Abstract: Elastomeric homopolymers and copolymers comprising at least one active group containing an alkali metal atom are chemically treated to incorporate at least one conjugated diolefin linkage. The chemical treatment consists of reacting the living polymers with 2,3-ethylenically unsaturated aldehyde or ketone and then converting the reaction product thus obtained to the corresponding alcohol and dehydrating the alcohol to produce the conjugated diolefin linkage. The chemically treated elastomeric homopolymers and copolymers are useful in any of the applications known in the prior art for the corresponding untreated homopolymers and copolymers. Moreover, the chemically treated elastomeric polymers may be reacted with an unsaturated monomeric dienophile through a 4+2 Diels Alder addition reaction and a polymer then grafted onto the chemically treated elastomeric polymer or the chemically treated elastomeric polymer may be reacted directly with another (different) polymer containing at least one dienophile group.

Abstract: Block copolymers are prepared by providing an initial anionically polymerizable monomer portion; anionically polymerizing the initial monomer portion to provide polymer chains with living ends, and contacting the polymer chains with m-bis(phenylethenyl)benzene (PEB), a coupling agent, to bring about substantial coupling. In preferred embodiments the polymer chain living ends are capped with an .alpha.-alkylstyrene or a ring-alkyl substituted .alpha.-alkylstyrene, wherein the .alpha.-alkyl groups contain between about 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, and the ring-alkyl groups have at least 2 carbon atoms. The coupling agents employed with the capped polymer chain living ends include PEB, p-dibromoxylene, terephthaloyl chloride, 1,4-dibromobutene; and the multifunctional epoxides, multifunctional isocyanates, multifunctional aziridines, multifunctional aldehydes, multifunctional ketones, multifunctional anhydrides, multifunctional esters, and polyhalides.

Abstract: Block polymers of vinylaromatic compounds and conjugated dienes which possess acidic terminal groups, are present in the form of lithium salts and form an aluminum complex. A process for the preparation of such complexes and the use of these block polymer complexes as molding materials and for modifying thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of acrylic monomers and optionally of vinyl comonomers using (i) an initiator of formula (I):R--M (I)in which M denotes a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals and R denotes a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms or an aryl radical, and (ii) at least one non-nitrogenous macrocyclic complexing agent.The polymerization process is used to make products of acrylic polymers having a narrow distribution of molecular masses.

Abstract: ABC block copolymers on the basis of butadiene, isoprene and optionally styrene, are provided by a polymerization process wherein the resultant block copolymer comprises:about 40 to 75 wt % of a block A based on butadiene (uniformly distributed vinyl group content less than about 15 wt %),up to about 25 wt % of a block B based on butadiene and isoprene (vinyl content less than about 15 wt %) or based on butadiene (vinyl content more than about 75 wt %)about 20 to 55 wt % of a block C based on butadiene and isoprene (vinyl content more than about 75 wt %). The ABC block copolymers are useful for the production of tire treads.

Abstract: Disclosed are a block-graft copolymer comprising a polymer block having a repeating unit represented by General Formula (I): ##STR1## wherein A is a side chain and represents an organopolisiloxane chain, a polyacrylate chain, a polymethacrylate chain, polydiene chain, etc.and a process for producing the same. This block-graft copolymer can have various performances such as oxygen enrichment performance, biocompatibility, depending on the kind of side chains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an impact resistant polymeric composition comprising a polyamide and a thermally stable modified selectively hydrogenated high 1,2 content block copolymer wherein at least one graftable functional molecule is grafted to the block copolymer in the vinylarene block.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions comprising tackified star block copolymer having at least 12 block copolymer arms are provided. Sheet materials coated with the adhesive composition are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing polymers which may be coupled (reacted) at temperatures above about 200.degree. C., the process comprising first reacting monomer(s) selected from conjugated dienes and monoalkenyl arenes with an organomonolithium initiator and then reacting the resulting polymeric arms (P-Li) with certain arylcyclobutene monomers. These arylcyclobutene monomers have the formula ##STR1## where X is an alkylene or arylene group, Z is an arylcyclobutene group, R is selected from the group consisting of aryl groups, alkyl groups, ##STR2## and H, and R.sup.1 is an aryl group or alkyl group.

