Abstract: A process for preparing aqueous polymer dispersions comprises first of all subjecting ethylenically unsaturated monomers to free-radical aqueous emulsion polymerization to prepare an aqueous dispersion of a polymer 1 having a glass transition temperature Tg1, then dissolving further, comparatively hard monomers in the dispersed particles of the polymer 1, and subsequently carrying out free-radical polymerization of said monomers dissolved in said particles.

Abstract: Aqueous based emulsion copolymers containing vinyl ethylene carbonate, vinyl acetate, and one or more other ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and aqueous based poly(vinyl alcohol)-containing emulsion copolymers formed by emulsion copolymerization of vinyl ethylene carbonate, vinyl acetate, and optionally one or more other ethylenically unsaturated monomer, in the presence of poly(vinyl alcohol). These emulsion copolymers can be used in a variety of applications such as adhesives and coatings.

Abstract: A process for the gas-phase (co-)polymerization of olefins in a fluidized bed reactor using a metallocene catalyst in that the polymerization is preformed in the presence of a process aid additive selected from at least one of 1) a polysulfone copolymer, 2) a polymeric polyamine, or 3) an oil-soluble sulfonic acid.

Abstract: Nitroxides having an alpha-carbon atom with a destabilizing moiety are effective control agents for emulsion and water-based polymerizations, including the formation of block copolymers from a wide range of monomers. The nitroxide radicals may be used as a free radical or as an adduct with a residue from the initiator. The emulsions have living characteristics, including the re-initiation of polymer chains. Also, a seeded process for emulsions, which includes the step-wise addition of monomer is disclosed, providing access to a wide range of initiator types.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of styrene polymers containing water as the sole expanding agent by polymerization of styrene in aqueous suspension in the presence of an amphiphilic organic emulsifier which carries both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, or a polar group-containing, water-miscible polymer.

Abstract: A multi-stage emulsion polymer containing at least one first domain having a glass transition temperature Tg of from −10 to +40° C. and at least one second domain having a Tg of from +50 to 120° C., the weight ratio of the first domain to the second domain being within the range from 90:10 to 50:50. The first and/or the second domain containing from 0.1 to 10% by weight of a nitrogen-coutaining adhesion monomer and the first domain containing at least 10% by weight of vinyl aromatic compounds and/or the second domain containing at least 15% by weight of vinyl aromatic compounds and/or C4 to C12 alkylmethacrylates.

Abstract: Water-soluble nonionic polyurethanes as protective colloids for the polymerization of olefinically unsaturated monomers in aqueous medium wherein the water-soluble nonionic polyurethanes have been prepared by reacting a) organic polyisocyanates with b) water-soluble polyalkylene glycols containing at least 70% by weight of ethylene glycol groups and with c) polyhydric branched alcohols containing at least three hydroxyl groups per molecule and wherein the equivalent ratio of b) to c) is in the range from 1:0.01 to 1:10 and the equivalent ratio of [b)+c)] to a) is in the range from 1:0.6 to 1:0.85.

Abstract: A method of forming a water soluble polymer comprises polymerizing a non-fluorinated monomer in a reaction medium comprising carbon dioxide to form a water soluble polymer, wherein the polymerization is carried out in the presence of a surfactant that stabilizes the water soluble polymer in the reaction medium.

Abstract: A process for preparing a fluorine-containing polymer through emulsion polymerization method which enhances productivity while maintaining excellent physical properties of the fluorine-containing polymer and comprises (a) a first polymerization step for emulsion-polymerizing a fluorine-containing monomer or a mixture of a fluorine-containing monomer and a non-fluorine-containing monomer in an aqueous medium in the presence of a radical polymerization initiator and an emulsifying agent, (b) a dilution step for diluting the obtained aqueous emulsion of polymer particles with water to reduce the number of emulsified polymer particles per unit amount of aqueous medium in the emulsion and a concentration of emulsifying agent, and (c) a second polymerization step for emulsion-polymerizing a fluorine-containing monomer and/or a non-fluorine-containing monomer in the obtained diluted emulsified solution.

Abstract: Copolymers are formed by suspension polymerization of monomers, including one or more styrenic monomers, and methyl methacrylate. The polymerization can be carried out in the presence of one or more blowing agents, producing polymers that can be expanded. The methods are useful, for example, in forming expandable polymeric particles. The expandable polymer particles are useful in processes such as forming patterns for lost foam molding techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyethylene composition for use as insulation for wire and cable that has improved scorch resistance comprising

Abstract: Copolymers are formed by suspension polymerization of monomers, including one or more styrenic monomers, and one or more acrylic monomers. The monomers can be polymerized in the presence of polymeric seeds. The polymerization can be carried out in the presence of one or more blowing agents, producing polymers that can be expanded. The methods are useful, for example, in forming expandable polymeric particles. The expandable polymer particles are useful in processes such as forming patterns for lost foam molding techniques.

