Abstract: A homogeneous polymer blend comprises a thermoplastic first polymer having a crystallinity of at least 30%; and a second polymer having a crystallinity of more than 5% and being at least partially cross-linked.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition suitable for a studless tire, which can inhibit rubber hardness increase with time and reveals excellent performance on ice and snow for a long time. The present invention relates to a rubber composition comprising 1 to 60 parts by weight of hydrogenized liquid polybutadiene based on 100 parts by weight of a rubber component containing at least 80% by weight of a natural rubber and a butadiene rubber, wherein a peak temperature of tan ? is at most 45° C. and rubber hardness at 0° C. is at most 64.

Abstract: Methods for making a crosslinked elastomeric composition and articles made of the same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, an elastomeric composition comprising at least one propylene-based polymer is blended with at least one component selected from the group consisting of multifunctional acrylates, multifunctional methacrylates, functionalized polybutadiene resins, functionalized cyanurate, and allyl isocyanurate; and blended with at least one component selected from the group consisting of hindered phenols, phosphites, and hindered amines. The propylene-based polymer can include propylene derived units and one or more dienes, and have a triad tacticity of from 50% to 99% and a heat of fusion of less than 80 J/g. The blended composition can then be extruded and crosslinked. The extruded polymer can be crosslinked using electron beam radiation having an e-beam dose of about 100 KGy or less. The crosslinked polymers are particularly useful for making fibers and films.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) with unique morphological features, more specifically, this invention relates to a method for preparing TPV compositions wherein the mixing of plastomers and elastomers are carried out in solvent with curatives to induce cross-linking.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyolefin compositions. In particular, the invention pertains to elastic polymer compositions that can be more easily processed on cast film lines, extrusion lamination or coating lines. The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise an elastomeric polyolefin resin and a high pressure low density type resin.

Abstract: Thermoplastic olefinic compositions comprising (a) at least one ethylene/?-olefin polymer having a PRR between 8 and 70 and (b) at least one polypropylene polymer and an (a)/(b) weight ratio of greater than 50/less than 50 to 90/10. The compositions are used in extrusion, calendering, blow molding, foaming and thermoforming processes to make a variety of articles, such as automotive instrument panel skins.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polymer blends comprising at least one ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer and two different polyolefins which can be homopolymers. The ethylene/?-olefin interpolymers are block copolymers comprising at least a hard block and at least a soft block. In some embodiments, the ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer can function as a compatibilizer between the two polyolefins which may not be otherwise compatible. Methods of making the polymer blends and molded articles made from the polymer blends are also described.

Abstract: Provided are heterogeneous blend compositions comprising; a) from 1% to 99% by weight of the blend of a first polymer component comprising a copolymer of 5% to 35% by weight of the first polymer component consisting predominantly of alpha olefin derived units and 65% to 95% by weight of the first polymer component of propylene derived units having a crystallinity of 0.1% to about 25% from isotactic polypropylene sequences, a melting point of from 45° C. to 105° C., and wherein the Melt Flow Rate (MFR@230 C) of the first polymer component is between 300 g/10 min to 5000 g/10 min b) from 1% to 99% by weight of the blend of a second polymer component comprising isotactic polypropylene and random copolymers of isotactic propylene, wherein the percentage of the copolymerized alpha-olefin in the copolymer is between 0.0% and 9% by weight of the second polymer component and wherein the second polymer component has a melting point greater than about 110° C.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a class of mesophase separated butene/?-olefin block interpolymers with controlled block sequences. The butene/?-olefin interpolymers are characterized by an average block index, ABI, which is greater than zero and up to about 1.0 and a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, greater than about 1.4. Preferably, the block index is from about 0.2 to about 1. In addition or alternatively, the block butene/?-olefin interpolymer is characterized by having at least one fraction obtained by Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation (TREF'), wherein the fraction has a block index greater than about 0.3 and up to about 1.0 and the butene/?-olefin interpolymer has a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, greater than about 1.4.

