Metal Atom Is Group Ia Metal Atom (li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr) Patents (Class 525/250)
  • Patent number: 6664357
    Abstract: An improved process for manufacturing a dual cure anaerobic/ultraviolet adhesive. The process includes the first step of mixing a polymerizable (meth)acrylate ester monomer, such as methacrylic acid, a chelating agent and an accelerator. The second step is heating the mixture sufficiently to provide anaerobic curing properties. Next, one or more photoinitiators are added to the composition. No chelating agent is added during the addition of the photoinitiators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Edelman
  • Publication number: 20030114592
    Abstract: Processes for improving the thermal stability of living polymer anions are provided. The invention further improves the efficiency of subsequent functionalization and linking reactions of such living polymer anions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Thorsten Werner Brockmann, Vijay C. Mehta
  • Publication number: 20030045644
    Abstract: A composition, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one polymer with a highly specific ordered structure is disclosed. These compositions find a specific application in the field of caring for or making up keratinous fibers, in particular as a mascara composition for the eyelashes or for the hair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Nathalie Mougin
  • Patent number: 6429271
    Abstract: Copolymers having copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride, perfluoro(alkyl vinyl) ether, 2-hydropentafluoropropene, and, optionally, tetrafluoroethylene, exhibit excellent low temperature properties and processability when cured with polyhydroxy compounds or amines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: DuPont Dow Elastomers, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Walter Werner Schmiegel
  • Patent number: 6372863
    Abstract: This invention discloses a process for synthesizing random styrene-butadiene rubber comprising: (1) continuously charging 1,3-butadiene, styrene, an initiator, and a solvent into a first polymerization zone, (2) allowing the 1,3-butadiene and styrene to copolymerize in the first polymerization zone to total conversion of 60 to 90 percent to produce a polymer cement containing living styrene-butadiene chains, (3) continuously charging the polymer cement containing living styrene-butadiene chains and additional 1,3-butadiene monomer into a second polymerization zone, wherein from 20 to 40 percent of the total amount of 1,3-butadiene changed is charged into the second polymerization zone, (4) allowing the copolymerization to continue in the second polymerization zone to a conversion of the 1,3-butadiene monomer of at least 90 percent, wherein the total conversion of styrene and 1,3-butadiene in the second polymerization zone is limited to a maximum of 95 percent, (5) withdrawing a polymer cement of random styren
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Michael Lester Kerns, Zhengfang Xu, Scott McDowell Christian
  • Patent number: 6362282
    Abstract: A polymer composition comprising at least two end segments that make up less than 15% of the total polymer composition. Each end segment has a vinyl content greater than about 45%. However, the vinyl content is less than about 35% throughout the remainder of the polymer composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Firestone Polymers, LLC
    Inventor: Mark N. DeDecker
  • Patent number: 6359087
    Abstract: The invention provides solid supported anionic catalysts, suitable for gas phase anionic polymerization of conjugated diene monomers, that are useful for anionically producing very high molecular weight branched diene polymers, such as styrene butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, and the like. The catalysts comprise a metalatable particle, such as a bound rubber, a thermoplastic polymer or a cured elastomer, that is multiply metalated with Group IA alkali metal atoms. The multi-branched diene polymers obtained by gas phase anionic polymerization employing the catalysts exhibit desirable properties, such as an extremely high molecular weight, a controlled molecular weight distribution, Tg and vinyl content, and the ability to readily absorb hydrocarbon solvents and oils. The polymers are easily compounded to form vulcanizable elastomeric compounds and articles, such as tires, that have excellent resistance to wear and tear and exhibit reduced hysteresis properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Cole, William L. Hergenrother, Theodore J. Knutson, Georg G. A. Böhm
