Abstract: Methods are provided to make acid functional fluoropolymers by: a) dehydrofluorinating a starting fluoropolymer with a dehydrofluorinating agent to form an unsaturated fluoropolymer; b) adding an acidifiable nucleophilic functionalizing agent to a double bond of the unsaturated fluoropolymer; and c) acidifying the added acidifiable function. Acid functional fluoropolymers and ion conducting membranes thereof are also provided, including acid functional fluoropolymer having pendent groups according to the formula: —X—Ar—An, wherein X is selected from O, S or NR, where R is selected from H and C1–C30 alkyl or aryl, which are optionally substituted, wherein Ar is a C6–C30 aromatic group, which is optionally substituted, wherein A is an acidic function or salt thereof, wherein a can be independently chosen to be 1, 2 or 3.

Abstract: Porous matrices and membrane matrices comprising sulfonated aryl sulfonate polymers are prepared from a sulfonated aryl sulfonate polymer solution which is made by dissolving an aryl sulfonate polymer, and optionally a polymer other than aryl sulfonate, in a sulfonating acid solvent such as sulfuric acid. The solutions are then cast as wet films from which the matrices are coagulated. By controlling composition and process parameters, hydrophilic matrices of varying morphology are produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel catalysts for use with a fiberglass non-woven binder. The catalyst can be a Lewis acid, an organic acid salt, a free-radical generator, or a mixture thereof. The catalyst provides stronger bonding, increased crosslinking density, reduced curing times, and reduced curing temperatures. Fiberglass mats made with polymer binder compositions containing the catalyst exhibit both flexibility and elasticity, allowing the mats to be compressed for storage, yet return to original thickness once the compressive forces are removed. Formaldehyde-free wood composites, such as plywood and fiberboard, may also be produced with polymer binder compositions containing the catalyst.

Abstract: A method of preparing an ion-conducting polymeric material, for example, for a fuel cell, in a desired form (hereinafter “said formed polymeric material”), comprises: (i) selecting a first ion-conducting polymeric material; (ii) selecting a solvent formulation which can dissolve said first ion-conducting polymeric material, wherein said formulation includes a first solvent part which is water; (iii) preparing a composite formulation in a process which includes dissolving first ion-conducting polymeric material in said solvent formulation; (iv) forming said composite formulation into a desired form; (v) providing conditions for removal of said solvent formulation from said form described in (iv) thereby to prepare said formed polymeric material. The first ion-conducting polymeric material preferably includes polyaryletherketone units. Said solvent formulation preferably includes a second solvent part selected from acetone, tetrahydrofuran and acetone.

Abstract: An antimicrobial agent utilizes a resin having acrylonitrile and styrene and/or a conjugated diene as units. The antimicrobial agent includes a metal-salt-containing copolymer, and the metal-salt-containing copolymer is obtained by treating a copolymer containing acrylonitrile and at least one of styrene and a conjugated diene as units with an acid to thereby introduce acid radicals into the copolymer, and converting at least part of the acid radicals into a salt of at least one metal selected from among Ag, Cu, and Zn.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for forming ionomers by treatment with ammonium carbonate of copolymers having a substantially fluorinated, but not perfluorinated, polyethylene backbone having pendant groups of fluoroalkoxy sulfonyl fluoride. Ionomers derived therefrom by ion exchange are useful in electrochemical applications such as batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis cells, ion exchange membranes, sensors, electrochemical capacitors, and modified electrodes.

Abstract: A high-molecular flocculant rendered water-soluble by conversion of cyano groups contained in a high-molecular material, a method for producing the flocculant, and a method for efficiently processing water using the flocculant. A high-molecular material containing acrylonitrile as a monomer is processed safely to impart hydrophilicity to the material and the resulting product is used for water processing to contribute to environmental conservation. An amino compound is added to a cyano group containing high-molecular material to convert at least a portion of the cyano group (—C?N) into a molecular structure portion having an imidamino structure and, if necessary, to convert at, least the portion into one of an acid salt, a quaternary ammonium salt or a hydrolyzate structure portion to give a high-molecular flocculant. Alternatively, a high-molecular material having cyano groups is hydrolysed to convert the cyano group into carbamoyl groups, carboxylic groups or their salts to give a high-molecular flocculant.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a water absorbent material and materials to be sucked included in a water permeable bag type member form a water absorber. Thus, the water absorber is small both in weight and volume upon its transportation, and accordingly, the water absorber can be rapidly conveyed in large quantities without depending on a human power. The water absorber absorbs water upon its use to adequately satisfy a function of a form traceability for weight, volume and outline.

