Abstract: An ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin composition containing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and a metal compound, and having a peak at 2?=2 to 15° when measured by wide-angle X-ray diffraction using CuK? ray, as an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin composition having an excellent gas barrier property in a high humidity environment, particularly an excellent oxygen barrier property in a high humidity environment.

Abstract: The subject invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that the use of a very specific combination of hydrophobating silanes and sulfur crosslinkable silanes can be used to attain outstanding performance characteristics in silica reinforced rubber formulations. More specifically, these rubber formulations provide a highly desirable combination of both improved abrasion characteristics and reduced hysteresis without compromising other important rubber characteristics. The present invention more specifically discloses a sulfur cured rubber formulation which is the reaction product of (1) at least one rubbery polymer, (2) sulfur, (3) silica, (4) 2 phf to 12 phf of a hydrophobating silane, and (5) 0.5 phf to 3 phf of a crosslinkable silane. The weight ratio of the hydrophobating silane to the crosslinkable silane will typically be within the range of about 2:1 to about 20:1.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for producing expanded polymer pellets, which comprises the following steps: melting a polymer comprising a polyamide; adding at least one blowing agent; expanding the melt through at least one die for producing an expanded polymer; and pelletizing the expanded polymer. The invention further concerns polymer pellets produced with the method as well as their use, e.g. for the production of cushioning elements for sports apparel, such as for producing soles or parts of soles of sports shoes. A further aspect of the invention concerns a method for the manufacture of molded components, comprising loading pellets of an expanded polymer material into a mold, and connecting the pellets by providing heat energy, wherein the expanded polymer material of the pellets or beads comprises a chain extender. The molded components may be used in broad ranges of application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic resin, a method of preparing the thermoplastic resin, and a thermoplastic resin composition including the thermoplastic resin. More particularly, the present invention relates to a thermoplastic resin characterized by maximizing a ratio of monomers grafted to rubber particles and a graft rate so as to maintain a rubber particle shape in a high shear environment and varying the composition of each of monomers grafted to the inside and outside of rubber particles, a method of preparing the thermoplastic resin, and a thermoplastic resin composition having superior impact strength, falling dart impact strength, heat deflection temperature, chemical resistance, and plating adhesion strength due to inclusion of the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a chlorinated polyolefin resin having favorable adhesion to a polyolefin resin and high solubility in a composition containing an alcohol-based solvent. The present invention provides a chlorinated polyolefin resin that exhibits, in infrared spectroscopy spectrum measurement, a peak area ratio A/B×100 of 10% or higher, a peak area ratio C/B×100 of 30 to 80%, and a peak area ratio A/C×100 of 30% or higher (wherein “A” is the area of a peak resulting from hydroxyl groups, “B” is the area of a peak resulting from methylene groups, and “C” is the area of a peak resulting from carbonyl groups). The present invention also provides an ink composition for gravure printing or flexography that contains the chlorinated polyolefin resin, a printed material obtained using the above composition, and a printing method using the above composition.

Abstract: Energy-activated room temperature-pumpable polymer compositions, devices for activating and processing the same into solid cellular or non-cellular polymeric materials that can be used as adhesives, sealants, coatings or gasket materials, and methods of making and using the same. The compositions according to the invention include solid particles that include one or more polymers, which are emulsified, dispersed or suspended in a liquid carrier together with at least one processing aid, such as a reactive blowing agent, a low molecular weight surfactant, a high molecular weight surfactant, one or more compounds found in latex paint, starch, cellulosic derived products and combinations of two or more thereof. The processing aids provide various benefits including, for example, reduced density, improved process hygiene, improved foam stability, faster bonding times and/or lower processing temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) having a median grain size of from 10 to 80 ?m by suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride, the process comprising the following process steps: (a) introduction of water, initiator(s), optionally one or more further adjuvants, and some of the vinyl chloride into a container as initial charge and mixing of the constituents; (b) dispersion, and addition of one or more suspension auxiliaries with continued dispersion; (c) heating of the mixture; (d) addition of the remaining vinyl chloride; and (e) working-up of the product.