  • Patent number: 6355728
    Abstract: A block copolymer (1) containing a polymer block A of a conjugated diene and a random copolymer block B of a conjugated diene and aromatic vinyl compound, (2) having a weight ratio (A:B) of the polymer block A and the copolymer block B of 5:95 to 95:5, (3) having a bound aromatic vinyl compound content in the copolymer block B of 1 to 50% by weight, (4) having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 100,000 to 5,000,000, and (5) having at least two transition points measured by differential scanning calorimetry in the range of −150° C. to +150° C., a method of production of the same, and a rubber composition and pneumatic tire containing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignees: The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuji Kawazura, Masayuki Kawazoe, Yasushi Kikuchi, Toru Nakamura, Masao Nakamura, Takeshi Karato
  • Patent number: 6329469
    Abstract: Copolymers having copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride, perfluoro(alkyl vinyl) ether, 2-hydropentafluoropropene, and, optionally, tetrafluoroethylene, exhibit excellent low temperature properties and processability when cured with polyhydroxy compounds or amines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: DuPont Dow Elastomers, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Stephen Bowers, Walter Werner Schmiegel
  • Patent number: 6326436
    Abstract: Fluoroelastomers containing copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride, perfluoro(alkyl vinyl)ether, 2-hydropentafluoropropene, and, optionally, tetrafluoroethylene, and having an iodine atom present at some polymer chain ends, exhibit excellent low temperature properties and processability when dual cured with both polyhydroxy compounds and organic peroxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: DuPont Dow Elastomers, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Stephen Bowers
  • Publication number: 20010047069
    Abstract: The invention relates to polyolefin copolymers (I) 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Tze-Chiang Chung, Jin Yong Dong
  • Patent number: 6306976
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rubbery polymer comprising a conjugated diene polymer, and bonded thereto, a lithium-detached residue of a lithium-containing organic polymer used as a catalyst in the production of the conjugated diene polymer, wherein the lithium-containing organic polymer is obtained by reacting an organolithium compound with a first polymerizable material comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer and a second polymerizable material comprising at least one aromatic vinyl compound, which second polymerizable material contains at least one multi-vinyl aromatic compound having at least two vinyl groups, and wherein the lithium-containing organic polymer has a specific narrow molecular weight distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Japan Elastomer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Matsuda, Hideki Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 6291584
    Abstract: A process for reducing the water take up of a vinyl aromatic-conjugated diene polymer when subjected to a humid environment, the process comprising solution polymerising at least one vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a conjugated diene in the presence of a catalyst based on an alkali metal to produce alkalimetal derivatives of a vinyl aromatic-conjugated diene polymer and neutralising the derivatives with a C9-C16 alkyl dicarboxylic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Fina Research, S.A.
    Inventor: Emmanuel Lanza
  • Patent number: 6281327
    Abstract: A process for producing a vinyl aromatic-conjugated diene block copolymer, the process comprising solution polymerising at least one vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a conjugated diene in the presence of a catalyst based on an alkali metal to produce copolymer chains which end with an alkali metal and treating the copolymer chains in solution with an alkyl dicarboxylic acid having at least 2 carbon atoms and the acid being in the form of a slurry in an organic liquid with the acid being granulated and having an average granule size of less than 50 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Fina Research, S.A.
