Abstract: An elastomeric compound comprises 20-80 parts per hundred cross-linkable materials of liquid elastomer. The liquid elastomer has a complex dynamic viscosity less than 5 McP (5,000 N*s/m2) at a temperature between 20° C. and the maximum flow temperature TF, and the elastomeric compound the elastomeric material has a complex dynamic viscosity of less than 5 McP (5,000 N*s/m2) for at least 2 minutes at a maximum flow temperature TF.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising the step of crosslinking dynamically at least the following components (A) to (C) in the presence of a crosslinking agent: (A) 10 to 50% by weight of an oil-extended ethylene-?-olefin-non-conjugated diene copolymer rubber having a density of 850 to 900 kg/m3, and a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 100° C.) of 30 to 150, (B) 20 to 60% by weight of an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer having a density of 850 to 910 kg/m3, and a melt flow rate of 0.05 to 80 g/10 minutes measured at 230° C. under a load of 21.18 N, and (C) 20 to 60% by weight of a propylene resin, the total amount of the components (A) to (C) being 100% by weight; and an air-bag cover comprising a thermoplastic elastomer composition produced according to said process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rubber-modified styrene-based resin comprising a styrene-based polymer forming a matrix and rubber-like polymer particles dispersed in the matrix like islands, each of the rubber-like polymer particles having a cross sectional structure where the styrene-based polymer particles are contained like islands-sea, wherein the rubber-modified styrene-based resin is constituted of 1-10 wt % of the rubber-like polymer and 99-90 wt % of the styrene-based polymer; the particle-diameter of the rubber-like polymer particle falls within a range of 1.0 to 5.0 ?m; and a value of (styrene-based polymer weight/rubber-like polymer weight) in a methylethylketone-insoluble matter of the rubber-modified styrene-based resin falls within a range of 0.5 to 1.5.

Abstract: Polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic elastomer including styrene and isoprene and/or vinylisoprene units (SI) and a syndiotactic polypropylene (s-PP).

Abstract: A description is given of a semi-interpenetrating network having a first phase of a linear noncrosslinked isobutene polymer and a second phase of a crosslinked polymer, wherein the crosslinked polymer is obtained by crosslinking molecular enlargement reaction in the presence of the isobutene polymer. The crosslinked polymer is preferably obtained by free-radical polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising at least one polyethylenically unsaturated monomer. The networks are suitable as molding compounds having gas and moisture barrier effect or as adhesives.

Abstract: Power cable coating compounds are disclosed, the coating compounds including an ethylene alpha-olefin diene elastomeric terpolymer, and an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer having a Melt Index Ratio I10/I2 of at least 7 and/or a Melt Index Ratio I21/I2 of at least 20. In various embodiments, the ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer can be present in the coating compound in amounts up to 90 percent by weight, based on the weight of the ethylene alpha-olefin diene elastomeric terpolymer and the ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer. Also disclosed are electrical devices including extruded coating compounds, the extruded compounds having low surface roughness at high extrusion rates.

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

Abstract: Polymer composite including a compatibilizer and having selective permeability to chemical permeants due to interaction differences between the compatibilizer and the chemical permeants, includes 50-99 wt % of an amorphous thermoplastic resin selected from the group polyethylenepropylendienterpolymer, poly(1-(trimethylsilyl)-1-propyne), amorphous nylon, polystyrene and polycarbonate; 0.9-50 wt % of a semi-crystalline polymer selected from the group polyamide (nylons), polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyetheretherketone, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, and thermotropic or lyotropic liquid crystal polymer, and dispersed in the amorphous thermoplastic resin to provide a dispersed phase having an interface with the amorphous thermoplastic resin; and 0.

