Abstract: The present application discloses cellulose ester compositions that are plasticizer free that can be processed at higher temperatures with reduced degradation. The cellulose ester compositions disclosed are useful for the preparation of articles, for example eyeglass frames, automotive parts, and toys.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a copolymer comprising: a polymeric backbone chain derived from a monomer comprising at least one conjugated diolefin monomer and optionally at least one vinyl aromatic monomer; and a polymeric side-chain bonded exclusively to a terminal end of the backbone chain, the side-chain comprising a polymer derived from a monomer having a hydrogen bond donor moiety and a hydrogen bond acceptor moiety.

Abstract: A photoresist material comprising a polymer with at least two acrylate derivatives incorporated therein, and a photo-acid generator for generating an acid by exposure, wherein at least one of the two acrylate derivatives incorporated therein comprises a norbornyl moiety having a lactone structure, and at least one of the two acrylate derivatives comprises an ester-substituted tetracyclododecyl moiety.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a copolymer comprising: a polyisoprene backbone chain with a microstructure comprising grater than 98 percent by weight of cis 1,4 linkages; and polymeric sidechains bonded to the backbone chain, the sidechains comprising a polymer derived from a monomer having a hydrogen bond donor site and a hydrogen bond acceptor site.

Abstract: A photoresist material comprising a polymer with at least two acrylate derivatives incorporated therein, and a photo-acid generator for generating an acid by exposure, wherein at least one of the two acrylate derivatives incorporated therein comprises a norbornyl moiety having a lactone structure, and at least one of the two acrylate derivatives comprises an ester-substituted tetracyclododecyl moiety.

Abstract: This invention provides a polyfunctional polymer having high stereoregularity, in particular, isotacticity, and provides a production process thereof. The present invention relates to a polymer having, in a molecule, a repeating unit represented by General Formula (2): wherein R1 and R2 are different, and each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and an aryl group; * represents an asymmetrical carbon, the polymer containing meso diad (m) and racemo diad (r) at a proportion of 60:40 to 100:0 (m:r). The invention also relates to chemical modifications and a production process of the polymer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluorine-containing polymer compound comprising a repeating unit (a) of the following general formula (2) and having a weight-average molecular weight of 1000 to 1000000 where R1 represents a polymerizable double bond-containing group; R2 represents a fluorine atom or a fluorine-containing alkyl group; R3 represents a hydrogen atom, an acid labile group, a cross-linking site or the other monovalent organic group; and W1 represents a linking moiety. When the fluorine-containing polymer compound is used in a resist compound for pattern formation by high energy radiation of 300 nm or less wavelength or electron beam radiation, it is possible to form a resist pattern with a good rectangular profile.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for producing an alkene terminated polystyrene, including: contacting a styrenic block copolymer and an alkene in the presence of a metathesis catalyst under conditions sufficient to produce an alkene terminated polystyrene having an unsaturation functionality of at least 0.7 and a MWD of about 1.5 or less. Methods for producing functionalized polymers and polyethylene blend composition comprising these functionalized polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions for use in treating and repairing orthopedic defects are provided. The compositions are especially useful for performing percutaneous vertebroplasty, percutaneous kyphoplasty and other procedures. When cured, the compositions are relatively solid but compressible, and prior to curing are viscous liquids with a low enough viscosity to fill voids in cavities such as voids within fractured vertebrae. Optionally, the properties of a composition according to the invention can be adjusted taking into account the hardness and density of the orthopedic structure to be repaired. Also disclosed are devices and methods for using the compositions, and a kit containing components for forming and utilizing the composition.

Abstract: Crosslink agents used to copolymerize at least one hydrophilic monomer with at least one lens monomer typically used to prepare polymeric materials for ophthalmic lenses. The crosslink agents have a relatively high selectivity for the hydrophilic monomer and limited reactivity with the crosslink agent used to polymerize the lens monomer. Accordingly, the invention is also directed to a hydrophilic crosslinked polymer that comprises at least two monomeric units and at least two different crosslink units. The use of the dual crosslink system provides an improved means to control the final chemical, physical and structural characteristics of the resulting polymer.

