Abstract: A core-first method is provided for making a core-shell nanoparticle that includes the following steps: adding to a solvent, a mono-vinyl monomer cross-linked with a cross-linking agent to form the core of the nanoparticle, the core having an average diameter of 5 nanometers to about 10,000 nanometers, and the core having polymer chains with living ends; adding a charge agent comprising a fixed formal charge group onto the living ends of the core to form the shell of the nanoparticle; controlling the charge of the nanoparticle based on the type of charge agent, the quantity of the charge agent, or both the type of charge agent and the quantity of the charge agent. A core-shell nanoparticle is also provided.

Abstract: A release agent composition includes a poly(meth)acrylate (A) containing a structural unit (1) represented by the following formula (1); in which R1 represents hydrogen or a methyl group and R2 represents a long-chain alkyl group having 12 to 28 carbon atoms, a liquid polymer (B) and a crosslinking agent (C), wherein at least one of the poly(meth)acrylate (A) and the liquid polymer (B) has a reactive functional group, and the crosslinking agent (C) is a compound having a functional group capable of reacting with the reactive functional group.

Abstract: Described is the use of RO• radicals, R being a hydrogen, an alkyl group having 2 to 15 carbons, an acyl group —COR? in which R? represents an alkyl group having 2 to 15 carbons, or an aroyl group —COAr in which Ar represents an aromatic group having 6 to 15 carbons, for the hydroxylation, alkoxylation or oxycarbonylation of polymer or polymer mixture surfaces, the said polymers consisting in monomeric units of which at least 50% among these are aromatic units and the said RO• radicals being generated by electrochemical or photochemical methods.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a tire superior in grip performance and abrasion resistance and a tire prepared by using the same are provided. The rubber composition for a tire comprises 3 to 200 parts by weight of an aromatic vinyl polymer having an end modified with —OH, —SH, —COOH, —CSSH, —SO3H, —(COO)xM, —(SO3)xM or —CO—R (M is a cation, x is an integer of 1 to 3 depending on the valency of M and R is an alkyl group) and having a weight average molecular weight of 300 to 10,000, based on 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber, and the tire is prepared by using the rubber composition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for partially hydrogenating polymer. The method comprises providing a polymer having at least one vinyl aromatic block; and hydrogenating the polymer in presence of a heterogeneous catalyst on a support selected from the group consisting of BaSO4, Al2O3, TiO2, ZrO2, active carbon and any combination thereof to obtain a hydrogenated polymer. The hydrogenated polymer comprises at least one hydrogenated vinyl aromatic block having a carbon ring linking with a backbone of the hydrogenated polymer, wherein the average weight percent of the hydrogenated vinyl aromatic block(s) having only one and two double bonds on the carbon ring is between 1-30 wt % based on the total weight of the hydrogenated polymer.

Abstract: A mononuclear star-branched polymer dielectric material having a repeat unit of the formula (I): A-Bn ??(I) wherein, A represents a multifunctional center having a functionality and a functional group with “n” arms; n is an integer greater than 2. B represents a hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed compound of the formula (II): wherein, X represents H or CH3; R represents H, alkyl or is selected from a group consisting of acetoxyl, t-butyl, t-butyldimethyl silyl, acid labile groups and acid stable groups; “a” is an integer from 1 to 5; y and z are molar ratio and are the numbers satisfying y+z=1, 0<y?1 and 0?z<1.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for inducing and enhancing order and nanostructures in block copolymers and surfactants by certain nonpolymeric additives, such as nanoparticles having an inorganic core and organic functional groups capable of hydrogen bonding. Various compositions having lattice order and nanostructures have been made from a variety of copolymers or surfactants that are mixed with nonpolymeric additives. Particularly, a variety of nanoparticles with an inorganic core and organic functional groups have been discovered to be effective in introducing or enhancing the degree of orders and nanostructures in diverse block copolymers and surfactants.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a selected surface property and attribute in a host polymer or a blend of a host polymer with other polymers by blending the host polymer or polymer blend with from 0.1 to 10% by weight of a low molecular weight molecule additive (“additive”) chemically identical to the host polymer except for having one or more cores. The cores are chemically bonded to and provide anchor points for the branches which have optionally functionalized end groups. The optionally functionalized end groups, chemistry of the core, and/or physical form of the core impart properties to the surface of the host polymer or polymer blend. The invention also relates to a surface-modified polymer or polymer blend produced by the method.

