Abstract: Methods for the synthesis of CTFE-based block copolymers through iodine transfer polymerization are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method includes reacting a fluoromonomer “M” with a chain transfer agent of the formula X—Y or Y—X—Y, wherein X represents a C1-C3 hydrocarbon, a C1-C6 hydrofluorocarbon, C1-C6 hydrochlorofluorocarbon, or C1-C6 fluorocarbon and Y represents iodine or bromine, in the presence of a radical initiator, to form a macro-initiator of the formula: X-poly(M)-Y or Y-poly(M)-X-poly(M)-Y, wherein poly(M) represents a polymer of the fluoromonomer. The method further includes reacting the macro-initiator with chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) in the presence of a radical initiator to form a diblock or a triblock CTFE-based block copolymer of the formula: X-poly(M)-block-poly(CTFE) or PCTFE-block-poly(M)-X-poly(M)-block-PCTFE.

Abstract: A process for making a hyperbranched polyethylene. The process has the steps of (a) reacting a multifunctional acrylate monomer with an ?,?-diene monomer in the presence of a first catalyst to form an alternating acrylate/diene copolymer and (b) reacting the alternating acrylate/diene copolymer with a late transition metal ?-diimine catalyst to form a multi-nuclear initiator for chain walking polymerization of ethylene. There is also a process for forming a multi-nuclear initiator. There is also a hyperbranched polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling the chain structure of a copolymer. The disclosed method is capable of controlling the arrangement of monomeric units in a copolymer, and of selectively forming a random copolymer, tapered copolymer, multiblock copolymer and block copolymer. In the method for controlling the chain structure of a copolymer of a conjugated diene compound and a non-conjugated olefin, the introduction of the conjugated diene compound is controlled in the presence of the non-conjugated olefin so as to control the chain structure of the copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of polymers and olefin polymerization, and more specifically olefin metathesis polymerization. The invention provides regioregular alternating polymers and methods of synthesizing such polymers.

Abstract: A block copolymer is provided. The block copolymer according to an exemplary embodiment includes a first block represented by Chemical Formula 1 and a second block represented by Chemical Formula 2: wherein COM1 and COM2 are independently selected from a polystyrene moiety, polymethylmethacrylate moiety, polyethylene oxide moiety, polyvinylpyridine moiety, polydimethylsiloxane moiety, polyferrocenyldimethylsilane moiety, and polyisoprene moiety, R1 is hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, Ph is a phenyl group, a is 1 to 50, R2 is hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and b is 1 to 50.

Abstract: A process for making a hyperbranched polyethylene. The process has the steps of (a) reacting a multifunctional acrylate monomer with an ?,?-diene monomer in the presence of a first catalyst to form an alternating acrylate/diene copolymer and (b) reacting the alternating acrylate/diene copolymer with a late transition metal ?-diimine catalyst to form a multi-nuclear initiator for chain walking polymerization of ethylene. There is also a process for forming a multi-nuclear initiator.

Abstract: A ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) reaction is disclosed in which a cyclic alkene compound is subjected to ROMP using a ruthenium ROMP catalyst having heterocyclic ligands in the presence of a compound from which such ligands may be derived. The process includes the step of adding sufficient of an acyclic alkene having a carbon-carbon double bond capable of reacting with the catalytic metal moieties attached to the living end of each of the polymer chains generated in the ROMP reaction to end cap the polymer chains and to generate a olefin metathesis catalyst. The process includes reiterating the polymerization steps by adding further amounts of a cyclic alkene compound. The catalyst may be generated in situ from a precursor compound by the addition of a compound from which heterocyclic ligands may be derived by interaction with the precursor compound.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising A) a first polymer comprising (a) hydrophobized nanoparticle; (b) C1 to C18, straight, branched, or cyclic alkyl(meth)acrylate; (c) N-methylol(meth)acrylamide or a monomer of formula (I) R—(OCH2CH2)a—O—C(O)—C(R1)?CH2??(I) ?wherein R is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, or —C(O)—C(R1)?CH2, and R1 is H or —CH3; said first polymer in contact with B) a second polymer comprising (d) a fluorinated monomer of formula (II) Rf1-L-X—C(O)—C(R)?CH2??(II) ?wherein Rf1 is a monovalent, partially or fully fluorinated, linear or branched, alkyl radical having 2 to about 100 carbon atoms; optionally interrupted by 1 to about 50 oxygen atoms; wherein the ratio of carbon atoms to oxygen atoms is at least 2:1 and no oxygen atoms are bonded to each other; L is a bond or a linear or branched divalent linking group having 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, said linking group optionally interrupted by 1 to about 4 hetero-radicals selected from the group consisting of —O—, —NR6—, —S—, —SO—, —SO2—, and —N(R6)