Abstract: A modified ground tire rubber based additive includes (a) 30-99 weight percent of ground tire rubber, (b) 0-9-69.9 weight percent of a material selected from a group including a gelling clay, a reactive agent, an elastomer, a plastomer, a handling and agglomerating agent and mixtures thereof and (c) 0.1-5 weight percent compatibilizer.

Abstract: A high efficiency acrylic based impact modifier including a rubber weight fraction of at least 70% and an ultra-high molecular weight acrylic process aid with a molecular weight of at least 15 million grams/mol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoplastic composition comprising at least one thermoplastic matrix; and at least one copolymer obtained by copolymerization of C1-C4 alkyl methacrylate, a C1-C8 alkyl acrylate comonomer, and a styrene monomer. The invention also relates to molded bodies based on said thermoplastic composition.

Abstract: Provided is a vinyl chloride resin composition having superior heat resistance, colorability and processability without using a heavy metal stabilizer such as lead. The present invention relates to a vinyl chloride resin composition which comprises, in addition to a vinyl chloride resin, (a) an organic acid calcium salt, (b) an organic acid zinc salt, (c) an organic acid potassium salt and (d) a polymer of alkyl ester of C4 to C10 acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, the polymer having a number average molecular weight of 1,000 to 4,000. Further, the present invention relates to a vinyl chloride resin composition which comprises, with respect to 100 parts by mass of the vinyl chloride resin, 0.01 to 5 parts by mass of the aforementioned component (a), 0.01 to 5 parts by mass of the aforementioned component (b), 0.001 to 1 parts by mass of the aforementioned component (c) and 0.05 to 10 parts by mass of the aforementioned component (d).

Abstract: A halogenated polymer containing a functionalized polymer and optionally a blowing agent.

Abstract: Backings for carpet and carpet tiles are formed from various post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymeric waste materials, for example, post-consumer textile waste material (e.g., carpet and carpet tiles), post-industrial textile waste material (e.g., carpet and/or carpet tiles), and/or other post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymeric materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film structure comprising an outer layer, a core and an inner layer (or sealant layer). The outer layer comprises a polyolefinic material having a Vicat softening temperature of 85° C. or greater, and a total crystallinity in the range of 25 to 45%. The core comprises a linear low density polyethylene having a density of 0.925 g/cm3 or less, and a melt index of 4.0 g/10 min or less. The inner layer comprises linear low density polyethylene having a density of from 0.865 to 0.926 g/cm3 and a melt index of less than 4.0 g/10 minutes. The films of the present invention have less than 25% of polyethylenes having a density of 0.930 g/cm3 or greater. Further, the films of the present invention can be characterized by the substantial absence of polyamide, polyester, ethylene vinyl acetate, ionomers, polyvinyl chloride, and/or cyclic olefin polymers.

Abstract: A stabilizer polymer and coating compositions containing the stabilizer polymer are provided. The stabilizer polymer preferably includes a polyester backbone and a plurality of carbon-carbon double bonds. A coating composition is provided that preferably includes the stabilizer polymer, an acrylic component, and a thermoplastic dispersion. In a preferred embodiment, the acrylic component is included in the stabilizer polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasticization modifying agent for polyvinyl chloride processing and preparation method and use thereof, and it belongs to the field of modifying agent for polyvinyl chloride processing. Said modifying agent is a polymer obtained from monomer composition consisting of 60 to 100 parts by weight of alkyl methacrylate and 0 to 40 parts by weight of alkyl acrylate with total weight of 100 parts, the intrinsic viscosity of the polymer is higher than 7.5. The invention also provides the preparation method of said high viscosity coefficient modifying agent. The invention breaks through the localization and misapprehension in the art, said plasticization modifying agent can effectively improve finish degree of polyvinyl chloride rheological block, enhance plasticization property of polyvinyl chloride. The polymer can be widely used for modification of polyvinyl chloride or composite material containing polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multicolour decorative welding rod (3) and a method to produce a multicolour decorative welding rod, said welding rod comprising a PVC-based component A and a PVC-based component B, in a ratio of component A/component B comprised between 10/90 to 50/50, said components A and B being associated in such a way that the composition of said component A comprises a PVC having a higher melt viscosity and/or a higher melting point, than the PVC of said component B, said components A and B being of a different colour.

