Abstract: A conjugated diene copolymer has a covalent bond reversibly dissociated and added by heat, and has at least two peaks in each of curves of molecular weight distributions measured at 40° C. and 60° C. by gel permeation chromatography, wherein a change rate of the proportion of the area of the peak having the lowest molecular weight in measurement at 60° C. to the proportion of the area of the peak having the lowest molecular weight in measurement at 40° C.

Abstract: Provided is a binder composition for a non-aqueous secondary battery electrode capable of forming an electrode for a non-aqueous secondary battery that can cause a non-aqueous secondary battery to display excellent low-temperature cycle characteristics and low-temperature output characteristics. The binder composition for a non-aqueous secondary battery electrode contains a polymer and a solvent. The polymer is a block copolymer including an aromatic vinyl monomer unit and an aliphatic conjugated diene monomer unit having a carbon number of 5 or more. The amount of the polymer that elutes into electrolyte solution is not less than 1 mass % and not more than 20 mass %.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a styrenic block copolymer [A1-B1-C1], consisting essentially of polymer blocks A1, B1 and C1. A1 is a poly(para-alkylstyrene) block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 60,000 g/mol. B1 is a hydrogenated polyisoprene block or a hydrogenated polybutadiene block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol. C1 is a polystyrene block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol; or a polymer block consisting essentially of polymerized styrene units, and hydrogenated butadiene and/or isoprene units, and having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol. Prior to hydrogenation, the block B1 has a vinyl content of 5-75 mol %; and the block C1 forms 1-80 wt % of the overall weight of the block copolymer. The selectively sulfonated forms of the copolymers are useful as high dielectric materials.

Abstract: A composition includes a polymer and a solvent. The polymer (A) satisfies at least one of the conditions (i) and (ii): (i) having in one terminal part of a main chain a block of a first structural unit that includes an amino group; and (ii) having a sulfur atom bonding to one end of the main chain, wherein a monovalent group that includes an amino group bonds to the sulfur atom.

Abstract: A main purpose of the present invention is to provide a multi-block copolymer composition having good elasticity and excellent stress relaxation properties, as well as small tension set. The present invention achieves the purpose by providing a multi-block copolymer composition obtained by a modification treatment, the composition including a block copolymer B formed by introducing a functional group capable of forming a non-covalent bond to a block copolymer A; wherein the block copolymer A includes a block copolymer A1 having a specific primary structure and a block copolymer A2 having a specific primary structure, and the mass ratio (A1/A2) of the block copolymer A1 and the block copolymer A2 is 100/0 to 50/50.

Abstract: Provided is a stretchable laminate that achieves both a weight reduction and an extension strength, and that can be stably produced. Also provided is an article including such stretchable laminate. The stretchable laminate of the present invention includes: an elastomer layer; and an olefin-based resin layer arranged on at least one side of the elastomer layer, wherein when a longitudinal direction of the stretchable laminate is defined as an MD direction and a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is defined as a CD direction, a ratio [10% extension strength in MD direction (N/30 mm)]/[basis weight (gsm)] of the stretchable laminate is 0.14 (N/30 mm·gsm) or more.

Abstract: A modified conjugated diene-based polymer, and more particularly, a modified conjugated diene-based polymer having a unimodal molecular weight distribution curve measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), molecular weight distribution (PDI; MWD) of less than 1.7, and a Si content of 100 ppm or more based on weight, and a rubber composition including the same.

Abstract: A method for making a polymer, having the steps of (a) polymerizing one or more monomers in the presence of a solvent and a catalyst to form a reaction product; (b) removing an effluent from the reaction product, where the effluent comprises an active catalyst and one or more unreacted monomers; (c) combining a quench, comprising carbon dioxide, with the effluent to form a quenched polymer stream, having a carboxyl metal complex; and (d) recovering a polymer from the quenched polymer stream.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a thermoplastic elastomer comprising at least one polydiene block and at least one other poly(?-methylstyrene) block comprises: polymerizing at least one diene monomer in a starting reaction medium comprising an anionic polymerization initiator and an aprotic non-polar solvent; polymerizing ?-methylstyrene to the living polydiene chain obtained in the preceding step comprising: maintaining the reaction medium containing the living diene elastomer obtained previously and ?-methylstyrene at a positive temperature, below the ceiling temperature for the polymerization of ?-methylstyrene; cooling the reaction medium obtained at the end of step a., to a temperature below 0° C.; simultaneously, successively or prior to the cooling step, adding a purified aprotic polar solvent to the reaction medium with a volume ratio of the polar solvent to the non-polar solvent of less than 1; and propagating the polymerization of ?-methylstyrene to the living polydiene chain.

