Abstract: A decompression surgery system includes an instrument shuttle configured to engage a first side of a target anatomical location, the instrument shuttle including a track. The system further includes a working channel configured to couple to and advance along the track of the instrument shuttle, the working channel having a distal end configured to engage a second side of the target anatomical location so that the target anatomical location is positioned between a portion of the instrument shuttle and the distal end of the working channel. The working channel is configured to receive one or more instruments therethrough.

Abstract: A method of preparing a conjugated diene-based polymer by continuous polymerization using two or more reactors is provided. The method of preparing a conjugated diene-based polymer includes a conjugated diene-based polymer having excellent cis 1,4 bond content and linearity, by adjusting the ratio of a polymer and a monomer in each reactor and by adjusting the retention time in a second reactor and resolving the deterioration phenomenon of physical properties, while improving productivity by reducing the contamination of the reactors.

Abstract: Metallated aminosilane compounds for use as functional initiators in anionic polymerizations and processes for producing an aminosilane-functionalized polymer using the metallated aminosilane compounds to initiate anionic polymerization of at least one type of anionically polymerizable monomer. Preferred use of the metallated aminosilane compounds results in rubber compositions for use in tires comprising an aminosilane functionalized polymer.

Abstract: A process produces a (meth)acrylate ester mixture. The process includes reacting a glycerol formal isomer mixture with an alkyl (meth)acrylate in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental polymerizable composition that requires less discharging force, is easily formable, has low polymerization shrinkage stress during curing, and exhibits high stain resistance and surface gloss when cured. The present invention relates to a dental polymerizable composition including a (meth)acrylic block copolymer (A), a polymerizable monomer (B), and a polymerization initiator (C). The (meth)acrylic block copolymer (A) consists of a (meth)acrylic polymer block (a) having a curable functional group and a (meth)acrylic polymer block (b) having no curable functional group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymerization initiator represented by Formula 1, a modified conjugated diene-based polymer, methods for preparing them, a rubber composition comprising the modified conjugated diene-based polymer, and a tire prepared from the rubber composition. (In Formula 1, the definition of each substituent is the same as defined in the description.

Abstract: A styrenic monomer-diolefin copolymer comprises polystyrenic monomer micro-blocks and polydiolefin micro-blocks, in which the content of styrenic monomer units is 10-80 wt %, the ratio of diolefin units of 1,2-structure is less than 30% in the total diolefin units, and the number-average molecular weight (Mn) of the copolymer is 25,000-500,000. The preparation methods and uses in foam products thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire produced by processing a rubber composition including a hydrogenated branched conjugated diene copolymer produced by copolymerizing a branched conjugated diene compound and a vinyl compound to form a branched conjugated diene copolymer and hydrogenating the branched conjugated diene copolymer. The branched conjugated diene compound is represented by formula (1), where R1 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having 6 to 11 carbon atoms, the vinyl compound is represented by formula (3), where R4 is a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, copolymerization ratio of the branched conjugated diene compound is 1 to 99% by weight, copolymerization ratio of the vinyl compound is 99 to 1% by weight, the branched conjugated diene compound is myrcene and/or farnesene, and the vinyl compound is styrene.

Abstract: A polybutadiene having a hydroxyl group at a terminal end thereof is reacted with a lactone compound such as an ?-caprolactone to obtain a polymer polyol represented by formula (I): HO—X1—Y—X2—OH (wherein X1 and X2 each independently represents a polyester component and Y represents a polybutadiene component), the polymer polyol is reacted with an unsymmetric diisocyanate to obtain a urethane prepolymer, and then the urethane prepolymer is reacted with a chain extender to obtain a polyurethane.

Abstract: A polybutadiene having a hydroxyl group at a terminal end thereof is reacted with a lactone compound such as an ?-caprolactone to obtain a polymer polyol represented by formula (I): HO—X1—Y—X2—OH (wherein X1 and X2 each independently represents a polyester component and Y represents a polybutadiene component), the polymer polyol is reacted with an unsymmetric diisocyanate to obtain a urethane prepolymer, and then the urethane prepolymer is reacted with a chain extender to obtain a polyurethane.

Abstract: A method for producing a modified conjugated diene polymer comprising a polymerization step of obtaining a conjugated diene polymer containing a nitrogen atom in a polymer chain and an active end by copolymerizing a conjugated diene compound and a nitrogen atom-containing vinyl compound, or a conjugated diene compound, an aromatic vinyl compound and a nitrogen atom-containing vinyl compound by use of an alkali metal compound and/or an alkaline earth metal compound as a polymerization initiator, and a modification step of reacting a modifier.