    Inventor: Emmanuel Lanza
  • Patent number: 6271314
    Abstract: Novel solid supported anionic polymerization initiators that are multiply metalated with Group IA alkali metal atoms are provided and employed to produce extremely high molecular weight branched diene polymers. The initiators are prepared by metalating a particle comprising a thermoplastic polymer or a cured elastomer in the presence of a polar coordinator. The polymers obtained by anionic polymerization employing the initiators are multiply branched, with a polymer chain covalently attached to the particle at virtually every metalation site. The macro-branched polymers exhibit desirable properties, such as an extremely high molecular weight, a controlled molecular weight distribution, Tg and vinyl content, and the ability to readily absorb hydrocarbon solvents and oils. The polymers are easily compounded to form vulcanizable elastomeric compounds and articles that have excellent resistance to wear and tear and exhibit reduced hysteresis properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Hergenrother, William M. Cole, Theodore J. Knutson, Georg G. A. Böhm
  • Patent number: 6268430
    Abstract: Disclosed are ionomers comprising functionalized polyolefins having fluoroalkyl sulfonate pendant groups and ionically conductive compositions formed therefrom by the addition of solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Susan Kuharcik Choi, Christopher Marc Doyle, Mark Gerrit Roelofs, Lin Wang, Zhen-Yu Yang
  • Patent number: 6242536
    Abstract: The dispersibility of the initial polystyrene block in forming a S-B-S type of copolymer is improved by first preparing a small block of homopolydiene such as homopolybutadiene as a dispersing agent. Onto this small block of homopolybutadiene, the first block of polystyrene is formed and affixed and thereby made dispersible in a mixture of alkanes and 15 to 60% by weight of cycloalkanes, preferably hexane and cyclohexane. After the preparation of the dispersing agent and the first styrene block, the remaining monomer charges to the reactor are fed in aliphatic hydrocarbon diluents, preferably hexane or technical hexane, thereby greatly reducing the final percentage of cycloalkanes including cyclohexane in the reactor to less than 25% of total dispersing medium. The block copolymers produced according to the present process display a narrow molecular weight distribution and improved tensile strength over block copolymers produced in the absence of the additional cycloalkanes in the solvent system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Hall, Daniel F. Graves, Hideo Takeichi
  • Patent number: 6239218
    Abstract: A hydrogenated block copolymer comprising: at least two polymer blocks A mainly comprising vinylaromatic hydrocarbon compound monomer units; and at least two polymer blocks B mainly comprising hydrogenated conjugated diene compound monomer units, in which at least 90% of the olefinically unsaturated double bonds contained in the unhydrogenated polymer block mainly comprising the conjugated diene compound monomer units is hydrogenated, wherein at least one of the terminal blocks is a polymer block B, the proportion of the terminal polymer block B in the hydrogenated block copolymer being 0.1% by weight or higher and lower than 9.1% by weight, and wherein the content of the vinylaromatic hydrocarbon compound units in the hydrogenated block copolymer is 12% by weight or higher and lower than 25% by weight. Also disclosed are a resin composition containing the hydrogenated block copolymer, and a molded article of the resin composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Yonezawa, Kiyoo Kato, Eiji Sasaya, Takashi Sato
  • Patent number: 6228947
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making functionalized polymers comprising the steps of (a) initiating polymerization of an unsaturated monomer with a lithium initiator having the structure R1R2R3Si—O—A—Li wherein A is a branched or straight chain bridging group having at least two carbon atoms, R1,R2, and R3 are alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, or alkaryl groups having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, thus producing a functionalized polymer which has a protecting silyl group at one end thereof; and (b) contacting the protected polymer with from 0.5 to 1.1 moles of aqueous fluoroboric acid per mole of polymer at 0 to 50° C. for 1 to 10 minutes, and (c) contacting the resulting solution with water, and (d) recovering a linear or branched deprotected polymer having one or more terminal functional groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: David Karl Schisla
  • Publication number: 20010000343
    Abstract: Fluoroelastomers containing copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride, perfluoro(alkyl vinyl) ether, 2-hydropentafluoropropene, and, optionally, tetrafluoroethylene, and having an iodine atom present at some polymer chain ends, exhibit excellent low temperature properties and processability when dual cured with both polyhydroxy compounds and organic peroxides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: April 19, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen Bowers
  • Patent number: 6180717
