Abstract: A process for preparing microgel(s) that uses a wide range of activatable prepolymers. In the process, a polymer composition of crosslinked component A and soluble components B and C is formed from mono-olefinic and multi-olefinic monomers in the presence of catalyst and initiator. The process comprises: I) introducing mono-olefinic monomer, catalyst, and initiator into a reactor in the absence of multi-olefinic monomer and producing an activatable prepolymer, component B; II) contacting the product of I) with multi-olefinic monomer to produce components A and C, optionally in the presence of additional initiator; also optionally in the presence of additional mono-olefinic monomer and initiator. The ratio of components A/(B+C) can be controlled by varying the mole ratio of The Component B/multi-olefinic monomer from 0.05/1 up to 5/1, by decreasing the mole ratio to increase the ratio of A/(B+C), and increasing the mole ratio to decrease the ratio of A/(B+C).

Abstract: A low-cost, efficient method of preparing hierarchically ordered structures by combining, concurrently or sequentially, micromolding, latex templating, and cooperative self-assembly of hydrolyzed inorganic species and amphiphilic block copolymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating mixtures containing polymeric materials, e.g., collagen, to form a polymer that intercalates into the polymeric material. The treatment provides greater tensile strength to the mixture, among other advantages. The polymer is formed of a monomeric unit having at least one catechol group that is oxidized to a quinone upon polymerization.

Abstract: Various novel block cationomers comprising polyisobutylene (PIB) and poly(2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) segments have been synthesized and characterized. The specific targets were various molecular weight diblocks (PDMAEMA+) and triblocks (PDMAEMA+-b-PIB-b-PDMAEMA+) with the PIB blocks in the DPn=50-200−(Mn=3,000-9,000 g/mol) range connected to blocks of PDMAEMA+ cations in the DPn=5-20 range. The overall synthetic strategy for the preparation of these block cationomers comprised four steps: 1) Synthesis by living cationic polymerization of mono- and di-allyltelechelic polyisobutylenes, 2) End group transformation to obtain PIBs fitted with termini capable of mediating the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of DMAEMA, 3) ATRP of DMAEMA and 4) Quaternization of PDMAEMA to PDMAEMA+I− by CH3I. Kinetic and model experiments provided guidance to develop convenient synthesis methods.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided film adhesive compositions comprising at least one macromonomer having at least one unit of ethylenic unsaturation, at least one thermoplastic elastomer co-curable with the macromonomer, and at least one cure initiator, and methods for use thereof. Invention compositions are useful as adhesives in the microelectronics industry. In particular, invention film adhesives may be used to produce microelectronic assemblies with very thin bond lines without compromising adhesive strength.

Abstract: A polyarylene copolymer which comprises (A) aromatic compound units having a main chain containing one or more electron-withdrawing groups therein and (B) aromatic compound units having a main chain containing no electron-withdrawing groups therein, and a proton-conductive membrane comprising the polyarylene copolymer having sulfonic acid groups.

Abstract: A method of forming, by polymerization in an aqueous dispersion at pressures in excess of one atmosphere, a plurality of porous particles having at least one polymeric phase and, additionally, having a pore filling phase containing a fugitive substance is disclosed. Replacement of the fugitive substance with a gas is further disclosed. Gas-filled porous particles and their aqueous dispersions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A crosslinkable elastomer composition which provides a crosslinked product with improved mechanical strength and heat resistance, comprising,

Abstract: The invention relates to block copolymers for optical data storage.

Abstract: Novel polystyrene grafted polyolefin compositions having a high level of grafting are made using a novel process which involves suspending styrene in water. The polystyrene grafted polyolefin compositions can then be converted into ion exchange membranes that are particularly useful in electrolytic cells.