Abstract: The instant invention is an impact resistant composition, method of producing the same, and articles made therefrom. The impact resistant composition comprises (1) at least 85 percent by weight of poly(vinyl chloride), based on the weight of the impact resistant composition; and (2) less than 10 percent by weight of an impact modifier composition, based on the weight of the impact resistant composition, comprising; (a) less than 30 percent by weight of high-density polyethylene, based on the weight of the impact modifier composition; and (b) at least 70 percent by weight of chlorinated polyethylene, based on the weight of the impact modifier composition; wherein the impact resistant composition has an instrumented dart drop impact of greater than 0.90 inch-pounds per mil at ?10° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composition comprising a polymeric composition comprising a first crosslinked network; and a second crosslinked network; wherein the first crosslinked network is crosslinked at a first stress and/or a first strain and the second crosslinked network is crosslinked at a second stress and/or a second strain; where the first stress and/or the first strain is different from the second stress and/or the second strain either in magnitude or direction. Disclosed herein is a method comprising subjecting a polymeric mass to a first stress and/or a first strain level; crosslinking the polymeric mass to form a first crosslinked network; subjecting the polymeric mass to a second stress and/or a second strain level; and crosslinking the polymeric mass to form a second crosslinked network; where the first stress and/or the first strain level is different from the second stress and/or the second strain level.

Abstract: A binder resin composition is provided which retains satisfactory low-temperature flowability and coating film performances and has a lower cost. A binder resin solution composition including: (a) a resin obtained by mixing a chlorinated polyolefin (I) obtained by chlorinating to a chlorine content of 10 to 40% by weight an isotactic polypropylene polymer produced in the presence of a metallocene catalyst, the isotactic polypropylene polymer having a molecular weight distribution of 3 or lower and a melting point as measured with a differential scanning calorimeter of 110 to 140° C.

Abstract: A polymer composition that includes from 0.1 to 60 percent by weight of interpolymer resin particles containing a styrenic polymer intercalated within a polyolefin and from 40 to 99.9 percent by weight of at least one second polymer. The polyolefin is present at from 20% to 80% by weight based on the weight of the particles, has a VICAT softening temperature greater than 60° C. and a melt index of from 0.3 to 15 g/10 minutes (190° C./2.16 kg). The styrenic polymer is present at from 20% to 80% by weight based on the weight of the particles. The interpolymer resin particles have a gel content ranging from 0 to 5% by weight based on the weight of said interpolymer resin particles, a VICAT softening temperature ranging from 85° C. to 115° C., and a melt index value ranging from 0.1 to 6.0 (230° C./5.0 kg).

Abstract: Pi-conjugated organoboron polymers for use in thin-film organic polymer electronic devices. The polymers contain aromatic and or unsaturated repeat units and boron atoms. Pi-conjugated organoboron polymers which are end capped, derivatized with solubilizing groups or both exhibit improved solubility and handling properties beneficial for the formation of thin films useful for device fabrication. The vacant p-orbital of the boron atoms conjugate with the pi-conjugated orbital system of the aromatic or unsaturated monomer units extending the pi-conjugation length of the polymer across the boron atoms. The pi-conjugated organoboron polymers are electron-deficient and, therefore, exhibit n-type semiconducting properties, photoluminescence, and electroluminescence.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric compositions having a high polymer size and a low Tg. These novel compositions are useful as plastic additives. Also provided is a method of improving the processing of a matrix resin by adding one or more of the novel polymeric compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plasticizer preparations based on triacetin with short gel time, and to their use, and to polyvinyl chloride preparations.

Abstract: Solution blending of masterbatch of cationically functionalized polyvinyl acetate copolymer/silicate nanocomposite where the silicate is substantially exfoliated, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), produces product of increased tensile strength and Young's Modulus compared to neat EVA and reduced flammability compared to neat EVA. The product can be injection molded or compression molded or extruded without loss of these advantages.