Abstract: A polymeric material having low tack which has a straight or branched chain carbon-carbon polymer backbone and a multiplicity of side chains attached to the backbone wherein the side chains, which are attached directly to carbon atoms of the polymer backbone, have the formula wherein R1 is H, —C(O)OR4 or —C(O)Q and R2 is —C(O)OR4 or —C(O)Q provided that at least one of R1 and R2 is the group —C(O)Q; R3 is H or —CH3; R4 is H or an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; Q is a group having the formula —O—(YO)b—(ZO)c—R5? wherein each of Y and Z is, independently, an alkylene group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms and R5 is H or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; a is 3 or 4 and each of b and c is, independently, 0 or an integer of from 1 to 125 provided that the sum b+c has a value in the range of from 10 to 250, preferably from 10 to 120.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a block copolymer in high productivity, by anionic polymerization by use of a lithium initiator, and also to provide the block copolymer and a hydrogenated product thereof, the block copolymer having a conjugated diene block portion with a high vinyl bond content and a vinyl aromatic block portion with a narrow molecular weight distribution and exhibiting a narrow molecular weight distribution and high strength. A conjugated diene monomer and a vinyl aromatic monomer by use of a lithium initiator, are block copolymerized by making a tertiary amine compound and (2) sodium alkoxide coexist, wherein (2)/(1) (a molar ratio)=from 0.01 or more to less than 0.1.

Abstract: Crosslink agents used to copolymerize at least one hydrophilic monomer with at least one lens monomer typically used to prepare polymeric materials for ophthalmic lenses. The crosslink agents have a relatively high selectivity for the hydrophilic monomer and limited reactivity with the crosslink agent used to polymerize the lens monomer. Accordingly, the invention is also directed to a hydrophilic crosslinked polymer that comprises at least two monomeric units and at least two different crosslink units. The use of the dual crosslink system provides an improved means to control the final chemical, physical and structural characteristics of the resulting polymer.

Abstract: A mixture of a benzophenone derivative having hydroxyl and alkoxysilyl groups and a benzophenone derivative having silyloxy and alkoxysilyl groups provides a reactive UV absorber which is unlikely to gel, stable during shelf storage, and curable. A coating solution comprising the UV absorber cures at room temperature to form a UV-screening film which has adhesion to glass and plastic substrates, scratch resistance, and bleed resistance, and maintains a UV-screening function over time.

Abstract: Golf balls consisting of a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a solid, single-layer core formed from a rubber composition comprising a resorcinol. The core has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the core's surface hardness and the core's center hardness is 25 Shore C units or greater and/or the core has a diameter of from 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches.

Abstract: Golf balls comprising a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a dual- or multi-layer core, wherein at least one layer is formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a resorcinol. The core layer formed from such rubber composition has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the layer's outer surface hardness and inner surface hardness is 5 Shore C units or greater.

Abstract: Golf balls consisting of a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a solid, single-layer core formed from a rubber composition comprising a catechol. The core has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the core's surface hardness and the core's center hardness is 25 Shore C units or greater and/or the core has a diameter of from 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches.

Abstract: Golf balls comprising a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a dual- or multi-layer core, wherein at least one layer is formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, a free radical initiator, and a hydroquinone. A ratio of the amount of the hydroquinone present in the rubber composition, measured in parts by weight, to the amount of free radical initiator present in the rubber composition, measured in parts by weight, is generally from 0.05 to 2. The core layer formed from such rubber composition has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the layer's outer surface hardness and inner surface hardness is 5 Shore C units or greater.

Abstract: A process for thermally surface postcrosslinking water-absorbing polymer particles in a fluidized bed generated by means of a carrier gas, wherein the surface postcrosslinker is supplied to the fluidized bed in gaseous form.

Abstract: Modified scrap rubber particles, a method for forming the modified rubber particles and compositions including the modified rubber particles. The rubber particles are impregnated with at least one polymerizable monomer and polymerized to impregnate the rubber particles with a polymer. The impregnated polymer provides the modified rubber particles with improved properties which increase the potential uses for recycled scrap rubber. The modified rubber particles are useful in surface coatings, such as latex paint or powder coatings and can be used as a soil substitute.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomeric material includes a vulcanized rubber in a subdivided form surface-grafted with at least one vinyl polymer, wherein the amount of the surface-grafted vinyl polymer is not lower than 60% by weight, preferably not lower than 70% by weight, more preferably not lower than 80% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the surface-grafted vinyl polymer and the vulcanized rubber in a subdivided form.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one layer formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, a free radical initiator, and a catechol. The present invention is also directed to a golf ball having at least one layer formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, a free radical initiator, and a resorcinol. Rubber compositions of the present invention may be present in any one or more of a core layer, a cover layer, or an intermediate layer.