Abstract: A cement composition comprising a polymeric latex prepared by aqueous emulsion polymerization of a monomeric mixture comprising styrene and butadiene in the presence of a seed polymer prepared by aqueous emulsion polymerization of styrene and a salt of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a polyolefin composition having a narrow composition distribution and is characterized in that when at least two olefins are copolymerized in the presence of a transition metal compound catalyst using at least two gas phase fluidized bed reactors, a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon is allowed to exist in each reactor in a concentration from 0.1 to 30 mol %, and the ratio of the concentration (C2) of a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon in a reactor of a second stage to the concentration (C1) of a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon in a reactor of a first stage (C2/C1) is 0.13 or more.

Abstract: Controlled stable free radical emulsion polymerization processes employ nitroxide control agents having an alpha carbon atom bearing a destabilizing substituent such as hydrogen. The emulsion polymerizations have living characteristics, including the re-initiation of polymer chains, and provide a high degree of control over molecular weight, particle size, polydispersity and polymer composition and architecture. The processes are useful for the preparation of polymer emulsions, including block copolymers, star and graft copolymers, telechelics and macromonomers from a wide range of monomers.

Abstract: Improved sealant compositions and processes for producing sealant are described. The processes include contacting in a reactor under reaction conditions a polymer containing at least one vinyl, acrylate, or methacrylate monomer and at least one silane comonomer, at least one polymer capping agent, a catalyst and a reactive diluent. Sealant compositions are also described. The compositions include a polymer containing at least one vinyl, acrylate or methacrylate monomer and at least one silane comonomer, at least one silane component, a catalyst and a reactive diluent.

Abstract: A process for forming a microgel which comprises a crosslinked core and a multiplicity of linear polymeric arms attached to the core, wherein the process comprises (a) first forming a halogen atom terminated prepolymer with a weight average molecular weight from 1,000 to 25,000 by polymerizing monoethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of an organic sulfonyl halide, an organic complexing agent and a transition metal (i.e., Cu, Ru, Ni, Re, Pd, Fe, or Rh); and (b) subsequently polymerizing the prepolymer with a mixture of monoethylenically unsaturated monomers and 0.5 to 60 mole percent, based on the total moles of monomer and prepolymer, of multi-olefinic polymerizable monomers to form a microgel with a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 100,000,000 and crosslinked core.

Abstract: The latex of an emulsion aggregation toner is prepared without the use of a surfactant. The process comprises preparing an emulsion of monomers in water without a surfactant; adding a free radical initiator to at least a portion of the emulsion to initiate seed polymerization to form seed polymer, wherein the free radical initiator attaches to the seed polymer to form ionic, hydrophilic end groups on the seed polymer; and adding additional monomer to the composition to complete polymerization to form a latex polymer.

Abstract: A catalytic polymerization process for preparing polymer products is provided. The polymerization process is either homopolymerization of olefins or copolymerization of olefins with alpha-olefins. The polymerization process is conducted in the presence of a solid catalyst precursor and a cocatalyst. The catalyst precursor includes a transition metal, a magnesium compound, an aluminum compound and a polyvinylchloride (PVC) support.

Abstract: Redispersible polymer powders are prepared by emulsion polymerization of ethylenical, unsaturated monomers in the presence of a protective colloidal stabilizer containing 20 to 95 weight percent of polymerized monomers containing sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups, 5 to 80 weight percent of polymerized monomers containing amide groups or hydroxylalkyl groups, and up to 5 weight percent of polymerized monomers which are hydrophobic, water-insoluble ethylenically unsaturated compounds. The redispersible polymers are suitable for use in construction materials and coatings, and exhibit higher water resistance than similar polymers stabilized with polyvinyl alcohol as a colloidal stabilizer.

Abstract: A polymeric latex prepared by aqueous emulsion polymerization of a monomeric mixture comprising styrene and butadiene in the presence of a seed polymer prepared by aqueous emulsion polymerization of styrene and a salt of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid.

Abstract: A latex as a binder for nonwoven applications to form a permeable sublayer of personal hygiene articles. The latex is prepared by a process including the steps of (1) polymerizing a monomer mixture comprising styrene, itaconic acid, surfactant and water soluble free radical initiator to form a seed; (2) sequentially adding equal increments of a monomer mixture of styrene, butadiene and acrylic acid to the seed under emulsion polymerization conditions to form a styrene-butadiene-acrylic acid copolymer; and then (3) neutralizing the styrene-butadiene-acrylic acid copolymer to a pH of about 4.5 to 7 to form the latex.

