolymer comprising tetrafluoroethylene units, propylene units and vinylidene fluoride units, and the mass ratio of (A)/(B) is from 99/1 to 30/70.

Abstract: There is provided a head cleaning method in a liquid discharging apparatus which includes a head, a storage section that stores liquid, a circulation flow path that includes a first flow path which supplies the liquid from the storage section to the head and a second flow path which refluxes the liquid from the head to the storage section, a circulation pump, and a wiping section. The head cleaning method includes: a first step of setting a flow rate per unit time of the liquid which flows through the circulation flow path to a first flow rate which is greater than a flow rate in a case in which the liquid is discharged to the recording medium; a second step of the wiping section performing the wiping process after the first step; and a third step of setting the flow rate per unit time of the liquid which flows through the circulation flow path to a second flow rate which is lower than the first flow rate after the second step.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a polycarbonate resin composition and a molded polycarbonate resin article which combine excellent transparency and strength and which are suitable for use in the field of building materials, electrical/electronic field, automotive field, field of optical parts, etc. The invention relates to a polycarbonate resin composition containing a polycarbonate resin and an impact strength modifier, the polycarbonate resin containing structural units which are derived from a dihydroxy compound that has the portion represented by the following general formula (1) as part of the structure thereof and having a glass transition temperature lower than 145° C. and a molded polycarbonate resin article obtained by molding the composition. The polycarbonate resin composition gives a molded object having a thickness of 3 mm which has a total light transmittance of 60% or higher.

Abstract: The invention relates to propylene polymer compositions comprising 50-70 wt % of a propylene homo- or copolymer, 5-20 wt % of a first elastomeric ethylene-propylene copolymer, 5-25 wt % of a second elastomeric ethylene-propylene copolymer and 5-30 wt % of an ethylene polymer. The propylene polymer compositions are suitable for molding and they have low haze and a good impact strength/stiffness balance with good impact strengths at low temperatures.

Abstract: Provided are methods for producing a thermoplastic vulcanizate. One method includes charging vulcanizable rubber to a reactor; charging a masterbatch of thermoplastic resin and a catalyst for a phenolic resin curative to the reactor; charging a phenolic resin curative to the reactor; and dynamically vulcanizing the rubber with the phenolic resin curative in the presence of the catalyst. Also provided are thermoplastic vulcanizates made by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for the manufacture of a fluoroelastomer composition containing fluoropolymer fibrils. The process comprises applying shear to a fluoroelastomer gum in a mixer while adding a liquid dispersion of fibrillatable fluoropolymer.

Abstract: Crosslinked polyolefin blends, methods for their production, and articles made of the same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the polyolefin blends comprise a first polymer formed in a first reactor and a second polymer formed in a second reactor. The first and second polymers, as well as the resulting blend, may comprise units derived from propylene, ethylene, and a diene. The blended composition can then be compounded with one or more coagents, antioxidants, and/or other additives and crosslinked, preferably by exposure to energetic photons. The crosslinked polymers are particularly useful for making fibers, films, and nonwovens.

Abstract: A method for forming a fiber, the method comprising charging to a reactive extruder a first polymer and a second polymer to form an initial blend, where the first polymer is a propylene-based elastomer including up to 35% by weight ethylene-derived units and a heat of fusion, as determined according to DSC procedures according to ASTM E-793, of less than 80 J/g and a melt temperature of less than 110° C., where the second polymer is a propylene-based polymer having a melt temperature in excess of 110° C. and a heat of fusion in excess of 80 J/g, and introducing the reactive blend to a spinneret to form a fiber or extruding the reacted blend through a plurality of die capillaries to form molten threads or filaments which are attenuated in a gas stream to form meltblown fibers.

Abstract: Cable layer comprising a propylene polymer composition comprising (a) a polypropylene (A) (b) an elastomeric copolymer (E) comprising units derived from propylene and ethylene and/or C4 to C20 ?-olefin and (c) a polar ethylene polymer (C) wherein the cable layer and/or the propylene polymer composition has a gel content of equal or more than 0.20 wt.-%.

