Abstract: A functionalized macromolecule includes a hydrogenated interpolymer portion, a non-hydrogenated polymer portion, and the radical of a functional coupling agent covalently bonded to and linking those portions. The functional group of the coupling agent exhibits interactivity with silica. The interpolymer can include vinyl aromatic mer and conjugated diene mer, with at least some of the latter, typically at least 50 mole percent, having been hydrogenated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas barrier film for a paper or paperboard based packaging material, said gas barrier film comprising: a microfibrillated cellulose layer (MFC layer), at least one surface of which has been grafted with a fatty acid halide; and a polymer layer disposed on the at least one surface of the MFC layer which has been grafted with a fatty acid halide. The present invention further relates to a paper or paperboard based packaging material, containers and carton blanks comprising the gas barrier film, and to a method for manufacturing the gas barrier film.

Abstract: Provided is a binder composition capable of forming a functional layer that can both inhibit post-cycling swelling of a secondary battery and increase charge carrier acceptance of the secondary battery at low temperatures. The binder composition contains a first polymer, a second polymer, and a solvent. The first polymer is a block copolymer including a block region formed of an aromatic vinyl monomer unit and a block region formed of an aliphatic conjugated diene monomer unit and/or a hydrogenated aliphatic conjugated diene monomer unit. The second polymer is a random copolymer including a 1,3-pentadiene unit and/or a hydrogenated 1,3-pentadiene unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogenated copolymer obtained by hydrogenating a copolymer which comprises an aromatic vinyl monomer unit and a chain conjugated diene monomer unit. When, among at least two hydrogenated copolymer-derived peaks in an elution curve measured by gel permeation chromatography of a sample containing the hydrogenated product, a hydrogenated copolymer-derived peak exhibiting a peak top with the earliest elution time is defined as a first peak and a hydrogenated copolymer-derived peak exhibiting a peak top with the second earliest elution time is defined as a second peak, the ratio of a standard polystyrene-equivalent molecular weight based on the elution time of the first peak (first peak molecular weight) to a standard polystyrene-equivalent molecular weight based on the elution time of the second peak (second peak molecular weight) is 1.50 or more. The second peak molecular weight is 1,000 or more.

Abstract: An organic microgel system as support material for 3D printing of soft materials such as silicone and methods for manufacturing and using the organic microgel system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the organic microgel system comprises a plurality of microgel particles formed by blending a di-block copolymer and a tri-block copolymer in an organic solvent. The organic microgel system may allow high precision 3D printing of silicone objects with complex shapes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a terminal-functionalized polymer, rubber compositions containing the polymer, and related processes for preparing the polymer. The functionalizing compound used to prepare the terminal-functionalized polymer has a specified formula which includes a silicon atom and a moiety containing at least two carbon-carbon double bonds in a conjugated configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are linear block copolymers of formula A-B-A? or A-B*B-A?, wherein blocks A and A? are polystyrene blocks, block B is a poly(conjugated diene) block and * is a coupling agent having a vinyl content of from 10-60 mol %. The block copolymers have a polystyrene content of from 20-35 wt. %, relative to the overall weight of the block copolymer, and a molecular weight of from 200,000-300,000 g/mol. The block copolymers can be used with a wide variety of asphalt grades, and are valuable for producing homogeneous polymer modified asphalt compositions having an effective combination of performance properties, such as acceptable viscosity, good elastic response to an applied stress, and a low non-recoverable creep compliance. The combination of vinyl content and polymerization technology allows a high solution concentration during polymerization without excessive processing viscosity.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a conveyor belt rubber composition having excellent wear resistance and gouging resistance, a method for producing the conveyor belt rubber composition, a conveyor belt formed using the conveyor belt rubber composition, and a belt conveyor equipped with the conveyor belt. The present invention relates to a conveyor belt rubber composition containing a diene rubber containing less than 50 mass % of an aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene copolymer, wherein the aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene copolymer has a content of repeating units derived from an aromatic vinyl of 20 mass % or less, and a proportion of a vinyl structure in repeating units derived from a conjugated diene of 8 mol % or less.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a conveyor belt rubber composition having excellent cut resistance and wear resistance, a method for producing the conveyor belt rubber composition, a conveyor belt formed using the conveyor belt rubber composition, and a belt conveyor equipped with the conveyor belt. The present invention relates to a conveyor belt rubber composition containing a diene rubber containing 50 mass % or more of an aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene copolymer, wherein the aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene copolymer has a content of repeating units derived from an aromatic vinyl of more than 20 mass %, and a proportion of a vinyl structure in repeating units derived from a conjugated diene of 8 mol % or less.