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microemulsion polymerization comprising adding a polymerization catalyst precursor, such as a transition metal complex in the higher of two accessible oxidation states, an ATRP initiator, and an organic solvent to an aqueous solution to form an emulsion. Radically polymerizable monomers and a reducing agent may then be added to the emulsion. The reducing agent converts the catalyst precursor to a catalyst for polymerization of the first monomer from the initiator. In certain embodiments the organic solvent may comprise radically polymerizable monomers. The aqueous solution may comprise a surfactant.

Abstract: Zwitterionic block copolymers having oppositely charged or chargeable terminal groups, and methods of making and using the same, are disclosed. The zwitterionic block copolymers can undergo microphase separation.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of propylene polymer compositions carried out in the presence of a catalyst system comprising (a) a solid catalyst component having average particle size ranging from 15 to 80 ?m comprising a magnesium halide, a titanium compound having at least a Ti-halogen bond and at least two electron donor compounds one of which being present in an amount from 50 to 90% by mol with respect to the total amount of donors and selected from succinates and the other being selected from 1,3 diethers, (b) an aluminum alkyl and optionally (c) an external electron donor compound, and comprising the following steps: (i) contacting the catalyst components (a), (b) and optionally (c); (ii) pre-polymerizing up to forming amounts of polymer from about 0.1 up to about 1000 g per gram of solid catalyst component (a); (iii) polymerizing propylene producing a propylene (co)polymer being for at least 85% by weight of insoluble in xylene at 25° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for the preparation of pigment particles suitable for use in an electrophoretic dispersion, particularly an electrophoretic dispersion in a fluorinated solvent. The method comprises: a) treating pigment particles to incorporate reactive groups onto the surface of the pigment particles; and b) reacting said reactive group with a functional group in a fluorinated monomer, oligomer or polymer to form a polymer layer over the surface of the pigment particles.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for preparing a polyolefin containing one or more exo-olefinic end groups on the polyolefin chain, comprising quenching an ionized polyolefin with an alkoxysilane or an ether. In some embodiments, the methods are represented by the following scheme: In some embodiments, the alkoxysilane or ether compound has the formula: wherein Y is carbon or silicon; R1 is hydrocarbyl; and R2-R4 are each, independently, hydrogen or hydrocarbyl.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of one or more addition polymerizable monomers and the resulting polymer products, said process comprising: 1) contacting an addition polymerizable monomer or mixture of monomers under addition polymerization conditions in a reactor or reactor zone with a composition comprising at least one olefin polymerization catalyst and a cocatalyst and characterized by the formation of polymer chains from said monomer or monomers; 2) transferring the reaction mixture to a second reactor or reactor zone and optionally adding one or more additional reactants, catalysts, monomers or other compounds prior to, commensurate with, or after said transfer; and 3) causing polymerization to occur in said second reactor or reactor zone to form polymer chains that are differentiated from the polymer chains formed in step 1); said process being characterized by addition of a chain shuttling agent to the reaction mixture prior to, during, or subsequent to step 1) such that at least some of the resultin

Abstract: A fishing line is produced by forming a monofilament by subjecting a resin composition (C) containing 90 to 99.3% by weight of a polyamide resin (A) and 0.7 to 10% by weight of a silicone compound (B) having a number average molecular weight of 100,000 to 2,000,000 to melt-spinning and then drawing. This method can provide a fishing line which is excellent in abrasion resistance and also excellent in visibility. In this method, it is preferable to conduct melt-kneading of a part of the polyamide resin (A) with the silicone compound (B) in advance, adding of the residual polyamide resin (A) and further melt-kneading, subsequent melt-spinning, and drawing at a draw ratio of from 4 to 7.