Abstract: A section of polymeric sheet material includes a quantity of primary polymer and a plurality of particles of at least one non-primary polymer. A plastic card formed from the section of polymeric sheet material and a method of manufacturing polymeric sheet material are also included.

Abstract: The present invention describes an advantageous way of lubricating polyvinylchloride during an extrusion process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impact modified acrylic sheet composition having a bimodal distribution of impact modifier particle sizes. The composition provides an optimal balance of impact performance and appearance after melt processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric compositions having a high polymer size and a low Tg. These novel compositions are useful as plastic additives. Also provided is a method of improving the processing of a matrix resin by adding one or more of the novel polymeric compositions.

Abstract: Flame retardant polymeric blend compositions including a synergistic combination of flame retardants, including a halogenated flame retardant and a nanoparticulate, such as an organically modified clay or a natural nanoclay. The compositions are thermoplastic elastomers, include a polyolefin and a styrenic block copolymer, and exhibit high char formation upon burning as well as desirable vertical burn characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, the flame retardants include at least a halogenated flame retardant and a metal oxide.

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 shape memory polymeric material has a glass transition temperature, Tg, exceeding room temperature and exhibits rubber modulus and elasticity derived substantially from physical crosslinks is prepared by blending components including one crystalline polymer and two amorphous polymers. Methods of preparing the polymeric materials and uses of the polymeric materials, for example, as smart medical devices, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are adhesive compositions comprising nonfunctionalized base resins and functionalized ethylene copolymers such as ethylene/maleic anhydride (E/MAH) or ethylene/ethyl hydrogen maleate (E/MAME) copolymer, which are synthesized directly in a high pressure autoclave. These adhesive compositions can be applied as self-supporting films or can be co-extruded or extrusion coated onto a substrate. Also disclosed are multilayer structures, films, pipe coatings and building panels comprising these compositions.

Abstract: A clear, impact modified, heat resistant polyvinyl chloride composition is provided comprising (a) at least one polyvinyl halide; (b) at least one clear impact modifier possessing a refractive index which is not more than about 2% above or below the refractive index of the polyvinyl halide; and (c) at least one clear heat modifier comprising a terpolymer obtained by the copolymerization of a vinyl aromatic monomer, an acrylonitrile and an alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate, wherein the terpolymer possesses a refractive index which is not more than about 2% above or below the refractive index of the polyvinyl halide and possesses a weight average molecular weight ranging from about 75,000 to about 400,000.

Abstract: A polymer extender composition comprising monomers copolymerized in the following percentages by weight: (a) from about 5% to about 90% of a monomer of the formula I: R1—OC(O)—C(R)?CH2??(I) (b) from about 5% to about 85% of vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, or a mixture thereof, (c) from about 0.5% to about 3% of a monomer of the formula II: HO—CH2—NH—C(O)—C(R)?CH2??(II) (d) from about 0.5% to about 3% of a monomer of the formula III HO—CH2CH2—OC(O)—C(R)?CH2??(III) and (e) from about 1% to about 5% of a monomer of the formula IV: H—(OCH2CH2)m—O—C(O)—C(R)?CH2??(IV) (f) from 0% to about 25% of methyl methacrylate, vinylbenzyl chloride, styrene or a mixture thereof, wherein each R is independently H or CH3; R1 is a linear or branched or cyclic alkyl chain having from about 4 to about 18 carbon atoms, and m is 2 to about 10.

Abstract: Provided are an acrylic copolymer composition, a method for preparing an acrylic copolymer, and a vinyl chloride resin composition including the acrylic copolymer. The acrylic copolymer composition includes 5-15 wt % of a crosslinking agent and an alkyl acrylate monomer constituting an alkyl acrylate crosslinked polymer and 85-95 wt % of methyl methacrylate and at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of alkyl acrylate and alkyl methacrylate. Addition of the acrylic copolymer to the vinyl chloride resin composition enhances the foaming property of the vinyl chloride resin. Combination of the acrylic copolymer with an impact modifier further enhances the impact strength of the vinyl chloride resin.

