Abstract: A catalyst system and a method for preparing polymers using the catalyst system is provided. The catalyst system includes a complex represented by the formula: [MLy(HSR)ñ]n, wherein M is a transition metal cation preferably in a lower oxidation state, L is a ligand, Y is a whole number between 0 and 5, ñ is a whole number between 1 and 6, n is the charge of the complex (preferably between −4 to 3), H is Hydrogen, S is sulphur and R is an organic group or hydrogen. The catalyst system advantageously has high hydrolytic stability which allows it to be used in a variety of polymerization systems including mass, solution, suspension and emulsion. In many cases only a small amount of the catalyst is required to promote polymerization.

Abstract: A method of producing a polymer or a stellar polymer which comprises polymerizing a vinyl monomer in the manner of living radical polymerization and adding a compound having two or more polymerizable carbon-carbon double bonds at the end point of the polymerization.

Abstract: Chain transfer agents for controlled radical polymerizations (RAFT) are described. The chain transfer agents have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.

Abstract: Chain transfer agents for controlled radical polymerizations (RAFT) are described. The chain transfer agents have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.

Abstract: Photoiniferters for controlled radical polymerizations are described. The photoiniferters have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.

Abstract: A method of producing a stellar polymer which comprises polymerizing a vinyl monomer in the manner of living radical polymerization and adding a compound having two or more polymerizable carbon-carbon double bonds at the end point of the polymerization is provided. A composition which comprises, as an essential component, a hydroxyl-terminated polymer falling under said polymer and a compound having, in each molecule, not less than two functional groups reactive with the hydroxyl group is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to supported ligands and catalysts for use in the polymerization of olefinically unsaturated monomers such as vinylic monomers, comprising the use of a compound attached to support, the compound being capable of complexing with a transitional metal. Preferably the compound capable of complexing with a transition metal is a diimine such as a 1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene, a 2-pyridinecarbaldehyde imine, an oxazolidone or a quinoline carbaldeyde. Preferably the catalysts are used in conjunction with an initiator comprising a homolytically cleavable bond with a halogen atom. The application also discloses processes for attaching ligands to supports, and processes for using the catalysts disclosed in the application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing defined layers or layer systems made of polymers or oligomers on any solid surface and with a controlled structure, according to which the layers are chemically deposited on the solid surface by means of live/controlled free-radical polymerization. Said method comprises the following steps: a) bonding the compounds of the general formula (a) A—L—I to the solid surface via the active group A where A represents an active group, I is the initiating group for ATRP polymerization and L is the binding link between A and I; b) carrying out live/controlled free-radical polymerization by reacting the initiator group I with monomers, macromonomers or mixtures able to undergo free-radical polymerization, which produces the polymer layer on the solid surface. The invention also relates to solid surfaces with oligomer or polymer layers and initiators for carrying out the method.

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 process for synthesis of polymer compositions, wherein ethylenically unsaturated monomers are polymerized by means of initiators containing a transferable atom or group of atoms and of one or more catalysts comprising at least one transition metal in the presence of ligands which can form a coordination compound with the metal catalyst or catalysts, the process being characterized in that the polymerization takes place by means of continuous process operation.

Abstract: A process for making hyperbranched polymers from An—Lz(XY)m type monomers wherein A is a polymerizable group moiety, XY is a telogen group moiety in which Y is a transferable atom or group which can participate in a transfer reaction with the formation of reactive X*, L is a linkage between A and XY, z is 0 or 1, and n and m are integers of at least 1, comprising: (a) initiating reaction by forming activated species from reaction between either an A or an XY group of the An—Lz(XY)m type monomer and an external stimulus to form activated monomer species with an activated polymerizable group moiety A* or an activated moiety X* derived from the telogen group moiety XY; and (b) polymer segment chain growth by (i) propagation reaction between the polymerizable group A moieties of the An—Lz(XY)m type monomers with the activated moieties A* and X* of activated species, and further reaction between the polymerizable group moieties with the activated moieties of the reaction products thereof, and (ii

