Abstract: A process for producing a modified polyethylene resin, which comprises the step of melt kneading at least: (A) 100 parts by weight of a polyethylene resin, (B) from 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: (B1) a compound having in its molecule (i) at least one carbon-carbon double or triple bond and (ii) at least one polar group, and (B2) a compound having in its molecule (iii) an OR group and (iv) at least two specific functional groups, and (C) from 0.01 to 20 parts by weight of an organic peroxide having a decomposition temperature of from 50 to 115° C., at which temperature a half-life thereof is 1 minute.

Abstract: A novel highly grafted, multi-functional olefin copolymer is provided comprising an additive reaction product of a method comprising reacting acylating agent with an olefin copolymer having a number average molecular weight greater than about 1,000 in the presence of a free radical initiator and essentially free of hydrocarbon solvent in an extruder to provide an olefin copolymer intermediate comprising an acylated olefin copolymer having a degree of grafting (DOG) of at least 0.5 wt. %, which copolymer intermediate's molecular weight is reduced, vacuum stripped of unreacted components, pelletized, dissolved in a neutral oil (preferably with inert gas sparging), and further reacted with a polyamine to provide a grafted multi-functional olefin copolymer viscosity modifier, and lubricating oil concentrates and compositions containing the same and uses thereof.

Abstract: An ambient curable aqueous dispersion of polymer particles containing pendant ethylenically unsaturated side chains; a method of applying to a substrate a coating composition containing the aqueous dispersion of polymer particles; and a method of making the aqueous dispersion of polymer particles are provided.

Abstract: A medical device with a hydrophilic and lubricious coating, wherein the coating includes a hydrophilic polymeric unit layer deposited on the medical device and cross-linked with a plasma deposited double bond monomer. The hydrophilic polymeric unit can include ethylene oxide with one or more primary or secondary alcohol groups or glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid, and the double bond monomer includes monomers containing at least one double bond, preferably a C?C, C?N or C?O bond, including N-trimethylsilyl-allylamine, ethylene, propylene and allyl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous pigment dispersion that shows excellent dispersibility and storage stability, an inkjet ink that shows excellent jetability, water resistance, and adhesion, and a process for producing an aqueous pigment dispersion that shows excellent dispersibility and storage stability, as well as superior jetability, water resistance and adhesion. An aqueous pigment dispersion of the present invention comprises a dispersion formed by dispersing a monoalkyl maleate graft polymer of a maleic anhydride/?-olefin copolymer in water in the presence of a base, a pigment, and an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A particulate hydrophobic polymer produced by reacting (A) a particulate crosslinked polymer having a hydroxyl group with (B) a crosslinkable epoxy compound, hydrolyzing the epoxy bonds, and then reacting the obtained compound having a hydroxyl group with (C) an epoxy compound having from 6 to 40 carbon atoms in total, a production process therefor, a column for reversed-phase liquid chromatography, and an analysis method using the column. By using the particulate hydrophobic polymer of the present invention having a remarkably high acid/alkali resistance, a sharp chromatogram for polycyclic aromatic compounds is obtainable with the swelling and shrinkage of the particulate polymer itself reduced and without reducing the column efficiency among various solvents even when the eluent in the column is variously exchanged.

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 provides a vinyl polymer with an epoxy group terminally introduced therein and an epoxy resin composition comprising (A) an epoxy resin and (B) a vinyl polymer which has a main chain produced by living-radical polymerization and has a reactive functional group at a main chain terminus. A flexible epoxy resin composition can be obtained using these compounds. The invention further provides an epoxy resin composition-having an epoxy group at a main chain terminus thereof.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that comprises solution grafting a hydrocarbon polymer prepared from at least C2 to C28 polymerizable hydrocarbon, said polymer having a number average molecular weight in the range of from about 5,000 to about 500,000, with an ethylenically unsaturated C3 to C10 carboxylic acid material, using a free radical initiator, in the presence of an aromatic ester oil of the formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, —COOR7, —COOR8, —COOR9, —COOR10, —COOR11, and —COOR12, provided that no more than 5 of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen, and R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, and R12 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl and alkylesters