Abstract: Polyester compositions described herein have properties which are particularly suitable for extrusion blow molding (EBM). These properties relate primarily to the rate of crystallization and melt strength or melt viscosity. Articles prepared from the polyester compositions exhibit good clarity, aesthetics, and other physical properties. The polyester compositions also exhibit broad molecular weight distribution (MWD), resulting in improved processability and melt strength. The crystallization rate allows for good drying characteristics while also enabling the use of regrind. In addition, the compositions exhibit improved recyclability, such as in existing PET recycling streams. In one aspect, articles are prepared in an extrusion blow molding method by combining a dry first polyester copolymer component, a dry second polyester component, and a chain extender to form a feed material suitable for extrusion blow molding.

Abstract: A modified conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic copolymer and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The modified conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic copolymer is formed by modifying a conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic copolymer by reacting with a first modifier in a solvent and then reacting with a second modifier. The solvent includes an organic alkali metal initiator.

Abstract: A modified conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic copolymer and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The modified conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic copolymer is formed by modifying a conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic copolymer by reacting with a first modifier in a solvent and then reacting with a second modifier. The solvent contains an organic alkali metal initiator. The first modifier is expressed as chemical formula (I): The second modifier is expressed as chemical formula (II): R1 is selected from one of hydrogen, methyl group or ethyl group. R2 is selected from hydrogen. R3 is selected from one of hydrogen, methyl group or ethyl group. X is selected from one of epoxypropoxy group, isocyanate group or 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl) group. R4 is selected from one of alkyl groups with 2˜3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention is a film obtained from a blend of chemically distinguishable copolymers, wherein the film has a light transmission of at least 85%, and/or a haze of less than 6%, and wherein the blend comprises a component copolymer has a secant modulus of less than 15,000 when cast independently into a film.

Abstract: The process for producing a polyolefin resin composition according to the present invention has a mixing step of melt-kneading a plurality of polyolefin ingredients having intrinsic viscosities different from each other to prepare a mixed fluid; and a filtering step of introducing the mixed fluid into a filter device having a main body section having a flow passage through which the mixed fluid is transferred and a sintered metal filter disposed in the flow passage of the main body section of the device and forcing the mixed fluid to pass through the sintered metal filter so that the filtration rate of the mixed fluid will be in a prescribed range. The sintered metal filter is fixed to the main body section of the device while keeping a section where the edge of the sintered metal filter abuts with the main body section of the device hermetically sealed in the above filter device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a resin-extended isoprene rubber comprising (A) a rubber component containing a natural rubber and/or a synthetic isoprene rubber and (B) a thermoplastic resin, wherein a resin slurry liquid prepared by dispersing the component (B) described above in water is mixed with a latex of the rubber component (A) described above, and then the mixture is coagulated and subjected to drying treatment, a rubber composition containing the resin-extended isoprene rubber obtained by the above process and a pneumatic tire prepared by using the above rubber composition for a member for a tread, and provided are a process for producing a resin-extended isoprene rubber in which a natural rubber and/or a synthetic isoprene rubber and a resin are used and in which the above resin is highly dispersed, a rubber composition which contains the resin-extended isoprene rubber obtained by the above process and which can secure a fracture characteristic and the like and a pneumatic

Abstract: A heterogeneous polymer blend comprises a dispersed phase comprising a thermoplastic first polymer having a crystallinity of at least 30% and a continuous phase comprising a second polymer different from the first polymer. The second polymer has a crystallinity of less than 20% and is at least partially cross-linked.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a masterbatch, comprising a step of melt-kneading an ionomer that an ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer is partially neutralized with potassium and a hydrophobic polymer comprised of a hydrocarbon compound, and a step of drying the melt-kneaded mixture at a temperature of not less than the Vicat softening point of the ionomer after the melt-kneading.

