Abstract: Chemically crosslinked polycyclooctene having excellent shape recovery properties is prepared by ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cis-cyclooctene followed by chemical crosslinking. The crosslinked polycyclooctene can be shaped, the shape memorized, a new shape imparted with the original shape being recoverable by suitable temperature adjustment. The dependence of shape memory characteristics on degree of crosslinking was established. In addition to polycyclooctene, blends thereof with other materials such as SBR, EVA, polyurethane rubbers, and inorganic fillers can be utilized to provide chemically crosslinked products having excellent and tailored shape memory properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a cyclic ketone peroxide of half-life time larger than one second at a temperature of 225 ° C., for producing a controlled rheology polypropylene heterophasic copolymer of melt index MI2 larger than 15 g/10 min, having simultaneously a very high impact resistance and a high flexural modulus.

Abstract: The invention provides a transmission belt that can suppress lowering in transmission efficiency and has improved durability. A rubber layer adhered to core wires is formed to have a durometer hardness (shore A) of not less than 72 and not more than 85, or have a tensile stress of not less than 0.5 MPa and not more than 1.7 MPa when stretched 10% in the belt longitudinal direction at 25° C., and the rubber layer is formed to have a weight increase of 90% or less after immersed in light oil for 48 hours at 25° C. or have a weight increase of 80% or less after immersed in toluene for 48 hours at 25° C. Alternatively, the rubber layer adhered to the core wires is formed to have a storage modulus of not less than 10 MPa and not more than 50 MPa and a tan ? of not more than 0.15 as measured by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement under conditions at a static load of 3 kgf/cm2, a dynamic strain of 0.4%, a frequency of 10 Hz and a temperature of 25° C. in a tensile mode in a belt longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for partial or total oxidation of one or several thiocarbonylthio ends of a polymer, obtained by radical polymerisation controlled by reversible addition-cleavage with thiocarbonylthio agents, Said method comprising the step of contacting said polymer with an ozone-containing gas, during which ozone reacts with the one or several thiocarbonylthio ends.

Abstract: A modified butyl rubber composition containing a modified butyl rubber obtained by a modification reaction of a compound (a) having a nitroxide-free radical, stable in the presence of oxygen at an ordinary temperature, in the molecule thereof and a radical initiator (b) and at least two kinds of bi- or more-functional radical polymerizable monomers (c).

Abstract: A peroxide crosslinked ethylene polymer pressure pipe and a method for the preparation thereof are described. The pipe is characterised in that it comprises an ethylene polymer with a density of less than 950 kg/m3 obtained by polymerisation with a single-site catalyst and having a shear thinning index, SHI5/300 of less than 20 and a MWD of <10. The method is characterised in that it comprises polymerising ethylene, optionally together with at least one comonomer, with a single-site catalyst to provide the above defined ethylene polymer, forming the ethylene polymer into a pipe by extrusion and crosslinking it.

Abstract: The present invention includes a molecular melt composition comprising an antioxidant and a coupling agent. The molecular melt is partially amorphous in nature. The invention also includes a method for making the molecular melt composition and a method for using the molecular melt to produce coupled polymers. The invention further includes a method for using an antioxidant to phlagmatize a coupling agent.

Abstract: A method of modifying a polyethylene is disclosed. In the method ethylene or a mixture of ethylene and a C3-C10 ?-olefin is polymerized in an organic solvent with a Ziegler or single-site catalyst to form an initial polyethylene solution. The initial polyethylene solution is then reacted with a free radical initiator to produce a modified polyethylene. The modified polymer has an enhanced melt elasticity and increased long chain branching index, and is essentially free of gel.

Abstract: A method for modifying a polymer comprising modifying a polymer capable of decomposing with a carbon radical in the molecule thereof by a reaction with a radical initiator and a compound having a nitroxide radical in the molecule thereof to thereby decrease a molecular weight of the polymer and also to thereby introduce an organic group derived from the free radical into the polymer.

Abstract: Branched copolymers of polypropylene (PP) and polysilanes are prepared by procedures involving melt phase hydrosilylation. Such branched copolymers may be formed in situ during the melt phase hydrosilylation or may be prepared by subsequent processing. The branched copolymers exhibit superior properties.

Abstract: A process for improving the melt characteristics of polyethylene resins is provided. The process involves contacting a polyethylene resin powder with a low level of free radical initiator at a temperature below the melting point of the resin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of polyalkoxyaminies from monoalkoxyamine(s) of formula (I) and of at least one polyunsaturated compound of formula (II): and the preparation of polyfunctional living (co)polymers by polymerization by the radical route of one or more vinyl monomers in the presence of the polyalkoxyamines thus prepared.