Abstract: There is provided a fluorine-containing resin composition which is used for nonlinear optical material and comprises (I) a fluorine-containing prepolymer and (II) an organic compound exhibiting a second- or higher-order nonlinear optical effect, in which the fluorine-containing prepolymer (I): (1) is a non-crystalline polymer having a fluorine content of not less than 25% and (2) has a carbon-carbon double bond in a polymer side chain or at an end of a polymer trunk chain and also there is provided a nonlinear optical waveguide device produced from the fluorine-containing resin composition. A suitable nonlinear optical material having a stable structure with a nonlinear substance is produced, and an excellent nonlinear optical waveguide device is produced by relatively simple steps while maintaining transparency in a near infrared region.

Abstract: A compatible blend of an engineering thermoplastic such as a polyamide and an olefin polymer material is prepared by (1) making an oxidized olefin polymer material containing carboxylic acid groups or derivatives thereof, (2) extruding a mixture of (a) the oxidized olefin polymer material from step (1), (b) an engineering thermoplastic, (c) optionally, an inorganic base, and (d) optionally, a non-oxidized olefin polymer material, and (3) recovering a blend of the engineering thermoplastic, the oxidized olefin polymer material or an ionomer thereof, which acts as a compatibilizer, and, optionally, the non-oxidized olefin polymer material. The oxidized olefin polymer material can be made by treating the olefin polymer material with an organic peroxide initiator while adding a controlled amount of oxygen.

Abstract: Block copolymers having a polyisobutylene segment and a polycycloaliphatic diene polymer segment are presented. Star block copolymers with 2 to 16 block copolymer arms, wherein each of the arms has a polyisobutylene segment and a polycycloaliphatic diene polymer segment, are presented. The star block copolymers are synthesized via the “core first” method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified alkyd polymers and compositions thereof, in which the alkyd polymers are modified with polyol-containing latex compositions and/or diol-containing latex compositions. The invention further relates to compositions prepared from such modified alkyd compositions.

Abstract: Process of producing unvulcanized rubber useful for producing vulcanized rubber with improved hysteresis, which comprises mixing a composition comprising unvulcanized rubber, carbon black and xanthogen polysulfide at an elevated temperature in a non-productive stage and composition suitable for producing unvulcanized rubber useful for producing vulcanized rubber with improved hysteresis, which comprises unvulcanized rubber, a filler comprising carbon black and xanthogen polysulfide.

Abstract: An anisotropically electroconductive film, which has a high reliability in its capacity for conducting electricity and also a good adhesion under such an adhesive condition that the film is heated at a temperature of 130° C. or less for a short period of time, has a layer of an adhesive within which electroconductive particles are distributed. The adhesive is composed of a thermosetting resin composition including a base resin, a reactive compound, an organic peroxide and a reaction accelerating compound, and also the electroconductive particles incorporated into the thermosetting resin composition. The base resin is a polyacetalized resin which is obtained by acetalizing a polyvinyl alcohol. The reactive compound is at least one selected from a group consisting of acryloxy group-bearing compounds, methacryloxy group-bearing compounds and epoxy group-bearing compounds. The reaction accelerating compound is a compound which has a radically reactive group and alkali-reactive group as its end groups.

Abstract: A process for producing polypropylene having increased melt strength, the process comprising irradiating polypropylene with an electron beam having an energy of at least 5 MeV and with a radiation dose of from 5 to 100 kGray in the presence of a grafting agent for forming long chain branches on the polypropylene molecules.

Abstract: A process for producing impact-resistant moulding compositions, which is characterised in that a monomer mixture comprising 90 to 20 parts by weight of an aromatic monoalkenyl compound, 10 to 50 parts by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated nitrile, 0 to 30 parts by weight of other copolymerisable compounds is polymerised by a radical mechanism in the presence of 15 to 50 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of monomers, of a soluble, gel-free butadiene polymer, and in the presence of 50 to 200 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of monomers, of a solvent, wherein the solvent is selected from the group comprising an aliphatic (C1-C8) or cycloaliphatic alcohol, ketone, ether, ester, nitrile (A) or mixtures thereof or a mixture of (A) with an aliphatic (C4-C10), cycloaliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon (B) in an A:B weight ratio of 100:0 to 30:70, and the polymerisation is conducted as far as a polymer content of the total mixture of 30 to 70% by weight, with thorough mixing and optionally with

Abstract: The invention pertains to a coating composition comprising a first compound comprising at least one bicyclo- or spiro-orthoester group and a second compound comprising at least two hydroxyl-reactive groups. The invention also comprises a process for curing the present coating composition. More particularly, the latent hydroxyl groups of the bicyclo- or spiro-orthoester groups have to be deblocked and reacted with the hydroxyl-reactive groups of the second compound if the present coating composition is to be cured. Further, a process for making bicyclo-orthoester compounds from the corresponding oxetane compound is described, as are polymers comprising at least one bicyclo- or spiro-orthoester group.