Abstract: A technique of utilizing a sulfuric acid/peroxide liquid mixture, for example, its waste liquid material, is to be developed so that the waste liquid can be re-utilized and effectively applied to obviate the problem resulting from disposal. To this end, there is provided a method for utilizing a sulfuric acid/peroxide liquid mixture, for example, its waste liquid, in which peroxide in the sulfuric acid/peroxide liquid mixture is decomposed to render it possible to utilize the liquid mixture as sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A high-molecular flocculant rendered water-soluble by conversion of cyano groups contained in a high-molecular material, a method for producing the flocculant, and a method for efficiently processing water using the flocculant. A high-molecular material containing acrylonitrile as a monomer is processed safely to impart hydrophilicity to the material and the resulting product is used for water processing to contribute to environmental conservation. An amino compound is added to a cyano group containing high-molecular material to convert at least a portion of the cyano group (—C?N) into a molecular structure portion having an imidamino structure and, if necessary, to convert at, least the portion into one of an acid salt, a quaternary ammonium salt or a hydrolyzate structure portion to give a high-molecular flocculant. Alternatively, a high-molecular material having cyano groups is hydrolysed to convert the cyano group into carbamoyl groups, carboxylic groups or their salts to give a high-molecular flocculant.

Abstract: A process for making poly(hydroxystyrene)s whose phenolic hydroxyl groups are partially protected by acid-decomposable or -eliminable groups, by which the degree of deblocking of the phenolic hydroxyl groups is controlled. Namely, the production of a polymer containing, in the molecule, repeating units of the general formula (IA) and those of the general formula (IB), comprising adding an acid to polymer (B) containing in the molecule repeating units of general formula (II) in an organic solvent with the molar ratio of the acid to the OR3 group being 0.0001 equivalent or above but below 0.05 equivalent, and reacting the polymer with the acid. In the general formulae, R1 is hydrogen or methyl; R2 is C1-6 alkyl; R3 is an acid-decomposable or -eliminable group; R4 is hydrogen or a group derived from R3 by decomposition with acid; and p is 0, 1, or 2, with the proviso that the IB/IA molar ratio ranges 98/2 to 30/70.

Abstract: Removing silicon species from hydrocarbon solvents such as cyclohexane. The process comprises contacting the hydrocarbon solvent with sulfuric acid in an amount sufficient to phase separate the silicon species and removing at least 20% by weight of the residual silicon species from the hydrocarbon solvent. The hydrocarbon solvent may be a polymerization solvent containing residual silicon species, and more than 80% by weight of the silicon species can be removed.

Abstract: An anhydrous, liquid phase process for preparing hydroxyl containing polymers of enhanced purity comprising the steps of polymerization, purification, transesterification, purification, catalyst removal, and solvent exchange. The resultant polymer in solution can be used directly, without further processing steps, to prepare a photoresist composition.

Abstract: Methods are provided to make acid functional fluoropolymers by: a) dehydrofluorinating a starting fluoropolymer with a dehydrofluorinating agent to form an unsaturated fluoropolymer; b) adding an acidifiable nucleophilic functionalizing agent to a double bond of the unsaturated fluoropolymer; and c) acidifying the added acidifiable function. Acid functional fluoropolymers and ion conducting membranes thereof are also provided, including acid functional fluoropolymer having pendent groups according to the formula: —X—Ar—An, wherein X is selected from O, S or NR, where R is selected from H and C1-C30 alkyl or aryl, which are optionally substituted, wherein Ar is a C6-C30 aromatic group, which is optionally substituted, wherein A is an acidic function or salt thereof, wherein a can be independently chosen to be 1, 2 or 3.