Abstract: A process for modification of a polymer comprising modifying a polymer (A) capable of decomposing by carbon radicals present in the molecule thereof using a compound (B) having a nitroxide radical in the molecule thereof and a radical initiator (C) in a ratio of (B)/(C) (molar ratio) of at least 0.7, whereby organic groups derived from the nitroxide radicals are introduced into the polymer and a modified unhalogenated butyl rubber obtained therefrom.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a very low melt viscosity (high melt flow index) polymer resin, suitable for use in spunbond or meltblown processing. According to the process of the current invention, a high melt viscosity (low melt flow index) resin is subjected to post-reactor molecular weight alteration by extrusion with a chemical prodegradant. The process produces a very low melt viscosity resin that can be used in spunbond or meltblown processing without further treatment to reduce the average molecular weight of the resin. Further, the very low melt viscosity resins produced according to the process of the current invention contain very little or no residual prodegradant.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for oxygen-tailoring polyethylene resin. Polyethylene resin is conveyed through a feed zone, a melt-mixing zone and a melt zone. The resin is contacted with oxygen in an amount of at least 40 parts by weight O2 per million parts by weight resin, and contacted with primary antioxidant downstream of the point or points of oxygen contact. The oxygen-treated resin can be used to make polyethylene film having improved gauge uniformity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of modifying polyethylene to increase its ability to resist the transmission of water vapor. The polyethylene is modified to increase long chain branching resulting in lower water vapor transmission rates in films prepared with the modified polyethylene. The polyethylene can be modified using peroxides, air and even by admixture with high long chain branching content polyethylene. The polyethylene, particularly when in the form of films, can be used for preparing packaging where sorption of flavor, aroma, or colorant compounds must be minimized.

Abstract: Polymeric materials are recycled by transformation to useful chemicals by oxidization in the liquid phase using acetic acid as a solvent and a metal bromide catalyst.

Abstract: A process for modifying a polypropylene (co)polymer wherein said process comprises melt mixing the polypropylene (co)polymer in the presence of an initiator wherein said initiator is selected from the group defined by formula (1), wherein R is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted C1 to C18 acyl, optionally substituted C1 to C18 alkyl, aroyl defined by formula (2), and compounds of formula (3), wherein U, V, X, Y, Z, U?, V?, X?, Y? and Z? are independently selected from the group consisting hydrogen; halogen; C1-C18 alkyl; C1-C18 alkoxy, aryloxy, acyl, acyloxy, aryl, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, trialkyl silyl, hydroxy, or a moiety of formula (4), and wherein T is alkylene.

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 method of modifying a polyethylene material is accomplished by providing a polyethylene resin. The initial rheological breadth of the polyethylene resin is determined. The resin is then modified to adjust the rheological breadth of the polyethylene from the initial rheological breadth to a different rheological breadth that corresponds to a desired resin property, such as haze. A method for predicting clarity and rheological breadth properties is also provided, which utilizes a template of measured properties for polyethylene resins.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a very low melt viscosity (high melt flow index) polymer resin, suitable for use in meltblown processing. According to the process of the current invention, a high melt viscosity (low melt flow index) resin is subjected to post-reactor molecular weight alteration by extrusion with a chemical prodegradant. The process produces a very low melt viscosity resin that can be used in meltblown processing without further treatment to reduce the average molecular weight of the resin. Further, the very low melt viscosity resins produced according to the process of the current invention contain very little or no residual prodegradant.

Abstract: A method for the production of moldable masses is provided. The method includes compounding a polyolefin having a density of less than about 0.918 g/cm3 serial cross-linking agents. The moldable masses can be used the production of low-emission floor coverings with excellent material properties.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an intrinsically conductive polymer crosslinking at least a portion of an intrinsically conductive polymer precursor in the solid state, the swollen state, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing states, wherein the swollen state is characterized as being one wherein the intrinsically conductive polymer precursor increases in volume upon exposure to a solvent without completely dissolving in the solvent. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a pattern comprises casting a film of an intrinsically conductive polymer precursor on a substrate; and crosslinking at least a portion of the film by oxidation, wherein the crosslinking occurs in the solid state, the swollen state or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing states.

Abstract: Oxidized waxes which are prepared by oxidizing polyolefins obtained by single-site catalysis of transition metal complexes from groups 5 to 8 of the Periodic Table of the Elements and have a molecular weight Mw in the range from 1000 to 40,000 g/mol.

Abstract: High melt flow filled propylene polymer compositions suitable for injection molding are provided. The compositions are blends of propylene impact copolymer, high melt index plastomer and mineral filler.

Abstract: Polypropylene heterophasic copolymers are produced having increased impact strength through the use of controlled rheology techniques by the addition of a peroxide at conditions which increase the deactivation or half life of the peroxide. The increased half life slows down the vis-breaking process and allows better dispersion of rubber particles within the polymer. In this way, copolymers having a high melt flow can be prepared while obtaining high impact strength and lower stiffness values, without the need for additional elastomeric modifiers.

Abstract: A sound insulating composite material contains (a) a crosslinked polymer containing 100 parts by weight of an ethylene-propylene rubber, 20-100 parts by weight of a polyethylene, and 100-200 parts by weight of a polypropylene; and (b) an inorganic filler in an amount of 200-500 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the ethylene-propylene rubber. The crosslinked polymer is prepared by a dynamic crosslinking of the ethylene-propylene rubber with the polyethylene and the polypropylene in the presence of an organic peroxide. The sound insulating composite material can be produced by (a) preparing a mixture containing the ethylene-propylene rubber, the polyethylene, the polypropylene, and the organic peroxide; and (b) kneading the mixture while the mixture is in a melted condition, thereby generating the dynamic crosslinking.

Abstract: An adhesive blend is described that can include a semi-crystalline copolymer of propylene and at least one comonomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene and at least one C4 to C20 &agr;-olefin, the copolymer having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) from about 15,000 to about 200,000; an melt index (MI) from about 7 dg/min to about 3000 dg/min as measured by ASTM D 1238(B), and a (Mw/Mn) of approximately 2. Various production processes are also described. Also described are adhesive compositions and methods for making adhesive compositions having polymers or polymer blends with melt flow rates (MFRs) equal to and above 250° dg/min. at 230° C. Certain specific embodiments of the invention involve the use of a free radical initiator, e.g., a peroxide.

Abstract: Irradiated, oxidized olefin polymer dispersing aids for use in the manufacture of additive concentrates and additive-containing olefin polymer compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of modifying polyethylene to increase its ability to resist the transmission of water vapor. The polyethylene is modified to increase long chain branching resulting in lower water vapor transmission rates in films prepared with the modified polyethylene. The polyethylene can be modified using peroxides, air and even by admixture with high long chain branching content polyethylene. The polyethylene, particularly when in the form of films, can be used for preparing packaging where sorption of flavor, aroma, or colorant compounds must be minimized.

Abstract: A method of processing polyethylene for use as an extruded blow molding resin to improve the properties and processability thereof is accomplished by modifying a polyethylene resin having a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of less than about 10. The modification is carried out by the addition of a free radical initiator to the resin during extrusion of the resin to increase the rheological breadth of the polyethylene from about 10% to about 60% compared to unmodified polyethylene resin extruded under similar conditions. In another aspect of the invention, a polyethylene resin having higher melt index is processed to provide a desired final melt index by the addition of a free radical initiator where it would otherwise be necessary to utilize a resin having lower melt flow, and which is more difficult to process. Improvements in color can also be obtained.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for oxygen-tailoring polyethylene resin. Polyethylene resin is conveyed through a feed zone, a melt-mixing zone and a melt zone. The resin is contacted with oxygen in an amount of at least 40 parts by weight O2 per million parts by weight resin, and contacted with primary antioxidant downstream of the point or points of oxygen contact. The oxygen-treated resin can be used to make polyethylene film having improved gauge uniformity.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a very low melt viscosity (high melt flow index) polymer resin, suitable for use in meltblown processing. According to the process of the current invention, a high melt viscosity (low melt flow index) resin is subjected to post-reactor molecular weight alteration by extrusion with a chemical prodegradant. The process produces a very low melt viscosity resin that can be used in meltblown processing without further treatment to reduce the average molecular weight of the resin. Further, the very low melt viscosity resins produced according to the process of the current invention contain very little or no residual prodegradant.

Abstract: A rubber composition is disclosed wherein the rubber composition contains at least (a) a rubber component; (b) a silica filler; (c) a coupling agent; (d) a cure-enhancing amount of at least one polyalkylene oxide; and (e) at least one high molecular weight thiuram disulfide. The compositions may also include suitable amounts of other ingredients such as carbon black, antiozonants, antioxidants, etc.

Abstract: A method of modifying a polyethylene material is accomplished by providing a polyethylene resin. The initial rheological breadth of the polyethylene resin is determined. The resin is then modified to adjust the rheological breadth of the polyethylene from the initial rheological breadth to a different rheological breadth that corresponds to a desired resin property, such as haze. A method for predicting clarity and rheological breadth properties is also provided, which utilizes a template of measured properties for polyethylene resins.

Abstract: Polymeric materials are recycled by transformation to useful chemicals by oxidization in the liquid phase using acetic acid as a solvent and a metal bromide catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyalcoxyamines obtained from beta-substituted nitroxides of formula (1) wherein A represents a di- or polyvalent structure, R1 represents a molar mass of more than 15 and is a monovalent radical, and n>2. The inventive compounds can be used as initiators for (co)polymerizations of at least one radically polymerizable monomer.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (a) polyethylene; (b) as a scorch inhibitor, [1,3,5-tris(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-trione]; (c) a thioester; (d) a hindered amine stabilizer; and (e) an organic peroxide.

