Abstract: Process for reducing thermally induced discoloration of fluoropolymer resin produced by polymerizing fluoromonomer in an aqueous dispersion medium to form aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion and isolating the fluoropolymer from the aqueous medium by separating fluoropolymer resin in wet form from the aqueous medium and drying to produce fluoropolymer resin in dry form. The process comprises: exposing the fluoropolymer resin in wet or dry form to oxidizing agent.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for oxygen-tailoring polyethylene, particularly polyethylenes suitable for wire and cable applications. One process includes conveying a first polyethylene having a melt index ?5.0 and an MWD ?5.0 through mixing or extrusion apparatus having a feed zone, a melt-mixing zone downstream of the feed zone, and a melt zone downstream of the melt-mixing zone, wherein the temperature of the first polyethylene in the melt zone ranges from about 180° C. to about 300° C.; and contacting the first polyethylene with an amount of an oxygen-containing gas having at least about 20.0 parts by weight oxygen per million per parts by weight of the first polyethylene (ppm (wt) O2). Polyethylene compositions having improved properties, particularly for wire and cable applications are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to resin pellets which comprises a thermoplastic resin (A) and an oxidation catalyst (B) which is not supported by any carrier, wherein if the peak area in the vicinity of 1715 cm?1 is defined to be Ic and the peak area observed in the vicinity of 1470 cm?1 is defined to be Im in the IR spectroscopic measurement of the pellets, the ratio: Ic/Im observed for the surface of the pellet is greater than that observed for the interior thereof. The pellets are thermoplastic resin pellets excellent in the oxygen-absorbing capacity and accordingly, they can suitably used as pellets for molding an oxygen absorptive resin article.

Abstract: A plasma treatment method that includes providing treatment chamber including an intermediate heating volume and an interior treatment volume. The interior treatment volume contains an electrode assembly for generating a plasma and the intermediate heating volume heats the interior treatment volume. A work piece is traversed through the treatment chamber. A process gas is introduced to the interior treatment volume of the treatment chamber. A plasma is formed with the electrode assembly from the process gas, wherein a reactive species of the plasma is accelerated towards the fiber tow by flow vortices produced in the interior treatment volume by the electrode assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a treatment method for fluororesin pellets to remove hydrofluoric acid released from fluororesin pellets obtained by melt-molding a melt-moldable fluororesin. The treatment method comprises bringing a hydrofluoric acid-removing medium selected from warm water of from 30 to 200° C., steam of from 100 to 200° C. and warm wind of from 40 to 200° C. into contact with fluororesin pellets obtained by melt-molding a melt-moldable fluororesin, and thereby treating the fluororesin pellets so that the amount of hydrofluoric acid released per kg of the resulting fluororesin pellets would be at most 5 ?g as determined after the storage of the resulting fluororesin pellets at 35° C. for 15 days.

Abstract: Process for reducing thermally induced discoloration of melt-processible fluoropolymer resin produced by polymerizing fluoromonomer in an aqueous medium to form aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion and isolating said fluoropolymer from said aqueous medium to obtain said fluoropolymer resin. The process comprises: melt extruding said fluoropolymer resin to produce molten fluoropolymer resin; and exposing said molten fluoropolymer resin to an oxygen source during said melt extruding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified diene rubber which can be produced economically and improve low-loss properties and wear resistance of a rubber composition made therefrom, as compared with the conventional modified diene rubber. The present invention further provides: a method of producing the modified diene rubber; a rubber composition using the modified diene rubber; and a tire using the rubber composition. Specifically, the present invention provides: a modified diene rubber, produced by first oxidizing diene rubber latex and then adding a polar group-including hydrazide compound to a terminal end of a molecular chain of the diene rubber; a rubber composition, comprising the modified diene rubber; and a tire, comprising a tire member made of the rubber composition.