Abstract: Soft flame retardant thermoplastic compositions that are preferably halogen free and include a styrenic block copolymer having a low modulus, one or more of a polyolefin polymer or copolymer and an acrylate containing polymer or copolymer, one or more of a softener and plasticizer, an inorganic phosphorous-containing flame retardant, and optionally but preferably, a platelet filler such as a nanoclay or an organic modified clay. In a preferred embodiment, the phosphorous-containing flame retardant has a surface coating thereon which reduces sensitivity of the flame retardant to water, and thus reduces the amount of the flame retardant that can leach out in the presence of water, thereby enabling the compositions of the present invention to be utilized outdoors or other environments where exposure to water or high humidity is possible. The hardness of the compositions according to the invention preferably ranges from about Shore A 40 to about Shore A 90.

Abstract: A thermally stable brominated butadiene copolymer, such as brominated styrene/butadiene block copolymer, brominated random styrene/butadiene copolymer or brominated styrene/butadiene graft copolymer, preparation of the brominated butadiene copolymers, use of the brominated butadiene copolymers as a flame retardant additive and polymeric compositions, both foamed and non-foamed, that incorporate a flame-retarding amount of brominated butadiene copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides environmentally acceptable solvent-based surface coatings that are particularly useful as pigmented polymeric roof-coatings, sealants, caulks, and the like. A solvent-based surface coating composition of the invention comprises an n-propyl bromide-containing solvent with a polymeric coating resin dispersed therein. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises a solvent containing n-propyl-bromide and a liquid hydrocarbon, with a filler (e.g., a pigment) and a polymeric coating resin dispersed therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a treated or modified polymer, which process comprises the steps of: (I) providing a mixture comprising a liquid, an additive and a polymer, wherein the additive is dispersed in the liquid; and (II) heating the mixture obtained in step (I) to soften the surface of the polymer so that the additive attaches to the polymer.

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: This invention provides a method for removing certain sulfur-containing groups from polymers, especially those made via RAFT polymerization processes.

Abstract: A zinc oxide polymer nanocomposite composed of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The zinc oxide nanoparticles of the nanocomposite have an average particle size of about 1 nanometer to about 20 nanometers. Suitable polymers of the nanocomposites have less than about 500 ppm alkali metal. A process is provided for preparing the zinc oxide polymer nanocomposites comprising a) preparing a first combination comprising zinc oxide nanoparticles and a polymer; b) preparing a second combination comprising the first combination and an organic solvent; and c) precipitating the zinc oxide nanoparticles and the polymer out of the second combination. The zinc oxide nanoparticles of the first combination have an average particle size of between about 1 nanometer and about 20 nanometers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to arborescent polymers and to a process for making same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to arborescent polymers formed from at least one inimer and at least one isoolefin that have been end-functionalized with a polymer or copolymer having a low glass transition temperature (Tg), and to a process for making such arborescent polymers. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to arborescent polymers formed from at least one inimer and at least one isoolefin that have been end-functionalized with less than about 5 weight percent end blocks derived from a polymer or copolymer having a high glass transition temperature (Tg), and to a process for making such arborescent polymers.

