Abstract: A thermoplastic vulcanizate prepared by a process comprising the steps of dynamically vulcanizing a vulcanizable rubber within a mixture that includes from about 15 to about 90 percent by weight of the rubber and from about 10 to about 85 percent by weight of a long-chain branched thermoplastic resin, where the long-chain branched thermoplastic resin is (i) an &agr;-olefin polymer, (ii) a copolymer of an &agr;-olefin and an &agr;-&ohgr;-olefin diene, or (iii) a mixture thereof, where the long-chain branched thermoplastic resin is characterized by a weight average molecular weight from about 100,000 to about 600,000, a number average molecular weight from about 40,000 to about 200,000, a z-average molecular weight from about 400,000 to about 2,000,000, a <g′>vis from about 0.2 to about 0.95, and a melt flow rate from about 0.3 to about 30 dg/min.

Abstract: A resin composition suitable as an impact modifier for thermoplastic resins, which has an excellent blocking resistance improved without lowering the effect of improving the impact resistance and which comprises 100 parts by weight of a graft copolymer containing a hollow rubber component and at least two additives selected from the group consisting of 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a higher fatter acid soap, 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a crosslinked polymer of 0.1 to 100% by weight of a crosslinking monomer and 0 to 99.9% by weight of a vinyl monomer and 0.001 to 5 parts by weight of a silicone oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ethylene-&agr;-olefin copolymer; a composition thereof; a film thereof; a polar group-containing resin material; and productions and use of the ethylene-&agr;-olefin copolymer. The ethylene-&agr;-olefin copolymer of the present invention is characterized in satisfying the following conditions (A) to (E): (A) a density in the range of 0.92 to 0.96 g/cm3; (B) a melt flow rate (MFR) in the range of 0.01 to 200 g/10 min; (C) a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of 1.5 to 5.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an improved process for making elastomeric polyisoprene articles. In particular, the process of the invention is a system which produces synthetic polyisoprene articles exhibiting tensile strength properties similar to that of solvent-based processes using natural rubber latex. The process comprises an accelerator composition at the pre-cure stage comprising a dithiocarbamate, a thiazole and a guanidine compound. In a preferred embodiment, the accelerator composition comprises zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC), zinc 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (ZMBT) and diphenyl guanidine (DPG), in conjunction with a stabilizer, such as sodium caseinate. The invention also includes an elastomeric polyisoprene product made by the process, such as a surgeon's glove.

Abstract: Block copolymers containing blocks of unsulfonated aromatic polyether sulfones and blocks of aromatic polyether sulfones sulfonated on the aromatics are characterized in that the block length of the unsulfonated aromatic polyether sulfones in each case comprises at least 10 repeating units and that the sequence of the main chain at the block transitions between two adjacent blocks of aromatic polyether sulfones is the same as it is inside these blocks. These block copolymers may be prepared by polycondensation, and are preferably used as membranes. The block copolymers provide compounds which in addition to an adjustable degree of sulfonation have a defined length of sulfonated and unsulfonated blocks. As a result, the spectrum of the polymers suitable for the preparation of synthetic membranes can be expanded and graded.

Abstract: Elastomeric articles, such as gloves and condoms, are disclosed including a process for making the articles. The elastomeric articles produced according to the present invention are made from a synthetic polymer. During production of the articles, the polymer is cross-linked using a metal oxide as a cross-linking agent. In one embodiment, the polymer is cross-linked without using conventional sulfur-containing cross-linking agents or accelerators.

Abstract: A polymer comprising recurring units of formula (2) is prepared by effecting deblocking reaction on a polymer comprising recurring units of formula (1) in the presence of an acid catalyst.