Abstract: High-temperature-curing reactive compositions based on natural and/or synthetic elastomers containing olefinic double bonds, and on vulcanizing agents, are described, which contain at least one liquid polyene having a molecular weight between 400 and 80,000 and at least one liquid polybutadiene having a narrow molecular weight distribution and a microstructure of 10 to 20% vinyl-1,2 double bonds, 50 to 60% trans-1,4 double bonds, and 25 to 35% cis-1,4 double bonds in the molecule. These compositions furthermore contain a vulcanizing system of sulfur and accelerators and/or, if applicable, quinone oximes. These compositions are suitable for use as a single-component adhesive, sealant, or coating compound in automobile manufacture, with high tensile shear strength and high impact peel strength even, in particular, at low temperatures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a class of butene/?-olefin block interpolymers. The butene/?-olefin inter-polymers are characterized by an average block index, ABI, which is greater than zero and up to about 1.0 and a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, greater than about 1.3. Preferably, the block index is from about 0.2 to about 1. In addition or alternatively, the block butene/?-olefin interpolymer is characterized by having at least one fraction obtained by Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation (‘TREF’), wherein the fraction has a block index greater than about 0.3 and up to about 1.0 and the butene/?-olefin interpolymer has a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, greater than about 1.4.

Abstract: An optical film, suitable or use in, or as a component of, an image display device or apparatus (for example, a LCD device or a polarizer assembly), comprises a hydrogenated vinyl aromatic/conjugated diene block copolymer that has a near zero optical retardation at all light incidence angles (measured using incident light at a wavelength of 633 nanometers).

Abstract: This invention discloses a tire which is comprised of a generally toroidal-shaped carcass with an outer circumferential tread, two spaced beads, at least one ply extending from bead to bead and sidewalls extending radially from and connecting said tread to said beads, wherein said tread is adapted to be ground-contacting, and wherein said tread is comprised of (1) a filler, (2) a cured rubbery polymer, and (3) core-shell particles which are comprised of (a) a crosslinked elastomeric core consisting essentially of repeat units that are derived from at least one conjugated diolefin monomer and from 15 weight percent to 30 weight percent at least one crosslinking monomer, wherein the crosslinked elastomeric core is a polymeric composition having a glass transition temperature which is within the range of ?20° C. to 20° C., and (b) a polymeric shell which is derived from at least one vinyl aromatic monomer, wherein the polymeric shell has a glass transition temperature which is within the range of 50° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a polyolefin composition comprising contacting a metallocene pre-catalyst, co-catalyst, and a stoichiometric excess of a metal alkyl; adding a first olefin monomer; and polymerizing the first monomer for a time sufficient to form the polyolefin. The method allows for the use of minimum amounts of activating co-catalyst and metallocene pre-catalyst. Also disclosed is a method of producing a block polyolefin composition comprising contacting a metallocene pre-catalyst, a co-catalyst, and a stoichiometric excess of a metal alkyl; adding a first olefin monomer; polymerizing the first monomer for a time sufficient to form the polyolefin; adding a second monomer; and polymerizing the second olefin monomer for a time sufficient to form said block polyolefin composition. Also disclosed are amorphous atactic polymer and copolymer compositions made according to the present invention.

Abstract: Compositions, processes, and methods are provided relating to styrenic polymers, including high impact polystyrene (HIPS), also referred to as rubber-modified polystyrene. In one aspect, a process is provided for making high impact polystyrenes, comprising the steps of combining a monovinylarene component, a monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer, and a conjugated diene polymer. In another aspect, the feed components form an emulsion having a continuous phase and a dispersed phase. The continuous phase comprises at least a portion of the monovinylarene component and at least a portion of the conjugated diene polymer. The dispersed phase is suspended within the continuous phase, and comprises globules having at least a portion of the monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer, a remaining portion of the monovinylarene component, and a remaining portion of the conjugated diene polymer.

Abstract: The invention discloses thermosetting water-based paint comprising water-dispersible acrylic polymer particles which are obtained through multi-stage emulsion polymerization of radical polymerizable unsaturated monomers using a specific reactive emulsifying agent, said monomers comprising amido-containing radical polymerizable unsaturated monomer having at least 2 radical polymerizable unsaturated groups per molecule, methacrylic acid and hydroxyl-containing radical polymerizable unsaturated monomer; and coating film-forming methods which use the thermosetting water-based paint.