Abstract: The present invention describes preparation of nanocomposite particles and structures by polymerizing monomers onto a functional inorganic colloid comprising a polymerization initiation site. The polymerization process is preferably a controlled/living polymerization process, including but not limited to, atom transfer radical polymerization and stable free radical polymerization. The nanocomposite particles can self-organize in solution, on surfaces or in films forming nanocomposite structures. Tethered AB block nanocomposite particles bring size control, solubility control and control over micro- and macro-functionality to the particles. The process may be catalyzed by a transition metal complex which participates in a reversible redox cycle with at least one of the group and a compound having a radically transferable atom or group, to form a nanocomposite particle with a tethered polymer chain. The process may be continued to form tethered copolymer chain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for synthesis of poly(meth)acrylate compositions, wherein ethylenically unsaturated monomers are transformed to polymers by means of initiators containing a transferable group of atoms and of one or more catalysts comprising at least one transition metal in the presence of ligands which can form a coordination compound with the metal catalyst or catalysts, wherein ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing 50 to 100 wt %, relative to the total weight of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, of (meth)acrylates of formula (I) are polymerized wherein R denotes hydrogen or methyl, R1 denotes a straight-chain or branched alkyl group with 8 to 40, carbon atoms, R2 and R3 independently denote hydrogen or a group of the formula —COOR1, wherein R′ denotes hydrogen or a straight-chain or branched alkyl group with 8 to 40, carbon atoms, in the presence of copper, the total concentration of copper of oxidation numbers (I) and (II) in the polymeriza

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for synthesis of polymer compositions with reduced catalyst content, wherein ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing less than 0.5 wt % of ethylenically unsaturated monomers with at least one carboxylic group, sulfonic acid group and/or at least one phosphonic acid group relative to the total weight of the ethylenically unsaturated monomers are polymerized by means of initiators containing a transferable group of atoms and of one or more catalysts comprising at least one transition metal in the presence of ligands which can form a coordination compound with the metal catalyst or catalysts and, after the polymerization, the catalyst contained in the polymer is at least partly separated. For this purpose, the polymer composition is filtered, after the polymerization, in the presence of at least one filter aid which contains at least 0.

Abstract: A process for making hyperbranched polymers from An-Lz(XY)m type monomers wherein A is a polymerizable group moiety, XY is a telogen group moiety in which Y is a transferable atom or group which can participate in a transfer reaction with the formation of reactive X*, L is a linkage between A and XY, z is 0 or 1, and n and m are integers of at least 1, comprising: (a) initiating reaction by forming activated species from reaction between either an A or an XY group of the An-Lz(XY)m type monomer and an external stimulus to form activated monomer species with an activated polymerizable group moiety A* or an activated moiety X* derived from the telogen group moiety XY; and (b) polymer segment chain growth by (i) propagation reaction between the polymerizable group A moieties of the An-Lz(XY)m type monomers with the activated moieties A* and X* of activated species, and further reaction between the polymerizable group moieties with the activated moieties of the reaction products thereof, and (ii) chain transfer r

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a copolymer and a copolymer product of the method. The copolymer is prepared by a controlled radical polymerization process, typically an atom transfer radical polymerization process, in which polymerizable alkene monomers are polymerized in the presence of a halogenated polyolefin macroinitiator. The copolymer product of this process is useful in a film-forming composition that adheres strongly to polyolefinic substrates and to which non-polyolefinic film-forming compositions strongly adhere. The copolymer can be applied to a substrate in an adhesion-promoting layer or can be incorporated into a film-forming composition, such as a primer, that contains additional resinous compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition of carboxylate metal salt and a flow improver useful in combination with a polymerization catalyst to improve the flowability and bulk density of the catalyst. The invention also relates to a polymerization process using the catalyst.

Abstract: A process for controlled coupling and chain extension, or atom transfer condensation polymerization, of molecules containing one or more radically transferable atoms or groups is provided, wherein transition metal compounds, optionally partially in the zero oxidation state, various ligands, counterions, and solvents are preferentially employed to preferentially give coupled and chain extended products that no longer contain a radically transferable atom or group.

Abstract: A method of producing a polymer or a stellar polymer which comprises polymerizing a vinyl monomer in the manner of living radical polymerization and adding a compound having two or more polymerizable carbon-carbon double bonds at the end point of the polymerization.

Abstract: A catalyst for bulk polymerization comprising an organometallic compound represented by specified formula and a thiol is provided. The specified organometallic compound is a metallocene compound such as titanocene or zirconocene. The use of this bulk polymerization catalyst comprising a metallocene compound and a thiol enables stable bulk polymerization of a polymerizable unsaturated compound such as an acrylic monomer, the reaction control of which has been difficult in the bulk polymerization of the prior art.