Abstract: An aqueous, formaldehyde-free binder composition comprising a modified copolymer of maleic anhydride and a vinyl aromatic compound such as styrene, the copolymer being modified by reaction with a primary alkanolamine, such as monoethanolamine (MEA), to produce a modified copolymer that is self-curing and cures as a consequence of cross-linking, esterification reactions between pendant carboxyls and hydroxyl groups on the solubilized (hydrolyzed) modified copolymer chains; the invention also relates to the corresponding method of using the binder composition for making fiber products, especially fiberglass insulation.

Abstract: This invention provides molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the detection of analytes, methods for forming the MIPs and detecting the analyte using the MIPs. The MIP comprises templated sites which are formed using a mimic of the analyte such that a reporter compound can be selectively attached at the templated sites, thus providing a site selectively tagged and templated MIP.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition, useful for making fiber products, especially fiberglass insulation, comprising an aqueous substantially alkaline (pH of at least 5.0) solution of a polyol and a hydrolyzed (solubilized) copolymer of maleic anhydride and a vinyl aromatic compound, preferably styrene (i.e., a SMA copolymer); the copolymer is solubilized using ammonia, a secondary alkanolamine (preferably diethanolamine (DEA)), a tertiary alkanolamine (preferably triethanolamine (TEA)), or a mixture thereof and the binder composition is cured as a consequence of cross-linking, esterification reactions between pendant carboxyls on the solubilized (hydrolyzed) copolymer (SMA) chains and hydroxyl groups of the polyol, including the diethanolamine and/or triethanolamine preferably used in the solubilization of the SMA.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel block copolymer which can significantly improve the adhesion between a molded product composed of a nonpolar polymer such as polypropylene or polyethylene and a coating material or a molded product composed of a polar polymer, as well as a method for producing the same. Disclosed is a block copolymer comprising at least one poly (aromatic vinyl) block having a weight-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 500,000 and at least one cyclized poly (conjugated diene) block, as well as an oxygen scavenger and a modifier for polymer molding material, which comprise the block copolymer as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Film-forming materials include nonionic metal coordinating structures. Nonionic metal coordinating structures can coordinate metals, such as metal catalysts and metal substrates. Example film-forming materials can be the product of a poly-functional epoxide and a nucleophilic ligand having a nonionic metal coordinating structure, or the product of a poly-functional alcohol and an electrophilic ligand having a nonionic metal coordinating structure.

Abstract: Substrates, optionally coated with an undercoating layer, having grafted there from one or more non-fouling materials are described herein. The non-fouling, polymeric material can be grafted from a variety of substrate materials, particularly polymeric substrates and/or polymeric undercoating layers. The graft-from techniques described herein can result in higher surface densities of the non-fouling material relative to graft-to formulations. Graft-from methods can be used to produce covalently tethered polymers. The compositions described herein are highly resistant protein absorption, particularly in complex media and retain a high degree of non-fouling activity over long periods of time. The compositions described herein may also demonstrate antimicrobial and/or anti-thrombogenic activity.

Abstract: Substrates, optionally coated with an undercoating, having grafted thereto one or more non-fouling materials are described herein. The non-fouling, polymeric material can be grafted to a variety of functionalized substrate materials, particularly polymeric substrates and/or polymeric undercoatings immobilized on a substrate. The compositions described herein are highly resistant protein absorption, particularly in complex media and retain a high degree of non-fouling activity over long periods of time. The compositions described herein may also demonstrate antimicrobial and/or anti-thrombogenic activity.

Abstract: A substrate is provided having a biomolecule immobilised thereon, wherein the biomolecule is connected via an enzyme-cleavable link to a blocking moiety such that cleavage of the link causes removal of the blocking moiety and activation of the biomolecule.