Abstract: A method of preparing a thermoplastic vulcanizate, the method comprising continuously dynamically vulcanizing a rubber within a blend with a thermoplastic resin, where the dynamic vulcanization is effected with a cure system that includes a free-radical cure agent, and a coagent-wetted carrier where the coagent-wetted carrier includes a multi-functional acrylate coagent, a multi-functional methacrylate coagent, or both a multi-functional acrylate and multi-functional methacrylate coagent.

Abstract: A process is described for obtaining viscosity index improver compounds (V.I.I.) having an improved dimensional stability and capable of enhancing the low temperature rheology of lubricating oils, the above process comprising the treatment of amorphous EP(D)M copolymers or terpolymers, optionally mixed with semi-crystalline EP(D)M, mixed with linear polyethylenes, the treatment being effected in the presence of one or more substances of a hydroperoxide nature and optionally in the presence of small quantities of polyfunctional vinyl monomers, the above treatment being carried out under high shear conditions at a temperature ranging from 75° C. to 260° C., preferably from 140° C. to 210° C.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoplastic elastomer composition, the process comprising synthesizing an elastomeric copolymer by polymerizing ethylene, an ?-olefin, and optionally a diene monomer within the gas phase to thereby produce a gas-phase elastomeric copolymer, blending the gas-phase elastomeric copolymer with a thermoplastic polymer to form a mix of the elastomeric copolymer and thermoplastic polymer, and dynamically vulcanizing the gas-phase elastomeric copolymer within the mix of the elastomeric copolymer and thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A vinyl•cis-polybutadiene rubber is provided containing 1,2-polybutadiene and a polymer substance of a melting point lower than that of the 1,2-polybutadiene and with at least one unsaturated double bond per repeating unit, where the 1,2-polybutadiene and the polymer substance are dispersed at physically and/or chemically adsorbed states in the cis-polybutadiene rubber as the matrix component of the vinyl•cis-polybutadiene rubber, and a method for producing the same, to provide a vulcanized product exerting a small die swell ratio and excellent extrusion processability and operability, as well as very great characteristics demanded for the side tread of tire and the like.

Abstract: A method of modifying the rheology of a thermoplastic resin that includes the steps of providing a thermoplastic resin and blending interpolymer resin particles with the thermoplastic resin. The interpolymer resin contains a styrenic polymer intercalated within a polyolefin, such that the thermoplastic resin is present as a continuous phase and the interpolymer resin is present as a dispersed phase. The method provides a rheology modified thermoplastic resin with improved physical characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least two incompatible thermoplastic polymers and at least one compatibilizer, to a method of preparing this composition, and to the use of said composition for the manufacture of thermoplastic articles or semi-finished products having, in particular, improved mechanical properties. A composition according to the invention is such that said polymeric compatibilizer includes at least two groups of polar and apolar units compatible with the respectively polymers, and it is characterized in that it comprises the product of a hot compounding reaction, in the presence of a crosslinking system, of said compatibilizer in the crosslinkable state with said thermoplastic polymers, in such a way that only said compatibilizer is crosslinked in said composition.

Abstract: A thermally stable brominated butadiene copolymer, such as brominated styrene/butadiene block copolymer, brominated random styrene/butadiene copolymer or brominated styrene/butadiene graft copolymer, preparation of the brominated butadiene copolymers, use of the brominated butadiene copolymers as a flame retardant additive and polymeric compositions, both foamed and non-foamed, that incorporate a flame-retarding amount of brominated butadiene copolymer.

Abstract: Mechanisms for coating surfaces of materials, the resulting coated materials, and solutions for use in material-coating processes are described. Triblock molecule components may be selected for desired properties. When applied in solution to a material, the molecules self-assemble into similarly oriented micro- or nanostructures coating the surface of the material. Various molecule properties can be tailored to produce a range of desirable surface coating properties. The surface coating may optionally be self cleaning if selected to be appropriately hydrophobic, allowing water and particulates to roll off of the surface with minimal friction.

