Abstract: A catalyst system suitable for the polymerisation of olefins, said system comprising (a) a transition metal compound or lanthanide metal compound (b) a cocatalyst and (c) at least one porous support material characterised in that the porous support material has been pretreated with a halogen-containing organometallic compound, in particularly with a fluorine-containing organometallic compound. The catalyst system is particularly suitable for the preparation of polymers having broad molecular weight distributions from the polymerisation of olefins in the presence of a single site catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for producing polymers at conversions ranging from 50% to 95% having a Mooney viscosity of at least 25 Mooney-units and a gel content of less than 15 wt. % containing repeating units derived from at least one isoolefin monomer, more than 4.1 mol % of repeating units derived from at least one multiolefin monomer and optionally further copolymerizable monomers in the presence of AlCl3 and a suitable proton source (e.g. water) or cationogen and at least one multiolefin cross-linking agent wherein the process is conducted in the absence of transition metal compounds and organic nitro compounds.

Abstract: Copolymers, especially multi-block copolymer containing therein two or more segments or blocks differing in chemical or physical properties, are prepared by polymerizing propylene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, or other C4-8?-olefin and one or more copolymerizable comonomers, especially ethylene in the presence of a composition comprising the admixture or reaction product resulting from combining: (A) a first metal complex olefin polymerization catalyst, (B) a second metal complex olefin polymerization catalyst capable of preparing polymers differing in chemical or physical properties from the polymer prepared by catalyst (A) under equivalent polymerization conditions, and (C) a chain shuttling agent.

Abstract: A process for preparing polypropylene compositions having high impact strength at low temperatures is disclosed in which the reaction is catalyzed by Ziegler-Natta/metallocene hybrid catalysts by the in-situ polymerization of one or more olefins of the formula CH2?CHR, in which R is hydrogen or an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and more specifically comprises preparing an olefin polymer by Ziegler-Natta catalyst components of the titanium or vanadium/metallocene hybrid catalysts while the metallocene components are inactivated beforehand by catalyst inactivators; and polymerizing one or more olefins in the presence of the above olefin polymer, followed by a reactivation of the metallocene components.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for polymerizing a cationically polymerizable olefin comprising the step of polymerizing at least one cationically polymerizable olefin at a subatmospheric pressure in the presence of a cationic polymerization catalyst system which comprises an initiator and an activator, which together form a reactive cation and non-co-ordinating anion, the activator being prepared by the reaction of a metalloid compound of formula (R1R2R3)M with a co-initiator, the co-initiator being selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, a thiol, a carboxylic acid, a thiocarboxylic acid and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to new polymerization processes including diluents including hydrofluorocarbons and their use to produce novel polymers with new sequence distributions. In particular, the invention relates to copolymers of an isoolefin, preferably isobutylene, and an alkylstyrene, preferably methylstyrene, even more preferably para-methylstyrene, with new sequence distributions. The copolymer may optionally be halogenated.

Abstract: The invention provides for polymerization processes to produce polymers utilizing boiling pool reactor systems and diluents including hydrofluorocarbons.

Abstract: The invention provides for a process to produce polymers utilizing a hydrofluorocarbon diluent.

Abstract: A process for producing polymers having at least one high vinyl end segment is provided. The process comprises: (a) forming a living prepolymer high vinyl initiator with a vinyl content greater than about 45% using a vinyl modifier, (b) adding a R1R2R3aluminum or R1R2R3boron compound to nullify the effect of the vinyl modifier, and (c) initiating polymerization of diene monomers using said living prepolymer high vinyl initiator so as to form a polymer product with at least one high vinyl end segment, where R1, R2, and R3 are selected from the group consisting of C1-C12 alkyl, C2-C12 alkene, C2-C12 alkyne, phenyl, and alkyl-substituted phenyl, and may all be identical or may all be separately selected but cannot be H. The polymers having at least one high vinyl end segment may be coupled to produce a polymer having a high vinyl end segment on all ends.

Abstract: It has been discovered that using n-butylmethyldimethoxysilane (BMDS) as an external electron donor for succinate-containing Ziegler-Natta catalysts can provide a catalyst system that may prepare polypropylene films with improved properties. The catalyst systems of the invention provide for controlled chain defects/defect distribution and thus a regulated microtacticity along with broadened molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: The invention related to a process for the polymerization of at least one aliphatic C2-20 or aromatic C4-20 hydrocarbyl mono- or multiolefin in the presence of a catalyst and an aluminum comprising co-catalyst, wherein the catalyst comprises a composition of a metal-organic reagent, a spectator ligand and optionally at least one equivalent of a hydrocarbylating agent. The invention further relates to a polymer obtainable by the process of the invention.