    Abstract: A block copolymer (1) containing a polymer block A of a conjugated diene and a random copolymer block B of a conjugated diene and aromatic vinyl compound, (2) having a weight ratio (A:B) of the polymer block A and the copolymer block B of 5:95 to 95:5, (3) having a bound aromatic vinyl compound content in the copolymer block B of 1 to 50% by weight, (4) having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 100,000 to 5,000,000, and (5) having at least two transition points measured by differential scanning calorimetry in the range of −150° C. to +150° C., a method of production of the same, and a rubber composition and pneumatic tire containing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignees: Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuji Kawazura, Masayuki Kawazoe, Yasushi Kikuchi, Toru Nakamura, Masao Nakamura, Takeshi Karato
  • Patent number: 6162874
    Abstract: A process for interpolymerizing a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon polymer and a block polymer is disclosed. The process includes the following steps: (a) forming a block polymer precursor of at least one polymeric block containing conjugated diene monomer contributed units in the presence of an anionic initiator and in an inert diluent, the block polymer precursor having living ends; and (b) thereafter adding to the block polymer precursor a charge of a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer and an additional charge of an anionic initiator to simultaneously form (1) a block polymer having a terminal block formed from the charge of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer attached to the block polymer precursor and (2) a poly(vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon) polymer interpolymedzed with the block polymer. The practice of this process produces a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon block terminated block polymer, such as SBS, interpolymerized with a polymer formed from vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer, such as polystyrene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Wollum, Daniel F. Graves
  • Patent number: 6150463
    Abstract: The present invention related to a process for the treatment of vinyl aromatic/conjugated diene block copolymers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process for the treatment of such copolymers obtained starting from a (co)polymerization-initiating stage performed by means of alkaline based catalysts (Me), deactivated in such a way that they show a termination of the alkali metal-alcoholate type (--O--Me), and treated with a cyclic anhydride of polycarboxylic acid, and optically a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 monocarboxylic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Fina Research, S.A.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Lanza, Jean Naveau
  • Patent number: 6136914
    Abstract: Novel solid supported anionic polymerization initiators that are multiply metalated with Group IA alkali metal atoms are provided and employed to produce extremely high molecular weight branched diene polymers. The initiators are prepared by metalating a particle comprising a thermoplastic polymer or a cured elastomer in the presence of a polar coordinator. The polymers obtained by anionic polymerization employing the initiators are multiply branched, with a polymer chain covalently attached to the particle at virtually every metalation site. The macro-branched polymers exhibit desirable properties, such as an extremely high molecular weight, a controlled molecular weight distribution, T.sub.g and vinyl content, and the ability to readily absorb hydrocarbon solvents and oils. The polymers are easily compounded to form vulcanizable elastomeric compounds and articles that have excellent resistance to wear and tear and exhibit reduced hysteresis properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Hergenrother, William M. Cole, Theodore J. Knutson, Georg G. A. Bohm
  • Patent number: 6100324
    Abstract: Disclosed are ionomers comprising functionalized polyolefins having fluoroalkyl sulfonate pendant groups and ionically conductive compositions formed therefrom by the addition of solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Susan Kuharcik Choi, Christopher Marc Doyle, Mark Gerrit Roelofs, Lin Wang, Zhen-Yu Yang
  • Patent number: 6096849
    Abstract: The invention relates to linear copolymers containing alpha-olefin and divinylbenzene comonomer units and to a process for preparing the copolymers, the copolymers having a mole ratio of unsaturation/divinylbenzene (TUS/DOU) between 0.8 and 1.1, a molecular weight distribution of less than 4, and a homogeneous composition distribution, and having the structural formula ##STR1## in which R is a linear or branched C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkyl group or a phenyl or alkyl-substituted phenyl group, x+y is the mole % of alpha-olefin units in the copolymer, z is the mole % of divinylbenzene units in the copolymer, the sum of x+y is from 50 to 99.9, and the sum of x+y+z is 100. The copolymers are prepared in the presence of a bridged metallocene catalyst having a spacial opening at the metal active site of between 135 and 105.degree. for reacting with only one of the two vinyl groups in the divinylbenzene comonomer, which assures the formation of linear copolymers without detectable branching structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Tze-Chiang Chung, Jinyong Dong
