Abstract: A copolymer comprising (A) 20-50% (w/w) of methyl methacrylate (MMA), (B) 40-80% (w/w) of one or more vinylaromatic(s) and, optionally, (C) 0-10% (w/w) of one or more aliphatic vinyl(s) can be used in a polymer composition for generating translucent final products.

Abstract: Disclosed are a thermoplastic resin composition which has a reduced tendency to mold staining while being shaped and a high flowability, and a shaped article which, when used as a lamp component, has good surface appearance and generates little volatiles by the heat of the lamp. Specifically disclosed are a thermoplastic resin composition containing a polyester resin (A), a cresol novolac epoxy resin (B), and a vinyl cyanide-aromatic vinyl copolymer containing epoxy group (C), and a shaped article shaped therefrom, wherein the cresol novolac epoxy resin (B) and the vinyl cyanide-aromatic vinyl copolymer containing epoxy group (C) are compounded in amounts of 0.01 to 3 parts by mass and 2 to 12 parts by mass, respectively, relative to 100 parts by mass of the polyester resin (A).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are self-healing materials, which are smart materials that are capable of repairing themselves without any external intervention when they are damaged. The self-healing materials may be microencapsulated, for example in a one-capsule system or a two-capsule system, and damage to a matrix containing the microcapsules may rupture the microcapsules and cause the healing materials to be released into the site of damage, where it may polymerize and restore the functional capabilities of the matrix. The self-healing materials may be based on unsaturated multi-functional resins capable of oxygen-initiated cross-linking, and may include alkyd resins, such as alkyd resins that include one or more telechelic end groups.

Abstract: A methacrylic resin, including 80 to 99.5% by mass of a methacrylic acid ester monomer unit, and 0.5 to 20% by mass of other vinyl monomer unit which is copolymerizable with at least one of the methacrylic acid ester, wherein the methacrylic resin satisfies the following conditions (I) to (III): (I) having a weight average molecular weight measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) of 60,000 to 300,000; (II) having a content of a molecular weight component 1/5 or less the peak molecular weight (Mp) obtained from a GPC elution curve, said content being 7 to 40% based on a region area ratio obtained from the GPC elution curve; and (III) having an angle of repose of 20 to 40°.

Abstract: A medical resin composition, particularly a dental resin composition is produced by mixing a polymer (A) containing 70% by weight or more of methyl methacrylate units and a liquid of a monomer (B) containing 70% by weight or more of a compound (b1) represented by formula (1): wherein R denotes a methyl group or a hydrogen atom and n is an integer of 2 to 4, in the presence of a polymerization initiator (C) to increase a viscosity. The resin composition can be suitably used in producing a denture base, a mouthpiece or a bone cement. A shaped article formed using such a resin composition exhibits excellent mechanical properties, particularly toughness. Furthermore, such a resin composition can be prepared with ease.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for synthesizing nanocomposite materials including ferromagnetic nanoparticles with polymer shells formed by controlled surface polymerization. The polymer shells prevent the nanoparticles from forming agglomerates and preserve the size dispersion of the nanoparticles. The nanocomposite particles can be further networked in suitable polymer hosts to tune mechanical, optical, and thermal properties of the final composite polymer system. An exemplary method includes forming a polymer shell on a nanoparticle surface by adding molecules of at least one monomer and optionally of at least one tethering agent to the nanoparticles, and then exposing to electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength selected to induce bonding between the nanoparticle and the molecules, to form a polymer shell bonded to the particle and optionally to a polymer host matrix. The nanocomposite materials can be used in various magneto-optic applications.

Abstract: The present invention is a coating composition comprising a tricure acrylic resin which comprises functionality having different rates of reactivity to crosslinking compounds such as, for example, diisocyantes and polyisocyanates.

Abstract: A rubber component containing at least one of diene rubber and ethylene-propylene-diene rubber is dynamically crosslinked. Thereby the rubber component is dispersed in a mixture of a thermoplastic elastomer and a thermoplastic resin. An ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether and an anion-containing salt having fluoro groups and sulfonyl groups are added to the elastomer composition to obtain a conductive dynamically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer composition. A mixture of the obtained conductive dynamically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer composition and a micro-capsule composed of a polymer, having acrylic groups, which forms an outer shell thereof is molded to obtain a conductive roller having Shore A hardness specified in JIS K6253 not more than 40 measured at 23° C.