Abstract: This invention is a process to manufacture high quality vinyl aromatic polymer that is essentially free of unreacted vinyl aromatic monomer using retarded anionic polymerization wherein the retardant is insoluble and can be removed from the polymerization at an intermediate stage so that the polymerization can be carried to completion in the absence of the retardant.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions suitable for tire treads or sidewalls and other articles where abrasion resistance and flexibility are desirable. The invention includes a tire tread or sidewall made by combining a filler; a sulfur cure system; optionally at least one secondary rubber; and at least one halogenated terpolymer of C4 to C8 isoolefin derived units, C4 to C14 multiolefin derived units, and p-alkylstyrene derived units. Examples of suitable fillers include carbon black, silica, and combinations thereof. The present invention also includes a method of producing an elastomeric terpolymer composition comprising combining in a diluent C4 to C8 isoolefin monomers, C4 to C14 multiolefin monomers, and p-alkylstyrene monomers in the presence of a Lewis acid and at least one initiator to produce the terpolymer.

Abstract: The invention provides for a process to produce polymers utilizing a hydrofluorocarbon diluent.

Abstract: A method is provided for cationically polymerizing olefin monomer by using a novel coinitiator in the presence of water. More specifically, a method is provided for cationically polymerizing olefin monomer by using a novel coinitiator in an aqueous suspension or aqueous emulsion polymerization process.

Abstract: A method is provided for cationically polymerizing olefin monomer by employing the step of using a novel coinitiator in an organic phase or a neat monomer reaction phase. More specifically, a method is provided for cationically polymerizing olefin monomer by employing the step of using a novel coinitiator in an organic phase or a neat monomer reaction phase, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer and wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing an isobutene polymer using a cyclopentene derivative as initiator and to the isobutene polymer obtainable by means of the process and to particular functionalization products thereof.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an acrylic acid ester polymer, includes carrying out polymerization of an acrylic acid ester or block copolymerization of an acrylic acid ester and another (meth)acrylic monomer in the presence of an organolithium compound and an organoaluminum compound represented by the following formula (I): AlR1R2R3??(I) wherein R1 represents an alkyl group having at least 3 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having at least 3 carbon atoms or an aryloxy group, R2 and R3 each independently represent an aryloxy group or may be coupled together to form an arylenedioxy group. The process makes it possible to heighten the reaction rate and living properties upon polymerization and heighten the block formation efficiency upon block copolymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new catalyst system that improves the heat transfer capability of a butyl reactor slurry process system in the production of isobutylene-based polymers in continuous slurry polymerization processes. The process is carried out in an anhydrous polymerization system containing a mixture of the monomers in a polar diluent along with a Lewis acid and a C5 or greater initiator having a tertiary halide.

Abstract: The production of a protein free synthetic polyisoprene which has both low levels of chemical impurities and good physical properties has yet to be realized. It has now been envisioned that the use of neodymium catalyzed polyisoprene will offer the combined advantages of both a clean, as well as, high cis-1,4 polymer. Synthesis of polyisoprene rubber using a neodymium based catalyst system is described. Characterization of the material shows the absence of an ultra high molecular weight fraction and the presence of very high cis-1,4-microstructure. Gum stock and black filled compound studies comparing neodymium polyisoprene with natural rubber, titanium polyisoprene, and lithium polyisoprene have been performed. Results indicate that polyisoprene rubber synthesized using a neodymium catalyst system (Nd-PI) has similar stress-strain and tear properties as synthetic titanium polyisoprene.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymers having a slow rate of absorption, and a process for their preparation. The superabsorbent polymer has a slow rate of absorption, is crosslinked with a covalent crosslinking agent and the metal of a polyvalent metal coordination compound, has the metal of the coordination compound distributed essentially homogeneously throughout the polymer, and has an Absorption Rate Index of at least about 5 minutes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new catalyst system that improves the heat transfer capability of a butyl reactor slurry process system in the production of isobutylene-based polymers in continuous slurry polymerization processes. The process is carried out in an anhydrous polymerization system containing a mixture of the monomers in a polar diluent along with a Lewis acid and a C5 or greater initiator having a tertiary halide.