Abstract: A process for producing a crosslinkable resin formed product is disclosed which comprises providing a polymerizable composition containing a cycloolefin monomer, a metathesis polymerization catalyst, a chain transfer agent, and a crosslinking agent, and heating the polymerizable composition to 50° C. or more to effect ring-opening metathesis bulk polymerization, the temperature of the polymerizable composition before heating being maintained at ?10° C. to +20° C. According to the present invention, a process for efficiently producing a crosslinkable resin formed product which exhibits excellent flowability when melted by heat and does not produce voids(blurs) inside a laminate or impair flatness when laminated on a substrate is provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing modified thermoplastic vulcanizate compositions, the process comprising the steps of introducing molten thermoplastic vulcanizate and a free-radical source, where the thermoplastic vulcanizate includes cured rubber dispersed within a thermoplastic matrix.

Abstract: Conductive polymers are purified using a solid scavenger. The solid scavengers include metal-scavenging functional groups linked to the surface of a particle support material. To improve the functionalization of the support material, the support materials are first treated with sulfuric acid or nitric acid before attaching the molecules containing the metal-scavenging functional groups. The solid scavengers used in the purification methods are more efficient at removing impurities in conductive polymers than existing scavengers.

Abstract: Supported heterogeneous organotin catalysts of the formula X1, X2, or X3: wherein Z is a spacer group; Y is an insoluble phenyl-group containing copolymer; R1, R2, R3, R5, and R6 are independently selected from halogen, alkyl, alkylene, phenyl, vinyl, allyl, naphthyl, aralkyl, and Z; and R4 is alkyl, alkylene, phenyl, vinyl, allyl, naphthyl, or aralkyl.

Abstract: Copolymer compositions are provided which include a cyclic monomer and an aromatic cyclic carbonate. The copolymer may be produced, in embodiments, by a ring-opening polymerization reaction initiated by the aromatic cyclic carbonate. The resulting copolymer may be utilized in producing medical devices, drug delivery devices, and/or coatings for medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to rubbery block polymers containing a polylactone, such as polycaprolactone, methods of making the same, and to rubber compounds containing those block polymers. The rubbery block polymer is an anionically polymerized block polymer defined by A-B, wherein A includes at least one type of polymerized conjugated diene monomer, a polymerized vinyl aromatic monomer, or a mixture thereof and wherein B is a polylactone, such as polycaprolactone, which is hydroxy terminated. The rubbery block polymer may be compounded so to provide, for example, a tire tread with desirable properties for use in an automobile tire. Such rubber compound, for example, can include the rubbery block polymer, an organosilane coupling agent, such as a bis(trialkoxysilyl) alkane, bis(trialkoxysilylalkyl) polysulfide, or mixtures thereof, and silica filler in specified amounts.

Abstract: The use of polymer particles for producing photonic crystals, wherein the polymer particles have a weight-average particle size of greater than 600 nm and a content of ionic groups of less than 0.001 mol, preferably less than 0.0001 mol/1 g of polymer particles and the polymer particles form the lattice structure of the photonic crystal without being embedded into a liquid or solid matrix.

Abstract: A toner binder for electrophotography excellent in low temperature fixing properties and anti-hot offset properties comprising styrene (co)polymer(s) (A) comprising a modified styrene (co)polymer modified by unsaturated dicarboxylic acids of C4 to C30, ester-forming derivatives thereof, (meth)acrylic acid, or alkyl (meth)acrylates (alkyl group of C1 to C24); said modified styrene (co)polymer containing constituent units derived from a monomer used in the modification is 0.1 to 9 wt %, and a toner using the toner binder. The (co)polymer(s) (A) includes a species that shows at least one GPC peak each in the regions of the molecular weight of 2,000 to 20,000 and 50,000 to 5 million.

Abstract: Concurrently fed into a reaction zone held at about 10° C. or less are brominating agent, aluminum halide catalyst, and a solution of anionic styrenic polymer having a GPC Mn about 2000-30,000. The components are in at least two separate feed streams. The feeds are proportioned to maintain (a) the amount of aluminum halide being fed at about 0.8 mole percent or less based on the amount of aromatic monomeric units in the polymer being fed, and (b) amounts of brominating agent and unbrominated polymer in the reaction zone that produce a final washed and dried polymer product containing about 60-71 wt % bromine. The catalyst is deactivated, bromide ions and catalyst residues are washed away from the reaction mixture, and the brominated anionic styrenic polymer is recovered and dried. The dried polymer has a volatile bromobenzene content of about 600 ppm (wt/wt) or less as well as other beneficial properties.