Abstract: Methods of making articles are described comprising the steps of applying a capstock material over a layer of a substrate material and then calendaring said capstock material and said substrate material with calendaring rolls to form an article, wherein said capstock material contacts said calendar rolls for a shorter period of time than said substrate material. The capstock material comprises a melt-processable thermoplastic composition comprising a) 50-99.5 wt. % of a melt-processable thermoplastic polymer and b) 0.5-50 wt. % of a particulate polymer comprising the residues of a monomer mixture comprising 50-100 wt. % of MMA, at least 0-50 % of an ethylenically unsaturated comonomer comprising at least one alkyl acrylate or methacrylate and 0-10 wt. % of a copolymerisable cross-linking monomer said particles having a maximum dimension of 5 mm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoformable sheet, for example, an acrylic sheet, comprising particles proximate to the top surface, wherein the textured sheet, when thermoformed, provides a low-gloss, textured surface that is less sensitive to marring, blemishes (including blemishes resulting from the mold), household wear and tear, and visibly reduces the appearance of oil deposits on its surface.

Abstract: The present invention describes the synthesis of solvent soluble copolymers containing multiple unsaturations. These copolymers contain reactive vinyl groups, which can be further reacted in a second stage polymerization. The process involves copolymerization of a vinyl monomer with an inclusion complex of a monomer having multiple unsaturations and a cyclic macromolecular compound to yield soluble polymers. These polymers may be cast into films, membranes or may be converted in micro or nanoparticles and then crosslinked in a second step polymerization.

Abstract: A melt-processable thermoplastic composition is described, which comprises a) 50-99.5 wt. % of a melt-processable thermoplastic polymer and b) 0.5-50 wt. % of a particulate polymer comprising the residues of a monomer mixture comprising 50-100 wt. % of MMA, at least 0-50% of an ethylenically unsaturated comonomer comprising at least one alkyl acrylate or methacrylate and 0-10 wt. % of a copolymerisable cross-linking monomer said particles having a maximum dimension of 5 mm. The compositions have reduced surface gloss and may be useful for forming building components or in any other application in which a low gloss surface is required. A method of making the composition and its uses, for example its use as a capstock material, are also described.

Abstract: Acrylic compositions which can be processed into thermoformable acrylic sheet material with variegated non-homogeneous granite appearance are disclosed. The acrylic compositions comprise a matrix of polymethyl methacrylate having dispersed within it particles of a thermoplastic such as polymethyl methacrylate and one or more comonomers wherein the thermoplastic is in the shape of thin wafers 0.05 to 9.53 mm thick, 0.18 to 12.8 wide and 0.18 to 7.62 mm long.

Abstract: A curable coating composition is provided which comprises an acrylic resin having an epoxy group and a hydroxyl group in the side chain (A) and a compound having an amino group (B). The composition may further comprise a silane compound having an epoxy group or an amino group in the molecule (C).

Abstract: The impact-resistant thermoplastic compositions comprising (A) a rigid thermoplastic methacrylic polymer or copolymer matrix P containing mostly methyl methacrylate units, (B) at least one impact-modifying additive and (C) at least one elastomer copolymer which contains grafting sites, at least on pendant chains, and is obtained from at least one vinylaromatic monomer (C1) and from at one monomer chosen from the monomers (C2): C1-C15 linear or branched alkyl acrylates, C1-C4 alkoxyalkyl acrylates and aralkyl acrylates, dienes (C3) and ethylenically unsaturated monomers (C4) having one or more pendant initiating functional groups, the said copolymer (C) being grafted by thermoplastic polymer groups P and being dispersed in the matrix (A) in the form of nodules, which can be called “particles”, from 10 nm to 500 nm in size and able to have a droplet, capsule-type monoinclusion and/or salami-type multi-inclusion morphology.

Abstract: There is provided a resin composition comprising; (A) from 1 to 99% by weight of a copolymer, which comprises an ethylene unit and an &agr;-olefin unit of 3 to 12 carbon atoms, and satisfies the specific requirements (A-1) to (A-4), and (B) from 99 to 1% by weight of a copolymer, which comprises an ethylene unit and a unit of a compound having a carbon-carbon double bond and an oxygen atom, and satisfies the specific requirements (B-1) and (B-2).

Abstract: Cross-linked block copolymers are disclosed which have drug retention properties, comprising hard and soft segments, with cross-linking between the soft segments. The block copolymers can be based upon (meth)acrylic monomers, and some possess adhesive properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for using recycled plastic material, and to a plastic product produced by an extruder. In the invention, crosslinked polyethylene is ground to powder form and mixed with e.g. polyethylene so that the proportion of the crosslinked polyethylene in the mixture is less than 30%. The mixture is supplied through an extruder (2) for making an extruded plastic product. In this way, crosslinked polyethylene can be recycled in a cost-effective and simple manner, while producing a plastic product that contains recycled crosslinked polyethylene.