Abstract: Catalytic partial oxidation using a metal oxide catalyst surface treats crumb rubber that is recovered from waste rubber tires. Advantages of using catalytically oxidized crumb rubber relative to using non-catalytically oxidized crumb rubber in making the rubberized concrete, includes superior mechanical strength and water-repealing capability, lower oxidation temperature and shorter oxidation time, and accelerated hydration times. Rubber oil (a gas condensate) co-produced from the crumb rubber partial oxidation process is equal to or better than the commercial superplasticizers. Industrial scale partial oxidation employs a continuous flow tubular reactor where a crumb rubber/catalyst mixture is fed into the reactor co-currently with an air/nitrogen mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for extending a shelf life of vinyl ester resin or unsaturated polyester resin during transportation or general storage. The method includes the step of enhancing an oxygen content of the vinyl ester resin or the unsaturated polyester resin, such that the self-polymerization reaction of reactive functional groups having carbon-carbon unsaturated double bonds of the vinyl ester resin or the unsaturated polyester resin can be minimized, so as to slow down occurrence of a gelation phenomenon of the vinyl ester resin or the unsaturated polyester resin in a long-time transportation or storage, and further to decrease a monetary loss.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for extending a shelf life of vinyl ester resin or unsaturated polyester resin during transportation or general storage. The method includes the step of enhancing an oxygen content of the vinyl ester resin or the unsaturated polyester resin, such that the self-polymerization reaction of reactive functional groups having carbon-carbon unsaturated double bonds of the vinyl ester resin or the unsaturated polyester resin can be minimized, so as to slow down occurrence of a gelation phenomenon of the vinyl ester resin or the unsaturated polyester resin in a long-time transportation or storage, and further to decrease a monetary loss.

Abstract: Polyethylene modified by using radical initiators such as oxygen and peroxides sometimes has a yellow color which may be reduced or eliminated by incorporating additives such as polyethylene glycol, and/or neutralizing species such as alkali metal stearates, particularly calcium stearate, and zinc oxide.

Abstract: A method of modifying polyethylene is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the polyethylene powder with ozone. The modified polyethylene exhibits an increase in melt elasticity and the complex viscosity at low shear rates. The rheological benefits are achieved without a significant reduction in the weight average molecular weight of the polyethylene. The modified polyethylene can be used in applications that require higher melt strength such as film or blow molding.

Abstract: The present invention has its object to provide a process for producing a vinyl polymer which can provide a vinyl polymer in such form that a polymerization catalyst is effectively removed from that. The present invention relates to a process for producing a vinyl polymer wherein a vinyl polymer at the time of completion of the polymerization is treated with oxygen in the presence of a polar solvent. More preferably, the present invention relates to a process for bringing a polymer added with a polar solvent having a relative dielectric constant at 20° C. of not lower than 10 into contact with mixed gases of oxygen and an inert gas such as nitrogen with an oxygen concentration below the explosion limit oxygen concentration of this solvent as in the state of occurrence as a pure component.

Abstract: Polyethylene modified by using radical initiators such as oxygen and peroxides sometimes has a yellow color which may be reduced or eliminated by incorporating additives such as polyethylene glycol, and/or neutralizing species such as alkali metal stearates, particularly calcium stearate, and zinc oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing carboxyl-terminated polyisobutenes by ozonolysis of polyisobutenes terminated by an ethylenically unsaturated double bond.

Abstract: A method of modifying polyethylene is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the polyethylene powder with ozone. The modified polyethylene exhibits an increase in melt elasticity and the complex viscosity at low shear rates. The rheological benefits are achieved without a significant reduction in the weight average molecular weight of the polyethylene. The modified polyethylene can be used in applications that require higher melt strength such as film or blow molding.

Abstract: The purity, molecular weight and other properties of natural rubber are controlled using the process of in situ ozonolysis reaction. The process further comprises a step of removing impurities from natural rubber latex by using a separator prior to the in situ ozonolysis reaction process, and a step of removing water from the modified natural rubber by using a coagulant, formic acid or acetic acid subsequent to the in situ ozonolysis reaction process.

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 process is described for functionalizing a copolymer comprising units derived from at least one ?-olefin and units derived from at least one diene, which copolymer contains at least one double bond. The process comprises reacting the copolymer with at least one functionalizing agent to introduce polar pendant oxygen-containing functional groups onto the copolymer.