Abstract: A tetrablock copolymer having an aromatic vinyl block (A1), a conjugated diene block (B1), an aromatic vinyl block (A2), and a conjugated diene block (B2) is provided, wherein Mw(A2)/Mw(A1) is 1.2 to 5, Mw(A2) is 12,000 or more, Mw(B1)>Mw(B2), Mw(Total) is 50,000 to 400,000 where the weight average molecular weight of the aromatic vinyl block (A1) is defined as Mw(A1), the weight average molecular weight of the conjugated diene block (B1) is defined as Mw(B1), the weight average molecular weight of the aromatic vinyl block (A2) is defined as Mw(A2), the weight average molecular weight of the conjugated diene block (B2) is defined as Mw(B2), and the weight average molecular weight of the tetrablock copolymer as a whole is defined as Mw(Total), and the content of aromatic vinyl monomer units is 10 to 30% by weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vinyl aromatic/diene-block copolymer A, obtained by an anionic polymerization of a monomer composition, comprising: Al: 60-95 wt.-% of at least one vinyl aromatic monomer, and A2:5-40 wt.-% of at least one diene monomer, wherein the vinyl aromatic/diene-block copolymer A in total comprises less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of acetaldehyde, methacrolein and styrene based on the total amount of vinyl aromatic/diene-block copolymer A; the vinyl aromatic/diene-block copolymer A has improved orgnoleptic properties and is in particular suitable for producing food packaging materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyolefin-polystyrene multi-block copolymer having a structure comprising a polyolefin block and polystyrene blocks bonded to both ends of the polyolefin block, to an organozinc compound for preparing the same, and a method for preparing the polyolefin-polystyrene multi-block copolymer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a polymer composition. The polymer composition includes from 0% to 80% by weight of a polyolefin component and from 20% to 100% by weight of a thermoplastic elastomer component. The polymer composition has an elastic modulus of less than 1500 MPa at ?40° C. as measured using dynamic mechanical analysis according to ASTM D4065. Further, the polymer composition has a coefficient of thermal expansion as averaged over the temperature range of ?40° C. to 25° C. of more than 120×10?6/K when measured according to ASTM E831, and the polymer composition has a thermal contraction stress of no more than 4.0 MPa at ?40° C. as measured using dynamic mechanical analysis. Additionally, embodiments of an optical fiber cable having a cable jacket made of the polymeric composition are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The crosslinked polyolefin resin foam of the present invention is a crosslinked polyolefin resin foam obtained by crosslinking and foaming a polyolefin resin composition comprising a polypropylene resin and an olefin rubber; the olefin rubber having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4, 100° C.) of 15 to 85; the olefin rubber being contained in an amount of 10 to 150 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the polypropylene resin; the foam having a 25% compressive hardness of 30 to 70 kPa and a compressive strength ratio, 25% compressive strength/5% compressive strength, of 2.0 to 4.5. According to the present invention, a crosslinked polyolefin resin foam from which a molded product excellent in appearance can be obtained even in a secondary processing to a complicated shape without impairment of flexibility, and a molded product made from the same are provided.