Abstract: Carbon black graft polymer which comprises carbon black and a polymer chain grafted thereto, the carbon black having a specific surface area of not more than 120 m2/g.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for preparing a tri block copolymer of the formula: comprising: (a) contacting a cycloalkene with a chain transfer agent of the formula: Z—Y═Y—Z  in the presence of a metal carbene metathesis catalyst to form a telechelic polymer; and (d) contacting the telechelic polymer with an alkene of the formula  in the presence of an ATRP organometallic catalyst wherein n and m are integers; Z is an ATRP initiator and —Y═Y— is an alkenyl group; and, R′ is selected from the group consisting of aryl, nitrile and C1-C20 carboxylate, wherein R′ is substituted or unsubstituted. The invention also discloses a method for preparing a diblock copolymer. In addition, the invention encompasses a triblock copolymer having no 1,2-PBD structure in the PBD portion of the copolymer.

Abstract: A thermosetting composition comprising a co-reactable solid, particulate mixture of (a) beta-hydroxyalkylamide crosslinking agent, e.g., bis(N,N-di-2-hydroxyethyl)adipamide, and (b) polycarboxylic acid functional polymer, is described. The polycarboxylic acid functional polymer is prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization and has well defined polymer chain architecture and polydispersity index of less than 2.5. The thermosetting compositions of the present invention have utility as powder coatings compositions.

Abstract: The present invention describes the preparation of copolymers grafted by the so-called “grafting from” method, comprising two steps. In the first step, a polymer of a variable type referred to as poly(M1) is reacted with persistent free radicals of the type diphenyltrialkylsilyloxymethyl to form a reactive polymer poly(M1)F, containing a variable number F of these groups attached to the chain. F represents the average functionality of the reactive polymers and may be predetermined by controlling the ratio of poly(M1) and the free radical generator or TPES. In the second step, poly(M1)F is dissolved in a monomer M2 and then redissociated by heating to temperatures of 110-130° C. to produce the macroradical poly(M1) and the persistent radicals. The macroradical poly(M1) rapidly initiates polymerization whereas the diphenyltrialkylsilyloxymethyl radical stays temporarily on the sideline of the initiation reaction.

Abstract: A composition of matter, comprising: a chemically functionalized carboxylate-alumoxane that is functionalized with a chemically reactive substituent, and a reactive compound, wherein the chemically reactive substituent reacts with the reactive compound so as to link the carboxylate-alumoxane to the reactive compound and form a polymer matrix. The functional groups on the carboxylate-alumoxane can vary depending on the desired properties of the matrix. Also, the composition of matter may comprise a cross-linked matrix in which the cross-linked components consist of functionalized alumoxanes.

Abstract: A thermosetting composition that includes:

Abstract: The invention provides solid supported anionic catalysts, suitable for gas phase anionic polymerization of conjugated diene monomers, that are useful for anionically producing very high molecular weight branched diene polymers, such as styrene butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, and the like. The catalysts comprise a metalatable particle, such as a bound rubber, a thermoplastic polymer or a cured elastomer, that is multiply metalated with Group IA alkali metal atoms. The multi-branched diene polymers obtained by gas phase anionic polymerization employing the catalysts exhibit desirable properties, such as an extremely high molecular weight, a controlled molecular weight distribution, Tg and vinyl content, and the ability to readily absorb hydrocarbon solvents and oils. The polymers are easily compounded to form vulcanizable elastomeric compounds and articles, such as tires, that have excellent resistance to wear and tear and exhibit reduced hysteresis properties.

Abstract: Resins comprising (meth)acrylic unsaturations are obtained by reacting functional groups of unsaturated monomers without solvents at temperatures above 150° C. and under controlled heat exchange, while maintaining intact their unsaturations, with functional groups of saturated and/or unsaturated polymers. The technologies and the work cycles used for conventional resins may also be used for these resin types.

Abstract: A continuous process for the polymer-analogous reaction of polymers bearing functional groups with reactive compounds, wherein in a first step, a mixture is prepared from the polymers bearing functional groups and the reactive compounds, and in a second step, the mixture is conducted continuously through a reaction zone and brought to reaction there.