Abstract: The present invention is for a transition metal-free catalyst system for synthesizing high molecular weight, linear polymers. The system comprises a catalyst composition having: (a) a neutral compound having the formula AlR3, wherein R is an alkyl or hydride group; (b) a Lewis acid or Lewis acid derivative cocatalyst different from the neutral compound, wherein the cocatalyst reacts with the neutral compound to form an initiator; and (c) an activity-enhancing modifier, wherein the modifier reacts with the initiator to form the catalyst composition. The instant invention is also directed to a method for polymerizing at least one olefinic monomer comprising the step of contacting a feed containing the olefinic monomer under polymerization conditions with the transition metal-free catalyst composition.

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: A process for preparing a butyl polymer, the process comprising contacting a C4 to C8 monoolefin monomer with a C4 to C14 multiolefin monomer at a temperature in the range of from about −100° C. to about +50° C. in the presence of a diluent and a catalyst mixture comprising a monoalkylaluminum dihalide and an aluminoxane.

Abstract: The invention relates to alkoxysilacycloalkanes, to the process of their preparation and to their use in the polymerization of olefins. The introduction of these alkoxysilacycloalkanes into the olefin polymerization environment makes it possible to raise the heptane-insolubles content of the polymer finally formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new improved catalyst to produce random copolymers of one or more iso-olefin monomers and one or more para-alkylstyrene monomers. The invention also relates to an improved continuous slurry polymerization process to produce random copolymers using the improved catalyst system. The process is carried out in an anhydrous polymerization system containing a mixture of the monomers in a polar solvent along with a Lewis acid and a stabilizing initiator.

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 process and catalyst system of this invention can be utilized to synthesize polybutadiene rubber having a high trans content and a low melting point by solution polymerization. The trans-polybutadiene rubber made by the process of this invention can be utilized in tire tread rubbers that exhibit outstanding wear characteristics. More importantly, the trans-polybutadiene rubber of this invention can be easily processed because of its low level of crystallinity. In fact, the trans-polybutadiene made by the process of this invention does not need to be heated in a “hot-house” before being used in making rubber compounds. The process and catalyst system of this invention can also be used in the synthesis of trans-styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).

Abstract: The present invention is for a transition metal-free catalyst system for synthesizing high molecular weight, linear polymers. The system comprises a catalyst composition having: (a) a neutral compound having the formula AlR3, wherein R is an alkyl or hydride group; (b) a Lewis acid or Lewis acid derivative cocatalyst different from the neutral compound, wherein the cocatalyst reacts with the neutral compound to form an initiator; and (c) an activity-enhancing modifier, wherein the modifier reacts with the initiator to form the catalyst composition. The instant invention is also directed to a method for polymerizing at least one olefinic monomer comprising the step of contacting a feed containing the olefinic monomer under polymerization conditions with the transition metal-free catalyst composition.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymers having a slow rate of absorption, and a process for their preparation. The superabsorbent polymer has a slow rate of absorption, is crosslinked with a covalent crosslinking agent and the metal of a polyvalent metal coordination compound, has the metal of the coordination compound distributed essentially homogeneously throughout the polymer, and has an Absorption Rate Index of at least about 5 minutes. Prepare water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer particles having a slow rate of water absorption by polymerizing a monomer in the presence of a covalent crosslinking agent and a polyvalent metal coordination compound under conditions such that there is formed a polymer having reversible cationic crosslinks and such that the metal is distributed essentially homogeneously throughout the polymer particles.

Abstract: A drag-reducing polymer is described, along with a method for manufacturing the drag-reducing polymer. The drag-reducing polymer is manufactured by bulk polymerizing a vinyl aromatic with an &agr;-olefin, wherein the &agr;-olefin has a carbon chain length of between two and twenty carbons. A drag-reducing polymer suspension and drag-reducing polymer solution are also described.