Abstract: This invention relates to use of stabilized unsymmetrical coupling agents for use in conjugated diene-based rubber compositions reinforced with silica-based reinforcement, namely use of stabilized 2-benzothiazyl-3-(triethoxysilylpropyl) disulfide and 3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl-N-maleamic acid. Said stabilized unsymmetrical coupling agent materials may be provided for mixing with said diene-based rubber(s), for example, as individual materials, as at least one of said materials being pre-reacted with aggregates of precipitated silica, said precipitated silica having hydroxyl groups (e.g. silanol groups) on its surface. The invention includes an article of manufacture, including a tire, having at least one component comprised of such rubber composition.

Abstract: A contact printable adhesive composition comprises (a) swellable, elastomeric microspheres and (b) at least one polymerizable monomer or a mixture of polymerizable monomers capable of swelling the microspheres. As used in this application “contact printable adhesive composition” is a composition that can be used in a contact printing process and then cured. The cured contact printable adhesive composition will generally be referred to as “contact printed adhesive”.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating composition which is excellent in a curing property (particularly a low temperature curing property) of a coating film and which forms a coating film having excellent chipping resistance and adhesive property, and it comprises a hydroxyl group-containing resin (A), a cross-linking agent (B) and a phosphoric acid group-containing vinyl resin (C).

Abstract: There is a need for halogen-free polymeric compositions for utilization in gaskets and seals that offers high tensile strength and high tear strength as well as good resistance to compression set. Seals for automotive body applications, such as, windows, hoods, trunks, and doors, and building applications, such as window glazing gaskets and weather strips, should be dimensionally stable, provide low compression set, and offer outstanding sealing characteristics over a broad temperature range. They must be capable of sealing out noise, wind and water, while providing long-term ultraviolet light resistance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymeric composition that can be molded into rubbery articles having excellent oil resistance and excellent heat resistance. The properties of the polymeric composition of this invention are similar to those of hydrogenated nitrile rubber. However, the polymeric compositions of this invention offer a significant economic advantage over traditional hydrogenated nitrile rubbers. This is because the polymeric compositions of this invention are made by blending hydrogenated nitrile rubber with a much less expensive rubbery polymer. Unexpectedly, the physical properties of the polymeric blends of this invention are very similar to those of pure hydrogenated nitrile rubbers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a methyl methacrylate resin composition including (A) about 90 to 99% by weight of a methyl methacrylate polymer with a branched structure having a weight average molecular weight of about 80,000 to 400,000 and a molecular weight between branch points, defined by using a z-average molecular weight, of about 30,000 to 500,000 and (B) about 10 to 1% by weight of a high molecular weight methyl methacrylate polymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 1,000,000 to 5,000,000, which exhibits little drawdown in heat molding and is suitable especially for the production of large molded articles by extrusion molding, blow molding and expansion molding.

Abstract: A polyolefin modified to contain a pendant polar chain structure of at least 200 molecular weight and which has at least one ester group and at least one hydroxyl and/or oxirane group is a useful adhesion-promoting modifier for polyolefin resins.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biaxially stretched styrenic resin sheet obtained by biaxially stretching a resin composition comprising (A) a styrenic resin and (B) crosslinked styrenic fine particles having an average particle size of 0.5 to 15 .mu.m in an amount of from 0.001 to 1% by weight based on the resin composition. The resin composition may further comprise (C) a rubber modified styrenic resin containing a rubber component having an average particle size of 0.1 to 4 .mu.m in such an amount that the rubber component concentration attributed to the rubber modified styrenic resin is from 0.005 to 0.1% by weight based on the resin composition. The styrenic stretched sheets exhibit improved blocking resistance owing to fine unevenness uniformly formed on the surface thereof while retaining the transparency. Even when a number of the sheets or formings obtained therefrom are stacked, they are easily separated apart without blocking.

Abstract: Acrylic compositions are provided which comprise a matrix of polymethyl methacrylate having dispersed within it particles comprising 75 to 90 weight percent of polymethyl methacrylate and greater than 10 to 25 weight percent of a comonomer comprising an ethylenically unsaturated monomer that copolymerizes with methyl methacrylate, wherein the particles further comprise more than 0.4 weight percent of a crosslinker.