Abstract: Graft copolymers with low molecular weight side chains are prepared by (1) irradiating a propylene polymer material in the absence of oxygen, (2) adding a controlled amount of oxygen to the irradiated polymer material so that the polymer is exposed to an amount of oxygen greater than 0.004% but less than 15% by volume at a temperature of 40° C. to 140° C., to produce an oxidized propylene polymer material containing greater than 1 mmol total peroxide per kilogram of propylene polymer material, (3) optionally, heating the oxidized propylene polymer material in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to a temperature of at least 80° C.

Abstract: Aqueous coating composition, for example for use as a clear or pigmented top coat or a primer, comprising: a) a polyol or a mixture of polyols having at least two hydroxy groups per molecule and: i a content C of carboxylate- and/or carboxylic acid-functional groups and ii a content S of sulfonate- and/or sulfonic acid-functional groups, and b) one or more cross-linkers capable of reacting with hydroxy groups. A Polyol having a content C of carboxylate- and/or carboxylic acid-functional groups and a content S of sulfonate- and/or sulfonic acid-functional groups, the total content C+S being between 0.09 and 0.6 mmol/gram polyol, and the ratio C/S having a value between 0.5 to 20 and a process for preparing the polyol resin.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for manufacturing coupled radial block copolymers of the S—B—Li type having improved optical properties, which process utilizes coupling agents having from about 3 to about 7 epoxy groups per mole.

Abstract: A process for producing an isobutylene block copolymer, which comprises performing cationic polymerization of a monomer component containing isobutylene as a major monomer and a monomer component whose major monomer is not isobutylene in the presence of an initiator, wherein the polymerization is carried out in a mixed solvent containing a monohalogenated hydrocarbon solvent and a non-halogenated hydrocarbon solvent the monohalogenated hydrocarbon solvent containing a primary monohalogenated hydrocarbon having three to eight carbon atoms and/or a secondary monohalogenated hydrocarbon having three to eight carbon atoms, the non-halogenated hydrocarbon solvent containing an aliphatic hydrocarbon and/or an aromatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for generating mixed acetal polymers by reacting a hydroxyl containing polymer or monomer with vinyl ether and alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst. The process of this invention provides a new class of polymers based on mixed acetals which are prepared in-situ with one reaction. The mixed acetal polymers are inexpensive to synthesize and readily reproducible. The resulting mixed acetal polymer is blended with a photoacid generator and dissolved in a solvent to produce a chemically amplified resist composition. A process for forming a pattern comprises the steps of providing the chemically amplified resist composition, coating a substrate with the resist composition, imagewise exposing the resist coated substrate to actinic radiation, and forming a resist image by developing the resist coated substrate.

Abstract: There is described the use of monomeric and polymeric N-pyrrolidinone-containing compounds as compatibilizers for plastic compositions, a process for improving the compatibility of plastic compositions, the improved plastic compositions obtainable thereby as well as novel polymeric N-pyrrolidinone-containing compounds.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to certain hydrophilic polymers. These polymers undergo negligible shrinkage when polymerized and are highly hydrophilic, rendering them useful in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for generating mixed acetal polymers by reacting a hydroxyl containing polymer or monomer with vinyl ether and alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst. The process of this invention provides a new class of polymers based on mixed acetals which are prepared in-situ with one reaction. The mixed acetal polymers are inexpensive to synthesize and readily reproducible. The resulting mixed acetal polymer is blended with a photoacid generator and dissolved in a solvent to produce a chemically amplified resist composition. A process for forming a pattern comprises the steps of providing the chemically amplified resist composition, coating a substrate with the resist composition, imagewise exposing the resist coated substrate to actinic radiation, and forming a resist image by developing the resist coated substrate.