Abstract: This invention relates to in-reactor polymer blends comprising at least 60 mole % of propylene and from 0.01 to 10 mole % of at least one diene selected from the group of C6 to C12 ?,?-diene, norbornadiene, vinyl norbornene and mixtures thereof with the balance being ethylene. The blend comprises first and second polymers having different crystallinities and or different Tg's.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomer composition, comprising an thermoplastic polyolefin and an dynamically vulcanized elastomer comprising monomer units of ethylene, an ?-olefin and optionally one or more non-conjugated polyenes and oil, having an oil/elastomer ratio of at least 2/1, having a content of thermoplastic polyolefin of less than 10 wt. % relative to the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer composition, granulate of the composition having the capability of flowing out of a cylinder, held in vertical position, within 120 seconds, after being kept in that cylinder under a pressure of 465 kg/m2, at a temperature of 50° C., for a period of 1 hour, that cylinder having an internal diameter of 95.3 millimeter (mm) and a length of 356 mm and being filled for a length of between 326 and 338 mm.

Abstract: A cushion gum of having a diene rubber and between 5 and 60 phr of a plasticizing hydrocarbon resin having a glass transition temperature greater than about 20° C., 60° C. or even greater than 70° C. and a number average molecular weight less than 2000. The cushion gum may comprise between 10 and 30 phr of the resin in particular embodiments. The plasticizing resin may be a terpene resin comprising units resulting from the polymerization of limonene, alpha pinene, beta pinene or combinations thereof; homopolymers or copolymers of cyclopentadiene (CPD) or dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), homopolymers or copolymers of terpene, homopolymers or copolymers of a C5 cut and mixtures thereof; and/or copolymers of (D)CPD/vinyl-aromatic, of (D)CPD/terpene, of (D)CPD/C5 cut, of terpene/vinyl-aromatic, of C5 cut/vinyl-aromatic and of combinations thereof.

Abstract: A particulate rubber composition includes a plurality of rubber particles. At least some of the rubber particles have tensile fractured surfaces. The particulate rubber composition is produced by a method that includes disintegrating a cross-linked rubber product to form the rubber particles using a high-speed jets fluid to impinge the cross-linked rubber product. The high-speed jets fluid has a Reynold's number that ranges from 100,000 to 4,000,000. A product including a polymeric matrix material and the particulate rubber composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a thermoplastic vulcanizate composition comprising a rubber and a very low density polyethylene copolymer. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a process for making said thermoplastic vulcanizate composition and articles comprising said thermoplastic vulcanizate composition.

Abstract: The present invention is a multistage process for the preparation of a co)polymer composition. Said process comprises the steps of: i) polymerizing in a first stage a reaction mixture comprising one or more monomer with optionally a rubber, a comonomer, a polymerization initiator, a chain transfer agent, a decomposition catalyst and/or a solvent, in the presence of one or more stable free radical precursor which provides a stable free radical during the polymerization process and/or one or more stable free radical such that the polymerization proceeds via a mediated free radical polymerization mechanism until a partial conversion of monomer(s) to (co)polymer is obtained and ii) polymerizing in a second stage the partially converted reaction mixture under reaction conditions that proceed via a free radical polymerization mechanism to obtain a further degree of conversion of monomer(s) to (co)polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rubber composition capable of using in a tread rubber of a tire to improve both an initial gripping performance and a running stability of the tire as compared with those of conventional tires, and more particularly to a rubber composition formed by compounding an indene-containing C9-based resin having a softening point of 130° C.-190° C. and an indene content of 30-80 mass % into a rubber component.

Abstract: Surfaces are bonded together using a thermoplastic toughened epoxy adhesive wherein the adhesive contains an epoxy component, a thermoplastic component, a core/shell particle component and a curing agent. The thermoplastic toughened epoxy adhesive is only heated during bonding to a relatively low curing temperature of between 140° C. and 160° C. for a sufficient time to cure the adhesive and provide surfaces that are bonded together with a high-strength bond.

Abstract: In a process for producing a polymer blend, at least one first monomer is polymerized in a first slurry phase reaction zone in the presence of a supported first catalyst comprising a Ziegler-Natta component to produce a thermoplastic first polymer having a crystallinity of at least 30%. At least part of said first polymer is then contacted with at least one second monomer different from said first monomer and at least one polyene in a second solution phase reaction zone in the presence of a second catalyst under conditions to produce and at least partially cross-link said second polymer such that said second polymer comprises at least a fraction which is insoluble in xylene and has a crystallinity of less than 20%.