Abstract: Ethylene and/or propylene are polymerized to form high molecular weight, linear polymers by contacting ethylene and/or propylene monomer, in the presence of an inert reaction medium, with a catalyst system which consists essentially of (1) an aluminum alkyl component, such as trimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum, triisobutylaluminum, tri-n-octylaluminum and diethylaluminum hydride and (2) a Lewis acid or Lewis acid derivative component, such as _B(C6F5)3, {(CH3)2N(H)(C6H5)}+{B(C6F5)4}−, {(C2H5) 3NH}+{B(C6F5)4}−, {(C6F5)3C}+{B(C6F5)4}−, {(C6F5)3C}+{B(C6F5)3(Cl)−}, (C2H5) 2Al(OCH3), (C2H5)2Al(2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenoxide), (C2H5)Al(2,6-di-t-butylphenoxide)2, (C2H5)2Al(2,6-di-t-butylphenoxide), 2,6-di-t butylphenol.methyl-aluminoxane or an alkylaluminoxane, and which may be completely free any transition metal component(s).

Abstract: A process for preparing a butyl polymer, the process comprising contacting a C4 to C8 monoolefin monomer with a C4 to C14 multiolefin monomer at a temperature in the range of from about −100° C. to about +50° C. in the presence of a diluent and a catalyst mixture comprising a monoalkylaluminum dihalide and an aluminoxane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new improved catalyst to produce random copolymers of one or more iso-olefin monomers and one or more para-alkylstyrene monomers. The invention also relates to an improved continuous slurry polymerization process to produce random copolymers using the improved catalyst system. The process is carried out in an anhydrous polymerization system containing a mixture of the monomers in a polar solvent along with a Lewis acid and a stabilizing initiator.

Abstract: Star polymers obtainable by polymerization of vinylaromatic monomers with a branching monomer unit containing at least two vinylaromatic functional radicals in the presence of a catalyst obtainable from A) a transition-metal complex from sub-group II to VIII, B) a cation-forming agent and C), if desired, an aluminum compound.

Abstract: Homopolymers, copolymers or block copolymers are prepared by anionic polymerization of acrylates and/or methacrylates in the presence of an initiator composition containing A) an organic alkali metal compound, B) an organic aluminum compound and C) an additive which forms a complex with the alkali metal cation and is selected from the group consisting of open-chain ethers having at least two ether oxygen atoms, macrocyclic ethers and cryptands, or from the group consisting of quaternary cations of the general formula I  where A is N, P, As or Sb and Ra, Rb, Rc and Rd, independently of one another, are each unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or aryl, where two neighboring radicals, together with the heteroatom A, may form a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic structure which may contain one or two further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur atoms.

Abstract: A method for preparing a moisture-curable, pseudo-telechelic, silyl-functional polyisobutylene terpolymer is disclosed, said method comprising reacting, in the presence of a Lewis acid and a solvent, (A) an isobutylene monomer; (B) a isopropenylphenyl comonomer having the formula (C) a vinylphenyl comonomer of the formula wherein R′ is a divalent non-aromatic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, R″ is independently selected from alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or aryl groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, R is a divalent non-aromatic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, X is independently a hydrolyzable group and n is independently 1, 2 or 3, with the proviso that rAC is greater than 1 and rAB is less than 1, wherein rAB is the reactivity ratio of said isobutylene in the presence of said comonomer (B) and said solvent and rAC is the reactivity ratio of said isobutylene in the presence of said comonomer (C) and said solvent.

Abstract: A process for starting a polymerization of butadiene to produce polybutadiene in a gas phase reactor having a seed bed which comprises (i) passivating the reactor and the seed bed by introducing an aluminum alkyl having a concentration ranging from about 2,000 to 20,000 ppm and (ii) feeding the catalyst and co-catalyst to the reactor before the addition of the butadiene.

Abstract: Thermoplastic cycloolefin copolymers (COCs) having high tear strength and low optical attenuation, a process for their preparation, and their use as optical waveguides (optical fibers).

Abstract: Process for producing an olefin polymer of a low polydispersity index having low catalyst residues and low chlorine content, by polymerizing olefins in solution in the presence of a cationic catalyst, in a reactor containing a liquid phase comprising a liquid boiling hydrocarbon polymerization medium and having a vapor space above the liquid phase. The polymerization is carried out in the presence of a non-mechanical agent capable of suppressing foam formation during the polymerization.

Abstract: A method for preparing a conjugated diene polymer characterized by polymerizing a conjugated diene in vapor phase in the presence of an inorganic filler used as a rubber reinforcement agent and a catalyst which comprises (a) a compound containing a rare earth element of an atomic number of from 57 to 71 in the Periodic Table or a compound obtained by the reaction of this rare earth element-containing compound and a Lewis base, (b) an organic aluminum compound of the formula AlR.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 or an almoxane, and (c) a halogen-containing compound. The vapor phase polymerization ensures easy control of the molecular weight of the polymer better dispersion of a rubber enforcement agent, and provides a rubber composition with improved rupture characteristics and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a crosslinkable styrene or styrene derivative polymer having narrow molecular weight distribution by radical polymerization of a styrene or styrene derivative monomer and other comonomer, wherein the polymerization is conducted in the presence of a catalyst system composed of a free radical compound and a radical polymerization initiator. With the present process, a heat- or photo-crosslinkable styrene or styrene derivative polymer having excellent rheology controlling ability and excellent reaction efficiency of a functional group can be obtained.

Abstract: A process for making silyl endblocked organic polymers of the formula R.sup.1.sub.3 SiM is disclosed which comprises contacting under anhydrous conditions M' monomers and/or oligomers of M' with a silyl cation R.sup.1.sub.3 Si.sup.+ devoid of any siloxane bonds wherein each R.sup.1 independently denotes an optionally substituted hydrocarbon or hydrocarbonoxy group, hydrogen, a halogen or a monovalent siloxane-free silicon-containing group and M is an organic polymer made by the addition polymerisation of ethylenically unsaturated monomers M' of the formula H(R.sup.3)--C.dbd.C--(R.sup.2).sub.2 wherein each R.sup.2 independently denotes an optionally substituted hydrocarbon, hydrogen or a halogen and R.sup.3 denotes a hydrogen or methyl group. Preferably the monomer M' is an olefin.

Abstract: A cationic catalyst composition comprising a reactive cation and a compatible non-coordinating anion used at a temperature of 20.degree. C. or less to produce olefin polymers, particularly polyisobutylene is disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polymer prepared from a mixture containing a polymerization material and a polycondensation product of a partially hydrolyzed chelated metal oxide precursor. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for making a polymer involving contacting a polymerization material with a metal oxide sol comprising a liquid and a polycondensation product of a partially hydrolyzed chelated metal oxide precursor to form a mixture and at least one of polymerizing and curing the mixture of the polymerization material and the polycondensation product.

Abstract: A process for producing a copolymer of isoolefin having between 4 and 7 carbon atoms and para-alkylstyrene is provided. The process comprises admixing the isoolefin and the para-alkylstyrene in a copolymerization reactor under copolymerization conditions in the presence of a diluent, and a Lewis Acid catalyst, and maintaining the copolymerization reactor substantially free of impurities which can complex with the catalyst or copolymerize with the isoolefin or the para-alkylstyrene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing isobutene-cyclodiene copolymers having a number-average molecular weight of at least 100,000 and an unsaturation of 1.about.30% by mol, characterized in that polymerization is carried out without gelation by reacting 75.about.99.5% by weight of an isobutene and 0.5.about.25% by weight of a cyclodiene or a mixture of cyclodiene as reaction materials, in a polar reaction solvent of 1.about.10 times by weight with respect to the reaction materials, wherein a catalyst solution of 0.02.about.2% by weight in the polar solvent is used in the amount of 0.2.about.2 times by weight with respect to the reaction materials, at a reaction temperature of -100.degree..about.-85.degree. C., thereby obtaining a copolymer, and then removing the residual catalyst activity at a temperature of -100.degree..about.-25.degree. C.

Abstract: An isobutylene-based polymer as a polymer of cationically polymerizable monomers principally composed of isobutylene or a combination of isobutylene and a styrene-series monomer, generates a molded article with outstanding properties, the isobutylene-based polymer characteristically satisfying the following provisions;1. the isobutylene-based polymer has a substantially continuos molecular weight distribution on a gel-permeation chromatogram;2. the molecular weight at the highest peak on a gel-permeation chromatogram is within a range of 10,000 to 500,000; and3. the length (a) of the elution time in the lower molecular region of the mountain from the highest peak and the length (b) of the elution time in the higher molecular region of the mountain from the highest peak on a gel-permeation chromatogram, satisfy the provision represented by the formula (b)/(a).gtoreq.1.3.

Abstract: Polyisoolefins are produced using the process according to the invention by polymerising isoolefins, optionally with conjugated or unconjugated dienes and/or cationically polymerisable, mono- or polyunsaturated compounds in solution, in suspension or in the gas phase at temperatures of -100.degree. C. to +200.degree. C. and pressures of 0.1 to 100 bar in the presence of an initiator system consisting of aluminium-cyclopentadienyl compounds and boron compounds.