Abstract: Zwitterionic block copolymers having oppositely charged or chargeable terminal groups, and methods of making and using the same, are disclosed. The zwitterionic block copolymers can undergo microphase separation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of polymers and olefin polymerization, and more specifically olefin metathesis polymerization. The invention provides regioregular alternating polymers and methods of synthesizing such polymers.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of one or more addition polymerizable monomers to form a copolymer comprising multiple regions or segments of differentiated polymer composition or properties comprising contacting an addition polymerizable monomer or mixture of monomers under addition polymerization conditions with a composition comprising at least one olefin polymerization catalyst, a cocatalyst and a chain shuttling agent, said process being characterized by formation of at least some of the growing polymer chains under differentiated process conditions such that two or more blocks or segments formed within at least some of the resulting polymer are chemically or physically distinguishable.

Abstract: Hydrophobicizing agents which are easily admixed with construction chemical products are prepared by providing a solution of a protective colloid and adding thereto a fatty acid compound sensitive to high pH environments, optionally, a hydrophobicizing organosilicon compound, and drying the resulting aqueous mixture.

Abstract: A medical device with a therapeutic agent-releasing polymer coating. The medical device is provided by a method that comprises: (a) attaching at least one reactive species to a medical device surface, which reactive species leads to chain growth polymerization in the presence of monomer; (b) contacting the reactive species with at least one monomer species, thereby forming a polymer coating on the surface of the medical device; and (c) providing at least one therapeutic agent within the polymer coating. The therapeutic agent may be incorporated during formation of the polymer coating or after formation of the polymer coating. The at least one reactive species can comprise, for example, a free radical species, a carbanion species, a carbocation species, a Ziegler-Natta polymerization complex, a metallocene complex, and/or an atom transfer radical polymerization initiator.

Abstract: Zwitterionic block copolymers having oppositely charged or chargeable terminal groups, and methods of making and using the same, are disclosed. The zwitterionic block copolymers can undergo microphase separation. In some embodiments a zwitterionic block copolymer includes a first terminal block having a positively charged or chargeable group at a terminal end, and a second terminal block having a negatively charged or chargeable group at another terminal end. The zwitterionic block copolymer is configured to undergo microphase separation to assemble into alternating lamellar domains; with one of the alternating domains being composed of the first terminal block, and with another of the alternating domains being composed of the second terminal block.

Abstract: A process for the purification of a vinyl chloride polymer containing a compound of a heavy metal by: (a) dissolving the PVC in a solvent; (b) treating the solution with at least one additive capable of adsorbing or of forming a complex with the compound of the heavy metal; (c) centrifuging the treated solution to precipitate the adsorbed or complexed compound of the heavy metal; and (d) separating the precipitate from the PVC solution.

Abstract: Zwitterionic block copolymers having oppositely charged or chargeable terminal groups, and methods of making and using the same, are disclosed. The zwitterionic block copolymers can undergo microphase separation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing polyolefins containing vinylidine end groups from quasiliving carbocationically terminated polyolefin polymers by contacting the quasiliving carbocationically terminated polymer with a suitable azole quenching agent and substituted derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel functional norbornenes as initiators for radical polymerization, its polymer and a process for producing the same. More particularly, the novel functional norbornenes can be selectively polymerized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization or radical polymerization to obtain various polynorbornene derivatives or grafted copolymer materials. The polynorbornene derivatives and grafted copolymer materials not only exhibit excellent functional properties but also enhanced physical and chemical properties after modification. The polynorbornene derivatives and grafted copolymer materials disclosed in the present invention exhibit excellent heat resistance, transparency and water resistance. The present invention also deals with a process for producing such derivatives and materials having controllable molecular weight with narrow molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel functional norbornenes as initiators for radical polymerization, its polymer and a process for producing the same. More particularly, the novel functional norbornenes can be selectively polymerized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization or radical polymerization to obtain various polynorbornene derivatives or grafted copolymer materials. The polynorbornene derivatives and grafted copolymer materials not only exhibit excellent functional properties but also enhanced physical and chemical properties after modification. The polynorbornene derivatives and grafted copolymer materials disclosed in the present invention exhibit excellent heat resistance, transparency and water resistance. The present invention also deals with a process for producing such derivatives and materials having controllable molecular weight with narrow molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: Radical polymerization process for the preparation of halogenated polymers employing one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, at least one of which is chosen from halogenated monomers, molecular iodine and one or more radical-generating agents chosen from diazo compounds, peroxides and dialkyl diphenylalkanes Radical polymerization process for the preparation, starting from the halogenated polymers prepared by the process as described above, of block copolymers, at least one block of which is a halogenated polymer block. Halogenated polymers which have a number-average molecular mass Mn of greater than 1.0×104 and an Mz/Mw ratio of less than 1.65. Block copolymers, at least one block of which is a block of halogenated polymer identical to the halogenated polymers described above. Block copolymers comprising at least one halogenated polymer block which have a number-average molecular mass Mn of greater than 1.5×104 and a polydispersity index Mw/Mn of less than 1.60.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing polymers by gas-phase deposition polymerization, initiated by a zero valent metal and an initiator.

Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide a damping material which, despite a high damping capacity at and around room temperature, has a small temperature dependence of rigidity at and around room temperature and a damping material having hot-melt processability and a good balance between damping capacity and temperature dependence of rigidity at and around room temperature. This invention provides a damper material composition wherein the ratio of the storage modulus (G?) value at 0° C. to the corresponding value at 40° C. as found by the measurement of dynamic viscoelasticity in the shear mode, namely (G?0° C./G?40° C.), is not greater than 15 and the loss tangent (tan ?) value as found by said measurement is not smaller than 0.4 at 0° C. to 40° C.

Abstract: A golf ball, typically its core, is manufactured by molding and vulcanizing a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a metal salt thereof, an inorganic filler, an organic peroxide, and an organosulfur compound. The base rubber contains a polybutadiene having a Mw of 60–150×104 and a Mw/Mn of up to 2.0 and containing at least 98% of cis-1,4 bonds and up to 1.5% of trans-1,4 bonds. The composition is easy to mold and work, and the golf ball has good rebound and improved flight performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel functional norbornenes as initiators for radical polymerization, its polymer and a process for producing the same. More particularly, the novel functional norbornenes can be selectively polymerized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization or radical polymerization to obtain various polynorbornene derivatives or grafted copolymer materials. The polynorbornene derivatives and grafted copolymer materials not only exhibit excellent functional properties but also enhanced physical and chemical properties after modification. The polynorbornene derivatives and grafted copolymer materials disclosed in the present invention exhibit excellent heat resistance, transparency and water resistance. The present invention also deals with a process for producing such derivatives and materials having controllable molecular weight with narrow molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: Hydrophobically modified polymer compositions contain at least one polymer based on one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, in the form of an aqueous polymer dispersions or water-redispersible polymer powder prepared therefrom, further containing, a) one or more silanes, polysilanes, oligosiloxanes, polysiloxanes, carbosilanes, polycarbosilanes, carbosiloxanes, polycarbosiloxanes, polysilylenedisiloxanes, and b) one or more fatty compounds from the group of the fatty acids having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, their metal soaps, their amides, and their esters with monohydric alcohols having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, with glycol, with polyglycol, with polyalkylene glycol, with glycerol, with mono-, di-, or triethanolamine, or with monosaccharides.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a golf ball having excellent rebound characteristics and excellent durability, and showing good workability, which contains a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, an organic peroxide and an inorganic filler, wherein the base rubber includes a polybutadiene containing a cis-1,4 bond of not less than 80%, having a Mooney viscosity of not less than 30 to less than 50 ML1+4(100° C.) and a ratio (Mw/Mn) of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) of 3.0 to 6.0, synthesized using a lanthanide-containing catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of low branch content polybutadiene comprising: (a) a first butadiene polymerisation stage; (b) treatment of the polymer solution obtained upon completion of stage (a) with a coupling agent selected from: (i) polyunsaturated natural oils; (ii) butadiene and/or isoprene oligomers; (iii) butadiene and/or isoprene co-polymers with vinylarene monomers; the unsaturations present in compounds (i)–(iii) being at least partially substituted with groups selected from epoxides, anhydrides and esters; (c) recovery of the low branch content polybutadiene obtained upon completion of stage (b).