Abstract: Provided are a rubber composition capable of achieving a balanced improvement in fuel economy, tensile strength at break, and processability, and a pneumatic tire including the rubber composition. The invention relates to a rubber composition including a conjugated diene polymer and silica, the conjugated diene polymer being obtained by polymerizing a monomer component including a conjugated diene compound and a silicon-containing vinyl compound in the presence of a polymerization initiator represented by the following formula (I): to produce a copolymer, and reacting a compound containing a nitrogen atom and/or a silicon atom with an active terminal of the copolymer, wherein the rubber composition includes the conjugated diene polymer in an amount of not less than 10% by mass per 100% by mass of a rubber component of the rubber composition, and the silica in an amount of 10-70 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component.

Abstract: There is provided a process for preparing a branched conjugated diene polymer by copolymerizing 1 to 100% by weight of a branched conjugated diene compound (1) monomer: wherein R1 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having 6 to 11 carbon atoms, with 99 to 0% by weight of a conjugated diene compound (2) monomer: wherein R2 and R3 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom, or the like, and/or 99 to 0% by weight of a vinyl compound (3) monomer: wherein R4 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, or the like, wherein the process comprises a step of polymerizing by adding a monomer solution successively into a catalyst solution. The branched conjugated diene polymer is useful as a rubber component for a tire for improving processability.

Abstract: The present invention related to a conjugated diene based polymer comprising a monomer unit derived from a noncyclic conjugated diene and a monomer unit derived from an alicyclic hydrocarbon compound having a non-conjugated carbon-carbon double bond.

Abstract: Metallated aminosilane compounds for use as functional initiators in anionic polymerizations and processes for producing an aminosilane-functionalized polymer using the metallated aminosilane compounds to initiate anionic polymerization of at least one type of anionically polymerizable monomer. Preferred use of the metallated aminosilane compounds results in rubber compositions for use in tires comprising an aminosilane functionalized polymer. A telechelic polymer may result from use of the metallated aminosilane compound as a functional terminator.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for producing polymers of isoprene derived from renewable resources, such as isoprene produced from cultured cells that use renewable carbon sources. A starting isoprene composition, such as a bioisoprene composition, is distinguished from petroleum based isoprene by its purity profile (such as lower levels of certain C5 hydrocarbons other than isoprene, presence of certain compounds associated with the biological process for production) and the relative content of the carbon isotopes. Polymers obtained by polymerization of such starting isoprene composition according to this invention, such as a polyisoprene homopolymer or a copolymer having repeat units that are derived from isoprene, are distinguishable from isoprene containing polymers from petrochemical resources.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a conjugated diene-based polymer comprising polymerizing a monomer component comprising a conjugated diene compound and a silicon-containing vinyl compound using the following compounds (I) and (II), as a polymerization initiator component, (I) an organic alkali metal compound (II) a compound represented by the following formula (I) wherein R11 and R12 represent a hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms optionally having a substituent.

Abstract: Vulcanizates with desirable properties can be obtained from compounds incorporating polymers that include hydroxyl group-containing aryl functionalities. The functionalities can be incorporated by using any or all of appropriate initiators, monomers and optional terminating compounds. Such polymers exhibit excellent interactivity with both conventional and non-conventional fillers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conjugated diene based polymer comprising a monomer unit derived from at least one conjugated diene selected from 1,3-butadiene and isoprene and a monomer unit derived from a compound represented by Formula (1): wherein n represents an integer of 0 to 5; R11, R12 and R13 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cycloolefin copolymer, which is prepared via ring-opening metathesis polymerization using, as monomers, dicyclopentadiene obtained by chemically bonding two cyclopentadiene molecules using a Diels-Alder reaction and tricyclopentadiene obtained by chemically bonding three cyclopentadiene molecules using a Diels-Alder reaction, in which the cyclopentadiene is a C5-fraction of naphtha cracking, and to a method of preparing the same. This copolymer is a non-crystalline transparent resin and is useful for a variety of end uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conjugated diene based polymer comprising a monomer unit derived from at least one conjugated diene selected from 1,3-butadiene and isoprene and a monomer unit derived from a compound having two conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds and one or more non-conjugated carbon-carbon double bond.