  • Patent number: 6013735
    Abstract: A continuous process for the preparation of linear, branched and star-polymers via anionic polymerization of acrylic monomers, linear, branched and star-polymers obtained by the process and lubricating oil compositions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Ethyl Corporation
    Inventors: Munmaya K. Mishra, Yoon S Song, Akhilesh Duggal
  • Patent number: 5994476
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing a block copolymer composition, wherein it comprises following successive steps:a step in which a vinyl aromatic monomer is polymerized in a reactor in the presence of an inert hydrocarbon solvent and organolithium initiator until depletion of the monomer to generate a living polymer; a step in which a conjugated diene monomer is added to the above polymer to synthesize a living diblock copolymer; a step in which a portion of polymerization terminator is added to partially inactivate the living diblock copolymer; steps in which a conjugated diene monomer and aromatic vinyl monomer are sequentially added to generate a mixture of living triblock copolymer and inactivated diblock copolymer; a step in which a polymerization terminator is added to complete the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Korea Kumbo Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyeon-Cheol Shin, Jin-Kyung Kim, Jong-Geun Kim
  • Patent number: 5990236
    Abstract: Abstract of the disclosure: A process is described for the continuous preparation of an impact-resistant molding material by anionic polymerization of styrene or another aromatic vinyl compound or mixtures thereof in the presence of a solvent and a block rubber, wherein the polymerization is carried out in at least 2 reaction vessels that together form a reactor cascade, the monomer stream being subdivided among the reaction vessels present, the living polymer chain ends being terminated in a conventional manner and the solvent being removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Konrad Knoll, Wolfgang Loth, Hermann Gausepohl
  • Patent number: 5986010
    Abstract: This invention discloses a process for synthesizing a styrene-butadiene polymer, which is particularly useful for modifying asphalt to improve force ductility, elastic recovery, toughness and tenacity, by a process which comprises the steps of: (1) continuously charging 1,3-butadiene monomer, an organo lithium compound, a polar modifier and an organic solvent into a first polymerization zone, (2) allowing the 1,3-butadiene monomer to polymerize in said first polymerization zone to a conversion of at least about 90 percent to produce a living polymer solution which is comprised of said organic solvent and living polybutadiene chains having a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 20,000 to about 60,000, (3) continuously withdrawing said living polymer solution from said first reaction zone, (4) continuously charging styrene monomer, divinyl benzene and the living polymer solution being withdrawn from the first polymerization zone into a second polymerization zone, (5) allowing the s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Jean Steininger Clites, Howard Allen Colvin, Daniel Frederick Klemmensen
  • Patent number: 5916962
    Abstract: A rubber composition having good breaking properties, high tan.delta., good wear resistance and a method for preparing a copolymer used in the rubber composition. The copolymer is a butadiene-styrene copolymer prepared in the presence of an organopotassium compound, an oxolanyl alkane and an organolithium initiator compound. The copolymer may be modified. A vulcanite of the rubber composition including 20 parts or more of the copolymer of the present invention has good properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Shibata, Ryota Fujio
  • Patent number: 5910546
    Abstract: A method for preparing tapered block copolymers which are particularly useful for blend components in blends with polymers of styrene. In the first embodiment of this invention the copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (4) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer. In a second embodiment of the invention tapered block copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; (4) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (5) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: William J. Trepka, George A. Moczygemba, Nathan E. Stacy, Ralph C. Farrar, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5837778