Abstract: Preparing brominated styrenic polymer by maintaining a mixture formed from (i) brominating agent, (ii) a solvent solution of styrenic polymer, and (iii) aluminum halide catalyst, at ?20 to +20° C., and terminating bromination in 20 minutes or less. New brominated anionic styrenic polymers have better melt flow and/or lower initial ?E values than the best previously-known brominated anionic styrenic polymers. Other features of such new polymers include high thermal stabilities at 320° C. and/or very low initial color values. Brominated styrenic polymers, especially brominated anionic styrenic polymers, are useful as flame retardants for thermoplastic polymers.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for the preparation of star and block-copolymers, which are prepared by controlled free radical polymerization using epoxy-functionalized alkoxyamines and multifunctional compounds capable of reacting with the epoxy group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powder paint composition comprising at least (a) a thermosetting polymer having functional groups capable of reacting with ?-hydroxyalkylamide units (b) a compound comprising ?-hydroxyalkylamide units and (c) a deceleration agent, capable of reversibly blocking the functional groups of polymer (a). The deceleration agent is present in an amount sufficient to block at least 9% of the total amount of functional groups of polymer (a). The present invention relates also to the use of a specific amine compound as a deceleration agent in a powder paint composition.

Abstract: Provided is a new adhesive polyolefin resin composition, containing 1 to 100% by weight of a high polymer structure, that has good heat resistance and excellent adhesion performance to polyolefins and various polar materials, wherein a polyolefin segment (A) is bonded with an addition polymer segment (B) of a non-olefinic vinyl monomer and a reactive group is introduced into the addition polymer segment (B) and an adhesive or dispersion obtained therefrom.

Abstract: A photosensitive compound has two or more structural units, in a molecule, represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 to R5 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom, halogen atom, alkyl group, alkoxy group, acetoxy group, phenyl group, naphthyl group, and alkyl group in which a part or all of hydrogen atoms are substituted with fluorine atom; and X is a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group or a substituted or unsubstituted naphthylene group.

Abstract: A process for making an aqueous dispersion is provided. More specifically, a process for making an aqueous dispersion having at least two polymeric components is provided.

Abstract: Despite the frangibility of additive-free granules of brominated anionic styrenic polymer, it has been found possible by use of special mechanical processing to provide pellets of unadulterated brominated anionic styrenic polymer having a bromine content of at least about 50 wt % and in which at least about 70 wt % (preferably at least about 75 wt %) of the pellets are retained on a standard US No. 40 sieve and no more than about 30 wt % (preferably no more than about 25 wt %) are retained on a standard US No. 5 sieve. In preferred embodiments such pelletized anionic styrenic polymer is brominated anionic polystyrene having a bromine content of at least about 67 wt %, e.g., in the range of about 67 to about 71 wt %. Also preferred are pelletized brominated anionic styrenic polymers in which the melt flow index (ASTM D 1238-99) at 220° C., 2.16 kg is at least 4 g/10 min and preferably is at least 5 g/10 min.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the modification of butyl elastomers, particularly halobutyl elastomers, under solvent free conditions with a phase transfer catalyst in the presence of an alkyl metal salt of an oxygen or sulfur-based nucleophile.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polymer at least comprising repeating units represented by the following general formulae (1) and (2), and the polymer having a mass average molecular weight of 1,000 to 500,000. There can be provided a polymer, and a resist composition, in particular, a chemically amplified positive resist composition that exhibit higher resolution than conventional positive resist compositions, good in-plane dimension uniformity of developed resist patterns on substrates such as mask blanks and high etching resistance.