Abstract: A method of homogeneously polymerizing styrene comprising admixing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer and an initiation system that is soluble in the monomer. This system includes a metal; a peroxide, hydroperoxide or mixture thereof; and a reductant. Under appropriate reaction conditions, the cyclic oxidation and reduction of the metal produces free radicals which initiate homogeneous polymerization of the ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The invention beneficially enables relatively low temperature processing with inexpensive initiation.

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: A modified polypropylene which is a polypropylene having a value of racemic diad fraction [r] in a specific range and modified with a specific compound, e.g., (meth)acrylic acids, and their derivatives or styrene derivatives to have well-balanced properties of affinity for polypropylene-based materials, thermal stability, and high solubility in organic solvents; and a process for producing same. More particularly, the modified polypropylene which is a polypropylene having a value of racemic diad fraction [r] of 0.51 to 0.88, determined by 13C-NMR analysis, and chemically modified with a compound serving as a modifier, e.g., (meth)acrylic acids, and their derivatives or styrene derivatives; and the process for producing the modified polypropylene, wherein the polypropylene having a value of racemic diad fraction [r] in the above range is reacted with at least one type of the compound serving as the modifier in the presence of a radical initiator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing block copolymers comprising steps which consist in: polymerising a first monomer using an organolanthanide catalyst wherein said catalyst in the form of a hydride complex of a trivalent metal from the group of rare earths; then in polymerising at least a second monomer. The invention also concerns block copolymers whereof the blocks are polyolefins.

Abstract: Amines having an unsaturated bond can be introduced into the organic layer of organic-inorganic laminar perovskite compounds comprising a metal halide and an organic amine, and the organic layer can be polymerized by applying external energy such as by irradiating with UV light or radiation. In this way, the quantum well structure is stabilized. The organic-inorganic laminar perovskite polymer compound is produced by cross-linking unsaturated bonds of an organic-inorganic laminar perovskite compound represented by the general formula (RNH3)2MX4 (in the formula, R is a hydrocarbon group having an unsaturated bond, X is a halogen or mixture of same, M is Group IVa metal, Eu, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn or Pd). R is represented by CH3(CH2)nC≡C—C≡CCH2 (n=2-14). It is preferred that M is Pb, and X is a bromine atom.

Abstract: It has been unexpectedly discovered that cis-1,4-polybutadiene that is synthesized utilizing Zeigler-Natta catalyst systems has superior characteristics for utilization in solid golf ball cores if the polymerization is terminated utilizing a carboxylic acid of the structural formula RCOOH, wherein R represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A polymerization process comprising the steps of admixing a halogen-containing compound, monomer, and a cobalt complex.

Abstract: In a process for the transition-metal-catalyzed preparation of polymers having a syndiotactic or predominantly syndiotactic structure from vinylaromatic monomers and a process for preparing block copolymers from vinylaromatic monomers and olefinically unsaturated polar monomers, use is made of transition metal compounds of the formula (I) where the substituents and indices have the following meanings: M is scandium, yttrium, lanthanum or a lanthanide metal, R′″ is &mgr;-C3-C20-alkyl, L is a low molecular weight organic compound having Lewis basicity, where n=1 or 0 and at least one n in (I) is 0, m is 1 or 2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a copolymer and a copolymer product of the method. The copolymer is prepared by a controlled radical polymerization process, typically an atom transfer radical polymerization process, in which polymerizable alkene monomers are polymerized in the presence of a halogenated polyolefin macroinitiator. The copolymer product of this process is useful in a film-forming composition that adheres strongly to polyolefinic substrates and to which non-polyolefinic film-forming compositions strongly adhere. The copolymer can be applied to a substrate in an adhesion-promoting layer or can be incorporated into a film-forming composition, such as a primer, that contains additional resinous compounds.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide molecular compounds useful in the fields of state-of-the-art materials, such as formulations, waste water treatments, energy transducers, conductors and bio-model reactions, in a way that interaction points and forces working inside polymer assemblies are fixed as well as controlled so that constituent polymers are aligned and modified. It is also an object of the present invention to provide methods for aligning and/or modifying polymers having hydrogen bond sites.