    Abstract: A multifunctional anionic polymerization initiator which is in the form of a star-shaped polymer, and which is soluble in a nonpolar medium and is substantially free of residual double bonds. The initiator is denoted by the general formula (PA).sub.a N.sup.n- nLi.sup.+. PA is a polymer block of a vinylaromatic or diene monomer A. The variable "a" is the number of branches in the block PA. N is a crosslinked core comprising no or practically no residual double bonds and has the formula (PMc)(RLi).sub.p. Mc is a monomer containing at least two polymerizable double bonds per molecule. PMc is a crosslinked core of at least one polymerized monomer Mc, containing 3 to 30% of residual double bonds in relation to the initial double bonds originating from the monomer Mc. R is an alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, cycloalkyl, or alkenyl. The variable "p" is the number of residual double bonds in PMc which are neutralized by RLi. The variable "n" is the number of anionic sites present in the crosslinked core N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Elf Atochem S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Lutz, Paul Rempp, David Rein, Philippe Heim, Pascal Nicol, Bruno Vuillemin
  • Patent number: 5795944
    Abstract: A process for the polymerization of dienes which comprises anionically polymerizing dienes in the presence of an anionic polymerization initiator and a microstructure control agent is improved by adding the control agent to the polymerization mixture in two or more doses to closely control the vinyl content of the polymer produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Teunis Graafland, Arthur Robinson Bean, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5780551
    Abstract: This invention concerns novel, unsymmetrically protected, telechelically functionalized linear and star or multi-arm polymers, their optionally hydrogenated analogues, the polymers produced by selective removal of the protecting groups, the segmented block polymers produced by further reaction of these selectively deprotected polymers with selected comonomers, and the processes to prepare these polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Engel, James A. Schwindeman, Roderic P. Quirk, Conrad W. Kamienski
  • Patent number: 5708091
    Abstract: A multifunctional anionic polymerization initiator which is in the form of a star-shaped polymer, and which is soluble in a nonpolar medium and is substantially free of residual double bonds. The initiator is denoted by the general formula (PA).sub.a N.sup.n- nLi.sup.+. PA is a polymer block of a vinylaromatic or diene monomer A. The variable "a" is the number of branches in the block PA. N is a crosslinked core comprising no or practically no residual double bonds and has the formula (PMc)(RLi).sub.p. Mc is a monomer containing at least two polymerizable double bonds per molecule. PMc is a crosslinked core of at least one polymerized monomer Mc, containing 3 to 30% of residual double bonds in relation to the initial double bonds originating from the monomer Mc. R is an alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, cycloalkyl, or alkenyl. The variable "p" is the number of residual double bonds in PMc which are neutralized by RLi. The variable "n" is the number of anionic sites present in the crosslinked core N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Elf Atochem S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Lutz, Paul Rempp, David Rein, Philippe Heim, Pascal Nicol, Bruno Vuillemin
  • Patent number: 5705569
    Abstract: A method for preparing resinous polymodal monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymers and polymers produced thereby are provided. The method comprises sequentially contacting under polymerization conditions:(a) a monovinylarene monomer and initiator;(b) initiator and a monovinylarene monomer;(c) a sequence of at least two charges selected from the group consisting of (i) initiator and a monovtnylarene monomer, (ii) a mixture of monovtnylarene monomer and conjugated diene monomor, (iii) a conjugated diene monomer, (iv) a monovinylarene monomer;(d) a coupling agent;wherein the sequence of at least two charges in step (c) can be made in any order. In a preferred embodiment, at least three Initiator charges are provided. In another preferred embodiment, at least three monovinylarene charges precede the first charge containing conjugated diene. In another preferred embodiment, at least four monovinylarene charges precede the first charge containing conjugated diene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: George A. Moczygemba, Larry L. Nash, William J. Trepka, Craig D. DePorter, Nathan E. Stacy, Ralph C. Farrar, Charles M. Selman
  • Patent number: 5700874
    Abstract: A polymer modified with an alkoxysilane is prepared by a reaction forming a bond between an alkoxysilane compound represented by General Formula (I) and at least one of end parts of a conjugated diene/vinylaromatic hydrocarbon copolymer obtained by copolymerization of a conjugated diene and a vinylaromatic hydrocarbon using a lithium compound as an initiator. An adhesive composition contains 3% by weight or more of the polymer modified with an alkoxysilane. The polymer is used for an adhesive composition, can be prepared by a simple process, has excellent adhesive property and durability so that an additive such as a tackifier is not always required, and has essentially enhanced adhesive property to inorganic materials, in particular. The adhesive composition in which the polymer is used has excellent adhesive property and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Takeichi, Yoichi Ozawa, Sei Aoki, Takashi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5693718