Abstract: A process for producing a hydrogenated polymer, which includes a step of hydrogenating aromatic rings of an aromatic vinyl compound—(meth)acrylate copolymer. In the process, the copolymer having a ratio, A/B, of from 0.25 to 4.0 (A is a molar number of constitutional units derived from the (meth)acrylate monomer, and B is a molar number of constitutional units derived from the aromatic vinyl monomer) is hydrogenated in a solvent in the presence of a catalyst which is composed of zirconium oxide supporting palladium. By the process, a highly transparent, hydrogenated polymer is stably and rapidly produced for a long period of time or repeatedly.

Abstract: A non-aqueous absorbent comprising a crosslinked polymer which contains a structural unit having a carboxyl group and/or a sulfonate group in an amount of 20 to 100% weight in its molecule and in which from 30 to 100% by mol of the protons in the carboxyl group and/or the sulfonate group have been substituted by onium cations; a non-aqueous gel made of this non-aqueous absorbent and an organic solvent; and a non-aqueous absorbent sheet and a non-aqueous absorbent agent containing the non-aqueous absorbent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rubber composition for tires. The rubber composition for tires comprises polymer having reactive functional group (1) in a rubber raw material, and reactive layered silicate having reactive functional group (2) potentially reacting with the above polymer. When a rubber is manufactured by melt-admixing the rubber raw material that contains the polymer having the reactive functional group (1) potentially reacting with the reactive functional group (2) of the reactive layered silicate, the rubber composition for tires of the present invention exhibits improved compatibility between the rubber raw material and the reactive layered silicate by chemical reaction of the polymer having the reactive functional group (1) contained in the rubber raw material, with the reactive functional group (2) of the reactive layered silicate. By the chemical reaction, the reaction material produced has ionic group and is placed more stably between layers and/or particles of the layered silicate.

Abstract: Macromolecules may be specially designed so that upon adsorption at a substrate, the macromolecules experience intramolecular tension at their covalent bonds due to the physical interaction of the molecular segments of the macromolecules with the substrate. As a result of the induced tension, the macromolecules may be used in a number of applications including, but not limited to, environmental and surface sensors, chemical activators and catalysts, and molecular probes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to radiation-curable compositions useful as ink vehicles or inks, in particular UV-curable inks, such as UV-litho inks, comprising a (meth)acrylated styrene allyl alcohol copolymer obtained from the (meth)acrylation of a styrene allyl alcohol (SAA) copolymer with (meth)acrylic acid and/or one or more alkyl(meth)acrylates, and at least one alkoxylated acrylated monomer.

Abstract: A method of hydrogenating a polymer comprises: (a) providing a dense phase, the dense phase comprising a polymer in a solvent; (b) providing a catalyst system, the catalyst system comprising as least one metal hydrogenation catalyst (preferably including nickel or ruthenium); and (c) providing a light phase, the light phase comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of hydrogen and carbon dioxide; and (d) contacting the dense phase, the light phase and the catalyst system under conditions in which the hydrogen reacts with the polymer and hydrogenates the polymer.

Abstract: A process for preparing polymer particles, consisting of a latex polymer dispersion including particles of liquid dispersible starting polymer in a dispersion liquid and growing a polymer shell on the particles via a starve fed free radical polymerization process.

Abstract: A new family of concrete admixture additives can be derived from reacting a mixture of olefins/cyclic olefins-maleic anhydride copolymers and methoxy polyethylene glycol amines and/or polyethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers, or a mixture of styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers and methoxy polyethylene glycol amines and/or polyethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers, or a mixture of styrene-olefins/cyclic olefins-maleic anhydride terpolymers and methoxy polyethylene glycol amines and/or polyethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers. These reactions lead to formation of a kind of carboxylic salt containing polymer, which can be used alone in concrete. Only a small amount of this substance is needed to provide excellent water reduction, high concrete flowability and high early strength.