Abstract: A two-component, heat reactive patch particularly useful for sealing gage and drain holes in automobile bodies which comprises an ionomer component and an olefinic/elastomeric component. The ionomer component contains an ionomeric copolymer of ethylene and an .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically-unsaturated C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 carboxylic acid, a metallic coagent and a filler and, optionally, a non-ionomeric copolymer of ethylene. The olefinic/elastomeric component contains an uncrosslinked elastomer, a multifunctional acrylic monomer, and a free-radical curing agent.

Abstract: A polypropylene resin composition for oriented film excellent in transparency, slip property and blocking resistance which comprises the following components (a) and (b), and an oriented film obtained by orienting the composition at least in uniaxial direction:(a) 100 parts by weight of a crystalline polypropylene resin, and(b) 0.05 or more but less than 1 part by weight of crosslinked polymer beads which have a weight average particle diameter of 0.5-5 .mu.m, comprise 60-96% by weight of styrenic monomer units, 2-38% by weight of radical-polymerizable monomer units, the refractive index of the polymer of the radical-polymerizable monomer being 1.50 or less, and 2-50% by weight of crosslinkable monomer units, and give an average protuberance height of 60-600 nm on the surface of oriented film obtained by kneading the crosslinked polymer beads into the polypropylene resin followed by working up into oriented film.

Abstract: A resin composition for an electrophotographic toner is here disclosed which comprises an ethylene series high polymer (Y) and an ethylene series polymer (X) prepared from 100 parts of a bifunctional ethylene series unsaturated monomer and 0.01-10 parts by weight of a substance having three or more peroxide groups in the molecule and/or a substance having one or more unsaturated functional groups and one or more peroxide groups in the molecule, Mw/Mb (Mw is weight-average molecular weight, and Mb is weight-average molecular weight between crosslinking points) of said polymer (X) being from 2 to 99, Mw of said polymer (X) being 50,000 or less. This resin composition is excellent in the balance of various physical properties required for the toner, and particularly, it is excellent in offset resistance and toner strength.

Abstract: A monomer-rich acrylic syrup is cast including about 10% to about 20% ground acrylic particles. During curing, the particles absorb over half their weight in monomer, and a cured sheet is formed in which the matrix monomer and uncrosslinked polymer form a phase which extends through the particles, while the particles appear to be fused together. Including a crosslinker in the syrup further insures the interpenetration of the matrix phase into the swollen particles. A textured surface is formed, which is useful as an anti-slip surface in bathtubs and shower stalls, after thermoforming.

Abstract: A styrene resin composition comprising a crosslinked styrene resin and uniformly dispersed therein an uncrosslinked resin capable of being extracted with an organic solvent, the amount of the uncrosslinked resin being from 3 to 50% by weight based on the total amount of the composition; and a method of producing a molding of a styrene resin composition, which method comprises the step of subjecting to cast polymerization a liquid mixture comprising: (a) a styrene monomer in an amount of 30% by weight or more based on the total amount of the ingredients (a), (b), and (c); (b) a monofunctional monomer having one radical-polymerizable double bond in the molecule, in an amount less than 70% by weight based on the total amount of the ingredients (a), (b), and (c); (c) a polyfunctional monomer having at least two radical-polymerizable double bonds in the molecule, in an amount of from 0.

Abstract: Mixtures of A) polybutadiene gel and B) other rubbers containing C.dbd.C double bonds, the quantity of polybutadiene gel A), based on the sum of A)+B), being 1 to 70% by weight, show as vulcanizates a favorable combination of the properties hysteresis loss and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The present invention concerns rubber-based composite materials swellable with water and associated methods of production. A swellable rubber material according to the present invention comprises a vulcanized non-silicone rubber selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, butadiene-styrene rubber, bromobutyl rubber, and ethylene-propylene rubber; and a hydrogel filler cross-linked by a crosslinking agent, wherein the composite material is vulcanizable at a temperature up to 150.degree. C., is thermoformable, possesses shape memory after thermoforming, and is swellable with water or aqueous solutions.

Abstract: New copolymers, mixtures thereof with poly(meth)acrylate esters and the use thereof for improving the cold fluidity of crude oils.Copolymers comprising as comonomers therein from 50 to 99.9% by weight of a C.sub.14 -C.sub.22 -alkyl(meth)acrylate and 50 to 0.1% by weight of a comonomer derived from a compound comprising a single polymerizable C.dbd.C group and these copolymers or their mixture with C.sub.14 -C.sub.22 -alkyl poly(meth)acrylates having enhanced pour point depressant properties.