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 conjugated diene rubber composition comprising (A) 5-95 wt. % of a conjugated diene rubber having a structure such that at least three conjugated diene polymer chains are bonded together through a specific polyorganosiloxane having groups containing alkylene glycol repeating units and (B) 95-5 wt. % of a conjugated diene rubber having reacted with a compound having in the molecule a functional group selected from >C?O, >C?S, amino, imino, epoxy, pyridyl, alkoxyl and halogeno. This rubber composition gives, when silica is incorporated therein, a vulcanizable rubber composition having good processability and giving a rubber vulcanizate exhibiting sufficiently reduced heat build up, and having good wet-grip property and good abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The inventive heat-shrinkable polystyrene film is high in shrinkability in the longitudinal direction that is its main shrinkage direction, is excellent in perforated line openability, and has high toughness. The heat-shrinkable polystyrene film is characterized by particular values with respect to hot-water heat shrinkage ratio in the longitudinal and width directions, right angle tear strength in the width direction, and breaking energies in the longitudinal and width directions.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoplastic elastomer composition, which comprises the steps of: (1) supplying at least an olefin copolymer rubber and an olefin resin to a plasticization-kneading zone of a biaxial extruder, which zone has at least two kneading discs forming a tip clearance of 1% or larger and smaller than 10% of an inner diameter of a cylinder in the biaxial extruder, thereby forming a melt-kneaded product; and (2) supplying an organic peroxide to a dynamically cross-linking zone of the biaxial extruder, which zone (i) is located after the plasticization-kneading zone, and (ii) has at least two kneading discs forming a tip clearance of 1% or smaller of the inner diameter of the cylinder in the biaxial extruder, thereby dynamically cross-linking the melt-kneaded product with the organic peroxide.

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: The invention relates to a moulding composition, comprising a) 50 to 99.9% by weight of a matrix composed of a thermoplastic polymer and b) from 0.1 to 50% by weight of a matting agent in the form of a (meth)acrylate copolymer dispersed in the matrix, characterized in that the matting agent is a (meth)acrylate copolymer which has been prepared from the following monomers, b1) from 50 to 95% by weight of methyl methacrylate b2) from 5 to 50% by weight of C1-C6-alkyl acrylates b3) from 0.01 to less than 0.5% by weight of a crosslinking monomer and/or graft-linking agent having two or more ethylenically unsaturated radicals capable of free-radical polymerization, b4) from 0 to 20% by weight of one or more other, non-crosslinking ethylenically unsaturated monomers capable of free-radical polymerization, where the entirety of the constituents b1) and b2) and, where appropriate, b3) and/or b4) gives 100% by weight, and the glass transition temperature Tmg of the matting agent is at least 20° C.

Abstract: A resin composition for metal plating provides a molded article exhibiting excellent metal plating adhesion strength and chemical resistance, while having excellent productivity. A metal-plated molded article can also be made from such a resin composition. The resin composition for metal plating includes 50-90% by mass of Component (A) and 10-50% by mass of Component (B), the total of Component (A) and Component (B) being 100% by mass, wherein Component (A) is a polypropylene resin, and Component (B) is a rubber-reinforced vinyl resin obtained by polymerizing a vinyl monomer in the presence of a rubber-like polymer, or a mixture of the rubber-reinforced vinyl resin and a (co)polymer of the vinyl monomer. The composition may further include 0.5-30 parts by mass of a compatibilizer (C) per 100 parts by mass of the total of Component (A) and Component (B). Component (B) is preferably a non-diene rubber-reinforced resin.