    Abstract: Block copolymer compositions, comprising for a major part of linear triblock copolymers, comprising two terminal predominantly poly(monovinylaromatic) blocks having a real molecular weight in the range of from 5,000 to 25,000 and one predominantly poly(boutadiene) midblock, said triblock copolymer having a monovinylaromafic content in the range of from 10 to 55 wt %, an apparent total molecular weight in the range of from 15,000 to 300,000, and an amount of from 0 to 40 wt % of a diblock copolymer relative to the total block copolymer composition weight, containing a predominantly poly(monovinylaromatic) block and a predominantly poly(boutadiene) block similar to those of the triblock copolymer component; said block copolymer composition having a free poly(vinylaromatic) content of at most 7 wt %, and shaped articles derived from said block copolymer composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Hendrik De Groot, Karel Hendrik Leffelaar, Jacqueline Margaretha Veurink, Jeroen Van Westrenen
  • Patent number: 5693713
    Abstract: A method of producing graft block copolymers which comprises (a) grafting a halosilane of the formulaHSiX.sub.n R.sub.3-nwherein X is halogen, R is alkyl or aryl, and n=1-3, onto a .alpha.-olefin/diene copolymer made from at least one .alpha.-olefin and at least one diene, (b) anionically polymerizing at least one anionically polymerizable monomer to form living polymer chains, and (c) reacting the products of (a) and (b) together wherein the living polymer chains react with the halosilane groups on the .alpha.-olefin/diene copolymer and are added thereto as pendant side chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ronald James Hoxmeier, Bridget Ann Spence, Robert Charles Job
  • Patent number: 5686534
    Abstract: An initiation system for the anionic polymerization of (meth)acrylic monomers and, optionally, nonacrylic vinyl monomers is disclosed. The initiation system comprises (1) a functional initiator and (2) an alkali metal alcoholate having the formula R'OM', in which M' is an alkali metal and R' is a group R.sup.1 (OR.sup.2).sub.m where R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or arylalkyl radical, R.sup.2 is a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkylene radical and m is equal to 1, 2 or 3. The initiation system is applied to the formation of (meth)acrylic homopolymers and block copolymers of (meth)acrylic monomers and, optionally, nonacrylic vinyl comonomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Elf Atochem S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Bayard, Roger Fayt, Philippe Teyssie, Sunil K. Varshney, Bruno Vuillemin, Philippe Heim
  • Patent number: 5633323
    Abstract: A multifunctional anionic polymerization initiator which is in the form of a star-shaped polymer soluble in an apolar medium and substantially free of residual double bonds. The initiator is denoted by the general formula (PA).sub.a N.sup.n- nLi.sup.+. PA is a polymer block of a vinylaromatic or diene monomer A. The variable "a" is the number of branches in the block PA. N is a crosslinked core comprising no or practically no residual double bonds and has the formula (PMc)(RLi).sub.p. Mc is a monomer containing at least two polymerizable double bonds per molecule. PMc is a crosslinked core of at least one polymerized monomer Mc, containing 3 to 30% of residual double bonds in relation to the initial double bonds originating from the monomer Mc. R is an alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, cycloalkyl, or alkenyl. The variable "p" is the number of residual double bonds in PMc which are neutralized by RLi. The variable "n" is the number of anionic sites present in the crosslinked core N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Elf Atochem S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Lutz, Paul Rempp, David Rein, Philippe Heim, Pascal Nicol, Bruno Vuillemin
  • Patent number: 5614579
    Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of tapered copolymers by the nonaqueous dispersion polymerization of a mixture of 30 to 70% by weight of a conjugated diolefin monomer, preferably butadiene, and 30 to 70% by weight of a vinyl substituted aromatic monomer, preferably styrene, in a liquid hydrocarbon dispersion medium with an anionic initiator catalyst system in the presence of a block copolymeric dispersing agent. At least one block of the dispersing agent is prepared prior to the dispersion polymerization reaction and at least one block of the dispersing agent is prepared in situ during the dispersion copolymerization. The block of the dispersing agent that is prepared in situ has the polymer structure of the tapered copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Roggeman, James E. Hall
  • Patent number: 5576376
    Abstract: A rubber composition having good physical properties such as breaking properties, wear strength and grip properties, and good processability at the same time is suitable for a high performance tire. A nitrogen containing polymer with a weight average molecular weight of 70.times.10.sup.4 to 250.times.10.sup.4 is compounded with 60 to 200 phr of carbon black, a softener comprising 30 to 250 phr of a process oil and/or 5 to 100 phr of liquid polymer, and not more than 60 parts of another polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Shibata, Ryota Fujio