Abstract: A methacrylic resin composition with improved tacky adhesion comprising 100 parts by weight of a partially cross-linked polymer gel obtained by partially polymerizing a mixture comprising (A) 40 to 99% by weight of unsaturated monomer mixtures with or without containing the polymers thereof dissolved and (B) 60 to 1% by weight of a cross-linking agent, thereby allowing the total polymer content to be kept not exceeding 80% by weight, and increased by 4 to 62% by weight over the polymer content of said mixture, and 1 to 100 parts by weight of a syrup mainly composed of alkyl methacrylates containing the polymers thereof dissolved.

Abstract: A two-phase thermoplastic composition adapted for forming thermoplastic patterns. The composition comprises an organic thermoplastic pattern material and at least about 5% by weight of discrete particles of cross-linked poly(methylmethacrylate) that are physically stable at temperatures above 130.degree. F. Also disclosed are investment casting patterns of such composition and processes utilizing such composition.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising an acrylate matrix, and swellable, infusible, insoluble, elastomeric acrylate microspheres, each of the microspheres having discrete boundaries, the microspheres and the matrix forming an interpenetrating polymer network within the boundaries of the microspheres.

Abstract: A method of imparting hydrophobic or abhesive properties to a substrate. A composition including a compound selected from the group consisting of(a) a compound of the formulaR.sub.1 R.sub.2 C.dbd.CR.sub.3 R.sub.4and an oligomer of polymer thereof;(b) a compound of the formula--(CR.sub.1 R.sub.2 --CR.sub.3 R.sub.4).sub.n --(c) a compound of the formula ##STR1## and an oligomer or polymer thereof wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently CH.sub.3 or C.sub.2 H.sub.5 ; R.sub.4 is H, CH.sub.3 or C.sub.2 H.sub.5 ; A and B are independently H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 or --(CR.sub.1 R.sub.2 --CR.sub.3 R.sub.4).sub.n --; and n is an integer between 1 and 20,000,000 is applied to the surface of the substrate. When the composition cures, the substrate possesses superior water-proof and release properties.

Abstract: A compatible polymer mixture of two polymers, consisting essentially of:A) 1-99 wt. % of a copolymer having formula I, and ##STR1## B) 99-1 wt. % of a polyalkyl methacrylate prepared from at least one monmer having formula II ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 is C.sub.1-4 aliphatic hydrocarbon group, R.sub.2 is hydrogen or methyl, R.sub.3 is a C.sub.2-8 non-cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, x is 10-90 wt. % based on the amount of copolymer I and y is 90-10 wt. % based on the amount of copolymer I.

Abstract: The present invention provides a poly(alpha-ketoester) compound represented by the formula (1); ##STR1## wherein G is a residue of an active hydrogen-containing compound G--(X--H).sub.n, or an alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms which may contain oxygen or nitrogen atoms, or a polymeric compound residue, X is an oxygen atom or --CH.sub.2, n is an integer of 3 to 1,000, R.sub.1 is a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group or an aryl group, and a production thereof.

Abstract: A compatible polymer mixture of two disparate polymers consisting essentially of:A) 0.1-99.9 wt. % of a copolymer comprised of the following monomer unitsa) 90-10 wt. % methyl acrylate;b) 10-90 wt. % styrene; andc) 0 to <10 wt. % of one or more other monomeric vinyl compounds, other than methyl acrylate and styrene; andB) 99.9-0.1 wt. % of a polymer comprised of the following monomer unitsa) >90 to 100 wt. % methyl methacrylate; andb) 0 to <10 wt. % of at least one monomeric vinyl compound other than methyl methacrylate.

Abstract: Rubber mixtures of hydrogenated nitrile rubber and ethylene/acrylonitrile copolymers, which contain copolymerized units of compounds with at least two (meth-)acryloyl groups, are easy to process and give vulcanized materials of high solvent resistance without any deterioration in the mechanical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stretched poly(arylene thioether-ketone) film made of a thermoplastic material which comprises (A) 100 parts by weight of a melt-stable poly(arylene thioether-ketone) having predominant recurring units of the formula ##STR1## and having a melting point, Tm of 310.degree.-380.degree. C., a residual melt crystallization enthalpy, .DELTA.Hmc (420.degree. C./10 min) of at least 10 J/g and a melt crystallization temperature, Tmc (420.degree. C./10 min) of at least 210.degree. C., and a reduced viscosity of 0.3-2 dl/g as determined by viscosity measurement at 25.degree. C. and a polymer concentration of 0.5 g/dl in 98 percent by weight sufuric acid; and optionally, (B) up to 100 parts by weight of at least one of thermoplastic resins and/or up to 15 parts by weight of at least one of fillers. Its production process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of sinterable, finely divided molding compounds based on polyvinyl chloride by suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride in the presence of a suspending agent mixture of sulfated carbohydrate ester and cellulose ether. The compounds are useful for the production of sintered molded articles, such as separator plates. The molded articles or plates exhibit a slight electrical resistance and a high porosity with good acid storage volume.