Abstract: Polymer blends comprising components A), B) and C): A) 80 to 96% by weight of an impact modified styrenic polymer A), B) 1 to 7% by weight of a polymer blend B) comprising B1) 25 to 75% by weight of polyisobutylene and B2) 25 to 75% by weight of a polyolefin, C) 3 to 13% by weight of an elastomeric block copolymer C) of structure (A-(B/A))n-A, where A is a vinylaromatic block, (B/A) is a random copolymer block of vinylaromatic monomer and diene, and n is 1 to 10, exhibit improved environmental stress crack resistance properties in presence of hydrofluoro olefins.

Abstract: A (meth)acrylic acid copolymer (A) having a weight average molecular weight of 1000 to 1,000,000, and in which when the half-width of the primary scatter peak when measured by small angle X-ray scattering is defined as X, 0.12<X, is used as an adhesive. The (meth)acrylic copolymer (A) is obtained by polymerizing a monomer mixture containing a macromonomer (a) having a number average molecular weight of 500-100,000, and a vinyl monomer (b). The adhesive has sufficient holding force and adhesive force, and the occurrence of adhesive deposit can be prevented when peeled off.

Abstract: A carbon black pellet comprising a plurality of agglomerates, aggregates, or primary carbon black particles and a binder including a hot-polymerized styrene-butadiene copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a block copolymer, which includes subjecting styrene or a derivative thereof (excluding ?-methylstyrene) to living anionic polymerization in the presence of a polymerization initiator by means of a microreactor having a channel being capable of mixing a plurality of liquids with each other, reacting a propagation end of the resultant polymer block (A) derived from styrene or a derivative thereof with ?-methylstyrene to obtain an intermediate polymer having a polymer unit (B) derived from ?-methylstyrene bonded to one end of the polymer block (A), and then subjecting a (meth)acrylate compound (c) to living anionic polymerization in the presence of a polymerization initiator so that the polymer unit (B) derived from ?-methyl styrene in the intermediate polymer serves as a propagation end to form a polymer block (C) derived from the (meth)acrylate compound (c).

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a modified conjugated diene (co)polymer, the method including comprising: a modification reaction step including causing an organic silane compound to react with a conjugated diene (co)polymer having an active site at the active site, the organic silane compound having a characteristic group for forming a silanol group through hydrolysis and, in the vicinity of the characteristic group, (i) a functional group which binds the organic silane compound to the conjugated diene (co)polymer via addition to or substitution at the active site and which promotes reaction between the silanol group and a reinforcing filler after the addition or substitution reaction, or (ii) a functional group which promotes reaction between the silanol group and a reinforcing filler, and a hydrolyzation step performed after the modification reaction step; a modified conjugated diene (co)polymer having, at a molecular end of the conjugated diene (co)polymer, a silanol group, and a functional

Abstract: Methods for controlling properties of a conjugated diene monovinylarene block copolymer using a modifier during polymerization are disclosed. For instance, the Shore A hardness of the copolymer can be decreased via the addition of the modifier compound.

Abstract: A disk-like nanoparticle includes a core layer that comprises a cross-linked multi-vinyl substituted aromatic hydrocarbon and a shell layer that comprises tri-block copolymer chains, each having a first, a second, and a third block. The first and third blocks of the tri-block copolymer chains comprise vinyl aromatic monomer units and are crosslinked with the core. The second block comprises conjugated diene monomer units and comprises a top and bottom axial surface of the disk-like nanoparticle. In the case of a nanoparticle having A-B-C tri-block copolymer chains, the third block comprises a top and bottom axial surface of the disk-like nanoparticle.

Abstract: A method of producing a silane cross-linked polyethylene is disclosed which includes maleating a polyethylene polymer to form a maleated polyethylene and reacting the maleated polyethylene with a primary or secondary amino silane to form a silane-grafted polyethylene. The method further includes treating the silane-grafted polyethylene in a moisture curing process to form the silane cross-linked polyethylene.