Abstract: A method of modifying a polymeric material whereby the polymeric material is modified to give a highly durable surface without decreasing its strength. Namely, a polymeric material is modified by the method comprising a combination of an impregnation step, an activation step, a step of grafting a monomer and a step of a treatment with a hydrophilic polymer. Thus, the hydrophilic nature, adhesiveness, and so forth of polymeric materials such as polyolefins can be improved without causing any decrease in the practical strength. The thus obtained polymeric materials are usable in articles with a need for high water absorptivity and high adhesiveness, for example, water-absorbing materials and water-retaining materials for medical, sanitary, cosmetic articles or supplies, agricultural materials, synthetic papers, filters and fiber products for clothes, for improving adhesiveness of composite materials and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of purifying a vinyl polymer to be used as a component of a composition capable of undergoing hydrosilylation. The present invention provides a vinyl polymers obtainable by atom transfer radical polymerization can be purified economically and efficiently by adsorption treatment using an acidic adsorbent and a basic adsorbent combinedly, with the result that the reactivity in hydrosilylation thereof is improved. Thus, the polymers can be used as components in hydrosilylation reaction-susceptible compositions.

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: 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 method of modifying a polymeric material which comprises the steps of activation-treatment and a hydrophilic polymer-treatment, or comprises the steps of activation-treatment, a hydrophilic polymer-treatment, and monomer grafting in this order, or comprises the step of a solvent-treatment followed by these steps. Thus, the polymeric material, e.g., polyolefin, is improved in hydrophilicity, adhesion, etc. without lowering the practical strength thereof. The polymeric material thus improved in adhesion and other properties can be used in many applications where water absorption and adhesion are required, such as an absorption material, e.g., a wiping/cleansing material, a water retention material, a material for microorganism culture media, a separator for batteries (or cells), a synthetic paper, a filter medium, a textile product for clothing, a medical/sanitary/cosmetic supply, and reinforcing fibers for composite materials.

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: Hydrogen-plasma modification of a contact lens made from a fluorinated polymer reduces the surface chemistry of by removing fluorine, leaving behind a carbon-enriched surface that is further plasma processed into a hydrophilic surface for a lens material to be inserted into the ocular environment.

Abstract: Hydrogen-plasma modification of a contact lens made from a fluorinated polymer reduces the surface chemistry of by removing fluorine, leaving behind a carbon-enriched surface that is further plasma processed into a hydrophilic surface for a lens material to be inserted into the ocular environment.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for purification of a vinyl polymer which comprises the atom transfer radical polymerization of a vinyl monomer using a transition metal complex as the polymerization catalyst, said vinyl polymer being brought into contact with an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent.

Abstract: A method for forming a fluoropolymer comprises providing a reaction mixture comprising carbon dioxide, at least one fluoromonomer, and an initiator; and reacting the at least one fluoromonomer in the reaction mixture to form a fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer has a multimodal molecular weight distribution.

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 for forming a fluoropolymer comprises providing a reaction mixture comprising carbon dioxide, at least one fluoromonomer, and an initiator; and reacting the at least one fluoromonomer in the reaction mixture to form a fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer has a multimodal molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula: FG—(Q)d—Z—J—[A(R1R2R3)]x  (I) wherein FG is a protected or non-protected functional group; Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons, alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof; d is an integer from 10 to 200; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; J is oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen; [A(R1R2R3)]x is a protecting group, wherein A is an element selected from Group IVa of the Periodic Table of Elements; R1, R2, and R3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl groups containing lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylamino groups, aryl or substituted aryl groups containing lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylam

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula: FG—(Q)d—Z—J—[A(R1R2R3)]x  (I) wherein FG is a protected or non-protected functional group; Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons, alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof; d is an integer from 10 to 200; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; J is oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen; [A(R1R2R3)]x is a protecting group, wherein A is an element selected from Group IVa of the Periodic Table of Elements; R1, R2, and R3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl groups containing lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylamino groups, aryl or substituted aryl groups containing lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylam

Abstract: Hydrogen-plasma modification of a contact lens made from a fluorinated polymer reduces the surface chemistry of by removing fluorine, leaving behind a carbon-enriched surface that is further plasma processed into a hydrophilic surface for a lens material to be inserted into the ocular environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to make aminated polyolefins involving the steps of: ozonolysis of one or more low-molecular weight polyolefins with at least one end group that is unsaturated, in the presence of an alkanol-hydrocarbon mixture, to form polyolefin-alkoxyhydroperoxides, catalytic reduction of the polyolefin-alkoxyhydroperoxides with hydrogen and a suitable catalyst, to form a mixture of hemiacetals and hemiketals, in the presence of a solvent, removal of the catalyst and optional washing of the mixture resulting from step 2, to remove undesired side products, reductive amination of the hemiacetal hemiketal mixture to form the aminated polyolefin end product, preferably at a temperature of 50-200° C., optionally in the presence of a solvent, and removal of the catalyst and optional removal of the solvent. The aminated products obtained are pre-eminently suited for use as an adjuvant in oils and fuels.