Abstract: A process for producing a hydrogenated product of a polymer prepared through ring-opening polymerization which comprises a polymerization step of polymerizing a cyclic olefin through ring-opening polymerization in the presence of a polymerization catalyst comprising an organoruthenium compound or an organoosmium compound to prepare a polymer, and a hydrogenation step of adding a hydrogenation catalyst and hydrogen into a polymerization system resulting from the polymerization step to hydrogenate the carbon-carbon double bonds of the polymer prepared through the ring-opening polymerization. When the organoruthenium compound- or organoosmium compound-containing catalyst further comprises a carbene compound, the catalyst exhibits a higher activity for the ring-opening polymerization.

Abstract: Activation of ruthenium based catalyst compounds with acid to improve reaction rates and yields of olefin metathesis reactions, including ROMP, RCM, ADMET and cross-methasis reactions is disclosed. The ruthenium catalyst compounds are ruthenium carbene complexes of the general formula AxLyXzRu═CHR′ where x=0, 1 or 2, y=0, 1 or 2, and z=1 or 2 and where R′ is hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl, L is any neutral electron donor, X is any anionic ligand, and A is a ligand having a covalent structure connecting a neutral electron donor and an anionic ligand. The use of acid with these catalysts allows for reactions with a wide range of olefins in a variety of solvents, including acid-initiated RIM processes and living ROMP reactions of water-soluble monomers in water.

Abstract: The invention provides new olefin(s) polymerization catalyst systems, including polytetrafluoroethylene support. The invention also provides methods of preparing the catalyst system, and to the catalyst system's use in a gas or slurry polymerization process.

Abstract: A novel process for the production of oligomeric and polymeric telechelic compositions, to the telechelic compositions produced in this manner and to use thereof in the plastics, fibres or lacquer sectors.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition having well-balanced pressure-sensitive adhesive force and cohesive force without causing any safety or economy problems, a process for the preparation of the same and pressure-sensitive adhesive sheets using the same are disclosed. The pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprises a crosslinked polymer obtained by crosslinking a block copolymer comprising at least two of a styrene-based polymer block A and an acrylic polymer block B having a structural unit represented by the general formula (1):—[CH2═C(R1)COOR2]— wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or methyl group, and R2 represents a C2-14 alkyl group, bonded each other, such as A-B or B-A type block copolymer and A-B-A type block copolymer.

Abstract: The invention provides new olefin(s) polymerization catalyst systems, including polytetrafluoroethylene support.

Abstract: A novel process for the production of oligomeric and polymeric telechelic compositions, to the telechelic compositions produced in this manner and to use thereof in the plastics, fibers or lacquer sectors.

Abstract: The invention provides new olefin(s) polymerization catalyst systems, including controlled pore glass support.

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: 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: Compositions including fibers, fillers, reinforcing agents or other property-enhancing agents added to a polymeric matrix formed from DCPD monomer or related compounds such as norbornene and norbornadiene are disclosed. The composition has a mechanically forgiving matrix due to the polymer with the inherent strength and other physical properties of the enhancement agent according to the invention. Enhancement agents according to the invention generally include inorganic, organic and metallic substances in a variety of forms.

Abstract: Free radically polymerizable monomers may be polymerized using as an initiator a combination of a selected arylsulfonyl halide or alkylsulfonyl halide and a selected compound containing a lower valent transition metal atom. These polymerizations are sometimes living polymerizations, allowing control of polymer structure such as producing block copolymers and/or polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions. Useful monomers include styrenes and (meth)acrylate esters and amides. The products are useful as molding resins, for glazing, as film forming binders in coating compositions and have numerous other uses.

Abstract: Activation of ruthenium based catalyst compounds with acid to improve reaction rates and yields of olefin metathesis reactions, including ROMP, RCM, ADMET and cross-metathesis reactions is disclosed. The ruthenium catalyst compounds are ruthenium carbene complexes of the general formula AxLyXzRu═CHR′ where x=0, 1 or 2, y=0, 1 or 2, and z=1 or 2 and where R′ is hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl, L is any neutral electron donor, X is any anionic ligand, and A is a ligand having a covalent structure connecting a neutral electron donor and an anionic ligand. The use of acid with these catalysts allows for reactions with a wide range of olefins in a variety of solvents, including acid-initiated RIM processes and living ROMP reactions of water-soluble monomers in water.