Abstract: Meta-block copolymers and a process for preparing a product mixture comprising meta-block copolymers by contacting a metathesis catalyst under metathesis conditions with a composition comprising two or more ethylenically unsaturated polymers, said unsaturation defining one or more polymer segments in each ethylenically unsaturated polymer, at least one polymer segment in at least one ethylenically unsaturated polymer being chemically distinguishable from at least one polymer segment in at least one other ethylenically unsaturated polymer, characterized in that each meta-block copolymer in the product mixture comprises a random distribution of said chemically distinguishable polymer blocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a graft copolymer for transparent thermoplastic polyurethane resin, a preparing method thereof and a polyurethane resin composition comprising the same, more precisely a graft copolymer for transparent thermoplastic polyurethane resin prepared by graft copolymerization of (a) 50-85 weight % of rubber latex having multi-layered structure composed of an inner layer and an outer layer comprising a conjugated diene monomer and an ethylenically unsaturated aromatic compound in which the refraction index of the inner layer is greater than that of the outer layer; and (b) 15-50 weight % of a C2-C20 vinyl monomer. The present invention provides a thermoplastic polyurethane resin composition having excellent color properties, calendaring properties, low temperature impact strength and transparency.

Abstract: A multiphase polymeric material comprises a first rigid continuous phase and a second elastic phase dispersed in the first phase. The multiphase polymeric material may be formed into polymeric strips and used to make a cellular confinement system which is suitable for use in cold areas.

Abstract: Farnesene interpolymer comprises units derived from a farnesene (e.g., ?-farnesene or ?-farnesene) and units derived from at least one vinyl monomer. The farnesene interpolymer can be prepared by copolymerizing the farnesene and at least one vinyl monomer in the presence of a catalyst. In some embodiments, the farnesene is prepared from a sugar by using a microorganism. In other embodiments, the at least one vinyl monomer is ethylene, an ?-olefin, or a substituted or unsubstituted vinyl halide, vinyl ether, acrylonitrile, acrylic ester, methacrylic ester, acrylamide or methacrylamide, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Acrylic-based pressure sensitive adhesives are modified with a telechelic hydrocarbon oligomer. The oligomer comprises a hydrocarbon polymer chain or backbone and a functional end group, e.g., an oligomer prepared from a mono hydroxyl polybutadiene polymer and toluene diisocyanate. The oligomer attaches to the acrylic backbone of the polymer as a pendant group and in a preferred embodiment, the oligomer is mixed with the PSA shortly before the PSA is coated.

Abstract: A polymer composition that includes a first polyolefin polymer and an interpenetrating network polymer. The interpenetrating network polymer includes a second polyolefin polymer present in an amount of from 10 percent by weight to 80 percent by weight, based on total weight of the interpenetrating network polymer, and a vinyl aromatic polymer present in an amount of from 20 percent by weight to 90 percent by weight, based on total weight of the interpenetrating network polymer. As initially provided in the polymer composition, the interpenetrating network polymer is substantially free of crosslinking. The polymer composition itself is at least partially crosslinked. An expandable polymer composition is provided that includes the polymer composition and an expansion agent, which can be expanded to form an expanded polymer composition that can have a density of from 16 to 400 Kg/m3.

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: Elastomeric compositions comprising at least one C4 to C7 monoolefin elastomer, at least one polyalphaolefin, and optionally at least one hydrocarbon polymer additive are disclosed. The PAO comprises oligomers of one or more C2 to C20 alpha-olefins having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of 3 to 3000 cSt and a Mw/Mn of less than 4. In one aspect, the elastomeric composition may have improved flex fatigue properties and have a fatigue life of 450,000 Kc or more as measured by ASTM D 412 die C. In another aspect, an elastomeric composition may have improved impermeability and have a permeation coefficient at 40° C. of 160 cc*mm/(m2?day) or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel air barriers made from elastomeric compositions. In particular, the invention relates to novel air barriers such as innerliners, air sleeves, and innertubes made from novel C4 to C7 isoolefin based polymers with new sequence distributions or that are substantially free of long chain branching.

Abstract: The invention relates to the self-adhesive material of hydrogenated block copolymers or a mixture thereof, comprising polymer blocks of vinyl aromatics (A-blocks) and such made by polymerization of 1,3 dienes (B-blocks), mixing the self-adhesive material with 10 to 80 parts per weight, preferably with 10 to 40 parts per weight polyisobutylene with an average molecular weight Mw in relation to 100 parts by weight Mw of the blockcopolymeres.