  • Patent number: 5569718
    Abstract: There are disclosed novel, solid, elastomeric block copolymers with improved resistance to cold flow wherein either 1) the terminal blocks are each a polymer (I polymer) of at least one conjugated diene I, e.g., isoprene, which contains at least five carbon atoms with at least one of each pair of double-bonded carbon atoms in the polymerized diene I units being additionally single-bonded to two carbon atoms; at least one middle or interior block is a hydrogenated polybutadiene (B polymer); and at least one middle or interior block is an essentially straight chain polyethylene (E polymer) resulting from the hydrogenation of a polybutadiene composed of at least 80% of 1,4-units; or 2) the terminal blocks are random IB copolymers of at least one diene I as previously defined and hydrogenated butadiene, and at least one middle or interior block is a straight chain polyethylene (E polymer) as previously defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas S. Coolbaugh, Frederick C. Loveless, Demetreos N. Matthews
  • Patent number: 5550194
    Abstract: A graft block copolymer is comprised of a saturated olefinic backbone with pendent anionic polymer side chains. The polymer is produced by copolymerizing an .alpha.--olefin with a 1-alkenyl monomer containing a functional group to which an anionically polymerized polymer can be grafted to produce graft block copolymer, anionically polymerizing at least one anionically polymerizable monomer to form living polymer chains, and then grafting the living polymer chains onto the copolymer to form the graft block copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ronald J. Hoxmeier, Robert C. Job, Bridget A. Spence, Donna A. DuBois
  • Patent number: 5545690
    Abstract: A method for preparing tapered block copolymers which are particularly useful for blend components in blends with polymers of styrene. In the first embodiment of this invention the copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (4) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer. In a second embodiment of the Invention tapered block copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; (4) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (5) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: William J. Trepka, George A. Moczygemba, Nathan E. Stacy, Ralph C. Farrar, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5543458
    Abstract: A graft block copolymer is comprised of a completely saturated olefinic backbone with pendant anionic polymer side chains. The polymer is produced by copolymerizing an .alpha.-olefin with a monomer which contains a functional group which can be metallated so an anionic monomer can be polymerized therefrom, metallating the copolymer by reaction with metal alkyl or aryl compound and a metallation activator, and growing anionic polymer side chains from the copolymer backbone by reacting an anionically polymerized monomer with the metallated copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ronald J. Hoxmeier, Robert C. Job, Bridget A. Spence, Donn A. DuBois
  • Patent number: 5539058
    Abstract: The invention relates to a star block copolymer of the formula [S.sub.1 -S.sub.2 -(B.sub.1 /S.sub.3)-B.sub.2 ].sub.m -X-[B.sub.2 (B.sub.1 /S.sub.3)-S.sub.2 ].sub.n in which X represents a polyfunctional radical resulting from a coupling agent, m and n represent non-zero integers such that m+n is equal to 3 or 4, S.sub.1 and S.sub.2 each represent a block of a polymer containing at least one vinylaromatic monomer, B.sub.2 represents a block of a polymer containing at least one conjugated diene, (B.sub.1 /S.sub.3) represents a block of a statistical copolymer containing at least one vinylaromatic monomer and at least one conjugated diene, 40 to 75% by weight of (B.sub.1 /S.sub.3) consisting of resulting from vinylaromatic monomer, characterized in that the sum of the mass of the blocks B.sub.2 contains more than 40% by weight and less than 90% by weight of the total mass of the conjugated diene contained in the said star block copolymer. The invention also relates to the process for obtaining this copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Pascal Nicol
  • Patent number: 5530068
    Abstract: There are disclosed novel, solid, elastomeric block copolymers with improved resistance to cold flow wherein either 1) the terminal blocks are each a polymer (I polymer) of at least one conjugated diene I, e.g., isoprene, which contains at least five carbon atoms with at least one of each pair of double-bonded carbon atoms in the polymerized diene I units being additionally single-bonded to two carbon atoms; at least one middle or interior block is a hydrogenated polybutadiene (B polymer); and at least one middle or interior block is an essentially straight chain polyethylene (E polymer) resulting from the hydrogenation of a polybutadiene composed of at least 80% of 1,4- units; or 2) the terminal blocks are random IB copolymers of at least one diene I as previously defined and hydrogenated butadiene, and at least one middle or interior block is a straight chain polyethylene (E polymer) as previously defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas S. Coolbaugh, Frederick C. Loveless, Demetreos N. Matthews