Abstract: Branched block polymers, and the rubber compositions containing them, which can be used, in particular, for manufacturing tires or semi-finished products for tires. Processes for preparing said polymers and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A block copolymer comprising at least one polymer block A comprising conjugated diene monomer units, and at least one polymer block B comprising conjugated diene monomer units and aromatic vinyl monomer units. This block copolymer is characterized in that (1) the polymer block A has a glass transition temperature of ?88° C. to ?45° C., (2) the polymer block B has a glass transition temperature of 30° C. to 90° C., (3) the content of aromatic vinyl monomer units in the whole block copolymer is 3-52 wt. %, (4) the aromatic vinyl block ratio in the whole block copolymer is smaller than 69 wt. %, and (5) the viscosity of a 5 wt. % solution of the block copolymer in styrene is 30-80 mPa·s. The block copolymer is useful as a resin modifier.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a block copolymer composition containing an aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene-aromatic vinyl block copolymer, which is capable of achieving a high-level balance between a high elastic modulus and a small permanent set, and is capable of producing a highly isotropic molded product having uniform mechanical properties even when a molding method which is likely to cause molecular orientation, such as extrusion molding, is applied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a block copolymer composition for flexographic printing plates, which is capable of providing a flexographic printing plate that has much more excellent wear resistance than conventional flexographic printing plates, while maintaining sufficient rubber elasticity. The block copolymer composition for flexographic printing plates comprises a block copolymer A and a block copolymer B, each of which is an aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene-aromatic vinyl block copolymer having a specific structure, wherein a content of the aromatic vinyl monomer unit in the block copolymer A is 41% or more.

Abstract: A mixture which contains a) a copolymer or block copolymer A comprising one or more copolymer blocks (B/S)A which are respectively composed of from 65 to 95% by weight of vinylaromatic monomers and of from 35 to 5% by weight of dienes, and whose glass transition temperature TgA is in the range from 40° to 90° C., b) a block copolymer B comprising at least one hard block S which is composed of vinylaromatic monomers, and comprising one or more copolymer blocks (B/S)B which are respectively composed of from 20 to 60% by weight of vinylaromatic monomers and of from 80 to 40% by weight of dienes, and whose glass transition temperature TgB is in the range from ?70° to 0° C., c) a polystyrene C, and its use for the production of packaging for electronics components.

Abstract: A polymeric nanoparticle composition is provided. The nanoparticle may be of a core/shell configuration with an interphase region connecting the core and the shell. The mean average diameter of the polymer nanoparticles may be less than about 250 nm. The size, composition, and/or configuration of the interphase region may be varied to achieve desired physical and/or chemical properties of the resulting polymeric nanoparticles, and of the compositions into which the nanoparticles are compounded.

Abstract: Provided is a hot-melt adhesive composition which can be easily applied at a relatively low temperature, has a long open time, and also has high holding power. A hot-melt adhesive composition comprising a block copolymer composition which includes a block copolymer A and a block copolymer B, and a tackifying resin, wherein a weight ratio (A/B) of the block copolymer A and the block copolymer B is 25/75 to 90/10, and an aromatic vinyl monomer unit content of the block copolymer A is 41% or greater.

Abstract: A block copolymer composition comprising an aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene-aromatic vinyl block copolymer having a high-level balance between a high elastic modulus and a small elongation set is provided. The block copolymer composition comprises a block copolymer A represented by formula (A) and a block copolymer B represented by formula (B), where the weight ratio of the block copolymer A to the block copolymer B, A/B, is from 36/64 to 85/15 and the ratio of the aromatic vinyl monomer units relative to all polymer components in the block copolymer composition is 27-70 wt %. Ar1a-Da-Ar2a (A). Ar1b-Db-Ar2b (B).

Abstract: A process for preparing a functionalized or unfunctionalized diene block copolymer comprising at least one polyether block of number-average molecular weight approximately from 150 to 5000 g/mol linked to at least one block constituted of a diene elastomer via at least one silicon atom. The process allows a high degree of grafting of the polyether to the polymer chains. Also disclosed is a reinforced rubber composition, especially intended for the manufacture of tires, comprising such a diene block copolymer which is intended to interact with the reinforcing filler. Such a rubber composition has improved hysteresis properties in the vulcanized state, while retaining satisfactory processing properties in the non-vulcanized state.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for a stretchable film, which achieves a high-level balance between a high elastic modulus and a small permanent set, and can be formed into a stretchable film with satisfactory formability. A composition for a stretchable film comprises a block copolymer composition containing a block copolymer A represented by the following general formula (A) and a block copolymer B represented by the following general formula (B), and a tackifier resin: Ar1a-Da-Ar2a ??(A) (Arb-Db)n-X ??(B), in the general formulas (A) and (B), Ar1a and Arb each represent an aromatic vinyl polymer block having a weight average molecular weight of 6,000 to 20,000; Ar2a represents an aromatic vinyl polymer block having a weight average molecular weight of 40,000 to 400,000; Da and Db each represent a conjugated diene polymer block having a vinyl bond content of 1 mol % to 20 mol %; X represents a single bond or a residue of a coupling agent; and n represents an integer of 2 or greater.