Abstract: The invention constituting the subject matter of this application is related to the production method and process regarding any and all products created by forming the EPDM rubber including a mixture of ethylene, propylene and diene by using heat and particularly the seal of the door gasket, which is a part of the washing machines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vulcanizable rubber mixture and to its use for rubber products which need good grip in wet conditions or in icy conditions, in particular vehicle tires and vehicle tire treads, but also technical rubber products like belts on conveyor systems which can have exposure to weathering, technical hoses, or vibration dampers and impact dampers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of an article, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a component (i) which comprises a blend of (a1) an unsaturated first polyolefin having a certain total amount m1 of carbon-carbon double bonds/1000 carbon atoms, (a2) a crosslinking agent, (a3) optionally an unsaturated low molecular weight compound having a certain total amount m2 carbon-carbon double bonds/1000 carbon atoms, (b) providing a component (ii) which comprises a second polymer having a certain total amount m3 of carbon-carbon double bonds/1000 carbon atoms, wherein m1, m2 and m3 satisfy a certain relationship, (c) forming a blend of component (i) and component (ii) wherein the weight ratio of the component (i) to the component (ii) is within the range of 10:90 to 99:1, (d) applying one or more layers of the blend onto a substrate.

Abstract: Cable layer comprising a propylene polymer composition comprising (a) a propylene polymer (A) (b) an elastomeric copolymer (B) of propylene and at least one comonomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene, C4 ?-olefin, C5 ?-olefin, C6 ?-olefin, C7 ?-olefin, C8 ?-olefin, C9 ?-olefin and C10 ?-olefin, and (c) units (C) derived from at least bifunctionally unsaturated monomer(s) (C) and/or at least multifunctionally unsaturated low molecular weight polymer(s) (C?), the units (C) being linked to the propylene polymer (A) and/or the elastomeric copolymer (B) wherein the gel content of the propylene polymer composition determined as the amount of polymer insoluble in boiling xylene is not more than 1 wt %.

Abstract: Rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a polymeric filler as reinforcing filler and a coupling agent for bonding between the polymeric filler and the elastomer. The polymeric filler includes nanoparticles of a polyvinylaromatic (PVAr) carrying a functional group denoted by Z of formula a ?Si—X, X representing a hydroxyl or hydrolyzable group. The PVAr is especially a copolymer of styrene, ethylvinylbenzene, divinylbenzene and trimethoxysilylpropylacrylate or trimethoxysilylpropylmethacrylate, being in the form of nanobeads, the diameter of which is between 10 and 100 nm. Also described is a method of obtaining such a composition, and use of such a rubber composition for the manufacture of rubber articles, in particular tires or rubber semi-finished products intended for these tires, as well as a masterbatch including at least one diene elastomer and such a polymeric filler, and a method of obtaining such a masterbatch.

Abstract: Adhesive composition for bonding and filling large assemblies, including a mixture of about 5 percent to about 75 percent by weight of a thermoplastic polymer, about 0.5 percent to about 35 percent by weight of a polyester resin or vinyl ester resin, and about 20 percent to about 80 percent by weight of an alkyl acrylate or methacrylate monomer.

Abstract: A method of preparing a thermoplastic vulcanizate, the method comprising dynamically vulcanizing a rubber within a blend with a thermoplastic resin, where the dynamic vulcanization is effected with a cure system that includes a free-radical cure agent and triallyl isocyanurate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer composition, comprising: (i) a polypropylene matrix; (ii) a first elastomeric phase dispersed within the matrix and having a glass transition temperature Tg1, measured with dynamical mechanical thermal analysis according to ISO 6721-2, wherein the first elastomeric phase comprises an ethylene copolymer having comonomer units derived from C3 to C8 olefins; (iii) a second elastomeric phase dispersed within the matrix, wherein the second elastomeric phase is crosslinked and has a glass transition temperature Tg2, measured with dynamical mechanical thermal analysis according to ISO 6721-2, within the range of ?70° C. to ?90° C., wherein the difference between Tg1 and Tg2 is at least 15° C. and Tg1 is higher than Tg2.