Abstract: Cross-linkable, olefinic polymers synthesized from mixtures of olefinic polymers and ethylenically unsaturated organosilane compounds, which can be grafted, by a 2-step method using thermally decomposing free radical-forming agents by heating the mixtures to a temperature of 30.degree. to 110.degree. C. below the softening temperature or the crystallite melting point of the olefinic polymers used and subsequently heating the mixtures to a reaction temperature of 10.degree. to 60 .degree. C. below the softening temperature or the crystallite melting point of the olefinic polymers used. In the alternative, they can be grafted by a method involving the action of ionizing radiation with simultaneous absorption of organosilane compounds and the action of radiation. The method is suitable for producing films, sheets, fibers, panels, coatings, pipes, hollow objects, foamed materials and molded articles.

Abstract: Methods for preparing uniformly sized polymer particles comprised of multi-functional monomers such as poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate) and poly(1,6-hexanediol diacrylate) are disclosed. The particles are of a size, uniformity, and contain physical characteristics that make them ideally suitable for use as spacers in liquid crystal display devices.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are a block copolymer having an isobutylene-based polymer block and a vinylic aromatic hydrocarbon-based polymer block and containing a styrenic unit having a halogenated saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group on the benzene ring at 0.01 to 2 mol % on a basis of the total structural units and being capable of markedly improving the performance of a synthetic resin when the block copolymer is blended with the synthetic resin; a process for producing the block copolymer; and a resin composition position containing the block copolymer.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of water soluble nonionic and anionically charged vinyl and allyl addition polymers can be obtained by polymerizing in the presence of an anionically charged water soluble polymer stabilizer in a saturated salt solution. Methods for the preparation of these polymers, and their compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: There is a need for polymers which offer increased heat resistance, ultraviolet light resistance, and low fogging characteristics for utilization in automotive interiors. It is particularly critical for polymers which are utilized in making skin compounds for automotive instrument and door panels to display excellent heat resistance, ultraviolet light resistance, and low fogging characteristics.

Abstract: There is a need for polymers which offer increased heat resistance, ultraviolet light resistance, and low fogging characteristics for utilization in automotive interiors. It is particularly critical for polymers which are utilized in making skin compounds for automotive instrument and door panels to display excellent heat resistance, ultraviolet light resistance, and low fogging characteristics.

Abstract: A free radical polymerization process for the preparation of a polymer comprising heating a mixture of a free radical initiator, a stable free radical agent, a metal catalyst, or a metal stable free radical complex catalyst, and at least one polymerizable monomer; cooling said mixture; and optionally isolating said polymer.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing high molecular weight anionic dispersion polymer is disclosed, the process comprising providing a mixture of water, acrylic acid and a stabilizer; cooling the mixture to a temperature of less than 35.degree. C.; lowering the pH of the mixture to less than 4.5; adding ethylhexyl acrylate to the mixture to form an aqueous solution; stirring the aqueous solution; purging the solution with nitrogen simultaneous with the step of stirring; heating the solution to about 48.degree. C.; adding initiator for from about 2 to about 3 hours; heating the solution to about 75.degree. C. for about 30 to about 60 minutes; and cooling and collecting the polymer.

Abstract: Propylene polymers have a molecular weight ratio Q (M.sub.w /M.sub.n) of from 6 to 30 and are obtainable by Ziegler-Natta polymerization in the presence of hydrogen as molecular weight regulator and are particularly suitable for the production of films and moldings.

Abstract: Uniformly sized, fine particles of a polymer are produced by:(1) mixing (B) a nonionic-organic compound being liquid at room temperature, having a solubility in water at 25.degree. C. of 0.01 wt. % or larger and being compatible with (A) an oil-soluble, ethylenically unsaturated monomer, with the monomer (A) in an amount of 0.5 to 300 wt. % based on the monomer (A),(2) then adding the mixture of (A) and (B) to an aqueous dispersion of (C) particles of a seed polymer so as to make the mixture of (A) and (B) absorb onto the paricles (C) and(3) polymerizing the mixture of (A), (B) and (C) in the presence of an oil-soluble initiator for the polymerization to obtain said uniformly sized, fine particles.

Abstract: A process for producing a copolymer of propylene and other .alpha.-olefins in the presence of a catalyst comprising a titanium-containing solid catalyst component and an organoaluminum compound is disclosed. The process comprises (1) a first step in which propylene is homopolymerized or propylene and a minor proportion of other .alpha.-olefin are copolymerized to prepare polymer particles having a pore volume of from 0.15 to 0.30 cm.sup.3 /g, and (2) a second step in which propylene and other .alpha.-olefin are copolymerized in the presence of said polymer particles. The resulting propylene copolymer particles have improved fluidity and high bulk density.