Abstract: Disclosed are terpolymers and processes of terpolymerization, wherein the terpolymer comprises units derived from ethylene, 1-pentene and another alpha-olefin containing at least six carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polymer film having second order non-linear optical properties which has excellent stability of orientated molecules and does not become disorientated, and a polymer film and a non-linear optical element are provided. A polymer solution is placed between two substrates, which are disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to a rotating stand and substantially symmetrical with respect to a rotation axis of the rotating stand, and the rotating stand is rotated. A polymer film having second order non-linear optical properties is formed by the centrifugal force generated at the polymer solution.

Abstract: An easy adhesion film for a transparent conductive thin film comprises a transparent polymer film and an easy adhesion layer formed on the transparent polymer film, wherein the easy adhesion layer comprises at least an ionizing radiation curable resin binder, a (meth)acrylate copolymer binder and polymethyl methacrylate resin particles. The easy adhesion film has high durability, transparency and anti-Newton ring property when provided with a transparent conductive thin film.

Abstract: A method of multistage gas phase polymerization is provided comprising performing polymerization of a feed gas mixture at least containing ethylene gas, an &agr;-olefin gas and hydrogen gas in an upstream fluid bed reactor to thereby produce a polymer powder, recovering the thus-produced polymer powder and performing further polymerization of the polymer powder in a downstream fluid bed reactor, the downstream fluid bed reactor being continuously connected to the upstream fluid bed reactor so that the polymer powder recovered from the upstream fluid bed reactor is introduced into the downstream fluid bed reactor, which method comprises the steps of: recovering polymer powder from the upstream fluid bed reactor, treating the recovered polymer powder so as to lower the content of &agr;-olefin gas and hydrogen gas therein by contacting the polymer powder with a stream of gas comprising ethylene or an inert gas, and introducing the treated polymer powder into the downstream fluid bed reactor.

Abstract: An aqueous composition that includes (A) a butadiene polymer latex that is prepared by an emulsion polymerization in the presence of a styrene sulfonate stabilizer and (B) a phenolic resin. A preferred aqueous butadiene polymer latex is one that is prepared by emulsion polymerization of at least 60 weight percent dichlorobutadiene monomer (based on the amount of total monomers used to form the butadiene polymer), in the presence of a styrene sulfonate stabilizer.

Abstract: Controlled stable free radical emulsion polymerization processes employ nitroxide control agents having an alpha carbon atom bearing a destabilizing substituent such as hydrogen. The emulsion polymerizations have living characteristics, including the re-initiation of polymer chains, and provide a high degree of control over molecular weight, particle size, polydispersity and polymer composition and architecture. The processes are useful for the preparation of polymer emulsions, including block copolymers, star and graft copolymers, telechelics and macromonomers from a wide range of monomers.

Abstract: A method for the dynamic vulcanization of polymer blends made by solution polymerization in series reactors. The polymer blends are mixed under conditions of heat and shear, and a curing agent is added to at least partially cross-link one of the blend components.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a polymer composition. The process comprises contacting a narrow molecular weight distribution base polymer and a high molecular weight polymer component. The base polymer is an ethylene polymer having a Mw/Mn less than about 5 and a melt flow index from about 0.2 g/10 min to about 20 g/10 min. The high molecular weight polymer component has a molecular weight distribution such that at least a substantial portion of its molecules have a molecular weight of greater than one million. The high molecular weight polymer component being incorporated is in an amount to give about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition, of the molecules having a molecular weight greater than one million. The polymer composition has a higher bulk density than the base polymer. In addition, when the polymer composition is blown into film, the film has improved clarity over the base polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to produce polyethylene through homopolymerization or copolymerization of ethylene with alpha-olefins in the presence of a titanium amide catalyst supported by an organic polymer material, for the production of moldings, such as through extrusion, injection molding, film blowing, sintering under pressure or ram extrusion. The catalyst according to the present invention contains a partially chloromethylated styrene divinyl benzene copolymer as the organic polymer material, a complex compound supported by it, which contains Mg, Al and Ti.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers useful for separation of enzymes, which comprises the steps of reacting a complex of enzyme and affinity monomer, a comonomer and a crosslinker, with a polymerization initiator and a polymerization accelerator at ambient temperature and pressure for a period ranging between 2 to 24 hrs, thereby obtaining a crosslinked polymer, crushing the cross linked polymer obtained to fine particles, adding a solvent and extracting imprinted enzyme from the polymer, obtaining the molecularly imprinted polymer, contacting the imprinted polymer with aqueous solution containing imprinted enzyme or a mixture of imprinted enzyme and other enzymes and isolating the enzyme-adsorbed polymer.