Abstract: Polyvinyl chloride fibers obtainable by molding a resin composition containing 100 parts by weight of a vinyl chloride resin, from 3 to 20 parts by weight of a compatible chlorinated vinyl chloride resin, from 10 to 30 parts by weight of a heat resistant chlorinated vinyl chloride resin, and from 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a heat stabilizer into a fibrous form, the compatible chlorinated vinyl chloride resin having a chlorine content of from 57 to 64% by weight and an average degree of polymerization of from 450 to 800; and the heat resistant chlorinated vinyl chloride resin having a chlorine content of from 65 to 71% by weight and an average degree of polymerization of from 450 to 1,100, to a process of producing the same and to applications thereof.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed that comprises rigid PVC and from about 0.1 to about 10 phr of an EPM copolymer. The compositions optionally also include one or several additives selected from lubricants, impact modifiers, process aids, fusion promoters, heat stabilizers, co-stabilizers, fillers, pigments, antioxidants, UV absorbers, antistats, metal release agents, and plasticizers. The EPM is particularly useful as a PVC gloss reducing agent and additive enhancing agent for such polymer additives, particularly lubricants, heat stabilizers, UV absorbers, and pigments.

Abstract: Methods for modulated degenerative transfer living polymerization and isotactic-atactic stereoblock and stereogradient poly(olefins) thereby Abstract A method of producing a multiblock, stereoblock polyolefin having substantially uniform microstructure is disclosed. The method includes contacting a Ziegler-Natta pre-catalyst with a co-catalyst and an olefin to polymerize the olefin and form a first stereoblock, adding a methyl donator that changes the stereoregularity of the polymerization, and polymerizing the olefin to form a second stereoblock. The methods of the present invention allow for the production of poly(olefin)s having predictable degrees of incorporation of stereoerrors of a known type. The methods allows for the production of a variety of poly(olefin) microstructures, ranging from stereoblock to stereogradient poly(olefin)s and poly(olefin)s having fully isotactic to fully atactic microstructures.

Abstract: Thermoplastic vulcanizates comprise at least an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer and at least one thermoplastic polymer, such as polyolefin. The ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer is a block copolymer having at least a hard block and at least a soft block. The soft block comprises a higher amount of comonomers than the hard block. The block interpolymer has a number of unique characteristics disclosed here. The block interpolymer is either used as a compatibilizer between a vulcanizable elastomer and a thermoplastic polymer or as a vulcanizable elastomer when it is in the EPDM form. The thermoplastic vulcanizates can be profiled extruded to make profiles and gaskets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process aid for use in rigid thermoplastic compositions, and especially in rigid polyvinylchloride (PVC) compositions. The process aid is an acrylic terpolymer of methylmethacrylate, butyl acrylate and styrene at an optimal ratio to produce a significant reduction in melt process viscosity. The resulting reduction in extrusion melt torques enables manufacturers of rigid PVC products to have higher throughput production rates.

Abstract: A thermoplastic alloy of a melt processible crosslinked olefin thermoplastic elastomer dispersed in a PVC matrix. Improved compatibility of the alloyed components may be achieved through the use of a chlorinated olefin thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic alloy is characterized by lessened mechanical deterioration from heat aging, and improved performance under low temperature conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising a functionalized C3 to C40 olefin polymer comprising at least 50 mol % of one or more C3 to C40 olefins, and where the olefin polymer, prior to functionalization, has: a) a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more on Kraft paper; b) an Mw of 10,000 to 100,000; and c) a branching index (g?) of 0.98 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer when the polymer has an Mw of 10,000 to 60,000, or a branching index (g?) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer when the polymer has an Mw of 10,000 to 100,000; and where the C3 to C40 olefin polymer comprises at least 0.001 weight % of an functional group, preferably maleic anhydride. This invention further relates to blends of such functionalized polymers with other polymers including non-functionalized C3 to C40 olefin polymers as described above.