Abstract: The invention relates to propylene polymer compositions comprising 50-70 wt % of a propylene homo- or copolymer, 5-20 wt % of a first elastomeric ethylene-propylene copolymer, 5-25 wt % of a second elastomeric ethylene-propylene copolymer and 5-30 wt % of an ethylene polymer. The propylene polymer compositions are suitable for moulding and they have low haze and a good impact strength/stiffness balance with good impact strengths at low temperatures.

Abstract: There is provided a crosslinkable fluorine-containing rubber composition being capable of giving a fluorine-containing rubber crosslinked and molded article having a low friction coefficient and assuring an increased proportion of a fluorine-containing resin around the surface of a fluorine-containing rubber, a molded article obtained by crosslinking the composition, and a method for producing the molded article. The crosslinkable fluorine-containing rubber composition comprises a fluorine-containing rubber (A) comprising vinylidene fluoride unit, a fluorine-containing resin (B) and a polyol crosslinking agent (C), wherein the fluorine-containing rubber (A) and the fluorine-containing resin (B) are kneaded at a temperature of not less than a temperature being lower by 5° C. than the melting point of the fluorine-containing resin (B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) comprising: contacting a thermoplastic polymer, a cross-linkable elastomer, at least one curative, and at least one cure activator in a solvent to form Composition A. The solvent is then removed, and thereafter the cross-linkable elastomer is at least partially cured. The average particle size of the cross-linkable elastomer is 10 microns or less after the solvent is removed.

Abstract: A process for producing thermoplastic vulcanizates, the process comprising (i) dynamically vulcanizing a rubber with a curative in a first stage, where the rubber is within a blend that includes the rubber, a thermoplastic resin, and the curative, where said step of dynamically vulcanizing occurs at a temperature at or above the melting point of the thermoplastic resin, where said step of dynamically vulcanizing employs a peroxide curative, and where said rubber includes polymeric units deriving from 5-vinyl-2-norbornene, (ii) continuing said step of dynamically vulcanizing to cause phase inversion of the blend to thereby convert the thermoplastic resin into a continuous phase, (iii) maintaining the blend at or above the melting point of the thermoplastic resin after the phase inversion, and (iv) introducing molten thermoplastic resin into the blend in a second stage, where said step of introducing molten thermoplastic resin occurs after phase inversion but before the blend is cooled to a temperature below th

Abstract: Processes for producing blends of a first polymer component and a second polymer component are provided. The first polymer component and the second polymer component are blended in an internally agitated mixer such as a devolatizer in the presence of at least one solvent. Blending the polymers in this manner results in an intimate mixing of the first and second polymers, providing beneficial performance characteristics. In one embodiment, the first polymer incorporates at least 75 wt. % of propylene-derived units wherein the propylene-derived units have an isotactic triad fraction of about 65% to about 99% and wherein the first polymer has a heat of fusion of less than 75 J/g. In this embodiment, the second polymer is selected from polypropylenes, low density polyethylenes, high density polyethylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides, polycarbonates, and polyesters.

Abstract: The present invention provides coating compositions that include reactive diluents and have high performance, low VOC levels, and low irritation levels.

Abstract: Regrind is mixed with at least one low density metallocene polyethylene to increase the amount of regrind that can be used in a thermoformed article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition, which may be melt extrudable, comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine complex in at least one polymer. Also disclosed is a process for preparing the composition or shaped articles, including films, made therefrom. The composition can be extruded, blown film extruded, or molded into films, fibers, tubing, and shaped articles thermoformed or molded shapes, including containers, usable, for instance, as catheters, in delivery systems for drugs and nutrients, specimen containers, or surgical devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides coating compositions that include reactive diluents and have high performance, low VOC levels, and low irritation levels. Certain embodiments of the present invention include water and water-dispersible polymers and other embodiments do not include water.