Abstract: A single-site olefin polymerization catalyst is described. The catalyst comprises an activator and an organometallic compound that includes an amine derivative ligand. The catalyst is highly productive, incorporates comonomers well, and gives polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions.

Abstract: Non-ionic bidentate late transition metal chelates tethered to an inert support by a covalent bond group to provide a catalyst useful in slurry and gas phase polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: Non-ionic late transition metal chelates of salicylaldimine and pyrrolaldimine can be tethered to an inert support by a covalent bond to provide a catalyst useful in slurry and gas phase polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of atom (or group) transfer radical polymerization for the synthesis of novel homopolymer or a block or graft copolymer, optionally containing at least one polar group, with well defined molecular architecture and narrow polydipersity index, in the presence of an initiating system comprising (i) an initiator having a radically transferrable atom or group, (ii) a transition metal compound, and (iii) a ligand, the present invention is also directed to the synthesis of a macromolecule having at least two halogen groups which can be used as a macroinitiator component (i) to subsequently form a block or graft copolymer by an atom or group transfer radical polymerization process; the present invention is also directed to a process of atom or group transfer radical polymerization for the synthesis of a branched or hyperbranched polymer; in addition, the present invention is directed to a process of atom or group transfer radical polymerization for the synthesis of a mac

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of atom (or group) transfer radical polymerization for the synthesis of novel homopolymer or a block or graft copolymer, optionally containing at least one polar group, with well defined molecular architecture and narrow polydispersity index, in the presence of an initiating system comprising (i) an initiator having a radically transferrable atom or group, (ii) a transition metal compound, and (iii) a ligand; the present invention is also directed to the synthesis of a macromolecule having at least two halogen groups which can be used as a macroinitiator component (i) to subsequently form a block or graft copolymer by an atom or group transfer radical polymerization process; the present invention is also directed to a process of atom or group transfer radical polymerization for the synthesis of a branched or hyperbranched polymer; in addition, the present invention is directed to a process of atom or group transfer radical polymerization for the synthesis of a ma

Abstract: Compositions and methods for catalyzing and controlling the rate of olefin metathesis reactions including Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) reactions. The molding of polymer articles using ROMP polymers. The composition includes a Ruthenium or Osmium carbene complex catalyst and a gel modification additive. The Ruthenium or Osmium carbene complex catalyst having the formula ##STR1## where M may be Os or Ru; R and R.sup.1 may be the same or different and may be hydrogen or a substituent group including C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkenyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkynyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl, aryl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 carboxylate, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkoxy, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkenyloxy, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkynyloxy, aryloxy, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkoxycarbonyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkylthio, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkylsulfonyl and C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkylsulfinyl; X and X.sup.1 may be the same or different and may be any anionic ligand; and L and L.sup.1 may be the same or different and may be neutral electron donor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for polymerizing acrylonitrile, comprising: (A) forming a polymerizable mixture comprising acrylonitrile monomer, solvent and a metal catalyst; (B) contacting said mixture with an initiator, said initiator being selected from the group consisting of sulfonyl halides, halopropionitriles, substituted halopropionitriles in the form of monoadducts derived from sulfonyl halides and acrylonitrile, monoadducts derived from substituted sulfonyl halides and monomers other than acrylonitrile; or polymers containing end groups derived from sulfonyl halides, halopropionitriles, substituted halopropionitriles in the form of monoadducts derived from sulfonyl halides and acrylonitrile, or monoadducts derived from substituted sulfonyl halides and monomers other than acrylonitrile; and (C) polymerizing said acrylonitrile monomer to form a polymer comprised of acrylonitrile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel halogen-free solvent system which can produce a good isobutylene polymer and can be easily reused. A novel process for the production of an isobutylene polymer is provided which comprises using a hydrocarbon solvent having a boiling point of not lower than 105.degree. C. and a melting point of not higher than -90.degree. C. Heretofore, a solvent system containing a halogenated hydrocarbon such as methylene chloride has been used for the production of an isobutylene polymer. However, such a solvent system has a great adverse effect on the environment. Therefore, a non-halogenated solvent is desirable. The present invention is characterized by the use of a hydrocarbon solvent as a reaction solvent. The resulting polymer has good properties. Further, compounds which are produced as by-products during the reaction can be easily removed, enabling the recycling of the solvent used. Thus, the production cost can be reduced.