Abstract: A polymer composite material includes a blend of one or more thermoplastic polymers and one or more bio-based flame retardant additives, wherein the one or more bio-based flame retardant additives are present in an amount of 35 to 100 parts per 100 parts by weight of the one or more thermo-plastic polymers. A method of forming the polymer composite material includes: blending the one or more thermoplastic polymers and the one or more bio-based flame retardant additives together at a temperature between 140° C. and 230° C. to form the polymer composite material; forming an article from the polymer composite material; and cooling the formed article.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of styrenic polymers having an improved color stability by anionic polymerization wherein the obtained terminated polymer solution is fed to a dispersing device to which water is added, fed to a buffer vessel and then is impregnated in a static mixer by addition of further water, carbon dioxide and one or more stabilizers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a binder composition for a lithium-ion secondary battery electrode. The method comprises a step of dissolving a polymer having a melting point in a range of 50° C. to 150° C. in a monomer and obtaining a monomer solution in which the polymer is dissolved in the monomer; and a step of obtaining a composite polymer particle by subjecting the monomer solution to suspension polymerization or emulsion polymerization in an aqueous medium. The binder composition contains the composite polymer particle.

Abstract: Dry liquid concentrates allow carbon nanotubes to be dispersed in rubber formulations under standard rubber processing conditions. The incorporation of carbon nanotubes can enhance the physical properties of the resulting rubber material in many ways, including creating a more resilient rubber which resists abrasion, tearing, and chipping.

Abstract: A polarizing plate protective film including a resin layer that has a melt flow rate M [g/10 min] at a temperature of 190° C. and a load of 2.16 kg satisfying the following formula (1): 5 g/10 min?M??Formula (1). An adhesion strength caused by press-bonding of the resin layer to a glass plate surface is 1.0 N/10 mm or more. The glass plate surface is a surface having an arithmetic average roughness of 3 nm which has been subjected to a corona treatment under conditions of an output of 300 W and a discharge amount of 200 W·min/m2. The press-bonding is performed under conditions of a temperature of 110° C., a linear pressure of 25 N/mm, and a speed of 0.04 m/min. The polarizing plate protective film has a tensile elastic modulus E [MPa] satisfying the following formula (2): 200 MPa?E?1,200 MPa??Formula (2).

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer blend having improved impact performance includes from about 50 wt % to about 98 wt % polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polymeric toughening agent and a compatibilizer. The compatibilizer is a functionalized polyolefin, a thermoplastic copolymer or a thermoplastic terpolymers. The ratio of wt % compatibilizer to wt % polymeric toughening agent, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer blend, is from about 0.1 to about 0.4.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hot melt adhesive comprising: (A) a thermoplastic block copolymer which is a block copolymer of a vinyl-based aromatic hydrocarbon and a conjugated diene compound; and (B) an amorphous wax modified with a carboxylic acid and/or a carboxylic anhydride. The hot melt adhesive is excellent in applicability at a low temperature near from about 140° C. to about 150° C. and excellent in creep resistance in a wet state, can reduce odor, is excellent in initial adhesive force, and is excellent in adhesive property (peel strength) to an olefin substrate. This hot melt adhesive can be used suitably so as to produce a disposable product.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to elastomeric compositions having improved soft touch feel to skin, and in particular grip, especially during wet/humid conditions. In one embodiment, the compositions are part of a composite system, wherein the compositions are connected, for example bonded, molded, over-molded or co-extruded to a substrate, such as a thermoplastic, wood, glass or metal. The elastomeric composition comprises: (a) one or more copolymers present in an amount of 10 wt. % to 90 wt. %, selected from styrenic block copolymers and isoprene polymers; (b) one or more resins an amount of 2 wt. % to 20 wt. %; and optionally (c) at least one softener, filler, antioxidant or the like present in an amount up to 80 wt. %. The resin is selected from coumarone-indene resin, petroleum hydrocarbon resin, terpene based polymers, styrene-alpha-methyl-styrene resins, rosin derived resins, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for preparing blends of at least two polymer components is described herein. The disclosed method generally involves controlling relative molecular weights and ratios of the two or more polymer components by selecting a first initiator, a second initiator, and a monomer, and subjecting the reactants to conditions suitable to polymerize the monomer based at least in part on the first and second initiators in connection with obtaining the polymeric blend. The second initiator is advantageously selected based on one or more characteristics associated therewith, based on a characteristic of the first initiator. A polymeric blend produced according to such a method is also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogenated block copolymers of vinyl aromatic polymer blocks and conjugated diene polymer blocks having specific molecular weights, compositions, molecular structures and architectures, such that improved processability, mechanical and optical properties are attained. The hydrogenated block copolymer can be further added with different hydrogenated block copolymers to enhance the desired properties.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a laser sintering powder composition comprising: greater than 30 to 90 wt. % of a hydrogenated styrene-butadiene/styrene-styrene (S(EB/S)S) block copolymer or a hydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer, or a mixture thereof; 10 to less than 70 wt. % of a C3 to C8 polyolefin, or a mixture of two or more polyolefins, 0 to 20 wt. % mineral oil, 0.2 to 1 wt. % of one or more antioxidants, 0 to 5 wt. % colorant, 0 to 20 wt. % surface modifying agent, wherein the total of the above ingredients is 100 wt. %, and optionally 0 to 5 parts by weight of a powder flow agent, based on 100 weight parts of the laser sintering powder composition. The composition has a melt flow rate of at least 20 grams/10 min. at 190° C./2.16 kg mass. The invention also comprises laser sintered articles and methods for making the same.

Abstract: Provided are a thermoplastic polymer composition having excellent mechanical strength and also having both of abrasion resistance and transparency; shoes, in which the thermoplastic polymer composition is used; and an outer sole, in which the thermoplastic polymer composition is used. The thermoplastic polymer composition contains (I) a hydrogenated product of a block copolymer having a polymer block (A) mainly containing ?-methylstyrene units and a polymer block (B) mainly containing conjugated diene compound units; (II) a hydrogenated product of a block copolymer having a polymer block (A?) mainly containing aromatic vinyl compound units other than ?-methylstyrene and a polymer block (B?) mainly containing conjugated diene compound units, in which the block copolymer has a hydroxyl group; (III) a polypropylene-based polymer; and (IV) a polyethylene-based polymer.

Abstract: A metal cord has an M+N construction with two concentric layers. An internal first layer or core includes M wire(s) of diameter d1, M having a value from 1 to 4. An external second layer includes N wires of diameter d2 and is positioned around the core, the N wires being wound in a helix. Between the wires of the two layers are gaps, some or all of which include a filling rubber based on an unsaturated thermoplastic elastomer. The filling rubber may be, for example, based on an SBS or an SIS block copolymer. When used in a molten state, the thermoplastic elastomer presents no problem due to unwanted stickiness if the filling rubber overspills outside the cord after manufacture. The unsaturated and therefore (co)vulcanizable nature of the thermoplastic elastomer makes it compatible with diene rubber matrices used as calendering rubber in metal fabrics intended for reinforcing tires.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal cord with two concentric layers of wires is provided. The cord includes an internal layer of M wires, M having a value from 1 to 4, and an external layer of N wires. The cord is rubberized from within in situ. That is, during manufacture of the cord, the cord is rubberized from inside. According to the method, the internal layer is sheathed with rubber or a rubber compound by passing the internal layer through an extrusion head, and the N wires of the external layer are assembled around the sheathed internal layer to form a two-layer cord rubberized from the inside. The rubber is an unsaturated thermoplastic elastomer that is extruded in a molten state, and preferably is a thermoplastic styrene (TPS) type of thermoplastic elastomer, such as an SBS or an SIS block copolymer, for example.

Abstract: A flame-retardant thermoplastic elastomer compound is disclosed having polyphenylene ether, a hydrogenated styrene block copolymer, at least one solid non-halogenated phosphorus containing flame retardant, and a nucleated olefinic polymer. The compound has a before-aging tensile elongation of >200% and an after-aging tensile elongation residual of at least 75%, according to the UL 62 test, which makes it useful as an insulation layer, a jacketing layer, or both for protected electrical lines such as alternating current wire and cable products, accessory cables, and variety of injection molded electrical or electronic parts.