Abstract: A polymer composition obtained by mixing, in an emulsion state,(A) from 20 to 90% by weight (as solid content of polymer) of an emulsion of polymer component (A) which is a polymer of a vinyl monomer and has a glass transition temperature of higher than 20.degree. C., a gel content of not higher than 10% and a solubility parameter of from 8.0 to 11.0 (cal/cc).sup.1/2 and which has a weight average molecular weight, based on polystyrene, of at least 1.5.times.10.sup.5, and(B) from 10 to 80% by weight (as solid content of polymer) of an emulsion of polymer component (B) which is a homopolymer of an acrylate monomer, a copolymer of acrylate monomers or a copolymer of an acrylate monomer with other copolymerizable monomer and has a glass transition temperature of not higher than 20.degree. C., a gel content of not higher than 70% and a solubility parameter of from 8.4 to 9.8 (cal/cc).sup.1/2,and separating the polymer from the emulsion mixture.

Abstract: A steering wheel is disclosed, which is produced by injection molding a resin composition comprising (i) a crosslinked vinyl chloride polymer having a gel fraction of at least 20% and a non-gelled portion having an average polymerization degree of from 2000 to 3000, (ii) a non-crosslinked vinyl chloride homopolymer having an average polymerization degree of from 800 to 1000, and (iii) a liquid plasticizer, wherein the weight ratio of polymer component (i) to polymer component (ii) is from 50/50 to 80/20 and (iii) the amount of liquid plasticizer is from 70 to 130 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the two polymers (i) and (ii). The steering wheel has excellent properties with respect to uniformity in matte surface, wear resistance and lightfastness.

Abstract: Highly transparent, impact-resistant molded articles can be produced from a molding composition, comprising: (1) a major portion of polyvinyl chloride or a copolymer comprising at least 70% by weight of vinyl chloride units; and (2) an amount effective to impart impact resistance of: (a) at least one homopolymer of an acrylate monomer having the formula ##STR1## wherein R is a straight-chain or branched alkylene residue of 3-8 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by 1-2 ether oxygen atoms, wherein the straight-chain portion of said alkylene residue contains at least 3 carbon atoms; or (b) a copolymer of said acrylate monomer and up to 30% by weight of at least one acrylate ester of a C.sub.4-12 aliphatic alcohol.

Abstract: This invention is directed to curable molding compositions containing a mixture of a poly(acrylate); a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer which serves to crosslink the poly(acrylate) to a thermoset product; a crosslinkable vinyl monomer having a reactivity ratio (r.sub.1) with styrene of greater than one and at least one of the following: (i) a second crosslinkable vinyl monomer having a reactivity ratio (r.sub.1) with styrene of greater than one, (ii) an epoxy compound having at least one 1,2-epoxy group per molecule, and (iii) an unsaturated fatty acid ester; and a thermoplastic polymer low profile additive. The curable molding compositions exhibit improved shrink control during the curing reaction. This invention is also directed to fiber reinforced thermoset resin articles which exhibit generally improved surface appearance quality and can be produced by a rapid injection molding process from the curable molding compositions.

Abstract: Solid polychloroprene mixtures consisting of sol and gel polymer, wherein the sol component consists of a copolymer of chloroprene and from 0.75 to 0.32% by weight of sulphur, based on the total quantity of unsaturated compounds of the sol polychloroprene, and the gel component consists of a copolymer of chloroprene, from 0.4 to 1.0% by weight of sulphur, based on the total quantity of unsaturated compounds of the gel polychloroprene and from 7.5.times.10.sup.-3 to 3.0.times.10.sup.-2 mols, based on 100 g of the total quantity of monomer of the gel polychloroprene, of a compound corresponding to the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each represents a hydrogen atom or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, and X represents a C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkylene group,are suitable for the production by extrusion and by calandering of rubber articles which may be subjected to high strains.