Abstract: Ion-Exchange polymers for a polymer electrolyte membrane include a moiety of formula (I), and/or a moiety of formula (II), and/or a moiety of formula (III) wherein at least some of the units I, II and/or III are sulphonated. The phenyl moieties in units I, II, and III are independently optionally substituted and optionally cross-linked; m, r; s, t, v, w and z independently represent zero or a positive integer, E and E′ independently represent an oxygen or a sulphur atom or a direct link, G represents an oxygen or sulphur atom, a direct link or a —O—Ph—O— moiety where Ph represents a phenyl group and Ar is selected from one of the moieties (i) to (x) as set forth herein which is bonded via one or more of its phenyl moieties to adjacent moieties.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing strong acid cation exchange resins by sulfonation of wet crosslinked copolymer in the absence of organic swelling solvents is disclosed. This process involves dewatering a crosslinked poly(vinylaromatic) copolymer to selected residual moisture levels of 3 to 35%, followed by non-solvent sulfonation, to provide strong acid cation exchange resins having enhanced physical stability and that are free of chlorinated-solvent contaminants.

Abstract: Coupled polymers are prepared by a process comprising heating an admixture containing (1) at least one polyolefin comprising ethylene and optionally at least one comonomer and (2) a coupling amount at least one poly(sulfonyl azide) to at least the decomposition temperature of the poly(sulfonyl azide) for a period sufficient for decomposition of at least 80 weight percent of the poly(sulfonyl azide) and sufficient to result in a coupled polymer; particularly where the polyolefin is the product of polymerization of ethylene and optionally at least one other alpha-olefin in the presence of a single site catalyst.

Abstract: A novel emulsion polymerization process for the production of fluoroelastomers is disclosed wherein a partially fluorinated anionic surfactant of the formula F—(CF2CF2)n—CH2CH2SO3M, where n is an integer from 2 to 9, or mixtures thereof, and M is a cation having a valence of 1, is used as the dispersing agent.

Abstract: A novel one-pot cost efficient process for the preparation of homo-, co- and terpolymers of p-hydroxystyrene or substituted p-hydroxystyrene and alkyl acrylates. The process involves polymerization of esters of p-hydroxystyrene (or its substituted analogs), alkyl acrylate monomers and/or one or more of ethylenically unsaturated monomers in an alcohol solvent in the presence of a free radical initiator. The reaction mixture containing the so formed polymer is subjected to transesterification conditions using a catalytic amount of catalyst to result in co- and/or terpolymers of p-hydroxystyrene without cleavage of the alkyl ester in the acrylate repeat unit, and then removing the catalyst from the system. Preferred embodiments include homopolymers of p-hydroxystyrene, copolymer of p-hydroxystyrene and tert-butyl acrylate and terpolymer of p-hydroxystyrene, tert-butyl acrylate and styrene. These polymers have a wide variety of applications including as photoresists in microelectronics industry.

Abstract: A process for reducing odor emission in aqueous polymer dispersions and in polymer powders comprises admixing an aqueous dispersion of a polymer obtained by free-radical polymerization of one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, after conclusion of the polymerization, with an odor-reducing composition containing a) one or more water-soluble compounds selected from metal salts of copper(II), silver, aluminum, zinc and iron(III), potassium permanganate, imidazoline, and imidazoline derivatives, optionally in combination with b) one or more water-soluble reducing agents selected from ascorbic acid, isoascorbic acid, iron(II) salts, zinc formaldehydesulfoxylate and alkali metal formaldehydesulfoxylate, and optionally drying the thus treated aqueous polymer dispersion to form a polymer powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compatible binary and ternary cation-exchanger polymer and anion-exchanger polymer blend membranes.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for forming ionomers by treatment with ammonium carbonate of copolymers having a substantially fluorinated, but not perfluorinated, polyethylene backbone having pendant groups of fluoroalkoxy sulfonyl fluoride. Ionomers derived therefrom by ion exchange are useful in electrochemical applications such as batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis cells, ion exchange membranes, sensors, electrochemical capacitors, and modified electrodes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polyelectrolyte having the step of sulfonating polystyrene resin in a state where the polystyrene resin has been dissolved or dispersed in solvent composed of alicyclic compounds.

Abstract: A process for preparing an aqueous emulsion polymer including providing at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a free radical redox initiator system under emulsion polymerization conditions, the redox initiator system including a water-soluble oxidizing agent, a water-insoluble oxidizing agent, and a sulfinic acid, or salts thereof, reducing agent; and effecting the polymerization of at least some of the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is provided. Also provided is a process for reducing the residual ethylenically unsaturated monomer content of an aqueous emulsion polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing water immiscible porogens from macroreticular copolymers comprising distilling said porogen in water soluble organic solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to sulphonated polymer resins, particularly polymer resins with a sulphonated shell layer, and the preparation thereof. Resins according to the invention are prepared by sulphonating a polymer in a non-swollen state with substantially pure gaseous sulphur trioxide substantially in the shell layer of the polymer particles. The polymer to be sulphonated can be for example a styrene-DVB copolymer. The resins according to the invention can be used for example as chromatographic resins, ion-exchange resins and catalyst resins.