Abstract: A thermosetting composition that includes a co-reactable solid, particulate mixture of a film forming material having functional groups, a crosslinking agent having at least two functional groups that are reactive with the functional groups in the film forming material, and a monocarboxylic acid. Multi-component composite coatings, coated substrates, and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a graft modified polypropylene polymer which does not contain halogens, is excellent in certain properties such as solubility and can add good adhesiveness and coating ability to crystalline propylene polymer base materials, and a composition containing the same; and in particular, it provides a propylene polymer which contains a propylene polymer main chain having a stereo-block structure containing an isotactic block and a side chain containing a carboxylic acid group, an acid anhydride group or a carboxylic acid ester group, wherein when it is dissolved in toluene to a concentration of 10% by weight at 25° C., the insoluble matter is 1% by weight or less based on the total polymer, and a composition containing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for preparing polyalkenylsuccinimides having a sediment level less than 0.1 vol % comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a polyalkenyl derivative of an unsaturated acidic reagent by (i) reacting a polyalkylene with an unsaturated acidic reagent in the absence of a strong acid until at least 25% of the polyalkylene is converted to a polyalkenyl derivative of an unsaturated acidic reagent; (ii) continuing the reaction with an excess of the unsaturated acidic reagent in the presence of a strong acid to convert at least some of the unreacted polyalkylene to additional polyalkenyl derivative of an unsaturated acidic reagent; and (iii) removing the unreacted unsaturated acidic reagent; (b) reacting the unfiltered product of step (a) with a polyamine having at least one basic nitrogen atom; (c) diluting the product of step (b); and (d) subsequently filtering the polyalkenylsuccinimide product.

Abstract: Block copolymers are prepared by living-type or semi-living type free radical polymerization, with said copolymers having at least one random block comprised of at least one hydrophobic monomer and at least one hydrophilic monomer. The selection of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers in the random block is determined by the relative hydrophobicity of the monomers to impart selected solubility or dispersability in water and/or alcohols of the overall block copolymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel multi-functional fuel and lubricant additive that provides dispersancy properties as well as viscosity index improver credit and, improved fuel economy. The invention further relates to concentrates, and to fuel and lubricating oil compositions containing said additive or concentrates. Finally, the invention provides methods for improving fuel economy, improving dispersancy, and for preparing the hybridized, acylated olefin copolymer useful as an oil additive.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive obtainable by free-radical polymerization, characterized in that at least 65% by weight of the adhesive is based on at least one acrylic monomer from the group of the compounds of the following general formula: where R1=H or CH3 and the radical R2=H or CH3 or is selected from the group consisting of branched or unbranched saturated alkyl groups having 2–20 carbon atoms, the average molecular weight of the adhesive is at least 65,000, applied to a carrier, the adhesive possesses a preferential direction, where the refractive index measured in the preferential direction nMD is greater than the refractive index measured in a direction perpendicular to the preferential direction nCD, the difference ?n=nMD?nCD being at least 1·10?5.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a material comprising a polymer having a modulus of elasticity less than 105 Pa and a material comprising a polymer having a modulus of elasticity of less than 5×104 Pa. Embodiments also include a material comprising a polymeric network and a multiplicity of side chains attached to the polymeric network. The multiplicity of side chains may have an average molecular weight below the critical molecular weight for entanglements. In certain embodiments it may be advantageous for the side branches to have a glass transition temperature below the use temperature of the material. The polymer network may comprise at least two monomers so that the polymer network is a copolymer. Embodiments of the present invention also include methods of forming a polymer network. Such as, for example, a method of preparing a polymer network comprising cross-linking a polymer, wherein the polymer comprises a multiplicity of side chains.

Abstract: The present invention provides a binder resin solution composition, and a coating, ink, and adhesive containing the composition as an active ingredient, the binder resin solution composition having a solid content of 10 to 50 wt. % and comprising (a) a chlorinated polyolefin prepared by chlorinating an isotactic polypropylene polymer having a molecular weight distribution of no more than 3 and a melting point measured by a differential scanning calorimeter of 110 to 140° C. to a chlorine content of 10 to 40 wt. % and, (b) an organic solvent.

Abstract: Heat-activatable adhesives comprise a semi-crystalline polymer. The semi-crystalline polymer comprises alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer units having an alkyl group that contains at least about 20 carbon atoms, alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer units having an alkyl group that contains from about 4 to about 12 carbon atoms, and optionally ethylenically-unsaturated non-acidic polar monomer units. Methods for making heat-activatable adhesives and articles therefrom are also included.

Abstract: The use of macromonomers which have a glass transition temperature of at least 20° C., have at least one oligomeric and/or polymeric structural unit which is incompatible with polyacrylates, and have at least one polymerizable double bond in the form of a vinyl, acrylate and/or methacrylate unit as comonomers in the preparation of oriented polyacrylate pressure sensitive adhesives.

Abstract: Process for cross-linking a polymer or a resin with the help of a peroxide, in the presence of a co-agent, the co-agent used being a compound according to formula 1, in which n is higher than or equal to 2, R1 is an aliphatic or aromatic group and the R2 and R3 groups, independently of each other, can be a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic or an aromatic group. The polymer used preferably is EPDM or CSM.

Abstract: A fluorescent article is disclosed comprising a polymer matrix comprising a polymer having in its backbone repeating units of a U.V. light absorbing moiety, or a moiety capable of being transformed by photo-Fries rearrangement into a U.V. light absorbing moiety, the matrix further comprising a fluorescent dye. The matrix affords surprisingly improved fluorescence protection as compared to prior fluorescent articles having only U.V. light absorbing additives.

Abstract: A vinyl polymer having at least one terminal group of the general formula (1) per molecule; —OC(O)C(R)?CH2??(1) wherein R represents hydrogen or an organic group containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms; a curable composition containing said polymer; an aqueous emulsion containing either said polymer or said curable composition; a pressure sensitive adhesive composition and a pressure sensitive adhesive each comprising said curable composition or aqueous emulsion.

Abstract: A soft contact lens containing a silicone-hydrogel made by curing a reaction mixture containing a silicone-containing monomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive system comprising at least one active surface of plastic from monomers containing at least one structural element derived from a carbon dioxide (A), and at least one substance associated to a linker with at least one structural element (B) capable of establishing a hydrogen bond, and involving an interaction between the structural elements (A) and (B). That interactive system is suitable for presenting and eliminating substances in liquids.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a modified polypropylene resin, which comprises the steps of mixing the following components (A) to (D), and reacting them with one another: (A) 100 parts by weight of a polypropylene resin, (B) 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of a compound having a bond or a functional group selected from the group consisting of a non-aromatic carbon-carbon multiple bond, an oxirane group and a derived carboxyl group, (C) 0.001 to 30 parts by weight of a compound having at least two functional groups reactive to a carboxyl group, and (D) 0.01 to 20 parts by weight of an organic peroxide having a decomposition temperature of from 50 to 120° C., at which temperature a half-life of the organic peroxide is 1 minute.

Abstract: A butenedioic acid monoalkyl ester-copolymerized acrylic elastomer containing 0.1-30% by mole of unreacted butenedioic acid monoalkyl ester on the basis of carboxyl groups copolymerized in the acrylic elastomer or its cross-linkable composition. The cross-linkable composition can give cross-linking products having distinguished vulcanization characteristics and stably showing good compression set characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high melt swell partially neutralized alpha olefin acid copolymers. It also relates to a process for making such high melt swell polymers as well as for covalently crosslinking other polar copolymers including non-neutralized acid copolymers and non-polar alpha olefin polymers by using a minor amount of metal acrylate, particularly sodium or zinc acrylate.

Abstract: This invention provides a graft modified polypropylene polymer which does not contain halogens, is excellent in certain properties such as solubility and can add good adhesiveness and coating ability to crystalline propylene polymer base materials, and a composition containing the same; and in particular, it provides a propylene polymer which contains a propylene polymer main chain having a stereo-block structure containing an isotactic block and a side chain containing a carboxylic acid group, an acid anhydride group or a carboxylic acid ester group, wherein when it is dissolved in toluene to a concentration of 10% by weight at 25° C., the insoluble matter is 1% by weight or less based on the total polymer, and a composition containing the same.

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 is directed to amphipathic polymeric particles that serve as both the dispersant and the binder in water based inks, ink compositions containing these particles, and methods for making the particles. The polymeric particles contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties with a pre-determined structure, and have an average diameter of 50 to 500 nm. The amphipathic polymeric particles may be prepared by a side-chain conversion method or a polymerization process involving an ATRP step, with or without a cross-linking agent. This invention improves the stability of polymer and inks by both ionic and steric stabilization of the suspended polymer particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating composition for polyolefin resins, comprising a resin obtained by graft-copolymerizing at least one member selected from the group consisting of an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid and an acid anhydride thereof with at least one member selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and a propylene-?-olefin copolymer, chlorinating the graft copolymer to give an acid-modified chlorinated polyolefin, linking a (meth)acrylic ester having one hydroxyl group to the polyolefin via an ester linkage, and then graft-copolymerizing (meth)acrylic acid monomers with the polyolefin; and a process for producing the composition.

Abstract: This invention provides a production method of a vinyl polymer having a functional group at a molecular chain terminus which comprises adding a compound (I) having a functional group and an internal alkenyl group or conjugated polyene compound (II) in the living radical polymerization of a radical-polymerizable vinyl monomer. The present invention relates to a vinyl polymer having a functional group at a molecular terminus, a production method of the same and a curable composition containing said polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric treatment preparations for textiles and other fibrous substrates that impart water and oil repellency to fibers, yarns, textiles, or other fibrous substrates. More particularly, this invention comprises an aqueous solution, emulsion or suspension of (a) a fluorinated polymer that contains reactive groups that can complex with metal atoms that have a formal charge of 2 or greater, and (b) one or more metal atoms that have a formal charge of 2 or greater. The invention is further directed to the process for treating fibrous substrates with textile preparations in one step that provide water/soil repellency that is durable to repeated cleanings and to abrasion. This invention is further directed to the yarns, fibers, fabrics, textiles, webs, finished goods, or nonwovens (encompassed herein under the terms “textiles” and “fibrous substrates”) treated with the textile-reactive water- and soil-resistant preparation of the invention.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing block polymer or copolymer from isotactic polypropylene. Polyolefins are introduced into an extruder. Free radical generator is mixed with the polyolefins to form a mixture at room temperature for free radical formation. The mixture is brought up to a temperature of between 175° C. to 220° C. Chain degradation of the polyolefins is induced by the free radical formation to form degraded polymer. Alkenically unsaturated monomers or polymer segments are mixed with the degraded polymer to form a second mixture. The temperature of the second mixture may be lowered to a temperature of between 90° C. to 150° C. The temperature of the second mixture is then adjusted to a temperature between 100° C. to 250° C. to form a novel block polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin dispersion comprising solid particles of a graft modified ethylene/1-olefin random copolymer dispersed in an organic solvent, which has (a) a specific content of an &agr;-olefin component, (b) a specific intrinsic viscosity (&eegr;) and (h) a specific content of a polar monomer component. The resin dispersion of the invention exhibits excellent adhesion properties as an adhesive between polyolefins or metal and polyolefin or as a heat-sealing material, so that the dispersion is effectively used particularly as an adhesive for packaging, an adhesive for lamination, a coating material or a primer.

Abstract: A process has now been discovered that permits the simultaneous crosslinking and derivation of an, optionally hydrogenated, polymer whose backbone is composed of a conjugated diene, an unsaturated nitrile and an unsaturated carboxylic acid in the presence of a coupling/condensing agent. This permits the preparation of a novel polymeric material that is an optionally hydrogenated polymer of a conjugated diene, an unsaturated nitrile and a derived unsaturated acid. It has also been found that this novel polymeric material has unexpected and valuable properties.

Abstract: Solids containing (i) on average per molecule at least two groups (a) having at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation whereby the groups (a) are structurally different from one another and are attached to the parent structure of the solid via urethane groups, or containing (ii) on average per molecule more than one group (a) having at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation, the groups being structurally different from one another or the same and being attached to the parent structure of the solid via urethane groups, and from 0.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition for anchoring materials in or to concrete or masonry. The composition comprises an alkylacrylate ester monomer, an alkylacrylate ester/methacrylic acid copolymer, a free-radical catalyst and a filler.

Abstract: Described are melt-processable block copolymers and compositions, embodiments of which may be useful in applications such as pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or heat-activatable adhesive, comprising polymeric end block and polymeric B block, wherein end block comprises copolymer and the B block comprises homopolymer or copolymer.

Abstract: An (meth)acryloyl group-modified ethylene-&agr;-olefin copolymer (A) which has (meth)acryloyl group as a the side-chain thereof, wherein the intrinsic viscosity [&eegr;] was 0.01 to 10 dl/g measured in decalin at a temperature of 135° C.; and a rubber composition which comprises said (meth)acryloyl group-modified ethylene-&agr;-olefin copolymer, a vulcanizing agent, and/or a crosslinking agent; in addition, a liquid curable rubber composition which comprises, component (A), reactive diluent (D), and if necessary, photopolymerization initiator (E).

Abstract: Compositions having a curable unsaturated compound, an adhesion promoter and curing agent which have a peak exotherm of less than 50° C. are disclosed. The compositions when cured are flexible bioadhesives which are also disclosed. Non-curable diluents can be included in the compositions. Flexible bioadhesives formed on biological structures and having low peak exotherms upon curing of curable compositions to form the flexible bioadhesives are disclosed. Compositions having a curable unsaturated compound and a curing agent and a peak exotherm of less than 50° C. are included in the invention.

Abstract: A resin which has excellent adhesion to nonpolar substrates, is nontacky, and has satisfactory solubility in aromatic or nonaromatic solvents and satisfactory compatibility with other resins. The resin is a modified polyolefin resin having a weight-average molecular weight of 15,000 to 150,000 obtained by modifying a polyolefin resin by grafting thereto (A) an unsaturated polycarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof and (B) a (meth)acrylic ester represented by a specific general formula, the contents of (A) and (B) in the modified polyolefin resin being 0.1 to 20 wt. % and 0.1 to 30 wt. %, respectively.

Abstract: Solid compositions comprising (A) at least one solid (meth)acrylate copolymer with a number-average molecular weight of from 850 to 10 000 and a molecular weight polydispersity Mw/Mn of from 1.0 to 5.0, containing at least one group (a) having at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation; and (B) at least one solid compound comprising a parent structure and, attached thereto, on average per molecule more than one group (a) having at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation; and their use as coating materials, adhesives or sealing compounds which can be crosslinked thermally and/or with actinic radiation, or for preparing coating materials, adhesives or sealing compounds which can be crosslinked thermally and/or with actinic radiation.

Abstract: An insulating material comprising a cycloolefin polymer, specifically, an interlayer insulating material for a high-density assembly board having interlayer-connecting via holes at most 200 &mgr;m in diameter, comprising a cycloolefin polymer containing at least 50 mol % of a repeating unit derived from a cycloolefin monomer; a dry film formed from a curable resin composition comprising a polymer having a number average molecular weight within a range of 1,000 to 1,000,000 as measured by gel permeation chromatography, and a hardener; and a resin-attached metal foil obtained by forming a film of a cycloolefin polymer on one side of a metal foil. Laminates, multi-layer laminates and build-up multi-layer laminates making use of these materials, and production processes thereof.

Abstract: Block copolymers are prepared by living-type or semi-living type free radical polymerization, with said copolymers having at least one random block comprised of at least one hydrophobic monomer and at least one hydrophilic monomer. The selection of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers in the random block is determined by the relative hydrophobicity of the monomers to impart selected solubility or dispersability in water and/or alcohols of the overall block copolymer.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a modified polymer rubber having modified both ends, which comprises the steps of: (1) reacting a compound represented by the following formula (1) with an organic alkali metal compound to produce a chemical species, (2) polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer or a combination of a conjugated diene monomer with an aromatic vinyl monomer in the presence of the chemical species to produce an active polymer having an alkali metal at an end thereof, and (3) reacting the active polymer with a functional group-carrying modifying agent in a hydrocarbon solvent to produce the modified polymer rubber having modified both ends.

Abstract: A method for making a hydrophilic and lubricious coating, the coating so made and a medical device including such coating, wherein the coating includes a hydrophilic polymeric unit layer cross-linked with a plasma deposited double bond monomer. The hydrophilic polymeric unit can include ethylene oxide with one or more primary or secondary alcohol groups or glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid, and the double bond monomer includes monomers containing at least one double bond, preferably a C═C, C═N or C═O bond, including N-trimethylsilyl-allylamine, ethylene, propylene and allyl alcohol. The invention also provides products containing such coatings and their uses in medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: A substantially non-gelled polymeric composition is disclosed and comprises the reaction product of an A polymer which is an addition polymer having 3.5 or more reactive functional groups per polymer chain and a B polymer having about 2 to about 3 functional groups per polymer chain that are co-reactive with the reactive functional groups of the A polymer. Also disclosed is a process for preparing such polymeric compositions, powder coatings and 100% solids ink resins prepared with such polymeric compositions, and a method for deglossing a powder coating using such polymeric compositions.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyacrylic hotmelt pressure sensitive adhesives, which comprises the following steps: (a) compounding an acrylic hotmelt pressure sensitive adhesive containing at least one functional group X, having a solvent content of not more than 0.5% by weight and a molecular mass MW of from 100,000 to 2,000,000 g/mol, with at least one chemical substance R—Y containing at least one functional group Y, said at least one functional group X and said at least one functional group Y being chosen such that they are capable of undergoing a coupling reaction with one another, (b) treating the compound in a reactor with a mixing apparatus at a specific drive energy of not more than 0.09 kWh/kg and at a temperature of from 80 to 200° C., (c) transferring the self-adhesive composition thus treated to a downstream coating unit, and applying it from the melt to a backing material.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer produced without a hydrogenation step is functionalized utilizing a free radical initiator and a functionalizing monomer having at least one point of unsaturation. The base polymers can be produced by copolymerizing an &agr;-olefin capable of producing an amorphous backbone with a comonomer which provides a “hook” for grafting to with a living polystyrene chain. Another method is to copolymerize an &agr;-olefin monomer system capable of producing an amorphous backbone with a comonomer containing a functional group from which an anionically polymerizable monomer is grown from the backbone. A third method involves copolymerizing an &agr;-olefin monomer system capable of giving an amorphous backbone with an olefin-terminated polystyrene comonomer. In a less preferred embodiment, a conventional EPDM polymer can be metallated and a monoalkenyl aromatic compound anionically polymerizable monomer grown from the backbone.