Abstract: The present invention related to a conjugated diene based polymer comprising a monomer unit derived from a noncyclic conjugated diene and a monomer unit derived from an alicyclic hydrocarbon compound having a non-conjugated carbon-carbon double bond.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conjugated diene polymer that can give a polymer composition having excellent fuel economy, a polymer composition formed by combining the conjugated diene polymer and a filler such as silica, and a method for producing the conjugated diene polymer.

Abstract: Vulcanizates with desirable properties can be obtained from compounds incorporating polymers that include hydroxyl group-containing diphenylethylene-type functionalities. The functionalities can be incorporated by using any or all of appropriate initiators, monomers and optional terminating compounds. Such polymers exhibit excellent interactivity with both conventional and non-conventional fillers.

Abstract: To provide a novel cross copolymer and resin composition which are improved in heat resistance and compatibility over conventional ethylene/aromatic vinyl compound copolymers and which have low crystallinity, are excellent in softness, transparency and compatibility and show mechanical properties similar to soft vinyl chloride resins, as compared with conventional cross copolymers.

Abstract: A composition includes a baleable polymer resulting from the polymerization of at least one conjugated diene in the presence of an anionic initiator. The baleable polymer has carboxylate termination resulting from the addition of carbon dioxide to terminate the polymerization reaction. The polymer has Mooney ML1+4 viscosity of >35 and a solution viscosity of X, where X is >75 cP. The addition of an lonolizer to a composition that includes the polymer reduces the solution viscosity of the polymer from X to Y where Y meets the following formula: 0.4X?Y?0.58X. The baleable polymer is blended with impact-modified plastics resulting in improved izod values and optical qualities. Processes for making and utilizing the polymer composition, and ionolizer are also described.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of diene polymers or vinylarene-diene statistical (random) copolymers which comprises the anionic (cp) polymerization, in hydrocarbon solvents, of at least one monomer of a conjugated diene, optionally in the presence of a vinyl aryl monomer, and using a compound belonging to the group of lithium alkyls as initiator, characterized in that the total lithium alkyl initiator is modified in situ by means of a reaction with a compound having general formula (I): Rm—(X—H)n (I) wherein R is a C2-C20 (cyclo) alkyl or C6-C20 aromatic radical, X is a heteroatom belonging to group VA or group VIA of the periodic system, n is an integer higher than or equal to 1, m is an integer>1 which depends on the valence of the heteroatom X.

Abstract: A polymer having at least the following characteristics: (a) a block styrene content with more than 4 consecutive styrene units from about 40 to about 70 weight percent based on total styrene content in the polymer; (b) a vinyl content from about 25 to about 80 weight percent based on total amount of polymerized 1,3-diene; (c) a styrene content from about 20 to about 75 weight percent based on total weight of polymer; and (d) a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of 1.5 or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for the production of a superabsorbent polymer comprising providing an acidic liquid aqueous monomer mixture containing dissolved oxygen; continuously feeding the aqueous monomer mixture to a reactor; introducing a source of carbonate or hydrogen carbonate into the aqueous monomer mixture prior to entry into the reactor thereby forming a gas phase comprising carbon dioxide and at least a part of the dissolved oxygen, the gas phase being dispersed in the liquid phase; subjecting the gas/liquid mixture to at least partial phase separation immediately prior to or after entry into the reactor and at least partially removing the separated gaseous phase; subjecting the liquid phase in the reactor to free-radical polymerization to obtain the superabsorbent polymer, and continuously removing the superabsorbent polymer from the reactor.

Abstract: A polymer has at least the following characteristics: (a) a block styrene content containing 4 to 6 styrene units from about 27 to about 50 weight percent based on total styrene content in the polymer; (b) a vinyl content from about 30 to about 80 weight percent based on total amount of polymerized 1,3-butadiene; and (c) a styrene content from about 40 to about 70 weight percent based on total weight of polymer. Processes for the polymerization of such a polymer, compositions containing such a pofymer, and articles containing at least one component formed from such a composition are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to water-in-water polymer dispersions containing cross-linked cationic polymers, methods for their preparation and their use. The water-in-water polymer dispersions are useful inter alia as flocculants, dewatering (drainage) aids and retention aids in papermaking.