Abstract: Sequential charging of initiator and monomers in a multistage solution polymerization process involving conjugated diene and monovinylaromatic monomers wherein the final charge is a mixture of these monomers results in the production of resinous polymodal linear block copolymers each with a terminal tapered block. A typical 5-stage charge sequence is as follows: Stage 1: (S.sub.i); Stage 2: (S.sub.i); Stage 3: (B); Stage 4: (S.sub.i); Stage 5: (S+B) wherein (S.sub.i) is monovinylaromatic monomer and initiator; (B) is conjugated diene monomer and (S+B) is monovinylaromatic monomer and conjugated diene monomer. At each stage, polymerization is allowed to continue until no free monomer is present.The trimodal block copolymer products comprise high, medium and low molecular weight species designated, respectively, as S.sub.1 -S.sub.2 -B.sub.1 -S.sub.3 -B.sub.2 .fwdarw.S.sub.4 ; S.sub.2 -B.sub.1 -S.sub.3 -B.sub.2 .fwdarw.S.sub.4 ; and S.sub.3 -B.sub.2 .fwdarw.S.sub.4 wherein S.sub.1, S.sub.2 and S.sub.

Abstract: Sequential charging of initiator and monomers in a multistage solution polymerization process involving conjugated diene and monovinylaromatic monomers wherein the initial and final charges are monovinylaromatic monomer results in the production of polymodal linear block copolymers with terminal resinous blocks. A typical 6-stage charge sequence is as follows: stage 1: (S.sub.i); stage 2: (S.sub.i); stage 3: (B); stage 4: (S.sub.i); stage 5: (B) and stage 6: (S) wherein (S.sub.i) is monovinylaromatic monomer and initiator, (B) is conjugated diene monomer and (S) is monovinylaromatic monomer. At each stage, polymerization is allowed to continue until no free monomer is present.The polymodal block copolymer products comprise high, medium and low molecular weight species designated, respectively, as S.sub.1 -S.sub.2 -B.sub.1 -S.sub.3 -B.sub.2 -S.sub.4 ; S.sub.2 -B.sub.1 -S.sub.3 -B.sub.2 -S.sub.4 ; and S.sub.3 -B.sub.2 -S.sub.4 wherein S.sub.1, S.sub.2, S.sub.3 and S.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to partially hydrophilic, non-ionic crosslinked copolymers.These copolymers consist of a crosslinked hydrophobic backbone having a high mechanical strength, and of non-ionic hydrophilic chains grafted selectively onto the backbone.The copolymers are useful for size exclusion chromatography in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Novel, reactive, selectively hydrogenated block copolymers are claimed having the structures AB, ABA, (AB).sub.m Y, (AB).sub.n Y--A).sub.o and (AB).sub.n Y--B).sub.p where each A block is a copolymer block of a monoalkenyl arene monomer and a benzocyclobutene monomer of the formula ##STR1## where R is H or CH.sub.3 and each B block is a substantially completely hydrogenated conjugated diene polymer block.

Abstract: An alternate procedure for preparing multilithium initiators using DVB has been developed in order to achieve better control over the specific number of anionic sites per initiator molecule and to prepare star-block copolymers having a pre-determined number of branches. The process consists of 3 distinct steps; oligomerization, activation and polymer growth. The initial step involves the oligomerization of DVB yielding a mini-block having a predetermined number of pendant vinyl groups using a monofunctional initiator such as polystyryllithium. This is quickly followed by activation of the pendant vinyl groups using s-butyllithium prior to polymer growth.

Abstract: A new coupling agent has been disclosed which is acryloyl chloride. This coupling agent undergoes anionic polymerization through the acrylate unsaturation rather than anionic attack at the acid chloride.

Abstract: In a process for producing a high impact polystyrene comprising the radical polymerization of styrene in the presence of a butadiene rubber, the improvement which comprises, the butadiene rubber being a highly branched polymer prepared by homopolymerizing 1,3-butadiene or copolymerizing 1,3-butadiene and styrene in the presence of an organolithium compound and a Lewis base compound, followed by further reacting the resulting polymer with a multifunctional halogen compound; in the butadiene rubber, the average content of 1,2-bonds being 18 to 32 mole % based on the total bonded butadiene, the content of bonded styrene being up to 10% by weight, and the content of branched polymer chains being at least 60% by weight; the butadiene rubber exhibiting a Mooney viscosity of 40 to 90 at 100.degree. C. and a solution viscosity in styrene of 60 to 90 cps at 25.degree. C.

Abstract: Block copolymers having two or more blocks may be prepared from vinyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons and a mixed isomer mixture of 1,3-pentadiene. At least one block is polymerized from the cis and trans-isomer mixture of 1,3-pentadiene. The amount of the mixed isomer mixture of 1,3-pentadiene polymerized may be increased by including in the mixed isomer mixture a cis-isomer polymerization promoter.