Abstract: Disclosed are soft polymer compositions comprising an ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer and a crystalline polyolefin, such as polypropylene homopolymers or polypropylene copolymers, wherein the ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has a higher melt viscosity than the polyolefin. Also disclosed are such compositions modified by materials that improve the scratch-and-mar properties of the blends, the preparation and use of these compositions in such processes as extrusion and injection molding, and articles made from these compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the incorporation of functionalized polyethylenes, in amount of about 1% to 95% by weight based upon the weight of the total crosslinkable material, into ethylene alpha olefin elastomers, such as EPDM elastomer compositions, which are crosslinked by peroxides, which results in improved properties, such as hardness and modulus of elongation, and can result in improved higher abrasion resistance, wear resistance, coefficient of friction, tensile strength, and other properties through a broad temperature range, which are beneficial to power transmission products, such as power transmission belts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a thermoplastic vulcanizate comprising: a) melt processing a blend of thermoplastic polymer and vulcanizable elastomer in a multi-screw extruder having at least three intermeshing screws, wherein said screws have 3-170 mixing zones, and said extruder having a L/D ratio of 15-100, and a screw profile that has 3 to 17 meshes per L/D; b) adding at least one curing agent to the melt-processed blend of a) in at least one location in the first 46% of the length of said extruder, or adding at least one curing agent to the melt-processed blend of a) in a second extruder, so as to initiate curing of the blend: and, curing at least partially said elastomer by reactive melt processing. Improved processing, reaction kinetics and efficiencies are achieved, as well as thermoplastic vulcanizate products having decreased weight gain when placed in mineral oils.

Abstract: The polymeric composition of the present invention is a polyolefin composition comprising (percent by weight): 1) 10-60% of a copolymer of propylene and hexene-1 wherein said copolymer comprises from 0.2 to 10% of recurring units derived from hexene-1; and 2) 10-85% of a propylene polymer selected from propylene homopolymer and a polymer of propylene with 0.1-10% of an ?-olefin selected from ethylene, a C4-C10 a-olefin, hexene-1 excluded, and a mixture thereof, said propylene polymer being insoluble in xylene at ambient temperature in an amount over 85% and having a Polydispersity Index ranging from 3 to 20; and 3) 5-30% of a copolymer of ethylene with a C3-C10 ?-olefin and optionally a diene, having an ethylene content ranging from 15 to 60% and an intrinsic viscosity value of at least 1 dl/g. Pipe systems and sheets produced from said composition show an optimal balance of mechanical properties.

Abstract: A thermoplastic material has a) from 5% weight to 95% by weight, preferably from 10% by weight to 60% by weight, of vulcanized rubber in a subdivided form; b) from 5% by weight to 95% by weight, preferably from 40% by weight to 90% by weight, of at least one heterophase copolymer having a thermoplastic phase made from a propylene homopolymer or copolymer and an elastomeric phase made from a copolymer of ethylene with an ?-olefin, preferably with propylene; c) from 0% by weight to 90% by weight, preferably from 0% by weight to 50% by weight, of at least one ?-olefin homopolymer or copolymer different from b); the amounts of a), b) and c) being expressed with respect to the total weight of a)+b)+c). The thermoplastic material shows improved mechanical properties, in particular, improved elongation at break.

Abstract: Novel crosslinkable compositions based on elastomers, at least one of which has carboxyl and/or carboxylate groups, are provided, these crosslinkable compositions containing special unsaturated organic salts of metal ions and a crosslinking system which acts as a free radical donor. Crosslinked elastomers which have excellent physical properties are obtainable therefrom. The novel crosslinkable compositions have a wide range of uses.

Abstract: A seal for a valve for use in a pharmaceutical dispensing device, which seal is formed from a blend comprising: a thermoplastic elastomer including a propylene component with isotactic crystallinity; and a polymer selected from one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene and copolymers thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing an olefinic thermoplastic elastomer comprising mixing 100 parts by weight of an olefin copolymer rubber (A) obtained by polymerizing ethylene, an ?-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms and a non-conjugated polyene, and based on 100 parts by weight of the olefin copolymer rubber (A), 11 to 50 parts by weight of a volatile organic solvent (B) and 5 to 150 parts by weight of an olefin resin (C), and removing from the mixture the volatile organic solvent (B) while kneading in an extruder.