Abstract: A bonding base for electronic components, and a method. The bonding base comprises: a dielectric basic layer formed of a mixture comprising thermoplastic polymer, the polymer part of which mixture comprises 75 to 95% by weight of thermoplastic PPO, the polymer part further comprising 5 to 20% by weight of elastomer which is incompatible with PPO.

Abstract: A resin composition which overcomes the defects of needle-like basic magnesium sulfate and has good balance among mechanical strength, molding productivity and the appearance of a molded article. The resin composition comprises (i) 100 parts by weight of a resin (component A), (ii) plate-like magnesium hydroxide having a crystal thickness (y) of 0.2 ?m or less, a crystal width (x) of 3.5 to 10 ?m and an aspect ratio of 20 to 100 (component B) and (iii) needle-like basic magnesium sulfate (component C), wherein the total content of the components B and C is 1 to 100 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the resin, and the weight ratio of the component B to the component C is 0.1 to 0.9:0.9 to 0.1.

Abstract: Radiation curable adhesive compositions comprising an acrylic polymer and a polyolefin find use in the manufacture of pressure sensitive adhesive articles such as, for example, tapes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a vibration isolating rubber composition that balances a low dynamic-to-static modulus with high durability, and a vibration isolating rubber that is formed by curing said rubber composition. The vibration isolating rubber composition is characterized by including a diene rubber, and a carbon black and a silica as fillers, and in that the mixing ratio of the carbon black (a) and the silica (b) is (a)/(b)=80/20 to 20/80 (weight ratio).

Abstract: A light-emitting device comprising: a hole injection layer, an electron injection layer, and a composite emitter layer including a soft material exciton donor and exciton acceptor nanoparticles substantially dispersed within the exciton donor matrix, wherein electrons from the electron injection layer and holes from the hole injection layer generate excitons in the exciton donor matrix, and the primary mechanism of photon generation at the nanoparticles is substantially through non-radiative energy transfer of the generated excitons directly into the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a block copolymer composition for a hot melt adhesive, comprising a block copolymer A and a block copolymer B each having a particular structure, characterized in that the aromatic vinyl monomer unit content of the block copolymer A is 30% to 50% by weight; the aromatic vinyl monomer unit content of the block copolymer B is 15% to 25% by weight; a content of the aromatic vinyl monomer units relative to all polymer components of the block copolymer composition is 18% to 45% by weight; the weight ratio (A/B) of the block copolymer A with respect to the block copolymer B is 20/80 to 80/20; and the ratio (MwA/MwB) of the weight average molecular weight of the block copolymer A (MwA) with respect to the weight average molecular weight of the block copolymer B (MwB) is 0.65 to 1.5.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method for producing essentially homogeneous asphalt compositions which are comprised of the asphalt, a block copolymer (such as a linear block copolymer or a radial block copolymer), and one or more additional desired additives. This method offers the advantage of being capable of attaining the essentially homogeneous asphalt composition in one pass procedure with a short residence time in the mixing equipment. This greatly reduces the thermal history to which heat sensitive asphalt additives, such as asphalt modification polymers, are exposed. It also simplifies the mixing procedure and can reduce the overall amount of energy required to attain the desired blend. In some case, it allows for the production on a commercial basis of asphalt compositions which would otherwise not be feasible, for instance the production of asphalt compositions which contain high levels of asphalt modifications polymers which are otherwise difficult to process.

Abstract: The present invention is a shrink label, comprising a heat-shrinkable multilayer resin film comprising an intermediate layer comprising a polystyrene type resin and outer surface layers comprising a polyester type resin, with said intermediate layer interposed therebetween, as a base film, wherein the polystyrene type resin composing said intermediate layer is an aromatic vinyl hydrocarbon-conjugated diene copolymer, and said intermediate layer is bonded to said outer surface layers with an adhesive layer comprising a hydrogen addition product of an aromatic vinyl hydrocarbon-conjugated diene copolymer, having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic group, an acid anhydride group, an amino group, an epoxy group and a hydroxyl group in a molecule.

Abstract: An electronic component packaging sheet formed of a styrene resin composition includes: (A) 29-65 mass parts of a styrene-conjugated diene block copolymer; (B) 51-15 mass parts of a polystyrene resin; and (C) 20-9 mass parts of an impact resistant polystyrene resin. Components (A)-(C) each have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) within a specified range.

Abstract: A catalyst composition, a method for hydrogenating styrenic block copolymer employing the same, and a hydrogenated polymer from the method are provided. The method for hydrogenating styrenic block copolymer includes subjecting a hydrogenation process to a styrenic block copolymer in the presence of a catalyst composition. In particular, the catalyst composition includes an oxide carrier, and a catalyst disposed on the oxide carrier, wherein the catalyst includes a platinum-and-rhenium containing phosphorus compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to elastic film formulations that have surprisingly high tensile strengths in addition to good viscosity stability and are based on a blend of two styrene block copolymers, namely, styrene-isoprene/butadiene-styrene and styrene-butadiene-styrene. The blend of these two styrenic block copolymers in the range set forth and described herein yield high tensile strength that is at least 50% higher than that of the prior art based styrenic block copolymers and have good viscosity stability. Moreover, the present invention relates to a blend of two different styrene block copolymers that can be made by dry blending the block copolymer components. Then the blend can be extruded into uncross-linked film, fiber, or plurality of fibers.

Abstract: A flexible tubing material includes a radiation crosslinked blend of a first elastomeric polymer including a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer, an ethylene vinyl acetate elastomer, a polyolefin elastomer with a second elastomeric polymer including a polyolefin elastomer, a diene elastomer, or combination thereof, with the proviso that the first elastomeric polymer and the second elastomeric polymer are different. In an embodiment, a method of making a material includes providing the first elastomeric polymer, providing the second elastomeric polymer, blending the first elastomeric polymer and the second elastomeric polymer, extruding or injection molding the blend, and crosslinking the blend with radiation.

Abstract: A disk-like nanoparticle includes a core layer that comprises a cross-linked multi-vinyl substituted aromatic hydrocarbon and a shell layer that comprises tri-block copolymer chains, each having a first, a second, and a third block. The first and third blocks of the tri-block copolymer chains comprise vinyl aromatic monomer units and are crosslinked with the core. The second block comprises conjugated diene monomer units and comprises a top and bottom axial surface of the disk-like nanoparticle. In the case of a nanoparticle having A-B-C tri-block copolymer chains, the third block comprises a top and bottom axial surface of the disk-like nanoparticle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for selectively hydrogenating a copolymer, including contacting a heterogeneous catalyst with a copolymer to process hydrogenation The copolymer includes aromatic rings and double bonds, and the double bonds are hydrogenated, and the aromatic rings are substantially not hydrogenated. The heterogeneous catalyst includes a metal catalyst such as platinum, palladium, platinum -iridium alloy, or platinum-rhenium alloy formed on a porous support. The hydrogenation is processed at a temperature of 40° C. to 150° C. under a hydrogen pressure of 10 kg/cm2 to 50 kg/cm2.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer composition has good flexibility, lightweight properties, moldability, and heat resistance, and in particular, is excellent in wear resistance. The thermoplastic polymer composition includes: at least one block copolymer (a) selected from among an ?-methylstyrene based block copolymer having a number average molecular weight of 30,000 to 500,000 and a hydrogenated product thereof, the ?-methylstyrene based block copolymer including a polymer block A mainly composed of an ?-methylstyrene unit and a polymer block B mainly composed of a conjugated diene unit; a propylene-based polymer (b); and an ethylene-based polymer (c) having a density of 0.94 g/cm3 or less, in a ratio satisfying the following inequalities (1) and (2): 0.1?W(a)/[W(a)+W(b)+W(c)]?0.8??(1) 1?W(b)/W(c)??(2) wherein W(a), W(b), and W(c) represent the masses of the block copolymer (a), the propylene-based polymer (b), and the ethylene-based polymer (c), respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to unique applications for the novel high melt flow, low viscosity, selectively hydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene (hSBS) or selectively hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene-butadiene/styrene-styrene (hSBSS) block copolymers, wherein the melt flow rate of said block copolymer is at least 100 g/10 min at 230° C. under 2.16 kg mass according to ASTM D1238. These block copolymers are novel and have the highest melt flow rate of any styrenic block copolymer also possessing high strength and elasticity. It has applications that prior to the present invention were not normally possible due to the normal low melt flow rate of styrenic block copolymers. The present invention also encompasses various fields of use such as a fiberglass hSBS or hSBSS reinforced mat, low viscosity hSBS or hSBSS coatings for industrial uses, hot melt adhesives prepared from hSBS or hSBSS blended with polyalpha-olefins, and elastic film, fiber, and nonwoven constructions using hSBS or hSBSS.