Abstract: An improved method for the polymerization of mixtures of mixed cis and trans-isomers of 1,3-pentadiene in the production of block copolymers. By continuously or incrementally adding a cis-isomer of 1,3-pentadiene polymerization promoter, using a hydrocarbon solvent with no aprotic solvents of a polar nature and not exceeding specified temperature ranges, the cis-isomer of 1,3-pentadiene is polymerized, resulting in a greater 1,3-pentadiene polymerization yield. The polymerization promoter is a vinyl-substituted aromatic monomer, for example styrene.

Abstract: Blends of polymers of diene and styrene-.alpha.-methylstyrene type monomers are prepared by solution polymerization employing intermittent addition of monomers and initiators to provide a desired composition.

Abstract: An alkenyl aromatic compound-conjugated diene block copolymer having a combined alkenyl aromatic compound content of 25-95% by weight, characterized in that said copolymer is represented by the formula,A--B--Awherein A represents an alkenyl aromatic compound polymer block, the total amount of A's in both ends being 50-97% by weight of the total combined alkenyl aromatic compound content; B represents a conjugated diene-alkenyl aromatic compound copolymer block, said B portion having (a) 2-10 taper blocks where the amount of the alkenyl aromatic compound increases gradually and (b) a weight ratio of alkenyl aromatic compound/conjugated diene of 3-85/97-15; and the total amount of the chains that 1-4 alkenyl aromatic compound monomers are linked is 5-30% by weight of the total combined alkenyl aromatic compound content. Said copolymer is excellent in the balance of impact strength, tensile strength and elongation.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of thermoplastic elastomers comprising a blend of plastic and cured rubber by dynamic vulcanization wherein the blend is subjected to high shear.

Abstract: A diene polymer produced by polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer in a solvent solution of an active lithium-terminated polymer in the presence of a catalyst consisting of (A) a cobalt compound and (B) carbon disulfide and/or phenylisothiocyanic acid. The diene polymer comprises a 1,2-polybutadiene portion having a high percentage of vinyl conformation. The diene polymer has substantially no mercaptan compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drag reduction agents for water which are diblock polymers of t-butylstyrene/metal styrene sulfonate and triblock polymers of t-butylstyrene/metal styrene sulfonate/t-butylstyrene.

Abstract: Resinous polymodal block copolymers of such as butadiene and styrene which are craze-resistant, transparent, and substantially color-free, and methods of producing the block copolymers. The copolymers are prepared by sequential charge copolymerization modes comprising the solution polymerization of at least two charges each of a conjugated diene, a monovinylarene, and a monoalkali metal initiator, at least one charge of conjugated diene monomer precedes the last charge of monoalkali metal initiator, at least one charge each of monovinylarene and of conjugated diene follows the last charge of monoalkali metal initiator, and the final charge of monomer is a charge of conjugated diene monomer, such that the number of charges of each of said components is not more than three, and the total of the charges of the three components is 8 or 9.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rubber composition comprising at least 20% by weight of styrene-butadiene copolymer based on the total weight of the rubber content. The styrene-butadiene copolymer is obtained by randomly copolymerizing styrene with 1,3-butadiene in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an organolithium compound as an initiator and then subjecting to a coupling reaction with a polyfunctional coupling agent, and contains 30-70% by weight of branched polymers therein, and has the following properties:(a) a content of bound styrene in the copolymer 3-15% by weight;(b) a content of vinyl bonds contained in the butadiene units is 15-30% by weight;(c) a Mooney viscosity (ML.sub.1+4.sup.100.degree. C.) is 15-50; and(d) a molecular weight distribution of the copolymer is bimodal at a ratio Mw/Mn of 1.4-2.2 in which Mw is a weight-average molecular weight and Mn is a number-average molecular weight.

Abstract: A polymerizable polymer is obtained by the anionic polymerization and termination by use of a vinyl monomer. It produces a graft copolymer by co-polymerization with another monomer. The process produces a new, polymerizable, optically active polymer and a graft copolymer thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of a branched polymer which comprises contacting a monovinyl aromatic monomer having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms per molecule with an organolithium initiator, thereafter adding at least one conjugated diene monomer having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms per molecule and thereafter adding a tris-(nonylated phenyl)phosphite as coupling agent in an amount from 0.15 to 1.1 mol per mol of the organolithium initiator.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding material contains a styrene polymer, a polyphenylene ether and, as a component for improving the impact strength, a block copolymer obtained by reacting an ethylene copolymer with an active polymeric anion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to viscosification agents for water which are diblock polymers of t-butylstyrene/metal styrene sulfonate and triblock polymers of t-butylstyrene/metal styrene sulfonate/t-butylstyrene.

Abstract: A continuous process for producing star-block copolymer of a monovinyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene by continuously forming a vinyl aromatic polymer having a low weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight ratio in a first reactor by anionic initiation in a solution of inert solvent; discharging a solution of polymer from the first reactor and passing the solution to a second sealed, cylindrical, pressurized, vertical reactor having a bottom zone, top zone and a plurality of intermediate zones separated by separation plates, each having a central aperture and mixing shaft passing therethrough, with the mixture passing to successive zones through an annular space formed between the shaft and each separation plate.

Abstract: Block copolymers having a first sequence formed with a conjugated diene or a vinyl substituted aromatic hydrocarbon other than alpha-methylstyrene, a second sequence formed with an acrylic ester, and a linking intermediate sequence formed with alpha-methylstyrene. An anionic polymerization process is used to form these block copolymers.

Abstract: Footwear compounds containing star-block copolymers having functional groups associated with the nucleus of the copolymers have been prepared. The copolymers of from 10-55% by weight of a monovinyl aromatic compound and 45-90% by weight of a conjugated diene have at least 3 arms connected to a polyvinyl aromatic nucleus and up to the same number of polar functional groups attached to said nucleus as there are arms attached thereto.

Abstract: Lithium metal-terminated polymers of one or more alkadienes and of one or more monoalkenyl arenes are coupled by reaction with a coupling agent which has the general formula ##STR1## where X is hydrogen, halogen or an alkyl group and Y is halogen or an alkoxy group.

Abstract: New compositions and a process for the preparation of conjugated diene polymers of broadened molecular weight distribution by reacting non-terminated lithium catalyzed conjugated diene polymers with linear organic compounds selected from the group of carbonates, thiocarbonates and sulfites. The resulting new compositions are suitable for use in making high impact plastics and for fabricating rubber goods.

Abstract: New compositions and a process for the preparation of conjugated diene polymers of broadened molecular weight distribution by reacting non-terminated lithium catalyzed conjugated diene polymers with cyclic organic compounds selected from the group of carbonates, thiocarbonates and sulfites. The resulting new compositions are suitable for use in making high impact plastics and for fabricating rubber goods.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a mixture of linear three-block copolymers which contain from 70 to 80% by weight of styrene units and from 20 to 30% by weight of elastomeric polymer segments based on a conjugated diene, in a total of three stages, specific conditions in respect of the initiator and of the monomers to be polymerized being essential in the individual stages in order to ensure the polymodal structure of the three-block copolymers. After complete reaction of the monomers, the mixture of the living polymers is treated with proton-active compounds, and the mixture of the block copolymers is isolated by removing the solvent. The compositions obtained by the novel process are transparent and clear and have good mechanical properties. They are furthermore readily processable by the methods conventionally used for thermoplastics. The compositions are particularly suitable for the production of moldings and of packaging materials.

Abstract: New organo-lithium initiators, their synthesis, and their use. The initiators have the formula: ##STR1## in which R" is either a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical; either n is 1, in which case R'=H and m and p are integers, the sum of which is between 0 and 10 inclusive, or n is 2, R' then being an alkyl radical of 2 to 8 carbon atoms and m=p=o; and R is an alkyl radical of 1 to 4 carbon atoms.The initiators are prepared by reacting compounds of the formula; ##STR2## with an alkyl-lithium RLi in a non-polar solvent in the absence of any polar solvent or complexing agent.The initiators are used to prepare polydienes of high stereoregularity by reacting with a diene, and the polydiene is used to prepare a three-block or star copolymer by reacting with an anionically polymerizable monomer.

Abstract: High impact polystyrene compositions are prepared by the intimate melt mixing of a styrene polymer and a particular AB two-block copolymer. The A block is a polymer of a monoalkenyl arene having a specified molecular weight range and the B block is a butadiene polymer block having a 1,2 vinyl content of greater than about 20 percent.

Abstract: Copolymers of alpha-methylstyrene-type monomers and conjugated diene monomers are prepared by polymerizing an alpha-methylstyrene monomer using a first polar activator, adding a small amount of a conjugated diene monomer to cap the block of alpha-methylstyrene-type monomer polymer, and further adding a conjugated diene monomer and polymerizing with a second polar activator effective for copolymerization of residual alpha-methylstyrene-type monomer. The resulting copolymer can be coupled to form linear or radial block copolymers.

Abstract: Polymers are prepared using dienyllithium initiators, a reaction product of organolithium with a 1,4-diolefin, to polymerize olefinically unsaturated monomers such as conjugated dienes under solution polymerization conditions to provide unsaturated polymers, branched polymers, graft polymers, polymers prepared by sequential polymerization, and coupled polymers.