Abstract: Activation of ruthenium based catalyst compounds with acid to improve reaction rates and yields of olefin metathesis reactions, including ROMP, RCM, ADMET and cross-methasis reactions is disclosed. The ruthenium catalyst compounds are ruthenium carbene complexes of the general formula AxLyXzRu═CHR′ where x=0, 1 or 2, y=0, 1 or 2, and z=1 or 2 and where R′ is hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl, L is any neutral electron donor, X is any anionic ligand, and A is a ligand having a covalent structure connecting a neutral electron donor and an anionic ligand. The use of acid with these catalysts allows for reactions with a wide range of olefins in a variety of solvents, including acid-initiated RIM processes and living ROMP reactions of water-soluble monomers in water.

Abstract: A process for forming a microgel which comprises a crosslinked core and a multiplicity of linear polymeric arms attached to the core, wherein the process comprises (a) first forming a halogen atom terminated prepolymer with a weight average molecular weight from 1,000 to 25,000 by polymerizing monoethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of an organic sulfonyl halide, an organic complexing agent and a transition metal (i.e., Cu, Ru, Ni, Re, Pd, Fe, or Rh); and (b) subsequently polymerizing the prepolymer with a mixture of monoethylenically unsaturated monomers and 0.5 to 60 mole percent, based on the total moles of monomer and prepolymer, of multi-olefinic polymerizable monomers to form a microgel with a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 100,000,000 and crosslinked core.

Abstract: Polymer having repeating polycarbonate moieties of the formula (I) (Acr)y(A)(Q)(PC)[(Q)(PC)]x(Q)(A)(Acr)y  (I) wherein (Acr)y(A) is the residue of hydroxyalkyl acrylate or hydroxyalkyl methacrylate having an alkyl moiety, A, and where said alkyl, A, has 2 to 5 carbon atoms and wherein Acr is an acrylate or methacrylate moiety; Q is the residue of one or more organic polyisocyantes which are connected with A via a urethane linkage; PC is the residue of an alkylene diol polycarbonate of the formula (II) HO(ROCOO)nROH  (II) R is one or more (C2 to C10) alkylene or one or more (C6 to C12) aromatic group; y is an integer from 1 to 5; x is from 1 to 20; PC and Q are connected via a urethane group. The acrylate terminate polymers are useful for radiation cured coatings which have superior adhesion and reverse impact strength, especially when applied to plastic substrates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the synthesis and purification of hydroxyl-end group functionalized, linear, non-crosslinked polyolefins without pendant chain branched groups, and specifically to hydroxyl-end group functionalized polybutadienes. The process comprises polymerizing a cyclic olefin monomer with a chain transfer agent in the presence of a suitable catalyst, thereby forming a protected end-group functionalized polyolefin, followed by adding a mixture comprising water and caustic to the protected end-group functionalized polyolefin to remove the protecting groups, thus forming a hydroxyl end-group functionalized, linear, non-crosslinked polyolefin without pendant chain branched groups.

Abstract: Activation of ruthenium based catalyst compounds with acid to improve reaction rates and yields of olefin metathesis reactions, including ROMP, RCM, ADMET and cross-metathesis reactions is disclosed. The ruthenium catalyst compounds are ruthenium carbene complexes of the general formula AxLyXzRu═CHR′ where x=0, 1 or 2, y=0, 1 or 2, and z=1 or 2 and where R′ is hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl, L is any neutral electron donor, X is any anionic ligand, and A is a ligand having a covalent structure connecting a neutral electron donor and an anionic ligand. The use of acid with these catalysts allows for reactions with a wide range of olefins in a variety of solvents, including acid-initiated RIM processes and living ROMP reactions of water-soluble monomers in water.

Abstract: This invention relates to blends of a specific type of cis-l,4-polybutadiene rubber with other rubbery polymers, such as natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, isoprene-butadiene rubber and/or styrene-isoprene- butadiene rubber. The cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber utilized in the blends of this invention is synthesized by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene in the presence of (a) an organonickel compound, (b) an organoaluminum compound, (c) a fluorine containing compound and (d) para-styrenated diphenylamine; wherein the organoaluminum compound and the fluorine containing compound are brought together in the presence of the para-styrenated diphenylamine. The cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber blends of this invention offer improved processability and enhanced physical properties. For instance, improved mixing which results in better incorporation of pigments and fillers, such as carbon black and silica, at lower levels of power consumption is realized.