Abstract: Provided is a polychloroprene latex extremely favorable in adhesive properties. The present invention relates to a method of producing a polychloroprene latex, comprising polymerizing chloroprene or a mixture of chloroprene and a monomer copolymerizable with chloroprene in an aqueous medium containing a surfactant at a concentration of lower than its critical micelle concentration (CMC) and a polymer dispersant of a metal salt of aromatic sulfonic acid formalin condensate added thereto. The polymer dispersant for use is preferably a metal salt of aromatic sulfonic acid formalin condensate. The polychloroprene latex obtained can be used as an adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing anionic water-in-water polymer dispersions containing at least one finely dispersed, water-soluble and/or water-swellable polymer A and a continuous aqueous phase. This phase has a partial quantity of at least one polymeric dispersing agent B in which monomers dispersed in this aqueous phase are subjected to a radical polymerization, and after the polymerization is completed, the reaction mixture is subsequently diluted with the remaining amount of dispersing agent B. The invention also relates to the polymer dispersions obtained according to the method and to their use, particularly in the paper industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing polymerized 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (poly-1234yf) using one or a combination of the techniques provided herein. In certain embodiments, such techniques include (1) emulsion polymerization; (2) suspension polymerization; (3) solution polymerization; (4) supercritical carbon dioxide polymerization; (5) transition metal catalyzed polymerization; (6) radiation or thermal polymerization; and combinations thereof. A wide array of initiators, catalysts, and solvents may be used in such polymerization processes and may include, but are not limited to, (1) radical initiators; (2) ionic initiators; and (3) single-site and multiple-site catalysts.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the continuous polymerization of a polymer comprising monomeric units derived from styrene and 1,3-butadiene, said process comprising: polymerizing the monomers in the presence of an initiator, and at least one polar agent selected from Formula 1; wherein R1 and R2 are each independently an alkyl, and preferably a C1-C4 alkyl; R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are each independently selected from hydrogen or an alkyl, and preferably hydrogen or a C1-C4 alkyl; and wherein a 1,2-diene is added to the polymerization, and the 1,2-diene to active initiator (active for polymerization) molar ratio is from 0.1 to 1.0, preferably from 0.1 to 0.9, and more preferably from 0.1 to 0.85; and wherein the polar agent to the active initiator molar ratio is from 0.05 to 0.6, preferably from 0.1 to 0.5, more preferably from 0.15 to 0.3.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoplastic cellulosic composition for preparing a cellulose-based masterbatch and/or a cellulose-based fiber with a networked structure. In one example, the thermoplastic cellulosic composition includes an esterified cellulose present in a range of about 80 wt % to about 95 wt %, polyethylene glycol present in a range of about 4.5 wt % to about 12 wt %, a tri-functional cross-linking agent present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 3 wt %, an initiator present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 0.15 wt %, and a dispersing agent present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 5 wt %.

Abstract: A sulfur-containing anionic polymerization initiator defined by the formula: R1S—R2aR3?Li? where R1 is a monovalent organic group, R2 is a divalent organic group, R3 is a divalent organic group or a bond, and a is an integer from 1 to about 5.

Abstract: A method for copolymerizing alkenyl aromatic monomer and conjugated diene in the gas phase. Other embodiments include methods for forming anionic gas-phase polymerization using a solid-supported anionic polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of preparing a reactive polymer and reacting the reactive polymer with a heterocyclic nitrile compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for the production of a superabsorbent polymer comprising providing an acidic liquid aqueous monomer mixture containing dissolved oxygen; continuously feeding the aqueous monomer mixture to a reactor; introducing a source of carbonate or hydrogen carbonate into the aqueous monomer mixture prior to entry into the reactor thereby forming a gas phase comprising carbon dioxide and at least a part of the dissolved oxygen, the gas phase being dispersed in the liquid phase; subjecting the gas/liquid mixture to at least partial phase separation immediately prior to or after entry into the reactor and at least partially removing the separated gaseous phase; subjecting the liquid phase in the reactor to free-radical polymerization to obtain the superabsorbent polymer, and continuously removing the superabsorbent polymer from the reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoplastic cellulosic composition for preparing a cellulose-based masterbatch and/or a cellulose-based fiber with a networked structure. In one example, the thermoplastic cellulosic composition includes an esterified cellulose present in a range of about 80 wt % to about 95 wt %, polyethylene glycol present in a range of about 4.5 wt % to about 12 wt %, a tri-functional cross-linking agent present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 3 wt %, an initiator present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 0.15 wt %, and a dispersing agent present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 5 wt %.