Abstract: This process is characterized in that at least one of the said monomers is polymerized or copolymerized in bulk, solution, emulsion or suspension, at a temperature which may be as low as 0.degree. C., in the presence of an initiator system comprising at least one non-peroxy radical-generator compound and at least one catalyst consisting of a metal complex represented by formula Ma.sub.a (L).sub.n in which M represents Rh, Co or Ir; A represents, a halogen or a pseudohalogen; the groups L, which may be identical or different, each represent a ligand which may be a chiral ligand, which is chosen from cyclooctadiene, PRR'R", P(OR) (OR') (OR"), NRR'R", ORR', SRR', SeRR', AsRR'R", SbRR'R", each radical R, R' and R" independently representing an optionally substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.14 alkyl group or an optionally substituted aromatic group, it being possible for at least two of these ligands to be joined together by one or more divalent radicals; a is an integer such that 1.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.

Abstract: Improved processes have been developed for atom (or group) transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). In one improvement, the ATRP process involves polymerizing in the presence of a (partially) free radical-deactivating amount of the corresponding reduced or oxidized transition metal compound. In a further improvement, the ATRP process involves polymerizing in a homogeneous system or in the presence of a solubilized initiating/catalytic system. The present invention also concerns end-functional, site-specific functional and telechelic homopolymers and copolymers; block, random, graft, alternating and tapered (or "gradient") copolymers which may have certain properties or a certain novel structure; star, comb and "hyperbranched" polymers and copolymers; multi-functional hyperbranched, end-functional polymers; cross-linked polymers and gels; water-soluble polymers and hydrogels (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel solvent which is capable of providing an excellent isobutylene polymer, little affects the environment, has a lower solubility in water than those of halogenated hydrocarbons having 1 or 2 carbon atoms and can be decomposed relatively easily. Namely, the present invention relates to: a process for producing an isobutylene polymer, which comprises performing a cationic polymerization reaction in a solvent containing primary and/or secondary monohalogenated hydrocarbon(s) having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and an isobutylene polymer thus obtained; and a process for producing an isobutylene polymer having a vinyl group introduced into the terminal thereof, which comprises reacting the isobutylene polymer produced above with 1,9-decadiene or allyltrimethylsilane, and an isobutylene polymer thus obtained.

Abstract: Free radically polymerizable olefinic monomers may be polymerized by using a fluorinated alkyl sulfonyl chloride or bromide and optionally a lower valent metal compound as an initiator system. Monomers such as styrenes, (meth)acrylics, halogenated olefins and vinyl ethers may be polymerized to a variety of thermoplastics or elastomers.

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: 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: Disclosed herein is a process for the polymerization of ethylene, norbornenes and styrenes, by contacting in solution a selected nickel compound and a selected compound which is or can coordinated to the nickel with the olefin(s). The polymers produced are useful for films and molding resins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new aqueous dispersion of surface active polymer which demonstrates enhanced surface active and performance properties more particularly as a foaming agent. The polymer comprises a vinyl monomer having at least one quaternized nitrogen atom, a vinyl monomer having at least one amide group, a vinyl monomer bearing both a hydrophobic and a hydrophylic group and optionally, a vinyl carboxylic monomer.

Abstract: A propylene block copolymer comprising: (a) a propylene homopolymer part having (i) an insoluble amount on xylene extraction at 25.degree. C. of 99.0% by weight or more; (ii) an isotactic pentad fraction of 98.0% or more; (iii) an isotactic average chain length of 500 or more; and (iv) a total amount of fractions having an isotactic average chain length of 800 or more obtained in a column chromatographic separation of 10% by weight or more, and (b) a copolymer part comprising propylene and at least one of ethylene and an .alpha.-olefin having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms, the proportion of the propylene homopolymer part (a) being from 50 to 97% by weight based on the total amount of the propylene homopolymer part (a) and the copolymer part (b), and the proportion of the copolymer part (b) being from 3 to 50% by weight based on the total amount of the propylene homopolymer part (a) and the copolymer part (b).