Abstract: A technique of utilizing a sulfuric acid/peroxide liquid mixture, for example, its waste liquid material, is to be developed so that the waste liquid can be re-utilized and effectively applied to obviate the problem resulting from disposal. To this end, there is provided a method for utilizing a sulfuric acid/peroxide liquid mixture, for example, its waste liquid, in which peroxide in the sulfuric acid/peroxide liquid mixture is decomposed to render it possible to utilize the liquid mixture as sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of superabsorbent polymers by alkaline hydrolysis of polyacrylonitrile emulsions is disclosed. In an embodiment of the invention the process comprise preparing a PAN emulsion, subjecting the emulsion to alkaline hydrolysis, neutralizing the hydrolysate followed by drying, granulation and modifying the surface of the granular polymer by crosslinking. The process is characterized in that the isolation of the superabsorbent polymer entails neither alcohols nor organic solvents.

Abstract: The invention provides a photosensitive compound which can be used to prepare a photosensitive resin, and a photosensitive resin obtained from the compound. The compound has a moiety represented by formula (I) or (II): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group; Y is selected from the following formula groups:  wherein each of R2 and R3 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, and l is an integer of 1 to 5; and Ar is selected from the following formula groups:  wherein X represents lithium, sodium, potassium, ammonium, monoalkylammonium, dialkylammonium, trialkylammonium, or tetraalkylammonium.

Abstract: Sulfonated substantially random interpolymers made from monomer components comprise from 1 to 65 mole percent of (a) at least one vinyl or vinylidene aromatic monomer, or (b) at least one hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinylidene monomer, or (c) a combination of at least one vinyl or vinylidene aromatic monomer and at lest one hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinylidene monomer, and from 35 to 99 mole percent of at least one aliphatic &agr;-olefin having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms; and optionally, from 0 to 20 mole percent of a diene containing from 4 to 20 carbon atoms; wherein the sulfonated interpolymer contains at least one mer (or moiety) of a group represented by the formula —SO3−M where M is hydrogen or a group 1, 7 or 12 metal in ionic form or combination thereof. Blends of these polymers with polyamides and polyolefins are made.

Abstract: A process produces a sulfonated solid particle by burning sulfur to yield gaseous sulfur dioxide, subjecting the gaseous sulfur dioxide to catalytic oxidation to yield gaseous sulfur trioxide, and sulfonating a dry powdery or granular solid particle with the gaseous sulfur trioxide in a gas phase-solid phase reaction.

Abstract: A semipermeable membrane that is capable of remaining flexible at a temperature of at least −60° C. is selective to liquid penetrants depending on the size and polarity of the penetrants, and more specifically, the membrane has sufficient selectivity so as to be capable of allowing water to diffuse therethrough at a higher rate than virtually all organic liquids having a molecular weight higher than that of methanol. The semipermeable membrane, which is produced from an unsulfonated block copolymer having polystyrene and polyisobutylene segments, includes a sulfonated block copolymer including poly (styrene-co-styrene sulfonic acid) segments and polyisobutylene segments. Prior to modification by sulfonation, the unsulfonated polystyrene and polyisobutylene block copolymer includes polystyrene monomer in an amount of from 5% to 90% by weight of the total unsulfonated block copolymer.