Abstract: Provided is a process for making a saturated star hydrocarbon polymer. The process has the following steps: (A) hydrosilylating tetraethylene silicon with methyldichlorosilane in the presence of a hydrosilylating catalyst to form a chlorosilane dendrimer; (B) reacting the chlorosilane dendrimer with vinylmagnesium bromide in the presence of a lithium and/or organolithium initiator stepwise to build a higher generation chlorosilane dendrimer; (C) anionically polymerizing polybutadiene in the presence of a lithium and/or organolithium initiator to form living poly(butadienyl)lithium; (D) attaching the living poly(butadienyl)lithium to the higher generation dendrimer to form a star polybutadiene; and (E) hydrogenating the star polybutadiene to form the saturated star hydrocarbon polymer. There is also provided a saturated star hydrocarbon polymer made according to the above process and a polymer composition of a matrix ethylene polymer and the saturated star hydrocarbon polymer.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of preparing a reactive polymer and reacting the reactive polymer with a heterocyclic nitrile compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a conjugated diene-based polymer comprising adding the following compounds (I) and (II); (I) Organic alkali metal compound; (II) Compound represented by the following formula (I) wherein R11 represents a hydrocarbylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms optionally having, as a hetero atom, at least one kind atom selected from an atomic group consisting of a silicon atom, a nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom, as a polymerization initiator component to a solution containing at least one kind monomer component and using a hydrocarbon as a solvent, in an order of the compound (I) and the compound (II), and polymerizing a monomer component comprising a conjugated diene-compound and a silicon-containing vinyl compound.

Abstract: A tapered triblock copolymer having controlled vinyl distribution, enlarged middle block with intermediate composition and microstructure, increased compatibility between its adjacent blocks, good processing characteristics and a peak average molecular weight between 25,000 and 300,000 is made by anionically polymerizing conjugated diene and monovinyl aromatic monomers, polar modifier and initiator to make a first block rich in conjugated diene, forming a second block that is a copolymer of the conjugated diene and the monovinyl aromatic monomer and which is less rich in the conjugated diene than the first block, and forming a third block that is a homopolymer of the monovinyl aromatic monomer. The first, second and third blocks comprise 30 to 60, 20 to 50 wt % and 10 to 40 wt % of the tapered triblock copolymer, respectively. The tapered triblock copolymers may be used as asphalt modifiers, adhesives, sealants, compatibilizers, reinforcing agents and impact modifiers.

Abstract: A novel polymeric compound is provided. The polymeric compound is highly compatible with reinforcing materials. Particularly, the polymeric compound is highly miscible with inorganic reinforcing materials in the manufacture of a tire. Further provided is a novel bifunctional initiator necessary to prepare the polymeric compound. The bifunctional initiator contains amine moieties. Active ends of the polymer are modified with an alkoxysilane compound. The polymer has an improved affinity for carbon black and silica as reinforcing materials in the manufacture of a tire. Therefore, the use of the polymer can achieve desired physical properties required in a tire, e.g., high wet traction, low rolling resistance and high tread wear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of hydrotalcites as catalysts for the polymerization of unsubstituted or substituted trimethylene carbonate.

Abstract: Provided herein are polyfarnesenes such as farnesene homopolymers derived from a farnesene and farnesene interpolymers derived from a farnesene and at least a vinyl monomer; and the processes of making and using the polyfarnesenes. The farnesene homopolymer can be prepared by polymerizing the farnesene in the presence of a catalyst such as a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, a Kaminsky catalyst, a metallocene catalyst, an organolithium reagent or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the farnesene is prepared from a sugar by using a microorganism.

Abstract: An alkali metal-reacted aromatic compound which has three or more carbon atoms which are directly bonded to alkali metal atoms and aromatic rings in one molecule is used as a polymerization initiator to polymerize a monomer mixture which is contains at least one conjugated diene compound to thereby produce a radial conjugated diene polymer. Further, active ends of the polymer having active ends which is obtained by this method is made to react with a modifier which can react with the active ends to thereby produce an end-modified radial conjugated diene polymer. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method of production of the radial conjugated diene polymer which gives a high degree of freedom of polymer design and easy control of the polymer structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the polymerization of fluoromonomers using non-fluorinated alkyl phosphonate surfactants, and to the fluoropolymers formed thereby. Specifically, the method of the polymerization uses one or more alkyl phosphonic acids or salts thereof.