Abstract: A process for making a vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene networked polymer comprising the steps of: providing a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) copolymer; mixing the copolymer with a peroxide and a coagent to form a curing mixture; and processing the curing mixture such that the peroxide, in combination with the coagent, crosslinks the copolymer to form a networked polymer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a first generation polymer comprising a step which consists in radical polymerization of a composition containing: at least an ethylenically unsaturated monomer a free radical source, and at least a disulfide compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparation of final graft polyols via a continuous process. In addition, a final graft polyol formed by the process is disclosed. The process includes the steps of reacting a plurality of ethylenically unsaturated monomers and a reaction moderator with a macromer having induced unsaturation in the presence of a carrier polyol, a free radical polymerization initiator, and a first graft polyol. The process provides for the preparation of a final graft polyol having a solids level of from 30 to 70% in a continuous process. The final graft polyol produced by the process has a lower viscosity over a range of solids levels, a reduced amount of very large irregularly shaped particles, a reduced viscosity change in response to a change in reaction temperature compared to a typical graft polyol, a reduced tendency to foul the continuous reactor, and a broader particle size distribution compared to an identical graft polyol prepared by a semi-batch process.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing polymer rubber, which comprises the step of polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer or a combination of a conjugated diene monomer with an aromatic vinyl monomer in the presence of (1) an organolithium compound, (2) a solvent, (3) tetrahydrofuran in an amount of 0.0106 to 0.1060% by weight, and (4) ethylene glycol diethyl ether in an amount of 0.02 to 0.30% by weight, wherein the polymer rubber satisfies the conditions of (a) a vinyl group content in the polymer rubber is not less than 60% by weight, and (b) a Q value (Mw/Mn) of the polymer rubber is not more than 1.35.

Abstract: Coupled polymers are prepared by a process comprising heating an admixture containing (1) at least one polyolefin comprising ethylene and optionally at least one comonomer and (2) a coupling amount at least one poly(sulfonyl azide) to at least the decomposition temperature of the poly(sulfonyl azide) for a period sufficient for decomposition of at least 80 weight percent of the poly(sulfonyl azide) and sufficient to result in a coupled polymer; particularly where the polyolefin is the product of polymerization of ethylene and optionally at least one other alpha-olefin in the presence of a single site catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel block copolymer containing a controlled distribution copolymer block of a conjugated diene and a mono alkenyl arene, where the controlled distribution copolymer block has terminal regions that are rich in conjugated diene units and a center region that is rich in mono alkenyl arene units. Also disclosed is a method for manufacture of the block copolymer.

Abstract: A storage stable monomer/polymer composition comprises a component A and a component B. Component A comprises an emulsion polymer formed by the polymerization of 1-99% by weight of a C1-C10 alkyl acrylate, 99-1% by weight of C1-C10 alkyl methacrylate, and 0-0.5% by weight of a first graft component, which is then swollen by a mixture of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a polymerization initiator. Component B also comprises an emulsion polymer formed by the polymerization of 1-99% by weight of C1-C10 alkyl acrylate, 99-1% by weight of C1-C10 alkyl methacrylate, and 0-0.5% by weight of a second graft component, swollen with at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a polymerization activator. Curing of the monomer/polymer composition begins only after the water has evaporated from the dispersion. The aqueous monomer/polymer compositions are used as binders for road marking paints, floor coating compositions, coating materials and sealing compositions.

Abstract: This process for the production of a controlled-rheology resin of a propylene homopolymer or copolymer or a composition that comprises a propylene homopolymer or copolymer in the absence of a functional monomer, whereby said process brings about an increase of the fluidity index of the resin by cuts of the chains, is characterized by the fact that at least one stable free radical is incorporated into said resin in the viscous state, since a solid product that has an increased fluidity index is formed. In particular, the stable free radical or radicals is or are selected from among nitroxyl radicals, comprising at least one ═N—O′ group.

Abstract: Methods of carrying out a reactive extrusion processes are described that include combining at least one polymer, oligomer, or combination thereof, a carbon dioxide containing fluid, and at least one reactant in an extruder to form a mixture such that the carbon dioxide containing fluid comes into intimate contact with the at least one polymer, oligomer, or combination thereof and assists in a reaction between the at least one polymer, oligomer, or combination thereof and the at least one reactant, and wherein the at least one polymer, oligomer, or combination thereof is modified upon reaction with the at least one reactant.

Abstract: A composition for delivery of a therapeutic agent is provided. The composition comprises: (a) a biocompatible block copolymer comprising one or more elastomeric blocks and one or more thermoplastic blocks and (b) a therapeutic agent, wherein the block copolymer is loaded with the therapeutic agent. The block copolymer is preferably of the formula X-(AB)n, where A is an elastomeric block, B is a thermoplastic block, n is a positive whole number and X is a seed molecule. The elastomeric blocks are preferably polyolefin blocks, and the thermoplastic blocks are preferably selected from vinyl aromatic blocks and methacrylate blocks. According to another aspect of the invention, a medical device is provided, at least a portion of which is insertable or implantable into the body of a patient. The medical device comprises (a) the above biocompatible block copolymer and (b) a therapeutic agent, wherein the block copolymer is loaded with the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Block copolymer comprising at least two kinds of polymer components each having a different structural unit in the polymer selected from polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate and polyarylate. The present block copolymer has a distinguished moldability and can be produced even from rework products or recycle products in a simple and economical manner.

Abstract: Isotactic-polypropylene-based copolymers having a homogenous distribution of recurring units of formula (1): where R is a hydrogen, halide radical or a hydrocarbyl radical optionally containing an atom selected from oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorus and silicon, and n is an integer ranging from 1 to 3; said copolymer having a 13C-NMR spectrum wherein the resonance signals attributed to the links between different monomeric units fall around 30, 34, 35, 45 and 47 ppm and present intensities at least two times higher than the resonance signals attributed to styrene—styrene sequences around 41 ppm and 44-46 ppm; a process for preparing said copolymers carried out in the presence of homogeneous catalytic systems comprising a metallocene compound and a cocatalyst; functionalized copolymers obtained from said isotactic-polypropylene-based copolymers; and graft copolymers comprising said isotactic-polypropylene-based copolymers as backbones.

Abstract: A composition comprises an oxetane oligomer or polymer or copolymer block wherein each repeat group has at least one ether side chain which is terminated by a fluorinated aliphatic group and optionally with the proviso that at least two different repeat units of the oligomer or polymer or copolymer have different Rf groups. The oxetane block is connected to a hydrocarbon polymer block derived from a mono or polyhydroxyl initiator. The terminal fluorinated alkyl groups impart good stain resistance to the oligomer or polymer or copolymer. In another embodiment, a fluorinated aliphatic or alkyl alcohol is reacted with an amino dicarboxylic acid with the reaction product thereof being subsequently grafted to a maleated polyolefin or a maleated polymer derived from a vinyl substituted aromatic monomer. The fluorinated alcohol also imparts good stain resistance to the grafted copolymer. Both compounds can be utilized as an additive in polymers as for example various polyolefins.

Abstract: A method for block copolymerization of a conjugated diene and an aromatic vinyl compound, which comprises the steps of carrying out homopolymerization of the conjugated diene in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising the following components: (A) a metallocene type complex of a rare earth metal compound, and (B) an ionic compound composed of a non-coordinate anion and a cation and/or an aluminoxane, and then adding the aromatic vinyl compound, and a catalyst composition for polymerization of a conjugated diene or copolymerization of a conjugated diene and an aromatic vinyl compound, which comprises the following components: (D) a neodymium complex, and (B) an ionic compound composed of a non-coordinate anion and a cation and/or an aluminoxane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gelling aqueous composition comprising block copolymers containing at least one water-soluble block and at least one block predominantly hydrophobic in nature, and forming a viscoelastic gel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a monomer-grafted syndiotactic polystyrene with polarity, which comprises (a) forming swollen syndiotactic polystyrene by mixing with a syndiotactic polystyrene in powder state and a radical initiator in a solvent at the temperature of 40-80° C. using a batch reactor, and (b) grafting a monomer selected from the group consisting of maleic anhydride, maleic imide and derivatives thereof onto the swollen syndiotactic polystyrene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a graft polymer having a backbone moiety and at least one moiety grafted onto the backbone moiety where the backbone and grafted moieties are a hydrophobe and an amine or amide. The graft copolymer may have either a hydrophobic backbone or a mixed amine/hydrophobic backbone with a grafted amine or amide moiety; or an amine functional backbone with a grafted hydrophobic moiety. The backbone may be polymeric or non-polymeric. The graft copolymer may be used to deliver an active ingredient onto a substrate. The active ingredient may be associated, coated or encapsulated by the graft copolymer. The graft copolymer can be designed to have a pH triggerable solubility, providing a means to control the release of an active ingredient at a desired pH level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a copolymer containing a combined linear and nonlinear block, that is, mikto block, a copolymer prepared from the method, and usages of the copolymer. More particularly, the present invention provides a novel method for preparing a multi-component copolymer by polymerization using a multifunctional compound and one charge of an initiator, and a copolymer having a mikto block including different types of terminal blocks.

Abstract: A three dimensional copolymer network of polyphenylene ether segments and styrenic resins such as styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers provide articles of high heat reesistance and dielectric properties suitable for use in electronic components. Methods for preparing the copolymers employ polyphenylene ether polymers with end caps having at least one pair of unsaturated aliphatic carbon atoms, i.e. carbon-carbon double bond, and polymerize styrene monomers and acrylonitrile monomers or styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers or both in the presence of these polyphenylene ether polymers.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive/cohesive exhibits excellent cohesive body properties, and other desirable features, even when exposed to heat and polysiloxane based lubricants, such as in a laser printer. The formulation comprises 100 parts by weight natural rubber (e.g. electrosterically stabilized natural rubber graft and block terpolymer), and expressed as percentages by weight of the rubber the following components: about 5-35% (e.g. about 28%) acrylate monomer or monomers (such as methyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, benzyl methacrylate, and/or isobornyl methacrylate); about 0.5-8% acrylic acid and/or about 1-10% 4-acetoxystyrene; about 0-20% ethyl hexyl acrylate; about 1-50% (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sealable and peelable polymer blend, in which method polystyrene and an ethylene copolymer are first melt blended and the obtained blend is further mixed with the same ethylene copolymer either by melt blending or dry blending so that the final polymer blend contains 1-50% by weight polystyrene and 99-50% by weight ethylene copolymer. Ethylene copolymer is preferably ethylene/methyl(meth)acrylate, ethylene/ethyl(meth)acrylate, ethylene/butyl(meth)acrylate or ethylene/vinylacetate copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anionically polymerised, impact-resistant polystyrene with a dispersed plasticiser phase, comprising particles with capsule particle morphology and method for production thereof.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an ethylene interpolymer composition characterized as having a narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD) and optimized compositional uniformity, a process for making such a composition and a fabricated article made from such composition. The novel composition is characterized as having at least two polymer components, the first component having an ATREF peak temperature, Tpeak1 and a viscosity average molecular weight, Mv1, and the second component having an ATREF peak temperature, Tpeak2, and a viscosity average molecular, Mv2, wherein the temperature differential between Tpeak2 and Tpeak1 decreases with iincreased composition density and Mv1/Mv2 is less than or equal to 1.2. The novel composition exhibits high, balanced toughness properties, good processibility and surprisingly improved optical properties and is particularly well-suited for use in applications such as lamination films trash can liners and heavy duty shipping bags, especially as a blown film.

Abstract: Use of compositions prepared with organic coupling agents carrying epoxy groups for preparing applications requiring simultaneously improved mechanical properties and low viscosity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making waterborne multifunctional materials, especially waterborne multifunctional materials comprising at least one primary carbamate group and a grafting moiety (cii). The method of the invention requires the successive or simultaneous reactions of a material P with a grafting material (c) and ammonia. Material P comprises two or more cyclic carbonate groups (bi). Grafting material (c) comprises at least one amine group (ci) and a grafting moiety (cii). The amine group (ci) is selected from primary amines, secondary amines, and mixtures thereof. The resulting waterborne multifunctional materials may be water dispersible, water soluble and/or useful in electrodeposition coatings.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing films from ethylene-&agr;-olefin interpolymers, which films have, in combination, the properties of improved surface haze, improved stiffness, and improved color. The process involves incorporating from about 0.1 to less than 1% by weight, of a functionalized ethylene homopolymer or functionalized ethylene interpolymer into an ethylene-&agr;-olefin interpolymer-containing composition, and forming a film from the composition.

Abstract: A compound for a composite body having a hard and a soft component, and to a process for producing such a composite body is provided. The compound comprises a hard component (a) of a polyoxymethylene and a soft component (b) of one or more hydrogenated styrene block copolymers, molded directly onto component (a). The styrene block copolymers are from the group of poly-isoprene/butadiene polymer (SEEPS), poly-isoprene polymer (SEPS); poly-butadiene polymer (SEBS), and combinations thereof. The styrene block copolymer is adhesion-modified by the addition of a compound selected from styrene/butadiene copolymer (SBS); ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA); olefinic polymers, polystyrene (PS), and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A combined linear and nonlinear polymer (i.e., having a combined linear, branched and radial structure) P+PnD according to the present invention is represented by (P+PnD)−+Li, where P is a polymer of a monovinyl aromatic monomer or a conjugated diene monomer; PD is a nonlinear polymer having a combined linear, branched and radial structure due to a multifunctional compound D bonded to the polymer P; n is an integer ranging from 2 to 10 and represents the average number of bonds between the monovinyl aromatic or conjugated diene polymer P and the multifunctional compound D; and +Li represents a metal ion as a partner of the active anion (P+PnD)−. The combined linear and nonlinear polymer of the present invention, characterized by nonlinearity-related properties (i.e.

Abstract: Allyletherester monomers are prepared by an esterification reaction of &agr;-allyl-&ohgr;-hydroxy-polyoxyalkylene refined so as to have peroxide value less than 5.0 meq/kg and aliphatic monocaboxylic acid under a specified condition in the absence of solvent and in the presence of an antioxidant. Allyletherester monomers thus prepared are used as an intermediate produce for the production of graft copolymers and/or their salts to be used as cement dispersant.

Abstract: A photosensitive polymer comprises a fluorinated ethylene glycol group and a chemically amplified resist composition including the photosensitive polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a number of different multifunctional acrylic materials from a limited number of starting materials. The method of the invention requires the product of a masterbatch of an acrylic oligomer or polymer having two or more cyclic carbonate functional groups. A first portion of the masterbatch is then reacted with ammonia and a grafting material (c) in either successive or simultaneous reactions to provide a first multifunctional acrylic oligomer or polymer. Additional portions of the masterbatch may be reacted with ammonia and other grafting materials (c), different from the first grafting material (c), in either successive or simultaneous reactions to provide different multifunctional acrylic oligomers or polymers.

Abstract: The invention provides a binder resin and a primer composition, paint composition, ink composition an adhesive composition with excellent gasohol resistance, adherence, weather resistance, etc. to polyolefinic resins and relates to a binder resin for polyolefinic resins comprising carboxyl group-containing chlorinated polyolefin (II), which contains not more than 2% of a component with molecular weight of 2,000 or lower and which has a ratio of weight average molecular weight (Mw) to number average molecular weight (Mn), that is the value Mw/Mn of not more than 4.

Abstract: Functionalized monomers and polymerized functionalized monomers selected from the group consisting of 2-(N,N-dimethylaminomethyl)-1,3-butadiene, 2-(N,N-diethylaminomethyl)-1,3-butadiene, 2-(N,N-di-n-propylaminomethyl)-1,3-butadiene, 2-(cyanomethyl)-1,3-butadiene, 2-(aminomethyl)-1,3-butadiene, 2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-butadiene, 2-(carboxymethy)-1,3-butadiene, 2-(acetoxymethyl)-1,3-butadiene, 2-(2-alkoxy-2-oxoethyl)-1,3-butadiene, 2,3-bis(cyanomethyl)-1,3-butadiene, 2,3-bis(dialkylaminomethyl)-1,3-butadiene, 2,3-bis(4-ethoxy-4-4-oxobutyl)-1,3-butadiene and 2,3-bis(3-cyanopropyl)-1,3-butadiene, and methods for preparing such functionalized diene monomers and polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions useful in coating, adhesive, structural, film, sheet, pipe, toys, house siding, asphalt, thermoplastic, elastomer and other applications. The novel compositions comprise copolymers of at least one vinyl and/or vinylidene monomer and at least one high reactivity polyolefin. The copolymers are produced by polymerizing at least one high reactivity polyolefin and at least one vinyl monomer in the presence of a free radical initiator.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing an acrylic rubber latex having a bimodal particle size distribution, comprising the step of; a) preparing seed rubber latex containing i) alkyl acrylate, ii) saturated or unsaturated C1-C9 organic acid, and iii) an acrylic multi-unsaturated monomer; b) preparing a bimodal rubber latex by adding i) alkyl acrylate and iii) an acrylic multi-unsaturated monomer to the seed rubber latex obtained in step a): and c) preparing rubber latex by grafting iv) alkyl methacrylate to the bimodal rubber latex obtained in step b). According to this invention, an acrylic rubber latex can be provided that satisfies the important factors for the improvement of impact resistance, i.e., the particle size of the impact modifier dispersed in a matrix and the distance between impact modifiers, thereby allowing the impact modifier to improve the impact resistance and weatherability of vinyl chloride resin.

Abstract: A process has now been discovered that permits the simultaneous crosslinking and derivation of an, optionally hydrogenated, polymer whose backbone is composed of a conjugated diene, an unsaturated nitrile and an unsaturated carboxylic acid in the presence of a coupling/condensing agent. This permits the preparation of a novel polymeric material that is an optionally hydrogenated polymer of a conjugated diene, an unsaturated nitrile and a derived unsaturated acid. It has also been found that this novel polymeric material has unexpected and valuable properties.

Abstract: Graft stereoblock polymers are described which contain at least one polyolefin or polydiene type sequence comprising at least one succinimide ring substituted on the nitrogen atom by a reactive group with formula —R(—X)n, where —X represents a reactive group, n is a number greater than or equal to 1 and —R is a residue containing at least one carbon atom, and containing at least one sequence of a variety of natures, different from a polyolefin or polydiene. Their preparations and uses are also described. Mixtures of polymers comprising at least two polymers which are different from each other, at least one of which is a graft stereoblock polymer as defined above, and their uses, are also described.

Abstract: Novel compositions and synthetic methods for forming nonlinear optic polymers, which may be incorporated into multiple light-based devices, are disclosed. These compositions include crosslinkable chromophoric monomer units that incorporate nonlinear optic chromophores, linking monomers that may be used to link chromophoric monomers, and polymers made from crosslinkable chromophoric monomers or chromophoric monomers in combination with linking monomers. The polymers can exhibit high thermal stability, which is believed to arise from their covalently bonded chromophore structures. In one aspect, linking monomers are disclosed that may be crosslinked.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making multifunctional materials, especially materials comprising at least one primary carbamate group and a grafting moiety (cii). The method of the invention requires the successive or simultaneous reactions of a material P with a grafting material (c) and ammonia. Material P comprises two or more cyclic carbonate groups (bi). Grafting material (c) comprises at least one amine group (ci) and a grafting moiety (cii). The amine group (ci) is selected from primary amines, secondary amines, and mixtures thereof. The resulting multifunctional materials are useful in a variety of curable coating compositions, including solventborne, waterborne, electrodeposition, liquid solvent free coatings, powder, and powder slurry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a block copolymer comprising monomeric units of 1,4-butadiene and at least one other comonomer addition products to lower the gel point of crude petroleum. The block copolymer comprises at least 10% by weight of at least one crystallizable block and at least one low crystallinity block.