Abstract: The latex of an emulsion aggregation toner may be prepared without the use of a surfactant. Such a process comprises preparing an emulsion of monomers in water without a surfactant; adding a free radical initiator to at least a portion of the emulsion to initiate seed polymerization to form seed polymer, wherein the free radical initiator attaches to the seed polymer to form ionic, hydrophilic end groups on the seed polymer; and adding additional monomer to the composition to complete polymerization to form a latex polymer.

Abstract: A polymeric latex prepared by aqueous emulsion polymerization of a monomeric mixture comprising styrene and butadiene in the presence of a seed polymer prepared by aqueous emulsion polymerization of styrene and a salt of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid.

Abstract: Modular, energy-dissipating material prevents failure of adhesives, fibers and composite and other structures. The modules comprise folded subunits or domains that unfold in a stepped fashion at forces below that necessary to break the backbone of the material and, with adhesive material, below that necessary to break the bonds that fasten the material to surfaces being glued.

Abstract: A process for producing a cationic emulsion stable to alkalis having an average particle diameter of 0.01 to 0.1 micron, in which, using as an emulsifier, a water-soluble polymer A2 obtained by subjecting a polymer A1 obtained by copolymerizing an amino group-containing compound with a compound copolymerizable therewith in the presence of a polymerization initiator, to neutralization with an organic or inorganic acid, a specific epoxy group-containing acrylate compound (c) and a compound copolymerizable therewith are subjected in combination to emulsion polymerization in the presence of a redox catalyst system in water as a medium to obtain an emulsion D; the emulsion D is then reacted with epichlorohydrin. The cationic emulsion is coated on paper, a film, or a strongly alkaline substrate to impart water resistance.

Abstract: A polymeric latex prepared by aqueous emulsion polymerization of a monomeric mixture comprising styrene and butadiene in the presence of a seed polymer prepared by aqueous emulsion polymerization of styrene and a salt of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid.

Abstract: A suspending agent-containing slurry is disclosed which comprises a dispersant and a particulate suspending agent having a particle size distribution in which the particle diameter at weight-cumulative 95%, from the minimum particle size, is 1 &mgr;m or smaller. A method for efficiently producing the suspending agent-containing slurry is also disclosed. A process for suspension polymerization by use of the suspending agent-containing slurry is further disclosed. The slurry not only has such an excellent suspending ability in suspension polymerization that it enables the production of vinyl polymer beads having a narrow bead size distribution, but also is capable of retaining this ability over long and of exhibiting the same ability even when it has a high concentration. The suspension polymerization process enables vinyl polymer beads having a narrow bead size distribution to be produced efficiently due to the use of the slurry.

Abstract: Copolymers are formed by suspension polymerization of monomers, including one or more styrenic monomers, and one or more acrylic monomers. The monomers can be polymerized in the presence of polymeric seeds. The polymerization can be carried out in the presence of one or more blowing agents, producing polymers that can be expanded. The methods are useful, for example, in forming expandable polymeric particles. The expandable polymer particles are useful in processes such as forming patterns for lost foam molding techniques.

Abstract: A process for the emulsion polymerization in the presence of a stable free radical of at least one monomer which can be polymerized by the radical route, which emulsion comprises a liquid aqueous phase and a liquid organic phase, the aqueous phase comprising at least 50% by weight of water and the liquid organic phase comprising more than 50% by weight of monomer(s) to be polymerized. The invention results, by a rapid controlled polymerization process, in a latex of polymer particles, it being possible for the polymer to comprise acrylate and/or methacrylate blocks.

Abstract: Nitroxides having an alpha-carbon atom with a destabilizing moiety are effective control agents for emulsion and water-based polymerizations, including the formation of block copolymers from a wide range of monomers. The nitroxide radicals may be used as a free radical or as an adduct with a residue from the initiator. The emulsions have living characteristics, including the re-initiation of polymer chains. Also, a seeded process for emulsions, which includes the step-wise addition of monomer is disclosed, providing access to a wide range of initiator types.

Abstract: A process for producing a cationic emulsion stable to alkalis having an average particle diameter of 0.01 to 0.1 micron, in which using, as an emulsifier, a water-soluble polymer A2 obtained by subjecting a polymer A1 having a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000 obtained by copolymerizing an amino group-containing compound with a compound copolymerizable therewith in the presence of a polymerization initiator, to neutralization with an organic or inorganic acid in a proportion of 0.5 to 1.