Abstract: We disclose a monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer containing a plurality of monovinylarene-conjugated diene mixed blocks, wherein each mixed block contains conjugated diene units and monovinylarene units in a weight ratio of about 0.05 to about 0.33. We also disclose a composition containing (a) from about 50 parts by weight to about 95 parts by weight of the monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer and (b) from about 5 parts by weight to about 50 parts by weight of polystyrene; wherein the monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer and the polystyrene total 100 parts by weight.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of preparing a reactive polymer and reacting the reactive polymer with a heterocyclic nitrile compound.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of preparing a reactive polymer and reacting the reactive polymer with a heterocyclic nitrile compound.

Abstract: Conjugated diene polymer is provided that comprises a constitutional unit based on a conjugated diene and a constitutional unit based on a compound represented by Formula (1) below: R1Si(—R2-A)mR33-m??(1) wherein m represents an integer of 1 to 3; R1 represents a hydrocarbyl group having a polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond; R2 represents a hydrocarbylene group, and, when there are plural R2s, R2s each may be the same or different; A represents a substituted amino group, and, when there are plural A's, A's each may be the same or different; R3 represents a hydrocarbyl group, a substituted hydrocarbyl group or a substituted amino group, and, when there are plural R3s, R3s each may be the same or different.

Abstract: It is to provide a narrowly dispersible star polymer having a controlled molecular structure and a method for easily producing such star polymer. The method comprises step (A) wherein arm (I) is formed by binding the anionic end of a polymer having an anionic end to a core and step (B) wherein arm (II) is extended from the core by a living radical polymerization. Examples of the star polymer is specifically exemplified by star polymers characterized by having a structure represented by formula (I-1) or (I-2) (In formula (I-1) or (I-2), B, C1 and C2 each independently represents a group composed of a polymer; and m1 and m2 each independently represents an integer of 1 or 2, wherein when m1 or m2 is 2, both C1 or both C2 represent the same group or different groups).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymers adapted for shrinkable film applications. In one embodiment, a block copolymer is provided wherein an oriented 2 mil film of the block copolymer oriented at 100° C. or less exhibits less than 10% shrinkage at 70° C., and at least 70% shrinkage at 100° C.

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 block copolymer comprised of a polymer block or blocks (A) comprising conjugated diene monomer units and a polymer block or blocks (B) comprising conjugated diene monomer units and aromatic vinyl monomer units, wherein (1) the polymer block or blocks (A) have a glass transition temperature in the range of ?88 to ?45° C., (2) the polymer block or blocks (B) have a glass transition temperature in the range of 30 to 90° C., (3) the content of aromatic vinyl monomer units in the block copolymer is in the range of 30 to 52% by weight based on the total weight of the block copolymer, (4) the block copolymer has an aromatic vinyl block ratio of smaller than 69% by weight based on the total weight of the block copolymer, and (5) the viscosity of a 5% by weight solution of the block copolymer in styrene is at least 5 mPa·s but smaller than 30 mPa·s. This block copolymer is used as a modifier for resin.

Abstract: A conjugated diene polymer is provided that includes a conjugated diene-based constituent unit and a group represented by Formula (I) below at both termini of a polymer chain. There are also provided a conjugated diene polymer composition formed by combining the conjugated diene polymer and a filler, a process for producing the conjugated diene polymer, a process for producing the conjugated diene polymer composition, a vulcanizate, and a process for producing the vulcanizate.

Abstract: Provided is a copolymer rubber, comprising a copolymer having a star-shaped block structure (SIB-PA)n-X, wherein SIB is a block comprising styrene, butadiene, and isoprene as constituent monomers; PA is a block comprising butadiene or isoprene as a constituent monomer; X is the residue of at least one coupling agent; and n=2?4. Also provided is a process for preparing the copolymer rubber and use thereof.

Abstract: A process for forming a nanoparticle composition is provided. The process includes polymerizing conjugated diene monomer in a hydrocarbon solvent to form a first reaction mixture, and charging excess alkenylbenzense monomer and anionic catalyst to form mono-block and diblock polymers. Micelles of said mono-block and diblock polymers are formed, and at least one crosslinking agent is added to cross-link the micelles and form nanoparticles. The nanoparticles preferably have a poly(alkenylbenzene) core and an outer layer including monomer units selected from the group consisting of conjugated dienes, alkenylbenzenes, alkylenes, and mixtures thereof, and a size distribution of between about 1 and 1000 nm.