Abstract: A polymer blend composition, in an exemplary embodiment, includes an impact modified polypropylene copolymer, and a low density polyethylene polymer. The ratio of an amount, by weight, of the impact modified polypropylene copolymer to an amount, by weight, of the low density polyethylene polymer is between about 6:4 to about 9:1.

Abstract: A method of improving the stress crack resistance of an impact modified styrenic polymer comprising (a) combining about 95 to about 99.5 wt. % of an impact modified styrenic polymer with about 0.5 to about 5 wt. % of a polymer solution comprising about 25 to about 75 wt. % polyisobutylene and about 25 to about 75 wt. % of a polyolefin comprising one or more C2 to C12 alpha olefins.

Abstract: Methods for adhesive bonding are disclosed. The methods includes contacting a substrate with an activator composition which includes a reactive solvent, such as methyl ethyl ketone or acrylic-based monomers, and a reducing agent, such that the treated substrate has a working time of greater than about four weeks, and contacting the substrate with adhesive compositions to result in adhesive bonding.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a membrane for use as an outdoor building material comprising a non-reinforced TPO outdoor building material membrane composed of a single ply embossed thermoplastic polyolefin polymer wherein the embossed membrane has a stretchability in the range of about 5 lbf to about 30 lbf, as tested with about a 30-mil thickness sample under the “stretchability test.

Abstract: Adhesive composition for bonding and filling large assemblies, including a mixture of about 5 percent to about 75 percent by weight of a thermoplastic polymer, about 0.5 percent to about 35 percent by weight of a polyester resin or vinyl ester resin, and about 20 percent to about 80 percent by weight of an alkyl acrylate or methacrylate monomer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic elastomer composition which is excellent in a vibration-proof property and a sound-proof property, and which has flexibility, wear resistance and processability at the levels required for a member (e.g., a roller) to be used in an image-forming device (e.g., a printer). The thermoplastic elastomer composition contains a butyl rubber at a ratio of 30 to 80 mass % (inclusive), and further contains 15 to 50 parts by mass (inclusive) of an olefin thermoplastic resin and 10 to 100 parts by mass (inclusive) of a hydrogenerated styrene thermoplastic elastomer relative to 100 parts by mass of the rubber component, wherein the rubber component is finely dispersed by dynamic cross-linking.

Abstract: A thermoplastic vulcanizate comprising (i) a dynamically-cured rubber, and (ii) a thermoplastic polymer component, where the thermoplastic polymer component includes (a) a propylene-?-olefin thermoplastic copolymer characterized by including at least 5% by weight up to 35% by weight units deriving from ?-olefins, and having a heat of fusion, as determined by DSC, of less than 80 J/g, (b) and a functionalized thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a thermoplastic resin composition, the method including a first step of melt-kneading 100 parts by weight component (A) and from 15 to 200 parts by weight of component (B) to form a melt-kneaded material, and a second step of melt-kneading from 35 to 2300 parts by weight of additional component (B) with the melt-kneaded material formed in the first step, wherein component (A) is an elastomer having a melt viscosity, as measured at a temperature of 230° C. and a shear rate of 121 sec?1, of 1500 Pa·s or more and the component (B) is a polyolefin resin.

Abstract: The copolymer rubber composition comprises 60 to 75% by weight of a copolymer rubber (1) and 40 to 25% by weight of a copolymer rubber (2), and exhibits a difference in iodine value of 5 to 30 between the copolymer rubber (1) and the copolymer rubber (2). The copolymer rubber (1) is an ethylene-?-olefin-nonconjugated polyene copolymer rubber having an ethylene unit of 50 mol % to 70 mol %, an ?-olefin unit of 50 mol % to 30 mol %, and an iodine value of 10 to 30, and the copolymer rubber (2) is an ethylene-?-olefinic copolymer rubber having an ethylene unit of more than 70 mol % and 95 mol % or less, an ?-olefin unit of less than 30 mol % and 5 mol % or more, and an iodine value of 0 to 8.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toughened film forming agent for use in a fiber sizing, a finish coating or a binder composition, where the toughened film forming agent includes a film fowling polymer and a toughening agent both dispersed in water. The toughening agent may be core shell polymers, rubber, thermoplastic materials, nanomaterials, nanofibers, including any combination or subset thereof. The film forming polymer may be epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, epoxy-polyurethane resins, polyester resins, epoxy-polyester resins, polyvinylacetate resins, polypropylene resins, including any combination or subset thereof.