Abstract: Sulfonated styrene polymer and/or its salt, a waste water treatment material and sludge dehydrating agent each containing the sulfonated styrene polymer and/or its salt as an effective component thereof are disclosed. The waste water treatment material is used such that the sulfonated styrene polymer and/or its salt, which has a viscosity of 10 mPa·S to 20,000 mPa·S at 25° C. after 0.01 N to 5 N of a neutral salt has been added to the 1 wt % water solution of the sulfonated styrene polymer and/or its salt, is added to each waste water so that waste water is purified. When a sludge dehydrating agent is required, the sulfonated styrene polymer and/or its salt having a weight average molecular weight of 1,100,000 or greater is combined with a cation polymer flocculating agent or an inorganic flocculating agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are sulfonated aromatic perfluorocyclobutane polymers meeting a condition selected from: a) the equivalent weight of the polymer is 5000 or less, and b) the proton conductivity of the polymer at 25° C. is 0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-step method of making soft, high refractive index, acrylic ophthalmic device materials. In the first step, a copolymer containing pendant oxirane groups is formed by copolymerizing one or more aryl acrylic hydrophobic monomers with one or more compounds of the formula wherein X is H or CH3; and n is 1-4. In the second step, the copolymer containing pendant oxirane groups formed in the first step is reacted with a compound of the formula W—T—H wherein W is H, CH3(CH2)a, or Z(OCH2CH2)b; a is 0-3; b is 1-5; Z is H, or CH3(CH2)p; p is 0-3; and T is O, NH, S; provided that if T≠O, then W≠H.

Abstract: The invention includes a process of preparing a coupled polymer comprising heating an admixture containing (1) at least one polyolefin comprising ethylene and optionally at least one comonomer which is selected from alpha olefins having at least 3 carbon atoms, dienes and combinations thereof said polyolefin having a molecular weight distribution of less than or equal to about 3 and (2) a coupling amount at least one poly(sulfonyl azide) to at least the decomposition temperature of the poly(sulfonyl azide) for a period sufficient for decomposition of at least about 80 weight percent of the poly(sulfonyl azide) and sufficient to result in a coupled polymer; particularly where the polyolefin is the product of polymerization of ethylene and optionally at least one other alpha-olefin in the presence of a single site catalyst (transition metal like Va or Cr, metallocene or constrained geometry). The amount of poly(sulfonyl azide) is preferably from about 0.01 to about 5 weight percent of the polyolefin.

Abstract: Provided is a method of preconditioning a resin useful for removal of organic impurities from a hydrogen peroxide solution. The method involves the steps of (a) rinsing the resin with deionized water; (b) contacting the resin with an acid solution; and (c) rinsing the acid treated resin with deionized water. Also provided is a resin preconditioned in accordance with the method, and a method of removing organic impurities from a hydrogen peroxide solution using the preconditioned resin. The invention has particular applicability to the removal of total organic carbon (TOC) impurities from a hydrogen peroxide solution which can be used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process of preparing a coupled polymer comprising heating an admixture containing (1) at least one elastomer comprising ethylene and at least one comonomer which is selected from alpha olefins having at least 3 carbon atoms, dienes and combinations thereof and (2) a coupling amount at least one poly(sulfonyl azide) to at least the decomposition temperature of the poly(sulfonyl azide) for a period sufficient for decomposition of at least 80 weight percent of the poly(sulfonyl azide) and sufficient to result in a coupled polymer having a gel content of less than 2 weight percent. The invention includes compositions comprising the reaction product formed by the inventive process. The invention additionally includes articles which comprise a composition of the invention particularly when the article is formed from a melt of the composition.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer materials having improved dyeability with water-based dyes are prepared by treating a hydrophobic polymer with aglow discharge plasma generated from working gases selected from SO2, O2, N2, He, H2, CO2, CF4, NO, N2O, 2-Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate (HPMA), air or combinations thereof, in which a treated material comprises a hydrophobic inner core and a hydrophilic outer sheath having polar functional groups. A method of treating hydrophobic polymer materials using a glow discharge plasma, preferably at high pressure (e.g., about 50 Torr or greater), thereby modifying the active surface characteristics of the polymer to contain polar functional groups is also presented.

Abstract: A method of crosslinking polystyrene polymers and co-polymers for the formation of macroreticular materials of an Mc 30,000 to 50,000 is described. The materials forming an insoluble gel which is shaped in an extruder to 3 to 5 cm pieces and is subject to sulphonation with dense sulphuric acid, with oleum sulphuric acid with sulphur trioxide and with chlorosulphonic acid, and the introduction of sulphonic groups to a high density and with the introduction of nitric group and with the introduction of carboxylic group with the copolymer styrene-acrylonitrile.

Abstract: The invention relates to sulfonated bead polymers prepared from styrene, vinylpyridines, further monomers, and crosslinkers, to a process for preparing them, and to their use as cation exchangers.

Abstract: A process is described for reducing the residual monomer content in a liquid solution, mixture, melt, suspension or dispersion of a polymer by postpolymerization with addition of a redox initiator system at a reaction temperature appropriate to it and with an extremely short mixing time of the liquid system in the production reactor by metering—gradually, in portions or continuously—at least one of the redox initiator components required to initiate polymerization of the residual monomers over a period (metering time) which is from about 10 to 250 times the mixing time of the liquid system in said reactor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gel-free process for making functionalized polymers. When multi-alkali metal initiators are used to make these polymers anionically, the process comprises anionically polymerizing at least one monomer with a multi-alkali metal initiator in a hydrocarbon solvent, capping the polymer by adding to the polymer a capping agent that reacts with the ends of the polymer chains such that strongly associating chain ends are formed wherein a strongly associating gel is formed, and, finally, adding a trialkyl aluminum compound to the gel. The important characteristic of the capping agent herein is that it will cap the living polymer and will add a functional group to the polymer chain end which will be strongly associating in the hydrocarbon solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to organic anti-reflective coating polymers and preparation methods therefor. Anti-reflective coatings are used in a semiconductor device during photolithography processes to prevent the reflection of light from lower layers of the device, or resulting from changes in the thickness of the photoresist layer, and to eliminate the standing wave effect when ArF light is used. The present invention also relates to anti-reflective compositions and coatings containing these organic anti-reflective coating polymers, alone or in combination with certain light-absorbing compounds, and preparation methods therefor.

Abstract: Methods are provided to make acid functional fluoropolymers by: a) dehydrofluorinating a starting fluoropolymer with a dehydrofluorinating agent to form an unsaturated fluoropolymer; b) adding an acidifiable nucleophilic functionalizing agent to a double bond of the unsaturated fluoropolymer; and c) acidifying the added acidifiable function. Acid functional fluoropolymers and ion conducting membranes thereof are also provided, including acid functional fluoropolymer having pendent groups according to the formula: —X—Ar—An, wherein X is selected from O, S or NR, where R is selected from H and C1-C30 alkyl or aryl, which are optionally substituted, wherein Ar is a C6-C30 aromatic group, which is optionally substituted, wherein A is an acidic function or salt thereof, wherein a can be independently chosen to be 1, 2 or 3.

Abstract: Described are non-swelling, crosslinked, bead forms of ampholytic base polymers that can be utilized in the chromatographic-type separation of acids from other compounds. Preferred polymers are prepared by modifying a poly-2 or poly-4-vinylpyridine resin crosslinked with divinylbenzene.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polyelectrolyte having the step of sulfonating polystyrene resin in a state where the polystyrene resin has been dissolved or dispersed in solvent composed of alicyclic compounds.

Abstract: A process for preparing an aqueous emulsion polymer including providing at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a free radical redox initiator system under emulsion polymerization conditions, the redox initiator system including a water-soluble oxidizing agent, a water-insoluble oxidizing agent, and a sulfinic acid, or salts thereof, reducing agent; and effecting the polymerization of at least some of the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is provided. Also provided is a process for reducing the residual ethylenically unsaturated monomer content of an aqueous emulsion polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to golf equipment, such as golf shoes, golf clubs, golf gloves, or portions thereof, formed from compositions comprising a sulfonated, carboxylated, or phosphonated acid moieties, or a mixture thereof. The preferred ionomer composition comprises sulfonated thermoplastic elastomers, sulfonated thermoplastic polymers, sulfonated thermoset polymers, and mixtures thereof. The compositions include a blend of about 1 weight % to about 99 weight % of at least one sulfonated, carboxylated, or phosphonated ionomer and about 99 weight % to about 1 weight % of at least co-component polymer. The co-component polymer may be a conventional ionomer, a thermoplastic, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoset polymer, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process of preparing a coupled polymer comprising heating an admixture containing (1) at least one elastomer comprising ethylene and at least one comonomer which is selected from alpha olefins having at least 3 carbon atoms, dienes and combinations thereof and (2) a coupling amount at least one poly(sulfonyl azide) to at least the decomposition temperature of the poly(sulfonyl azide) for a period sufficient for decomposition of at least about 80 weight percent of the poly(sulfonyl azide) and sufficient to result in a coupled polymer having a gel content of less than about 2 weight percent.