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 conjugated diene polymer is provided that includes a conjugated diene-based monomer unit and a monomer unit based on a compound represented by Formula (1) below, the monomer unit based on a compound represented by Formula (1) below being between a conjugated diene-based monomer unit-containing partial chain and a conjugated diene-based monomer unit-containing partial chain (said partial chain not comprising a monomer unit based on a compound represented by Formula (1) below), and the polymer having at least one terminus modified by a compound represented by Formula (2) below, wherein r is 0 or 1, R1 denotes a hydrocarbyl group or a group containing at least one atom selected from the atomic group consisting of a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a sulfur atom, and R2 denotes a group containing at least one atom selected from the atomic group consisting of a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a sulfur atom, wherein X denotes an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, R3 denotes a nitrogen atom- and/or oxygen

Abstract: The present invention is a, solid block copolymer comprising at least two polymer end blocks A and at least one polymer interior block B wherein each A block is a polymer block resistant to lithiation and each B block is a polymer block susceptible to lithiation, and wherein said A and B blocks do not contain any significant levels of olefinic unsaturation. After lithiation, the lithiated polymer is reacted with at least one graftable functional molecule selected from the group consisting of an electrophilic graftable molecule containing a functional group and an electrophile. Preferred are carbon monoxide and ethylene oxide. Also claimed are processes for making such block copolymers, and the various end uses and applications for such block copolymers.

Abstract: To provide a block copolymer composition excellent in balance of transparency, impact resistance, etc. in the form of not only an excluded product and a blow molded product but also an injection molded product.

Abstract: A process for providing interaction between particulate filler and a functionalized polymer involves a composition that includes at least three components: (1) a polymer that includes a functional group including an acidic cation of a primary or secondary amine functionality, (2) a material including a functionality capable of reacting with the acidic cation, and (3) particulate filler. The amine functionality from (1) is allowed to interact with (3) after being neutralized by the action of the acid-reactive functionality from (2). The process is useful in the formation of vulcanizates and articles made therefrom.

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: There is provided a method for producing a conjugated diolefin (co)polymer rubber excellent in processability, independently of the kind and combination of filling agent incorporated, excellent in a balance among wet-skid characteristics, low hysteresis loss, wear resistance and breaking strength, when vulcanization treatment is performed to form a vulcanized rubber, and useful as a material for a tread or a sidewall member of a tire for low fuel consumption, a large sized tire or a high performance tire.

Abstract: The present invention provides a block copolymer or a hydrogenated product thereof excellent in low-temperature shrinkability, natural shrinkability, rigidity and the like, excellent in a balance of physical properties such as blocking resistance, resistance to fusion bonding in hot water, impact resistance and the like, and having a few fish eyes (FE's) caused by gels. Further, the invention provides a heat shrinkable film and a heat shrinkable multilayer film suitable for drink container packaging, cap seals and the like, using such a block copolymer or the hydrogenated product thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric nanoparticles comprising triblock and optionally diblock copolymer chains. The architecture of the polymeric nanoparticles may be controlled, resulting in nanoparticles having non-spherical shapes. The present invention also provides a method of preparing the polymeric nanoparticles and a rubber article such as a tire manufactured from a formulation comprising the polymer nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles prepared from novel anionic block copolymers of mono alkenyl arenes and conjugated dienes, and to blends of such block copolymers with other polymers. The block copolymers have mono alkenyl arene end blocks and controlled distribution blocks of mono alkenyl arenes and conjugated dienes. The block copolymer may be blended with at least one other polymer selected from the group consisting of olefin polymers, styrene polymers, amorphous resins and engineering thermoplastic resins.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for synthesizing a hairy polymer particle which comprises the steps of (1) polymerizing a vinyl aromatic monomer by emulsion polymerization in an aqueous medium to produce core particles, (2) recovering the core particles from the aqueous medium, (3) dispersing the core particles in an organic solvent, (4) adding an organo-lithium compound to the dried core particles in the organic solvent to produce the hairless core initiator, and (5) utilizing the hairless core initiator to initiate the anionic polymerization of a conjugated diolefin monomer in an organic solvent to produce a solution of the hairy polymer particles. The hairy polymer nanoparticles can then be recovered from the organic solvent. These hairy polymer particles are comprised of (1) a core which is comprised of a polymer of a vinyl aromatic monomer and (2) hairs which are polymer chains of a conjugated diolefin monomer, wherein the hairs are covalently bonded to the core.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymers adapted for shrinkable film applications. In one embodiment, a block copolymer is provided wherein an oriented 2 mil film of the block copolymer oriented at 100° C. or less exhibits less than 10% shrinkage at 70° C., and at least 70% shrinkage at 100° C.