Abstract: There are provided a rubber composition simultaneously improving low loss factor and wear resistance as compared with the conventional ones as well as a tire using such a rubber composition. The invention lies in a rubber composition using a modified conjugated diene rubber and being excellent in the low loss factor and wear resistance as well as a tire. The rubber composition of the invention is formed by compounding a filler to a rubber component containing (A) a modified conjugated diene rubber having a cis-bond content in conjugated diene portion of not less than 87% and a vinyl bond content of not more than 2% and containing a functional group reactive with a filler and (B) a modified polymer having a modifying functional group number per 1 molecule of an unmodified polymer of not less than 0.6.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions and methods of making and using such compositions are provided. The compositions incorporate a first component that is an isobutylene-based polymer and a second component having propylene-derived units and polyene derived units. The polymeric compositions have desirable processability characteristics, particularly for injection molding applications.

Abstract: A multilayer film includes a first layer including a blend of a polyolefin and a diene elastomer, a second layer directly contacting and directly bonded to the first layer, and a third layer directly contacting and directly bonded to the first layer. The second and third layers include a fluoropolymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising: (a) 100 parts by weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer; (b) 0.01 to 3 parts by weight of an organic peroxide; and (c) 1 to 80 parts by weight of a carboxylated liquid polybutadiene. Also disclosed is a thermoplastic resin composition comprising the thermoplastic elastomer composition.

Abstract: An olefin polymer composition comprising (by weight, unless otherwise specified): A) 60-85% of a crystalline propylene homopolymer or a crystalline copolymer of propylene containing 3% or less of ethylene or C4-C10 ?-olefin(s) or of combinations thereof, said homopolymer or copolymer having a Polydispersity Index (P.I.) value of from 4.5-6 and a content of isotactic pentads (mmmm), measured by 13C NMR on the fraction insoluble in xylene at 25° C., higher than 96%; B) 15-40% of a partially amorphous copolymer of ethylene containing from 35% to 70% of propylene or C4-C10 ?-olefin(s) or of combinations thereof, and optionally minor proportions of a diene. The said olefin polymer composition exhibits a value of elongation at break ranging from 150 to 600% according to ISO method 527.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical/medical rubber compound contains the following components: (A) a composition obtainable by crosslinking (a) 100 parts by weight of an isobutylene polymer having terminal alkenyl groups with (d) a hydrosilyl-containing compound in the presence of (b) from 5 to 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin and (c) from 5 to 100 parts by weight of polybutene during melt kneading, and (B) an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene powder. Compared with conventional thermoplastic elastomers, the pharmaceutical/medical rubber compound and its molded article are free from deformations and have sufficient permanent set resistance even under high temperature conditions, have excellent mechanical properties, low water absorption property, low reactivity and superb gas barrier properties, and can withstand high-temperature sterilization.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a tire and a tire made therefrom which possesses excellent grip performance and abrasion resistance, said rubber composition containing a diene rubber and an aromatic vinyl polymer having a glass transition temperature at most 10° C., the amount of the aromatic vinyl polymer being preferably 5 to 150 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the diene rubber.

Abstract: A method comprising preparing a reaction mixture comprising a styrene monomer, an antioxidant, and a reaction rate improving additive, contacting the reaction mixture with an antioxidant reactive compound, and placing the reaction mixture under conditions suitable for polymerization of the styrene monomer to a styrenic polymer wherein the polymerization occurs at an overall reaction rate that is increased by equal to or less than 20% when compared to an otherwise similar polymerization process carried out in the absence of the reaction rate improving additive A method comprising preparing a reaction mixture comprising a styrene monomer, an elastomer, an antioxidant, a sodium or calcium salt of an organic acid, and an initiator; and placing the reaction mixture under conditions suitable for polymerization of the styrene monomer to a styrenic polymer, wherein the sodium or calcium salt of an organic acid protects the initiator such that the polymerization is carried out at a reaction rate greater than would oth