Abstract: Carbanion containing organic polymers are reacted with silicon containing compounds having aliphatic unsaturation to form a new class of carbanion containing silylated organic polymers. These carbanion containing silylated organic polymers can then be reacted with cyclic siloxanes to form silanoate containing silylated organic-organopolysiloxane block copolymers which may then be reacted with a compound which will react with the carbanion or silanoate to form silylated copolymers and silylated organic-organopolysiloxane block copolymers.

Abstract: A process for producing carbo-chain homopolymers, block- and random copolymers of conjugated dienes and vinylaromatic monomers comprising polymerization of dienes, vinyl- or di-vinylaromatic monomers or copolymerization thereof in a medium of a hydrocarbon solvent at a temperature ranging from -30.degree. to +150.degree. C. in the presence of an organolithium catalyst of the formula R(Li).sub.x, wherein R is a hydrocarbon radical or a diene polymer, x is an integer of from 1 to 4, and a modifying additive which is a compound comprising a product of interaction between a phenolamine resin and an alkali metal and having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 10;M is sodium or potassium;R is an alkyl with 2 to 20 carbon atoms or an arylalkyl with 7 to 20 carbon atoms;R.sub.1 is an alkyl with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an arylalkyl with 7 to 9 carbon atoms or hydrogen;this modifying additive is used in an amount of from 0.07 to 2.0 g/equiv. per one g/equiv. of active lithium.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymers and copolymers of pivaloyloxyalkyl methacrylates which contain structural units of the general formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is (CH.sub.2).sub.n.sbsb.1 --O (n.sub.1 =2 to 10) or (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --O).sub.n.sbsb.2 (n.sub.2 =1 to 4) and to the method of their preparation and modification. The polymerization and copolymerization can be initiated by free-radical initiators of the peroxy type or by anionic initiators, e.g., alkali metal alkoxides or butyllithium, and carried out in a solution, bulk or suspension process in the presence of a crosslinking agent or without it. Anionic polymerization may result in stereoregular polymers or may be used for preparation of block copolymers by the "living" polymer technique. The polymers and copolymers can be modified by the partial or total conversion of the pivaloyloxyalkyl methacrylate units into hydroxyalkyl methacrylate units by selective hydrolysis, alcoholysis or other reaction.

Abstract: Organo-lithium compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl group of up to 5 carbon atoms, R' is either hydrogen or an alkyl group of up to 5 carbon atoms and n is an integer from 2 to 10. These bifunctional organo-lithium compounds are prepared without the use of any polar or complexing agent and are useful as polymerization initiators for the production of block copolymers.

Abstract: Thermoplastic, elastomeric polystyrene/diorganopolysiloxane block copolymers having the structural formula: ##STR1## wherein each R, which may be the same or different, is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, phenyl and 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl; each R', all of which are the same, is hydrogen or methyl; A is a divalent hydrocarbon radical, free of aliphatic unsaturation, having from 6 to 45 carbon atoms; each G, which may be the same or different, is a radical selected from the group consisting of those of the structural formulae: ##STR2## wherein b is 0, 1, 2 or 3, ##STR3## wherein R" is hydrogen, methyl or --Si R.sub.3, c is 0, 1 or 2 and R is as above defined; each a, all of which are the same, is 0 or 1; and n and n', which may be the same or different, represent any numbers, the sum of which is between 20 and 500, and m is any number between 1 and 1,500, are prepared by anionic "styrene" polymerization, chain extension with a vinylchlorosilane, and, ultimately, hydrosilylation.

Abstract: The preparation of a branched, radial block copolymer having improved falling weight impact properties, and having trimodal distribution of molecular structure in the arms of the block copolymer is described.

Abstract: The preparation of a branched, radial block copolymer having improved falling weight impact properties, and having monomodal distribution of molecular structure in the arms of the block copolymer is described.

Abstract: The preparation of a branched, radial block copolymer having improved falling weight impact properties, and having trimodal distribution of molecular structure in the arms of the block copolymer is described.

Abstract: Copolymers of alpha-methylstyrene-type monomers and conjugated diene monomers are prepared by polymerizing an alpha-methylstyrene monomer using a first polar activator, adding a small amount of a conjugated diene monomer to cap the block of alpha-methylstyrene-type monomer polymer, and further adding a conjugated diene monomer and polymerizing with a second polar activator effective for copolymerization of residual alpha-methylstyrene-type monomer. The resulting copolymer can be coupled to form linear or radial block copolymers.

Abstract: Orthoesters are used to couple living homopolymers of monovinylarenes, and living copolymers of monovinylarenes and conjugated dienes. Novel coupled polymers are thereby produced.