Abstract: An article suitable for use as an insulating or coating material comprises a radiation-crosslinked composition comprising a polyethylene, a polypropylene and optionally an ethylene-propylene elastomer. The polyethylene component is selected from high density polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE) and linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE) and the polypropylene component is either a homopolymer or copolymer. The composition is predominantly based on the polyethylene component and contains the polyethylene component in an amount of at least 50 percent by weight. The article is radiation-crosslinked to a sufficient degree that it possesses thermoset properties, such that when the article is heated to a temperature above the crystalline melting point of the polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, it is softened but does not become liquid.

Abstract: Thermoplastic vulcanizate compositions prepared from fluorothermoplastic matrix and dispersed fluoroelastomeric regions, and articles comprising the thermoplastic vulcanizate, exhibiting improved resistance to polar organic solvents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising 100 parts by weight of EPDM rubber, 5-1,000 parts by weight of styrenic thermoplastic elastomer, 50-3,000 parts by weight of paraffin oil, 10-200 parts by weight of a polyolefin resin as a curative, 1-15 parts by weight of a phenolic resin, and 0.5-5 parts by weight of a curing activator. The composition is superior in flowability, mechanical properties and oil resistance as well as being low in hardness, so that it can be applied for automobile parts.

Abstract: An article suitable for use as an insulating or coating material comprises a radiation-crosslinked composition comprising a polyethylene, a polypropylene and optionally an ethylene-propylene elastomer. The polyethylene component is selected from high density polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE) and linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE) and the polypropylene component is either a homopolymer or copolymer. The composition is predominantly based on the polyethylene component and contains the polyethylene component in an amount of at least 50 percent by weight. The article is radiation-crosslinked to a sufficient degree that it possesses thermoset properties, such that when the article is heated to a temperature above the crystalline melting point of the polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, it is softened but does not become liquid.

Abstract: Process for production of polymer blends which are suitable as filter aids and are composed of polystyrene and of crosslinked water-insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidones via processing of the two components in an extruder, which comprises melting polystyrene in an extruder and then treating it with the polyvinylpyrrolidone, and adding, to the mixture of the components, from 0.1 to 10% by weight of water, based on the total amount of polystyrene and popcorn polymer, and extruding and comminuting the mixture.

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 process for production of a thermoplastic elastomer composition by melt-kneading a mixture in one step to thereby conduct dynamic crosslinking, wherein the mixture comprises a hydrogenated block copolymer (a1) which is prepared by hydrogenating a block copolymer comprising a vinyl aromatic polymer block (A1) and a conjugated diene polymer block (B1) and has number-average molecular weight of 200000 or above and, if necessary, a non-hydrogenated block copolymer (a2) comprising a vinyl aromatic polymer block (A2) and a conjugated diene polymer block (B2), and contains a non-aromatic rubber softening agent (b), a peroxide-crosslinkable olefin resin (c) having a density of 0.94 g/cm3 or above, a peroxide-decomposable olefin resin (d), an organic peroxide (e), and a crosslinking aid (f), the amount of (b) being 50 to 250 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the sum of (a1) +(a2), the amount of (c) being 2.5 to 50 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of (a); and the amount of (d) being 0.

Abstract: A fluoroelastomer composition contains a peroxide-curable solid fluoroelastomer and a peroxide curative agent combined therewith, and, a bisphenol-curable liquid fluoroelastomer and a bisphenol curative agent combined therewith. The solid fluoroelastomer/peroxide curative when combined with the liquid fluoroelastomer/bisphenol curative results in a composition exhibiting improved polymeric properties including improved flowability at room temperature and improved fluid resistance and sealability at a wide range of temperatures.

Abstract: Heat-settable epoxy resin mixtures are provided that can be used alone or in combination with fibers to form large composite material structures without the need for high consolidation pressures. The heat-settable resin mixture is composed of a resin component, curing agent component and a particulate component. The particulate component includes rigid-rod polymer particles that dissolve when the heat-settable resin is heated to temperatures within a predetermined processing window. After heating to the processing temperature, the resulting heat-set resin is cooled to form a curable solid resin. The curable solid resin may be stored indefinitely or re-heated to curing temperatures to form a cured product.

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: 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 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: 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: 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 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 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.