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: A rubber waste disposal apparatus processing rubber waste such as an old tire efficiently includes a casing, a rubber waste deformation unit provided in the casing to subject rubber waste to deformation, and an ozone-containing gas supply unit supplying ozone-containing gas into the casing. The rubber waste deformation unit includes a pair of cylindrical rollers having a plurality of protrusions projecting outwards, capable of sandwiching rubber waste at the gap therebetween, and a distance setting unit that can set the distance of the gap between the cylindrical rollers.

Abstract: Hydrogen-plasma modification of a contact lens made from a fluorinated polymer reduces the surface chemistry of by removing fluorine, leaving behind a carbon-enriched surface that is further plasma processed into a hydrophilic surface for a lens material to be inserted into the ocular environment.

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.

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula:

Abstract: This invention provides a method for purification of a vinyl polymer which comprises the atom transfer radical polymerization of a vinyl monomer using a transition metal complex as the polymerization catalyst, said vinyl polymer being brought into contact with an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent.

Abstract: A low molecular weight, telechelic polymer containing polar internal functionality is produced by (a) treating a copolymer of a polar alpha olefin and a conjugated diene with ozone to degrade the copolymer and form polymer segments which have aldehyde or ketone groups on the chain ends, wherein the copolymer has a random distribution of predominantly 1,4-diene double bonds and the pendant functional groups of the polar alpha olefin are stable to ozone, and (b) further reacting the aldehyde or ketone end groups to provide terminal functionality. The terminal functionality which can be provided includes carboxylic acid groups, primary hydroxyl groups, and amide groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer oxidates prepared by reacting polyethylene which has been obtained using metallocene catalysts and which has a weight-average molar mass above 40,000 g/mol with oxygen or oxygen-containing gas mixtures. These polymer oxidates have high suitability for preparing aqueous dispersions, as a material added when dispersing pigments in masterbatches, or for surface-modification or for polar modification of polyolefins. Another advantageous application sector is use as an additive, e.g. as a lubricant for plastics processing.

Abstract: A method for reducing the molecular weight of olefin copolymers comprises contacting an olefin copolymer and a base oil containing less than about 0.05 wt. % sulfur in the presence of oxygen and at a temperature of at least about 60° C.

Abstract: Oxidized waxes are obtainable by oxidation of polyolefins obtainable by means of metallocene catalysis and having a molecular weight Mw in the range from 1000 to 40,000 g/mol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the oxidation, in the melt by means of oxygen or oxygen-containing gas mixtures, of ethylene homopolymer and copolymer waxes prepared using metallocene catalysts, wherein the oxidation of the polyethylene wax is carried out with addition of monobasic or polybasic inorganic acids or monobasic or polybasic carboxylic acids having from 1 to 6 or from 2 to 6 carbon atoms. The process gives waxes having a low melt viscosity and a light color.

Abstract: A process for preparing oxidized polyolefin waxes by reacting polyolefin waxes with oxygen or oxygen-containing gases at from 140 to 200° C. and at pressures of from 5 to 200 bar involves conducting the oxidation reaction continuously in a tube reactor but excludes the reaction of polyolefins prepared by metallocene catalysis.

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula:FG--(Q).sub.d --Z--J--[A(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3)].sub.x (I)wherein FG is a protected or non-protected functional group; Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons, alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof; d is an integer from 10 to 200; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; J is oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen; [A(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3)].sub.x is a protecting group, wherein A is an element selected from Group IVa of the Periodic Table of Elements; R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyethylene film composition, comprising melt extruding a linear copolymer of ethylene and at least one other olefin having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, said linear copolymer having a bimodal distribution comprising a high molecular weight fraction having a weight average molecular weight of at least 600,000 and a low molecular weight fraction having a weight average molecular weight of less than 20,000 at a temperature of from 195 to 285.degree. C. in the presence of oxygen in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 6% by volume to improve bubble stability without any significant reduction in tear strength of film produced from said melt extruded linear copolymer.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing oxidized polyethylene waxes by oxidizing such waxes with oxygen or oxygen-containing gases at from 120 to 250.degree. C. under a pressure of from 1 to 200 bar, which involves conducting the oxidation reaction in the presence of an ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer.