Abstract: Propylene-ethylene copolymers are provided that exhibit superior tensile strength and mechanical properties due to their specific propylene and ethylene content, triad tacticity, viscosity, and crystallinity. Moreover, we have discovered that certain processing conditions, such as polymerization temperature and external donor to catalyst ratios, can facilitate the production of the high tensile strength propylene-ethylene copolymers described herein. Furthermore, the high tensile strength propylene-ethylene copolymers may be used to produce a variety of hot melt adhesives, such as those for hygiene applications, woodworking applications, lamination applications, and packaging applications, which exhibit unique and superior mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a template for a positioning, fixation, mobilization or immobilization device, wherein the template comprises a sheet of a thermoplastic material, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises between 3.0 and 95.0 wt. % of a poly-?-caprolactone polymer, preferably a poly-?-caprolactone homopolymer, and at least 5.0 wt. % of at least one second polymer material with a melting temperature of between 40 and 85° C., wherein the at least one second polymer material is selected from the group of one or more of a polyalkenamer or a thermoplastic linear polyurethane which contains as a polyol a poly ?-caprolactone or a polyester polyol, wherein the poly-?-caprolactone polymer and the second thermoplastic material are cross-linked.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production method of polyvinyl chloride by suspension polymerization and a feeding apparatus. This method comprises: Step 1: injecting a vinyl chloride monomer and water at 25-98° C. into a reaction vessel to obtain a water suspension, closing the reaction kettle, repeatedly and cyclically performing vacuum-pumping and cleansing with nitrogen, stirring and evacuating oxygen in the reaction kettle; Step 2: adding a first suspension agent and a second suspension agent into the reaction kettle, and then adding a nanopowder and an initiator composite, to carry out the polymerization reaction; Step 3: adding cold water to terminate the polymerization reaction upon the pressure in the reaction kettle is reduced to 3.5 bar or less; Step 4: evacuating and vacuumizing the reaction kettle, and then filtering, washing and drying the resulted polymer, to obtain polyvinyl chloride. The present invention also provides a feeding apparatus used for the above production method.

Abstract: A method for producing a polydiene, the method comprising the steps of (i) forming an active catalyst by combining a lanthanide-containing compound, an alkylating agent, and a halogen source in the substantial absence of an organosulfide; and (ii) polymerizing conjugated diene monomer in the presence of the active catalyst and an organosulfide.

Abstract: A supported catalyst system comprising a phosphinimine ligand containing catalyst on a porous inorganic support treated with a metal salt has improved reactor continuity in a dispersed phase reaction in terms of initial activation and subsequent deactivation. The resulting catalyst has a lower consumption of ethylene during initiation and a lower rate of deactivation. Preferably the catalyst is used with an antistatic agent.

Abstract: The present invention discloses catalyst compositions employing transition metal complexes with a thiolate ligand. Methods for making these transition metal complexes and for using such compounds in catalyst compositions for the polymerization of olefins also are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst for the polymerization of olefins comprising thienyl-substituted silanes, which comprises a solid titanium catalyst component containing titanium, magnesium and a halogen as the main components, an alkylaluminum compound, and a component of organosiloxane compound comprising two thienyl as substituents represented by general formula (I). The molar ratio of each catalyst component is 1:50-150:5-50 based on titanium:aluminum:silicon. When the catalyst is used in the polymerization of propylene, the polymerisate obtained has a very high degree of isotacticity, and the yield is high.

Abstract: A method for transitioning from a Ziegler-Natta to a Phillips catalyst system for the olefin polymerization reaction in one reactor, preferably a gas phase reactor, is described. The method comprises the steps of a) discontinuing a first olefin polymerization reaction performed in the presence of the Ziegler-Natta catalyst system; b) performing a second olefin polymerization reaction in the presence of a further catalyst system comprising catalyst components (A) and (B) producing, respectively, a first and a second polyolefin fraction, wherein the Mw of the first polyolefin fraction is less than the Mw of the second polyolefin fraction and the initial activity of catalyst component (A) exceeds the initial activity of catalyst component (B); and c) performing a third olefin polymerization reaction the presence of the Phillips catalyst system.

Abstract: Single site reactor/catalyst continuity in a dispersed phase reaction in terms of initial activation and subsequent deactivation may be improved by treating the support with a metal salt. The activator and catalyst are then deposited on the treated support. The resulting catalyst has a lower consumption of ethylene during initiation and a lower rate of deactivation. Preferably the catalyst is used with an antistatic agent.

Abstract: A supported catalyst system comprising a phosphinimine ligand containing catalyst on an alumina support treated with a metal salt has improved reactor continuity in a dispersed phase reaction in terms of initial activation and subsequent deactivation. The resulting catalyst has a lower consumption of ethylene during initiation and a lower rate of deactivation. Preferably the catalyst is used with an antistatic agent.

Abstract: Polymerization processes in a bulk loop reactor are described herein. In particular, a method of contacting a flow of metallocene with a flow of propylene is provided. This method includes directing the flow of metallocene towards a junction, directing the flow of propylene towards the junction and maintaining a portion of the flow of metallocene separate from a portion of the flow propylene within a portion of the junction downstream of the flow of propylene into the junction. In another embodiment, a method of introducing a quantity of antifouling agent into a catalyst mixing system is provided. In this embodiment a portion of the antifouling agent is introduced at or downstream of a point of contact of a stream of propylene with a stream of catalyst. The antifouling agent may be a member, alone or in combination with other members, selected from Stadis 450 Conductivity Improver, Synperonic antifouling agent, and Pluronic antifouling agent.

Abstract: A procedure for improved temperature control in controlled radical polymerization processes is disclosed. The procedure is directed at controlling the concentration of the persistent radical in ATRP and NMP polymerizations procedures and the concentration of radicals in a RAFT polymerization process by feeding a reducing agent or radical precursor continuously or intermittently to the reaction medium through one of more ports.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of olefin polymerization catalyst compositions, and methods for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins, including polymerization methods using a catalyst composition. One aspect of this invention is the formation and use of a catalyst composition comprising a transition metal compound and an activator for olefin polymerization processes.

Abstract: The use of high activity “Single Site” polymerization catalysts often causes the fouling of polymerization reactors. The problem is particularly acute with gas phase polymerizations. While not wishing to be bound by theory it is believed that the fouling is initiated by the buildup of static charges in the reactor. The use of anti-static agents mitigates this problem, but typical antistatic agents contain polar species, which can deactivate the polymerization catalyst. We have now discovered that the use of a porous metal oxide support allows large levels of a selected antistatic agent to be used in a manner that reduces static/fouling problems in highly active polymerization catalysts.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing polymers having at least a thiol function, comprising pyrolysis of at least a polymer having at least a function of formula (I), wherein: R1, R2, R3 and R4 are such as defined in the description

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins CH2?CHR in which R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon radical with 1-12 carbon atoms, comprising Mg, Ti, halogen and an electron donor selected from thiophene dicarboxylate derivatives of a particular formula. Said catalyst components when used in the polymerization of olefins, and in particular of propylene, are capable to give polymers in high yields and with high isotactic index expressed in terms of high xylene insolubility.

Abstract: A catalyst system comprising (i) a bulky ligand catalyst compound; and (ii) a novel borate activator is active for olefin polymerization. The novel borate contains at least one chelating (divalent) ligand and contains at least one fluorine atom. Preferred borate activators are provided as anilinium or carbonium salts. Highly preferred borate salts contain two perfluorinated alkoxy chelating ligands. The catalyst system may be used to produce polyethylene for “end use” applications such as polyethylene film and molded polyethylene goods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the polymerization of olefins using an antistatic agent. In particular, the invention relates to a polymerization process to produce propylene polymers using a supported metallocene catalyst system and an antistatic agent. The antistatic agent may also be contacted with a scavenger prior to polymerization.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for controlling the architecture of copolymers of at least two unsaturated monomers, made by free-radical polymerization in the presence of a cobalt-containing chain transfer agent, including the control of molecular weight, degree of branching and vinyl end group termination, by varying at least one of the variables of molar ratio of monomers, their relative chain transfer constants, polymerization temperature and degree of conversion and amount of cobalt chain transfer agent; and polymers made thereby.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a polymer, comprising a step which consists in contacting: (A) at least a living organic polymer having at its chain end a dithiocarbonylated or dithiophosphorylated function capable of being reactivated; (B) at least a source of free radicals; and (C) at least an organic compound bearing a labile hydrogen atom, whereby the dithiocarbonylated or dithiophosphorylated function present on said living organic polymer is substituted by a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization titanium catalyst. It comprises a titanium compound and an organoaluminium compound cocatalyst supported on a soluble polysulfone comprising free reactive sulfone groups. The molar ratio of titanium of aluminum is 1–10:200 and the weight ratio of titanium to polysulfone is 0.01–0.1:0.3–2.5. The process for preparing the catalyst comprises preparing a supported titanium compound by contacting a solution of a polysulfone in a halogenated or polar solvent with a titanium compound or a solution thereof in a halogenated or polar solvent in an inert atmosphere at a temperature between 10° C. and the boiling point of the solvent such that the weight ratio of titanium to polysulfone is 0.01–0.1:0.3–2.5. The supported titanium compound is mixed with an organoaluminium cocatalyst such that the molar ratio of titanium to aluminum is 1–10:200.

Abstract: A catalyst composition for use in dimerizing, co-dimerizing or oligomerizing olefins comprises: at least one zero-valent nickel complex; at least one acid with formula H+X? in which X? represents an anion; and at least one ionic liquid with general formula Q+ A? in which A? is an anion identical to or different from X?. The composition can also comprise a nitrogen-containing ligand. It can be used in dimerizing, co-dimerizing, oligomerizing and in polymerizing olefins.

Abstract: A cyclic olefin having a specific polar group is polymerized by addition polymerization in a hydrocarbon solvent, using a polymerization catalyst component containing (i) a specific transition metal compound, (ii) a Lewis acid compound and (iii) an alkyl aluminoxane, or the cyclic olefin is polymerized by addition polymerization in the hydrocarbon solvent, using the polymerization catalyst component, by further adding at least one aromatic vinyl compound and at least one cyclic nonconjugated polyene compound, or either one of them as a molecular weight modifier, thereby obtaining a cyclic olefinic addition polymer.

Abstract: The invention discloses a process for the preparation of polymeric absorbents useful for gelling organic liquids. The process comprises mixing one or more monomers with a cross-linking agent, a free radical initiator, an optional solvent, optionally in the presence of a transition metal source and subjecting the mixture so obtained to a conventional polymerisation method. The polymer is removed, crushed to obtain polymer powder, washed with solvent and dried by conventional methods to remove unreacted monomers, followed by swelling in alcohols to obtain the desired product.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a polymer, comprising a step which consists in contacting: (A) at least a living organic polymer having at its chain end a dithiocarbonylated or dithiophosphorylated function capable of being reactivated; (B) at least a source of free radicals; and (C) at least an organic compound bearing a labile hydrogen atom, whereby the dithiocarbonylated or dithiophosphorylated function present on said living organic polymer is substituted by a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: A process for the gas-phase (co-)polymerization of olefins in a fluidized bed reactor using a chromium oxide catalyst. The polymerization is performed in the presence of a process aid additive.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for controlling the architecture of copolymers of at least two unsaturated monomers, made by free-radical polymerization in the presence of a cobalt-containing chain transfer agent, including the control of molecular weight, degree of branching and vinyl end group termination, by varying at least one of the variables of molar ratio of monomers, their relative chain transfer constants, polymerization temperature and degree of conversion and amount of cobalt chain transfer agent; and polymers made thereby.

Abstract: A new polymerization process (atom transfer radical polymerization, or ATRP) based on a redox reaction between a transition metal (e.g., Cu(I)/Cu(II), provides “living” or controlled radical polymerization of styrene, (meth)acrylates, and other radically polymerizable monomers. Using various simple organic halides as model halogen atom transfer precursors (initiators) and transition metal complexes as a model halogen atom transfer promoters (catalysts), a “living” radical polymerization affords (co)polymers having the predetermined number average molecular weight by &Dgr;[M]/[I]0 (up to Mn>105) and a surprisingly narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn), as low as 1.15. The participation of free radical intermediates in ATRP is supported by end-group analysis and stereochemistry of the polymerization. In addition, polymers with various topologies (e.g.

Abstract: A novel process for the polymerization of olefins is provided. The process involves contacting at least one olefin with a Ziegler-Natta type catalyst in the presence of a specified compound that results in the production of polymeric products having a narrower molecular weight distribution. Also provide is a process for narrowing the molecular weight distribution of a polyolefin comprising contacting an olefin, a Ziegler-Natta catalyst and a compound specified herein. Further provided are novel polyethylenes, and films and articles produced therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of homo- or co-polymerization of &agr;-olefin by means of using a catalyst system which comprises the following components: (1) a solid complex titanium catalyst produced by means of a production method comprising the following steps: (a) preparing a magnesium compound solution by dissolving a magnesium halide compound and a compound of Group IIIA of the Periodical Table in a solvent of mixture of cyclic ester, one or more types of alcohol, a phosphorus compound, and an organic silane; (b) precipitating the solid particles by reacting said magnesium compound solution with a transitional metal compound, a silicon compound, a tin compound, or the mixture thereof; and (c) reacting said precipitated solid particles with a titanium compound and electron donors; (2) an organometallic compound of metal of Group IIIA of the Periodical Table; and (3) external electron donors comprising three or more types of organo-silicon compounds, wherein the melt flow rates of the homopoly

Abstract: A method to synthesize a Group 15 containing metal polymerization catalyst is disclosed. The method includes an efficient high temperature synthesis of Group 15 containing ligands, especially arylamine ligands, for use in preparing polymerization catalysts and catalyst systems.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes of polymerization of olefins and copolymerization of olefins and functionalized olefins in the presence of certain late transition metal bidentate salicylaldimine chelates represented by the formula: wherein each of the symbols R, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, L, M, A, X and z are defined within the specification herein below.

Abstract: Metal cyanide catalysts are complexed with organic sulfone or sulfoxide compounds. The catalysts are active alkylene oxide polymerization catalysts that tend to have short induction periods and moderate exotherms.

Abstract: A novel process for the polymerization of olefins is provided. The process involves contacting at least one olefin with at least one metallocene catalyst in the presence of a specified compound that results in the production of polymeric products having a narrower molecular weight distribution. Also provided is a process for narrowing the molecular weight distribution of a polyolefin comprising contacting an olefin, at least one metallocene catalyst and a compound specified herein. Further provided are novel polyolefins, and films and articles produced therefrom.

Abstract: Conjugated diolefins, optionally in combination with other unsaturated compounds which may be copolymerized with the diolefins, are polymerized by performing the polymerization of the diolefins in the presence of catalysts based on cobalt compounds, organoaluminum compounds and modifiers in the presence of aromatic vinyl compounds at temperatures of −30° C. to +80° C. By means of the process according to the invention, it is possible straightforwardly to produce solutions of polydiolefins, such as polybutadiene, having different 1,2 unit contents in aromatic vinyl compounds, which solutions may then, for example, be further processed to yield ABS or HIPS.

Abstract: A high molecular weight polyethylene prepared by preliminary polymerization is added at the time of main polymerization of an olefin, for example, propylene, to prepare an olefin (co)polymer composition comprising the above high molecular weight polyethylene finely dispersed as fine particles in the polyolefin, such as polypropylene, and a cross-linked structure is formed in the olefin (co)polymer composition. This process can provide a modified olefin (co)polymer composition improved in the strength in a molten state in terms of melt tension or the like and in crystallization temperature and excellent in moldability such as high-speed producibility, and a molded modified olefin (co)polymer composition excellent in properties such as heat resistance and rigidity.

Abstract: A catalyst for the polymerization of vinylaromatic monomers, and particularly styrene, with a high yield and a high syndiotacticity index, comprises the product consisting of the following two components in contact with each other: A) an &eegr;5-cyclopentadienyl complex of titanium; B) an organo-oxygenated compound of aluminum; and contains a sufficient amount of at least one carboxylated product having the following general formula: R—COO—G  (I) wherein R—COO is a carboxylic group comprising the organic radical R having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, and G represents a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a metal atom, possibly substituted, linked to said carboxylic group.

Abstract: The invention encompasses late transition metal catalyst systems and their use in polymerization processes, particularly in solution, 2-phase suspension and super-critical phase polymerization of ethylene-containing polymers. Preferred embodiments include the use of a late transition metal catalyst system comprising a Group 8, 9, 10, or 11 metal complex stabilized by a bidentate ligand structure for polymerization under elevated ethylene pressure, or concentration, conditions.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing polydienes, such as polybutadiene and polyisoprene, in a gas phase fluidized bed reactor using a pre-activated nickel catalyst which is highly active for cost effective production of these dienes in gas phase.

Abstract: Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is a thermoplastic resin which has double bonds attached in an alternating fashion to its polymeric backbone. Films, fibers and molded articles can be made utilizing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. It can also be blended into rubbers and cocured therewith. In such applications, sometimes it is beneficial for the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene to have more than one melting point. This invention discloses a process for preparing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having at least two different melting points which comprises: polymerizing 1,3-butadiene monomer in an aqueous medium in the presence of (1) a catalyst composition which is made by reacting (a) at least one cobalt compound selected from the group consisting of (i) .beta.-diketone complexes of cobalt, (ii) .beta.-keto acid ester complexes of cobalt, (iii) cobalt salts of organic carboxylic acids having 6 to 15 carbon atoms and (iv) complexes of halogenated cobalt compounds of the formula CoX.sub.

Abstract: In gas phase polymerizations and copolymerizations of ethylene, reagents or cofeeds control the molecular weight, expressed as MI (wherein MI is measured according to ASTM D-1238 Condition E), of the resin product. Use of isopentane and electron donating compounds decrease MI; whereas, electron withdrawing compounds increase MI.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a 1,2-vinyl-polybutadiene with an adjustable amount of vinyl linkages in the microstructure of the polymer which comprises polymerizing 1,3-butadiene in a gas phase reactor under polymerization conditions using an inert gas in the presence of a catalyst comprising: (a) a cobalt compound; (b) a compound selected from the group consisting of a phosphine, a xanthogen, a thiocyanide, a carbon disulfide, and mixtures thereof; and (c) an organoaluminum compound, and optionally a modifier (d) can be included in the catalyst composition. There is also provided a novel resin particle prepared by the process.

Abstract: Process for the polymerization of alpha-olefins, which is carried out in the presence of a catalyst system comprising:(1) a solid based on completed titanium trichloride;(2) an organometallic compound of metals of groups IA, IIA, IIB and IIIB of the Periodic Table, and(3) an electron-donor organic compound, the solid (1) based on complexed titanium trichloride having been preactivated by being brought into contact with a preactivator comprising the product of reaction of a trialkylaluminum or alkylaluminum chloride compound (a) and of a compound (b) chosen from hydroxyaromatic compounds whose hydroxyl group is sterically hindered, then isolating the predetermined solid (1) from the medium in which it was found.This process enables propylene to be polymerized with an improved stereospecificity without any significant decrease in catalyst activity.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 -alk-1-enes in the presence of a metallocene complex of the formula I ##STR1## where the substituent groups have the meanings described in the specification.

Abstract: Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is a thermoplastic resin which has double bonds attached in an alternating fashion to its polymeric backbone. Films, fibers and molded articles can be made utilizing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. It can also be blended into rubbers and cocured therewith. It is generally preferred to synthesize syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene in an aqueous medium by suspension or emulsion polymerization. In such aqueous polymerization techniques reactor fouling and particle size control problems are frequently encountered. This invention is based upon the unexpected finding that reactor fouling can be greatly reduced or eliminated and that particle size can be regulated by conducting such aqueous polymerizations in the presence of a controlled amount of dissolved oxygen which is within the range of about 0.01 ppm to about 4 ppm.

Abstract: Disclosed are a catalyst for olefin polymerization comprising (A) a compound of a transition metal in Group IVB of the periodic table which contains a ligand having a cyclopentadienyl skeleton, (B) an organoaluminum compound and any one of (C1) a Br.o slashed.nsted acid; (C2) a material obtained by contacting (c-1) a magnesium compound with (c-2) an electron donor; and (C3) a material obtained by contacting (c-1) a magnesium compound, (c-2) an electron donor and (c-3) an organometallic compound with each other. Also disclosed are processes for polymerizing an olefin in the presence of the above-mentioned catalysts for olefin polymerization. Such catalysts and processes for olefin polymerization as described above are excellent in olefin polymerization activity and economical efficiency.

Abstract: In a process for producing syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene by suspension polymerization wherein a mixture composed of 1,3-butadiene, a cobalt compound, and an organometallic compound or metal hydride containing a metal of group I, II or III of the periodic table is contacted with an initiator selected from the group consisting of carbon disulfide, phenyl isothiocyanate and xanthogenic compounds in an aqueous medium, the improvement comprising, after the preparation of the mixture, adding thereto an anti gelling agent selected from the group consisting of alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acid esters, nitriles, sulfoxides, amides and phosphoric acid esters, whereby the formation of a rubber-like gelation product in the mixture is inhibited.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparation of non-crosslinked linear monofunctional and telechelic difunctional unsaturated polymers wherein the functional groups are acrylate or methacrylate groups. The average functionality number of the monofunctional unsaturated polymers is at least 0.7, as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The average functionality number of the telechelic difunctional polymers is at least 1.7, as determined by NMR. Alkyl acrylates or alkyl methacrylates are reacted with cyclic olefinic non-conjugated compounds or unsaturated hydrocarbon polymers to prepare monofunctional and difunctional polymers. The process is substantially free of side reactions comprising double bond migration and cyclization.

Abstract: This invention relates to difunctional telechelic linear non-crosslinked polyolefins without pendant chain branched groups. The polyolefin compounds of this invention are useful for preparing high molecular weight polyesters, polyamides, polyureas and polyurethanes of high density without branching of the polymer chains, and with low permeability to gases and solvents.

Abstract: There are disclosed a catalyst which comprises (A) a titanium compound having one .pi. electron-based ligand (e.g. pentamethylcyclopentadienyl group) or two same .pi. electron-based lignads and (B) an ionic compound comprising a non-coordinate anion and a cation of an element typifying the group 4 elements of the Periodic Table (e.g. triphenylcarbonium tetra(pentafluorophenyl)borate; a catalyst comprising (C) an alkylating agent (e.g. triisobutylaluminum) in addition to the components (A) and (B); and a process for producing a styrenic polymer by the use of any of the aforesaid catalysts. By using the aforementioned catalyst and process, a highly syndiotactic styrenic polymer can be efficiently produced.