Abstract: A method of preparing a multivalent array that includes: polymerizing at least one monomer comprising at least one polymerizable group and at least one latent reactive group in the presence of a metal carbene catalyst to form a polymer template comprising at least one latent reactive group; and combining the polymer template with at least one functionalizing reagent comprising at least one reactive group under conditions effective to react the latent reactive group of the polymer template with the reactive group of the functionalizing reagent to form a multivalent array.

Abstract: Copolymer networks having at least one cross-linked polyamine polymer fragment and at least one nonionic water-soluble polymer fragment, and compositions thereof, having at least one suitable biological agent.

Abstract: In a heavy duty pneumatic tire comprising a tread, the tread is made of a rubber composition comprising 20-67 parts by weight of carbon black and 3-20 parts by weight of silica based on 100 parts by weight of diene based rubber, wherein the carbon black has a ratio of a dibutyl phthalate (DBP) absorption to a 24M4 DBP absorption (DBP absorption/24M4 DBP absorption) of not less than 1.20 and a ratio of the DBP absorption to a nitrogen adsorption specific area (N2SA) of not less than 0.8.

Abstract: Molecular weight-enlarged, homogeneously soluble ligands are provided that are especially useful for hydrogenation catalysts, wherein the ligands contain homochiral active centers of bis(3,4-diarylphosphinyl)pyrrolidines, and their use in producing cataylsts for enantioselective reactions, as well as the catalysts thus produced.

Abstract: A rubber composition containing (A) an ethylene-&agr;-olefin based copolymer rubber having an intrinsic viscosity [&eegr;] of 2.0-10.0 as determined in xylene at 70° C., (B) a softening agent, and (C) a filler, which composition is superior in heat resistance and fatigue resistance, is obtained by a process including the steps of dividing component (A) into portions (A1) and (A2), dividing component (B) into portions (B1) and (B2), dividing component (C) into portions (C1) and (C2), kneading portions (A1), (B1) and (C1) together to obtain a first blend, adding portions (A2), (B2) and (C2) to the first blend to obtain a second blend and kneading the second blend to obtain the rubber composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an olefin copolymer having a functional group, which comprises a structural unit (a) derived from ethylene, a structural unit (b) derived from an &agr;-olefin having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, and a structural unit (c) represented by the following general formula (1), and has an intrinsic viscosity |&eegr;| of 0.1 to 10 dl/g as measured in decalin at 135° C.

Abstract: Synthetic comb copolymers which elicit controlled cellular response, methods of applying these polymers to various surfaces, and methods of using the polymers for modifying biomaterial surfaces, in tissue engineering applications and as drug delivery devices are provided. The comb copolymers are comprised of hydrophobic polymer backbones and hydrophilic, non-cell binding side chains which can be end-capped with cell-signaling ligands that guide cellular response. By mixing non-cell binding combs with ligand-bearing combs, the surface concentration and spatial distribution of one or more types of ligands, including adhesion peptides and growth factors, can be tuned on a surface to achieve desired cellular response. In one embodiment, the combs are used as stabilizing agents for dispersion polymerization of latexes. The comb-stabilized latexes can be applied to substrates by standard coating operations to create a bioregulating surface, or used as drug delivery agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of hydrophobic-hydrophilic AB block copolymers wherein block A consists of the monomer unit a, which is conjugated diene, and block B consists of the monomer unit b, which is epoxide, and the invention also relates to the AB block copolymer synthesized by the preparation process, as well as to micellar systems made from the AB block copolymer. According to the invention, the AB block copolymer is synthesized in two steps, whereby the first step is the preparation of block A in a nonpolar solvent and the second step is the preparation of block B in a polar solvent.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition dynamically vulcanized to a gelation rate of 50 to 95% which is superior in heat resistance and durability while maintaining flexibility and superior in air permeation preventive property which can be efficiently used as, for example, a pneumatic tire as an air permeation preventive layer. In particular, a thermoplastic elastomer composition having a reduced particle size of the domain rubber is produced by a material having a high rubber ratio by mixing a composition (C) mixed under conditions of a ratio of melt viscosities of the rubber composition (A)/resin (B) of 0.8 to 1.2 and the formula (&phgr;A/&phgr;B)×(&eegr;B/&eegr;A)<1.0 under conditions of a ratio of melt viscosities of the rubber composition (D)/composition (C) of 0.8 to 1.2 and the formula (&phgr;D/&phgr;C)×(&eegr;C/&eegr;D)<1.

Abstract: A method of preparing a multivalent array that includes: polymerizing at least one monomer comprising at least one polymerizable group and at least one latent reactive group in the presence of a metal carbene catalyst to form a polymer template comprising at least one latent reactive group; and combining the polymer template with at least one functionalizing reagent comprising at least one reactive group under conditions effective to react the latent reactive group of the polymer template with the reactive group of the functionalizing reagent to form a multivalent array.

Abstract: Particles capable of being bound by viruses, having a particle diameter of 0.05 &mgr;m to 300 &mgr;m and having either a cationic group or an anionic group or both at their surfaces. Also disclosed are a method of separating or detecting viruses and a virus-separating reagent, which make use of such particles. The particles enable simultaneous and simple treatment of a large number of specimens by a simple means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high temperature continuous polymerization and condensation process for preparing a polymeric product. The process includes continuously charging into a reaction zone: at least one radically-polymerizable monomer having a radically polymerizable group and at least one condensation reactive functionality; and at least one modifying agent having a functional group capable of reacting with the condensation reactive functionality. The reaction zone includes at least one primary reactor, but may, and preferably does, contain a secondary reactor. The process further includes maintaining an effective temperature in the primary reactor to cause polymerization of the monomer and to allow at least a portion of the condensation reactive functionality to react with the functional group of the modifying agent.

Abstract: The invention provides solid supported anionic catalysts, suitable for gas phase anionic polymerization of conjugated diene monomers, that are useful for anionically producing very high molecular weight branched diene polymers, such as styrene butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, and the like. The catalysts comprise a metalatable particle, such as a bound rubber, a thermoplastic polymer or a cured elastomer, that is multiply metalated with Group IA alkali metal atoms. The multi-branched diene polymers obtained by gas phase anionic polymerization employing the catalysts exhibit desirable properties, such as an extremely high molecular weight, a controlled molecular weight distribution, Tg and vinyl content, and the ability to readily absorb hydrocarbon solvents and oils. The polymers are easily compounded to form vulcanizable elastomeric compounds and articles, such as tires, that have excellent resistance to wear and tear and exhibit reduced hysteresis properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rubber composition comprised of a combination of cis 1,4-polyisoprene rubber and at least one liquid hydroxyl terminated polyalkylene polymer and to such a composition being sulfur cured. The rubber composition can also contain an additional diene-based elastomer. The rubber composition contains reinforcement as carbon black or as carbon black and/or silica together with a coupling agent. The invention also relates to a tire having a tread of such rubber composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making functionalized polymers comprising the steps of (a) initiating polymerization of an unsaturated monomer with a lithium initiator having the structure R1R2R3Si—O—A—Li wherein A is a branched or straight chain bridging group having at least two carbon atoms, R1,R2, and R3 are alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, or alkaryl groups having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, thus producing a functionalized polymer which has a protecting silyl group at one end thereof; and (b) contacting the protected polymer with from 0.5 to 1.1 moles of aqueous fluoroboric acid per mole of polymer at 0 to 50° C. for 1 to 10 minutes, and (c) contacting the resulting solution with water, and (d) recovering a linear or branched deprotected polymer having one or more terminal functional groups.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a method for improving hot tack in blown polyethylene films. Accordingly, a nucleating agent and polyethylene are combined to form a melt from which the film is blown. The method comprises forming a melt of polyethylene and a nucleating agent selected from the group consisting of dibenzylidene sorbitol, paramethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, ethylene copolymers containing grafted maleic anhydride, ethylene copolymers containing grafted acrylic acid, and mixtures thereof. Polyethylene films having increased hot tack can be blown therefrom.