Abstract: A polyvinyl chloride-based fiber of the present invention is a fiber formed with a vinyl chloride resin composition that comprises (a) 100 parts by weight of vinyl chloride resin, and (b) 0.2 to 20 parts by weight of crosslinked vinyl chloride resin in which a weight fraction of constituents that are insoluble in tetrahydrofuran is 18 to 45% and a viscosity average degree of polymerization of constituents that are soluble in tetrahydrofuran is 500 to 1800, in which a cross-sectional shape of the fiber comprises a combination of at least two of circles, ellipses, and parabolas. When this fiber is used as artificial hair, it is possible to provide style changeability without impairing matte properties and touch of the vinyl chloride-based fiber. Furthermore, the fiber of the present invention can be produced stably by melt-spinning, and thus an industrial advantage also is provided.

Abstract: There is provided a vinyl chloride resin composition, which is excellent in processability and can produce a processed article having excellent physical property or a formed molding having excellent property. A processing aid having specific viscosity of at least 0.5 is combined with a vinyl chloride resin, wherein the aid is obtained by polymerizing 1 to 50 parts by weight of a monomer mixture (B) comprising 0 to 49% by weight of methyl methacrylate, 51 to 100% by weight of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of a methacrylate ester except methyl methacrylate and an acrylate ester, and 0 to 20% by weight of a vinyl monomer copolymerizable therewith, in the presence of a latex of a (co)polymer having specific viscosity of at least ?sp 0.

Abstract: Provided are a vinyl chloride resin composition having good melt flowability without lowering the softening temperature and the mechanical strength properties of the molded articles thereof even when various compounding ingredients are not added thereto in a large amount, and a molded article obtained by the composition. The present invention is attained by a vinyl chloride resin composition prepared by adding a vinyl chloride copolymer resin obtained by copolymerizing a vinyl monomer and a macromonomer having a polymer comprising an ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing a double bond in a main chain, to a vinyl chloride resin.

Abstract: A polyvinyl chloride-based fiber of the present invention is a fiber formed with a vinyl chloride resin composition that comprises (a) 100 parts by weight of vinyl chloride resin, and (b) 0.2 to 20 parts by weight of crosslinked vinyl chloride resin in which a weight fraction of constituents that are insoluble in tetrahydrofuran is 18 to 45% and a viscosity average degree of polymerization of constituents that are soluble in tetrahydrofuran is 500 to 1800, in which a cross-sectional shape of the fiber comprises a combination of at least two of circles, ellipses, and parabolas. When this fiber is used as artificial hair, it is possible to provide style changeability without impairing matte properties and touch of the vinyl chloride-based fiber. Furthermore, the fiber of the present invention can be produced stably by melt-spinning, and thus an industrial advantage also is provided.

Abstract: Blends of amorphous and semicrystalline polymers having shape memory properties were prepared by blending a crystalline polymer such as poly(vinylidene fluoride), polylactide, poly(hydroxxybutyrate), poly(ethylene glycol) polyethylene, polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate, poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidene chloride) and copolymers of poly(vinylidene chloride) and poly(vinyle chloride) and an amorphous polymer such as poly(vinyl acetate), poly methyl acrylate, poly ethyl acrylate, atactic poly methyl methacrylate, isotactic poly methyl methacrylate, syndiotactic poly methyl methacrylate and other poly alkyl methacrylates. The method for preparing the polymeric materials and applications thereof, for example, as smart medical devices, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A powder system for use in solid freeform fabrication. The powder system includes at least one polymer having reactive properties and fusible properties. The at least one polymer is reactive with a liquid binder and is fusible at a temperature above the melting point or glass transition temperature of the at least one polymer. The at least one polymer may be a single co-polymer having at least one reactive portion and at least one fusible portion or may be a mixture of polymers including at least one reactive polymer and at least one fusible polymer. A method of forming an object by solid freeform fabrication is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are described for preparing graft copolymers from poly(vinyl chloride) or vinyl chloride copolymers comprising reacting these materials with sources of selected metal-centered free radicals in the presence of one or more monomers that can undergo free-radical addition polymerization. The metal-centered free radicals used are capable of abstracting chlorine atoms from the starting polymer to form C-centered radicals that add to the monomer(s) in order to start the growth of branches via a free-radical route. This method is an effective method for producing PVC graft copolymers, and can be used to produce PVC graft copolymers having novel compositions. The methods of the invention are particularly useful for providing highly branched PVC graft copolymers.