Abstract: Resin beads having an average particle size of from 0.001 mm to 10 mm and containing a continuous phase and a particulate dispersed phase are described. The continuous phase includes elastomeric polymers; the dispersed phase includes homopolymers and/or copolymers containing repeat units resulting from the polymerization of one or more aryl polymerizable monomers. The unexpanded polymer resin beads can be prepared by dispersing an organic phase containing elastomeric polymers and one or more monomers, into droplets and polymerizing the monomers in the organic droplets in a low shear flow pattern. The beads can be impregnated with blowing agents, expanded and can be used to make molded articles. Resin beads having a continuous phase comprising a nitrile rubber, and a dispersed phase comprising one or more homopolymers and/or copolymers containing repeat units resulting form the polymerization of one or more aryl polymerizable show prolonged retention of blowing agents in unexpanded form.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an oxygen absorbent and an oxygen-absorbing film that are excellent in oxygen absorption capability and do not generate an unpleasant odor component upon absorbing oxygen, whereby an unpleasant odor is not generated in a packaging container having them used therein, and an unpleasant odor is not diffused outward from the packaging container. [Means for Dissolution] An oxygen absorbent comprising a cyclized product of a conjugated diene polymer having a vinyl bond content in a conjugated diene monomer unit moiety of 4% by mol or less is provided. An oxygen-absorbing film comprising a cyclized product of a conjugated diene polymer having a vinyl bond content in a conjugated diene monomer unit moiety of 4% by mol or less, as an effective component is also provided. An oxygen-absorbing film further comprising a thermoplastic resin in addition to the oxygen absorbent is also provided.

Abstract: Carboxylate terminated thiocarbonates are reacted with a polyfunctional alcohol to form a hydroxyl-terminated thiocarbonate compound.

Abstract: A polyolefin composition containing elastomers (plasticizers), crystalline polypropylene, modified by mixing with polybutene-1 and a coupling agent and a bicyclic dicarboxyl acid salt nucleating agent and/or a lubricant which comprises an unsaturated fatty acid ester which acts as a surface modifier in a molded article is described. The composition is adapted to be used with pigments to make finished molded articles which have an appearance of paint covered by a clear coat and which are scratch resistant and have good low temperature (?30° C.) impact properties.

Abstract: Thermoplastic vulcanizates having improved physical properties, including extrusion surface roughness can be achieved by a method that includes a first processing step to form a fully cured TPV base, a cooling step wherein the fully cured TPV base is solidified and a second processing step which imparts improved physical properties including improved extrusion surface roughness to the resultant TPV. The method may be adapted for use in conjunction with a peroxide curing agents to protect a portion of the thermoplastic, which may be polypropylene, from degradation by the peroxide curing agent. The adaptation to the methods may include the addition of a portion of the thermoplastic to the TPV after the peroxide curing agent has been added. The adaptation may also include one or more devolatalization steps with or without the addition of a stripping agent.

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: A process for the preparation of vinylaromatic (co)polymers grafted on an elastomer comprising a rigid matrix consisting of vinylaromatic polymers or copolymers and of an elastomeric phase dispersed in the matrix in form of particles with a strictly bimodal distribution which comprises the functionalization of a first elastomeric fraction by means of a catalytic system containing a stable free radical initiator and subsequently the polymerization of the thus obtained mixture also in presence of a second non functionalized elastomeric fraction.

Abstract: A rubber composition comprises a diene rubber component, a filler and a softening agent, in which a given amount of a filler is compounded based on 100 parts by mass of a diene rubber component, and a softening agent is included in a given amount per the filler, and not less than 60% by mass of the diene rubber component is a solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene copolymer rubber having a mass average molecular weight of not less than 1,000,000, and the filler is selected from the group consisting of carbon black, silica and an inorganic agent of a formula (I): mM.xSiOy.zH2O (wherein M is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, titanium and calcium, or an oxide of such a metal or a hydroxide of such a metal, m is a number of 1-5, x is a number of 0-10, y is a number of 2-5 and z is a number of 0-10), wherein each of the filler and the softening agent is charged in at least two fractions.