Abstract: A latex as a binder for nonwoven applications to form a permeable sublayer of personal hygiene articles. The latex is prepared by a process including the steps of (1) polymerizing a monomer mixture comprising styrene, itaconic acid, surfactant and water soluble free radical initiator to form a seed; (2) sequentially adding equal increments of a monomer mixture of styrene, butadiene and acrylic acid to the seed under emulsion polymerization conditions to form a styrene-butadiene-acrylic acid copolymer; and then (3) neutralizing the styrene-butadiene-acrylic acid copolymer to a pH of about 4.5 to 7 to form the latex.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing a polyvinyl chloride paste blending resin comprising polymerizing a vinyl chloride-based monomer by a suspension polymerization in an aqueous medium, wherein as a suspending agent, both (A) and (B) are used in a mixing weight ratio (A)/(B) of 99/1 to 50/50, and a total amount of said (A) and said (B) is 0.1 to 1.0 part by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the vinyl chloride-based monomer, said (A) being a partially hydrolyzed water-soluble poly(vinyl alcohol) having a viscosity at 20° C. of 4% aqueous solution by weight of 20 to 110 cps and the degree of hydrolysis of 86 to 99 mol %, and said (B) being a partially hydrolyzed water-soluble poly (vinyl alcohol) having a viscosity at 20° C. of 4% aqueous solution by weight of 5 to 10 cps and the degree of hydrolysis of 70 to 80 mol %.

Abstract: A process for preparing an emulsion polymer comprising placing a first mixture of monomers in a feed tank B which is connected directly to a reactor, placing a second mixture of monomers in a feed tank A which is connected to the feed tank B, and continuously varying the composition ratio of the monomers of feed tanks A and B in the emulsion polymer. The composition ratio is varied by varying the rate of feeding of the second mixture of monomers present in tank A into tank B while simultaneously varying the rate of feeding of the first mixture of monomers present in tank B into the reactor. The polymerization occurs as the first and second mixtures of monomers are simultaneously fluxed in the reactor while stirring.

Abstract: A suspending agent-containing slurry is disclosed which comprises a dispersant and a particulate suspending agent having a particle size distribution in which the particle diameter at weight-cumulative 95%, from the minimum particle size, is 1 &mgr;m or smaller. A method for efficiently producing the suspending agent-containing slurry is also disclosed. A process for suspension polymerization by use of the suspending agent-containing slurry is further disclosed. The slurry not only has such an excellent suspending ability in suspension polymerization that it enables the production of vinyl polymer beads having a narrow bead size distribution, but also is capable of retaining this ability over long and of exhibiting the same ability even when it has a high concentration. The suspension polymerization process enables vinyl polymer beads having a narrow bead size distribution to be produced efficiently due to the use of the slurry.

Abstract: Process for the polymerization in aqueous suspension of acrylic monomers in the presence of a polymeric suspending agent, homopolymer or copolymer of a compound of formula: wherein: R1 is H or CH3; R2 and R3, equal or different, are H or alkyls C1-C8, optionally branched when possible; M is an alkaline or alkaline-earth metal or ammonium and A is NH, O or NCH3, characterized in that the polymerization aqueous phase is wholly or partly formed by the mother waters obtained after the separation of the acrylic polymer, so as to have a polymerizable suspension containing at least 0.01% by weight and up to about 1% of said suspending agent and at least from 0.05% to 5% by weight of the other products above mentioned obtained during the polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in situ polymerization of fluoropolymer into porous substrates, to improve resistance to wear, tear and creep, decay, and degradation by wetting, staining and warping, and to improve durability while maintaining the appearance of the substrate.

Abstract: Producing spherical polymers having a weight-averaged average particle diameter of 1 to 50 &mgr;m using a seed/feed process comprising the following steps: a) suspension of a monodisperse spherical seed in an aqueous phase, b) addition of at least one monomer and an initiator, c) polymerization of the monomer, of which there is at least one, wherein the seed consists of a polymer having a comb structure, gives rise to products having a particularly narrow grain size distribution.

Abstract: A water-retaining support for a plant exhibiting a water-retaining ability comparable to that of a polyacrylic acid-type hydrogel without inhibition of root origination or root elongation. The water-retaining support for a plant includes a hydrogel-forming polymer having a calcium ion absorption of less than 50 mg per 1 g of its dry weight and having a water absorption magnification in ion-exchange water (at 25° C.) of 100 or more. When the water-retaining support is used, a plant may be supplied with sufficient water without suffering from a deficiency of calcium ions.