Abstract: Farnesene interpolymer comprises units derived from a farnesene (e.g., ?-farnesene or ?-farnesene) and units derived from at least one vinyl monomer. The farnesene interpolymer can be prepared by copolymerizing the farnesene and at least one vinyl monomer in the presence of a catalyst. In some embodiments, the farnesene is prepared from a sugar by using a microorganism. In other embodiments, the at least one vinyl monomer is ethylene, an ?-olefin, or a substituted or unsubstituted vinyl halide, vinyl ether, acrylonitrile, acrylic ester, methacrylic ester, acrylamide or methacrylamide, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Polymer composition comprising—a heterophasic propylene copolymer comprising a polypropylene matrix and an elastomeric propylene copolymer comprising at least one comonomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene and C4 to C20 ?-olefin, and—a styrenic based elastomer(s) (B), wherein the styrene content in each styrenic based elastomer (B) is equal or below 15 wt.-%, and the total amount of the styrenic based elastomer(s) (B) based on the total amount of polymers present in the polymer composition is of 16.0 to 46.0 wt.-%.

Abstract: Provided is a block copolymer composition for a hot melt adhesive, which can provide a hot melt adhesive composition having excellent softening agent retainability, heat resistance and transparency. Disclosed is a block copolymer composition for a hot melt adhesive, comprising a block copolymer A and a block copolymer B each having a particular structure, characterized in that the aromatic vinyl monomer unit content of the block copolymer A is 30% to 50% by weight; the aromatic vinyl monomer unit content of the block copolymer B is 15% to 25% by weight; a content of the aromatic vinyl monomer units relative to all polymer components of the block copolymer composition is 18% to 45% by weight; the weight ratio (A/B) of the block copolymer A with respect to the block copolymer B is 20/80 to 80/20; and the ratio (MwA/MwB) of the weight average molecular weight of the block copolymer A (MwA) with respect to the weight average molecular weight of the block copolymer B (MwB) is 0.65 to 1.5.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermoplastic polymer composition which contains 10-120 parts by mass of a polar group-containing polypropylene resin (B) per 100 parts by mass of a thermoplastic elastomer (A) that is a block copolymer having a polymer block containing an aromatic vinyl compound unit and a polymer block composed of a conjugated diene unit having 40% by mole or more of 1,2-bonds and 3,4-bonds in total, or a hydrogenated product of the block copolymer (provided that a thermoplastic polymer composition containing 1 part by mass or more of a polyvinyl acetal resin is excluded). This thermoplastic polymer composition is able to be bonded with a ceramic, a metal or a synthetic resin without requiring a primer treatment, and has excellent flexibility, mechanical characteristics, moldability, heat resistance and storage stability.

Abstract: A process for making a radial multi-block copolymer, comprising: (a) anionically polymerizing styrene monomer A1, at least one monovinylarene monomer A2 other than styrene and at least one conjugated diene monomer B using a lithium-based initiator to form block copolymer chains; (b) adding a metal alkyl compound other than the lithium-based initiator after initiating anionic polymerization in step (a), wherein the molar ratio of the metal alkyl compound to lithium is greater than about 2.0; and (c) adding a coupling agent having more than two functional groups to form the radial multi-block copolymer, wherein the radial multi-block copolymer comprises a residue Z derived from the coupling agent and block copolymer chains from step (b) coupled to the residue Z.