Abstract: An olefin thermoplastic elastomer containing an olefin random copolymer formed by copolymerizing ethylene, an &agr;-olefin having 3 to 10 carbon atoms and an unsaturated monomer having a functional group, and optionally a non-conjugated diene, and metal ions crosslinking the olefin random copolymer, has the same or similar rubber elasticity, flexibility and molding and processability as the conventional olefin thermoplastic elastomers, and has good mechanical properties, wear resistance, in particular scratch resistance.

Abstract: This invention concerns ionomers comprising monomer units of vinylidene fluoride and monomer units of perfluorovinyl ethers having pendant groups containing fluoroalkyl sulfonyl methide or fluoroalkyl sulfonyl imide derivatives and univalent metal salts thereof, and with the uses of said ionomers in eledrochemical applications, electrochemical capacitors and modified electrodes.

Abstract: Perfluoroelastomers, curable by peroxidic route, obtainable by polymerizing the following monomers: a) tetrafluoroethylene (TFE); b) fluorovinylethers of general formula: CFX═CXOCF2OR  (I) c) bis-olefins having general formula: RI1RI2C═CRI3—Z—CRI4═CRI5RI6  (IA) d) optionally, one or more fluorinated olefinic comonomers selected from C2-C8 perfluoroolefins, perfluoroalkylvinylethers (PAVE) CF2═CFOR2f, perfluoro-oxyalkylvinylethers CF2═CFOXa, said perfluoroelastomers comprising iodine and/or bromine atoms in the chain and/or in end position, said halogen atoms deriving from “cure site” comonomers and/or from chain transfer agents used in polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of making a multiblock copolymer containing two or more types of sequences of derivatives of acrylic acid with at least one derivative being acrylic acid salt and at least one being acrylamide. The method includes: (e) in sequence, a first step being a catalytic reaction of nitrile groups in polyacrylonitrile dissolved in an inorganic aqueous solvent of polyacrylonitrile; and, (f) at least one subsequent step being at least one catalytic reaction of nitrile groups in absence of polyacrylonitrile solvents. The present invention also pertains to the products resulting from the method.

Abstract: A process for producing a superabsorbent polymer is described. The process that entails a continuous hydrolysis of an aqueous emulsion of crosslinked or uncrosslinked polyacrylonitrile in the form of fine particles is carried out in a cascade of stirred tanks. The reaction with alkali-hydroxide solution an aqueous-alcoholic medium at 60 to 100° C. yields polymers that are suitable for the preparation of hygiene products, water-storing materials in agriculture, and sheathing of electrical cables.

Abstract: Process for producing polyolefins, comprising the following steps: a) grafting of acid groups onto polyolefins by means of a graftable monomer bearing at least one functional group chosen from a carbonyl and an acid anhydride, optionally in the presence of another graftable monomer bearing a vinyl unsaturated group and, optionally, one or more aromatic rings; b) purification, consisting in removing at least some of the graftable monomer bearing at least one functional group chosen from a carbonyl and an acid anhydride that has not reacted with the polyolefins; c) neutralization of the acid groups by at least one neutralizing agent. Polyolefin obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a powdered water-soluble polymer comprising hydrolyzing a copolymer comprising an N-vinylamide unit and a vinyl acetate unit while dispersed in water under a basic condition and then washing the resulting powdered water-soluble polymer with at least one washing liquid selected from an alcohol, water at 20° C. or lower, and salt water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to neutralized copolymer resins having at least two different metals with one of the metals being zinc. These mixed metal resins are transformed into particulate or powder form for application to metal objects. The powder composition has a good balance of properties including all the advantages associated with neutralized ethylene acid copolymers while also having good powder coating behavior for coatings applied to metal objects. The invention also relates to coated metal objects containing the powder composition and metal.

Abstract: A process for the elimination of formamide from polymers containing N-vinylformamide units involves treating formamide-containing polymers with from 1 to 2 mol-equivalents of an acid or a base, based on 1 mol-equivalent of formamide, under reaction conditions such that the N-vinylformamide units in the polymer undergo virtually no hydrolysis.

Abstract: A multi-functional cement dispersant contains a graft copolymer obtained by a graft reaction of one or more selected from polyoxyalkylene monoalkylester, polyoxyalkylene monoalkylether and polypropyleneglycol of specified kinds to a copolymer obtained by radical polymerization of a mixture of radical polymerizable monomers containing maleic anhydride and monomers of a specified kind at a specified ratio. Hydraulic cement compositions produced with such a multi-functional cement dispersant have a superior fluidity with reduced loss over time and hardened objects produced from such a composition exhibit a superior early strength and have a low dry shrinkage and a high resistance against freezing and thawing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of superabsorbent polymers based on fine-particled non-crosslinked and/or crosslinked aqueous polyacrylonitrile emulsions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the synthesis and purification of hydroxyl-end group functionalized, linear, non-crosslinked polyolefins without pendant chain branched groups, and specifically to hydroxyl-end group functionalized polybutadienes. The process comprises polymerizing a cyclic olefin monomer with a chain transfer agent in the presence of a suitable catalyst, thereby forming a protected end-group functionalized polyolefin, followed by adding a mixture comprising water and caustic to the protected end-group functionalized polyolefin to remove the protecting groups, thus forming a hydroxyl end-group functionalized, linear, non-crosslinked polyolefin without pendant chain branched groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a copolymer resin for a photoresist used in far ultraviolet ray such as KrF or ArF, process for preparation thereof, and photoresist comprising the same resin. The copolymer resin according to the present invention is easily prepared by conventional radical polymerization due to the introduction of mono-methyl cis-5-norbonen-endo-2,3-dicarboxylate unit to a structure of norbornene-maleic anhydride copolymer for photoresist. The resin has high transparency at 193 nm wavelength, provides increased etching resistance and settles the problem of offensive odor occurred in the course of copolymer resin synthesis. Further, as the resin composition can be easily controlled due to the molecular structure, the resin can be manufactured in a large scale.

Abstract: Novel solid supported anionic polymerization initiators that are multiply metalated with Group IA alkali metal atoms are provided and employed to produce extremely high molecular weight branched diene polymers. The initiators are prepared by metalating a particle comprising a thermoplastic polymer or a cured elastomer in the presence of a polar coordinator. The polymers obtained by anionic polymerization employing the initiators are multiply branched, with a polymer chain covalently attached to the particle at virtually every metalation site. The macro-branched polymers 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 that have excellent resistance to wear and tear and exhibit reduced hysteresis properties.

Abstract: A pigment dispersant, for instance for incorporation in an emulsion paint containing non-reactive or reactive pigment, is a water-soluble copolymer of monomer units derived from two or more monomers of the formula CH2═CR1—COOR2 wherein R1 is methyl in 75 to 85 mol % of the monomer units and is hydrogen in the remainder, and R2 is hydrogen or a cation in 75 to 85 mol % of the monomer units and is C1-8 alkyl in the remainder of the monomer units and wherein at least 80% of the R2 alkyl groups are butyl groups.

Abstract: A carboxyl group-containing fluorine copolymer is produced safely at a low cost by treating a vinylidene fluoride copolymer with a base and a peroxide, preferably in the presence of a phase-transfer catalyst such as a quaternary ammonium salt or a quaternary phosphonium salt.

Abstract: Aqueous laminating construction adhesive compositions incorporating a one-part adhesive copolymer, the copolymer being a vinyl ester/acrylic copolymer containing from about 0.1% to about 20%, by weight based on copolymer weight, of a copolymerized polar monomer, the copolymer having a Tg from about 10° C. to about −35 C. are provided which exhibit a good balance of high temperature and ambient temperature adhesion performance in a one-part adhesive composition.

Abstract: Elastomeric vinylidene fluoride-containing copolymers are cured by a sequential process. In a first step, gum fluoroelastomer is mixed at a temperature of 150° C.-250° C. in the presence of an organic base and metal oxide or metal hydroxide to generate an unsaturated product. The unsaturated product is mixed with a polyhydroxy compound, polyamine, or organic peroxide and the resultant compounded fluoroelastomer is crosslinked.

Abstract: Super-absorbent polymer in the form of pre-formed spherical particles obtainable by alkaline hydrolysis of aqueous emulsions of crosslinked and/or un-crosslinked homopolymers and/or copolymers of acrylonitrile in water/alcohol mixtures and the use of the polymer in hygiene products, as a water-storing material in agriculture and for the sheathing of electrical cables.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thermally stable brominated polystyrene composition which contains alkali metal base (e.g., NaOH) in an amount less than about 1 wt % such that if the flame retardant is dissolved in bromochloromethane and the resultant solution is extracted with water, the resultant water extract exhibits a pH of at least about 9.0. A preferred composition of this type even when heated to 315.degree. C. for one hour did not undergo darkening--the color remained tan. Comparative samples not containing the base turned black under these same conditions. Especially useful compositions additionally have less than 500 ppm, and better still, less than 100 ppm total Cl, and at least about 67 wt % bromine. Processes for producing the compositions are also described.

Abstract: A polymer comprising an anionic group (e.g. an acid anhydride group, a carboxyl group) and a hydro-philic segment (e.g. a polyoxyalkylene ether unit) is used as a cement retarder. The polymer is obtainable by copolymerization of a monomer including maleic anhydride with a monomer including a vinylalkyl ether-series monomer in which an alkylene oxide is added to allyl alcohol. The polymer may be a copolymer copolymerized with other monomers such as styrene. Use of this cement retarder can provide patterns or washing-finished face on the surface of a concrete product. The cement retarder is suitable for application for a cement retardative sheet.

Abstract: Elastomeric vinylidene fluoride-containing copolymers are cured by a sequential process. In a first step, gum fluoroelastomer is mixed at a temperature of 150.degree. C.-250.degree. C. in the presence of an organic base and metal oxide or metal hydroxide to generate an unsaturated product. The unsaturated product is mixed with a polyhydroxy compound, polyamine, or organic peroxide and the resultant compounded fluoroelastomer is crosslinked.

Abstract: An anti-static resinous composition with permanent anti-static property is provided. The anti-static resinous composition comprises from 5 to 50 percent by weight of hydrophilic copolymer and from 50 to 95 percent by weight of thermoplastic. The hydrophilic copolymer is formed by self-emulsion polymerization. The monomer mixture used in the reaction comprises from 10 to 70 percent by weight of vinyl or propenyl macromonomer containing a polyethylene oxide chain and from 30 to 90 percent by weight of ordinary vinyl monomer. The thermoplastic is compatible with the hydrophilic copolymer. The resultant resinous composition has permanent anti-static properties.

Abstract: A polymer includes an ethylene-containing backbone having substituents attached thereto, wherein the substituents include a urethane linked nitrogen-bonded hydrocarbon side chain having about 5 carbon atoms or more in length and a terminal methyl group; and an oxygen linked water solubilizing group. The polymer is particularly useful in a release coating composition and is suitable for forming films from aqueous dispersions thereof, organic solvent dispersions thereof, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming polymer beads comprising forming an aqueous solution comprising a cross-linkable water soluble polymer and a water-soluble crosslinking agent, adding said solution with mixing to a thixotropic oil gel comprising an oil in which said polymer is insoluble and a silica or silicate, continuing said mixing for a time sufficient and under conditions sufficient to form a water-in-oil dispersion having individual water/polymer droplets dispersed in said thixotropic oil gel, stopping mixing, and when the droplets are in the form of solid beads recovering the beads from the thixotropic oil gel.

Abstract: An improved polyacrylate thickener and a method for making same are provided. The polyacrylate thickener is made using a monomer blend containing ethyl acrylate. In one embodiment the ethyl acrylate is polymerized and then hydrolyzed using a metal hydroxide. The resulting thickener contains unhydrolyzed polyacrylates, metal polyacrylates and ethanol. The final product, which is nontoxic and nonhazardous, can then be added to other compositions, such as textile coatings, as a viscosity enhancer.

Abstract: A process for forming a golf ball cover composition, which process comprises: a) forming a polymer comprising (1) a first monomeric component comprising an olefinic monomer having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; (2) a second monomeric component comprising an unsaturated carboxylic acid based acrylate class ester having from 4 to 22 carbon atoms; and (3) an optional third monomeric component comprising at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, an anhydride monomer, an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, an olefin having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and a vinyl ester or vinyl ether of an alkyl acid having from 4 to 21 carbon atoms; b) applying a sufficient amount of heat to the polymer to convert it to a substantially molten state; c) adding an inorganic metal base to the molten polymer to form a mixture; and d) saponifying the mixture to form a polymer salt particularly adapted for forming improved golf ball covers.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyacetal copolymer, which is extremely heat-stable and is extremely reduced in the quantity of unstable terminals even in a high polymerization yield in which trioxane as the principal monomer, comprises copolymerization of trioxane as the principal monomer with a cyclic ether or cyclic formal having at least one carbon-to-carbon bond as the comonomer by using a specific heteropoly-acid or acid salt thereof as a polymerization catalyst until the content of the remaining monomers is lowered to at most 10% by weight based on all the monomers fed, adding 0.01 to 10% by weight, based on the resulting crude polymer, of a solution containing a catalyst deactivator, or contacting a basic gas as the deactivator to deactivate the catalyst, and subjecting the crude polymer as such to heat melting treatment without washing thereof.

Abstract: A process for the production of an ionomers containing ethylenically-unsaturated structural units comprising contacting:(a) a terpolymer containing structural units produced from (i) at least one .alpha.-olefin having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; (ii) at least one ester of alpha, beta-ethylenically-unsaturated carboxylic acids; and (iii) at least one carboxylic acid with;(b) an inorganic metal-containing base under conditions effective to convert at least a portion of acid functionalities to inorganic metal salts thereof.

Abstract: A catalytic process for the hydrolysis of alkyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymers, involving a base catalyst.

Abstract: An aqueous chromium-free coating preparation for the protection of a metal substrate against corrosion and attack by moisture comprises an acrylic acid or derivative thereof as binder and also a crosslinking system which comprises at least one hydroxide of a divalent metal ion and an amine compound. The acrylic acid:crosslinking system ratio is generally 1.5-4:2-4. The crosslinking system may comprise other monofunctional or polyfunctional compounds. Various constituents of the crosslinking system can be interchanged within certain margins.

Abstract: Processes for the isolation of a telechelic isobutylene polymer in a non-aqueous system to prevent the generation of waste water having a solvent dissolved therein and processes for the preparation of a telechelic isobutylene polymer having more advantageous unsaturated groups. A process for the isolation of an isobutylene polymer includes a cationic polymerization reaction in a non-aqueous system in the presence of a catalyst MX.sub.n wherein M represents a metallic atom and X may be the same or different and represents a halogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group. The process comprises conducting the cationic polymerization reaction, conducting a ligand exchange reaction of said catalyst, and then removing a component containing M.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of superabsorbent polymers, characterised in that aqueous emulsions of uncross-linked and cross-linked polyacrylonitrile homopolymers and/or copolymers, the polyacrylonitrile concentrations in the reaction mixture being from 10 to 45 w.t. %, are hydrolysed with aqueous alkali hydroxide solutions at 50.degree. to 100.degree. C. in a continuously operating reactor suitable for carrying out highly viscous reactions, and that from the highly viscous gels formed the products in the form of superabsorbent powders are continuously precipitated by means of continuous precipitation using low-boiling monoalcohols, and the use thereof in sanitary articles, as water-storing materials in agriculture or for sheathing electrical cables.

Abstract: An improved polyacrylate thickener and a method for making same are provided. The polyacrylate thickener is made using a monomer blend containing ethyl acrylate. In one embodiment the ethyl acrylate is polymerized and then hydrolyzed using a metal hydroxide. The resulting thickener contains unhydrolyzed polyacrylates, metal polyacrylates and ethanol. The final product, which is nontoxic and nonhazardous, can then be added to other compositions, such as textile coatings, as a viscosity enhancer.

Abstract: Rigid-rod macromonomers, and methods for preparing such macromonomers, having a polyaromatic backbone, solubilizing side groups, and reactive end groups are provided. The macromonomers are chemically incorporated into polymer systems to provide stronger, stiffened polymers.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymers based on partly hydrolysed homopolymers and/or copolymers of acrylonitrile which are cross-linked through the incorporation of polyfunctional monomers, wherein 30 to 80 mol-% of the nitrile groups are converted into carboxylate groups, 20 to 70 mol-% of the nitrile groups are converted into carbonamide groups and 0 mol-% to 20 mol-% of the nitrile groups are unchanged, and the said cross-linked polymers possess a swelling capacity of 700 g/g in water and of up to 60 g/g in physiological saline and a gel strength of from 20 g to 100 g, their preparation and their use.

Abstract: Crosslinked, nitrogen-containing vinyl copolymers having units of the formula I ##STR1## and physiologically tolerated salts thereof, in which, in formula I, A1, A2, R, w, x, y and z have the meanings given, a process for their preparation and the use of the compounds as medicaments, active compound carriers and foodstuff auxiliaries are described.

Abstract: A uniquely treated bead of ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) capable of forming a high solids aqueous dispersion in excess of 38% solids wherein the EAA may be prepared by either batch or continuous processes wherein the EAA is substantially fully reacted with ammonia, sodium or potassium in little or substantial absence of water, followed by a separate aqueous dispersion step, resulting in a unique and quick-drying dispersion material highly useful in coating, adhesive, laminating, ink and similar processes, and wherein operating expense and environmental concerns are at a minimum as a consequence thereof.The treated EAA may be prepared in a substantially dry to merely moist state for incorporation into an aqueous dispersion with high percentages of EAA having either higher or lower molecular weight with low viscosities as compared to heretofore.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved process for preparing a polybutene amine composition comprising the steps of reacting a chlorinated polybutene with an excess of at least one mole of at least one type of an amine compound per mole of the chlorinated polybutene at a reaction temperature of at least about 100.degree. C.; neutralizing the reaction mixture with calcium oxide; and recovering the polybutene amine composition, the recovery process including the steps of removing the formed water and the neutralized and excess of the amine compound and removing inorganic solids using a non-aqueous separation technique such as filtration. During the neutralization step, water formation is kept to a minimum and no water is intentionally added to the process thereby minimizing resultant waste streams and/or undesirable by-products.

Abstract: Ionomer compositions which have improved optical properties are disclosed. These compositions comprise ionomers which can be represented as the polymerization product of alpha-olefins having from two to eight carbon atoms, esters of alpha, beta-ethylenically-unsaturated carboxylic acids, metal salts of acrylic and methacrylic acid, and optional alpha, beta-ethylenically-unsaturated comonomers which impart some desired polymer property or properties, such as acidity and/or solvent resistivity. Also disclosed are methods of making these ionomer compositions in a reactive extruder and treating the compositions with acid to impart acidity to the compositions or to only the surface of the compositions.

Abstract: Dispersions of polyacrylamide particles are formed and treated with a caustic material to hydrolyze the polymer to form anionic acrylamide polymers. A preferred technique for forming these products comprises the formation of a stabilized water-in-oil emulsion of aqueous acrylamide monomer, polymerizing the monomer, reacting the polymer emulsion thus formed with a hydrolysis agent and inverting the resultant hydrolyzed polymers into solution.

Abstract: Ionomer compositions which have improved optical properties are disclosed. These compositions comprise ionomers which can be represented as the polymerization product of alpha-olefins having from two to eight carbon atoms, esters of alpha, beta-ethylenically-unsaturated carboxylic acids, metal salts of acrylic and methacrylic acid, and optional alpha, beta-ethylenically-unsaturated comonomers which impart some desired polymer property or properties, such as acidity and/or solvent resistivity. Also disclosed are methods of making these ionomer compositions in a reactive extruder and treating the compositions with acid to impart acidity to the compositions or to only the surface of the compositions.

Abstract: A process for the production of super-absorbent polymers with a swelling capacity in water-containing liquids of up to 1,000 g/g in which aqueous emulsions of particularly high molecular weight polymers of acrylonitrile are partly hydrolyzed by reaction with aqueous solutions of alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal hydroxides, the polymers are precipitated in powder form by addition of water-miscible organic solvents, separated off, dried and then optionally heated for a short time. The super-absorbent polymers are used as water-storing materials, for example in sanitary articles, in agriculture or in the sheathing of electrical cables.

Abstract: Ionomer compositions which have improved optical properties are disclosed. These compositions comprise ionomers which can be represented as the polymerization product of alpha-olefins having from two to eight carbon atoms, esters of alpha, beta-ethylenically-unsaturated carboxylic acids, metal salts of acrylic and methacrylic acid, and optional alpha, beta-ethylenically-unsaturated comonomers which impart some desired polymer property or properties, such as acidity and/or solvent resistivity. Also disclosed are methods of making these ionomer compositions in a reactive extruder and treating the compositions with acid to impart acidity to the compositions or to only the surface of the compositions.

Abstract: A membrane and electrode structure is formed by surface hydrolyzing an ion exchange membrane and then applying electrode ink of catalytically active particles on the surface of the membrane. The membrane and electrode structure of the present invention is particularly useful in fuel cells and batteries. The inventive process prevents the membrane from swelling or distorting following application of the electrode ink and also improves adhesion between the electrode ink layer and the surface of the membrane.

Abstract: A process for the concurrent epoxidation of, and catalyst residue extraction from, anionically polymerized diene-containing polymers which have been hydrogenated using a Group VIII metal catalyst, said process comprising:(a) introducing a catalyst residue-containing diene-containing polymer cement into a reactor,(b) heating the polymer cement to a temperature of 25.degree. to 65.degree. C.,(c) contacting the polymer cement with a caustic solution,(d) contacting the polymer cement with a peracid solution,(e) mixing the polymer, caustic, and acid at 25.degree. to 65.degree. C. for 1/2 to 3 hours,(f) optionally adding sufficient caustic solution to neutralize excess acid while continuing the mixing,(g) adding sufficient water such that the aqueous/organic phase weight ratio is from 0.

Abstract: A process for preparing a coating composition characterized in that the process comprises the step of reacting 0.05 to 0.9 chemical equivalents of a calcium compound based on an acid value of a polymer with a polymer emulsion containing the polymer having the acid value of 20 to 200 prepared by a polymerization of unsaturated ethylenic monomers is provided. Calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate and the like may be used as the calcium compound, and the reaction of the calcium compound with the polymer may be carried out after the pH of the emulsion is adjusted within a range of from 4.5 to 9 by adding a base. The coating compositions of the present invention are stable for long period of time and free from environmental pollution since they contain no heavy metal. They are characterized to not generate uncomfortable odor of ammonia during application and drying-up since no metal complex is used.

Abstract: Dispersions of finely divided high molecular weight polyacrylamide particles are formed and treated with a caustic material to hydrolyze the polymer without undesirable side chain reactions to form high molecular weight anionic acrylamide polymers. A preferred technique for forming these products comprises the formation of a stabilized water-in-oil emulsion of aqueous acrylamide monomer, polymerizing the monomer, reacting the polymer emulsion thus formed with a hydrolysis agent and inverting the resultant hydrolyzed polymers into solution. These materials are useful in a variety of industrial applications for removing particulates from effluent streams.

Abstract: A novel denture adhesive composition contains an adhesive mixture comprising sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and, either a partially neutralized sodium, magnesium, zinc mixed salt or a partially neutralized magnesium, zinc mixed salt of an alkyl vinyl ether maleic acid copolymer.

Abstract: Emulsifier-free synthetic resins and mixtures of synthetic resins with water are used as binders for water-borne printing inks and printing varnishes. The resins contain: (a) a polymer resin A containing acid groups which may have been neutralized or partially neutralized and can be prepared by in-situ polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated compounds containing acid groups with further ethylenically unsaturated compounds and condensation with monohydroxy compounds and, if desired, neutralization or partial neutralization, and (b) if desired, a water-insoluble polymer resin B in the form of latex particles which can be prepared by emulsion polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated compounds in the presence of the polymer resin A.