Abstract: In one embodiment, this invention provides a composition comprising a functionalized block copolymer crosslinked with acetylacetonate. The crosslinked block copolymer has improved solvent resistance and improved cohesive strength at high temperatures. The crosslinked block copolymer comprises preferably an acid functionalized, hydrogenated block copolymer having an ABA or similar structure wherein the block comprises at least 80 wt % of a vinyl-aromatic hydrocarbon, preferably styrene, and wherein the B block comprises at least 80 wt % of a hydrogenated and conjugated diene, preferably butadiene, isoprene or a mixture thereof. In another embodiment, this invention provides an adhesive, sealant, oil gel, asphalt composition, or wax composition comprising the acid functionalized, hydrogenated block copolymer.

Abstract: Polypropylene heterophasic copolymers are produced having increased impact strength through the use of controlled rheology techniques by the addition of a peroxide at conditions which increase the deactivation or half life of the peroxide. The increased half life slows down the vis-breaking process and allows better dispersion of rubber particles within the polymer. In this way, copolymers having a high melt flow can be prepared while obtaining high impact strength and lower stiffness values, without the need for additional elastomeric modifiers.

Abstract: Molecular weight modification of polypropylene by 4-(t-amylperoxy)-4-methyl-2-pentanol and polypropylene so modified suitable for handling and packaging food, beverages and pharmaceuticals and for use in medical devices is disclosed.

Abstract: Molecular weight modification of polypropylene by 4-(t-amylperoxy)-4-methyl-2-pentanol and polypropylene so modified suitable for handling and packaging food, beverages and pharmaceuticals and for use in medical devices is disclosed.

Abstract: Oxidized waxes which are prepared by oxidizing polyolefins obtained by single-site catalysis of transition metal complexes from groups 5 to 8 of the Periodic Table of the Elements and have a molecular weight Mw in the range from 1000 to 40,000 g/mol.

Abstract: An aqueous immersion bath contains a water-soluble peroxide compound and a transition metal salt and is used to activate the surface of a thermoplastic olefin prior to the application of a coating thereon. After immersion of the thermoplastic olefin material in the aqueous immersion bath, an improved adhesion between the coating and the surface of the thermoplastic olefin material is obtained.

Abstract: Molecular weight modification of polypropylene by 4-(t-amylperoxy)-4-methyl-2-pentanol and polypropylene so modified suitable for handling and packaging food, beverages and pharmaceuticals and for use in medical devices is disclosed.

Abstract: A monolayer polyolefin-based printable article includes 0.1 to 5% by weight of at least one polyaminoalkylene, and is characterized in that it has been treated by means of an oxidative surface treatment, such as a corona treatment. A process for the manufacture of a polyolefin-based printable article, according to which at least one surface region of the article, including at least one polyolefin and from 0.1 to 5% by weight of at least one polyaminoalkylene, involves subjecting the region to an oxidative surface treatment. A printing process, according to which a polyolefin-based article, including from 0.1 to 5% by weight of at least one polyaminoalkylene and treated by means of an oxidative surface treatment, utilizes an electrophotography technique to print on the article.

Abstract: A flame-retardant resin composition for insulated wires, shielded wires and insulating tubes which are used in the field requiring high-frequency current transmission, for example, in the field of high-density wiring of internal circuits in electronic appliances. The composition comprises (a) a thermoplastic polyolefinic resin having a density of smaller than 0.89 g/cm3, which is prepared by copolymerizing ethylene and a non-polar &agr;-olefin in the presence of a single-site metallocene catalyst, (b) a halogen-containing flame retardant, and (c) zinc oxide. After crosslinking, the composition is used in forming an insulating coating for insulated wires and shielded wires, and in forming insulating tubes.

Abstract: Cast laminates produced from highly crystalline propylene polymers having a MFR ranging from 5 to 15 g/10 min, a ratio between the weight average molecular weight and the number average molecular weight ranging from 4.5 to 9, a density equal to or greater than 0.9020 g/cm3, and solubility in xylene at ambient temperature not greater than 2.5% by weight.

Abstract: A method of processing polyethylene for use as an extruded blow molding resin to improve the properties and processability thereof is accomplished by modifying a polyethylene resin having a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of less than about 10. The modification is carried out by the addition of a free radical initiator to the resin during extrusion of the resin to increase the rheological breadth of the polyethylene from about 10% to about 60% compared to unmodified polyethylene resin extruded under similar conditions. In another aspect of the invention, a polyethylene resin having higher melt index is processed to provide a desired final melt index by the addition of a free radical initiator where it would otherwise be necessary to utilize a resin having lower melt flow, and which is more difficult to process. Improvements in color can also be obtained.

Abstract: LLDPE films with superior impact strength are obtained by blowing lightly crosslinked LLDPE resins under film extrusion conditions typically used for blowing HDPE film.