Abstract: A composition including a fluorine-containing polymer and a cross-linking agent, wherein the fluorine-containing polymer contains a vinylidene fluoride unit, a unit of a fluorine-containing monomer (1) represented by the following general formula (1): CHX1?CX2Rf??(1) wherein one of X1 and X2 is H, the other is F, and Rf is a linear or branched fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and a unit of a monomer providing a crosslinking site. The monomer providing a crosslinking site is a monomer having at least one crosslinkable group selected from a cyano group, a carboxyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group and a hydroxyl group. Also disclosed is a crosslinked rubber molded article obtained by crosslinking the composition.

Abstract: An instrument for setting a position of a resection of a distal femur or a proximal tibia in a total knee arthroplasty, the instrument comprising: a stable portion, the stable portion configured for orientation in a set position relative to said distal femur or said proximal tibia; a resection guide portion, the resection guide portion configured to guide a resection path for said resection; a resection guide body, the resection guide body associated with the resection guide portion in a fixed orientation; the resection guide body pivotally connected to the stable portion, whereby pivoting adjustment of the resection guide body on the stable portion sets a resection orientation of the resection guide portion; and the resection guide body having a lock for selectively locking the resection guide body to the stable portion at a plurality of selectable resection orientations.

Abstract: A variety of polymeric composites with tunable mechanical stiffness and electrical conductivity are claimed herein. For example, the composite may have an elastomeric matrix, a plurality of tunable particles, and a plurality of conductive fibers embedded in the matrix. The composites may also be a tunable foam matrix and an elastomeric matrix. In some embodiments, the composites are a low melting point alloy (LMPA) foam infiltrated by an elastomer, whose stiffness can be tuned by more than two orders of magnitude through external heating. In other embodiments, the composite may be a conductive particle-fiber-matrix three-component composite capable of changing its elastic rigidity rapidly and reversibly when powered with electrical current.

Abstract: A tackifier composition comprising at least one thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin and an antioxidant composition is provided; wherein a portion of the volatile organic compounds in the thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin has been removed; wherein the antioxidant composition comprises at least one primary antioxidant and at least one secondary antioxidant; and wherein the levels of individual volatile organic compound monitored in the tackifier composition are less than about 0.5 ppm as measured by GC/MS headspace analysis. Processes for producing the tackifier composition are also provided as well as adhesives comprising the tackifier compositions.

Abstract: A tackifier composition comprising at least one thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin and an antioxidant composition is provided; wherein a portion of the volatile organic compounds in the thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin has been removed; wherein the antioxidant composition comprises at least one primary antioxidant and at least one secondary antioxidant; and wherein the levels of individual volatile organic compound monitored in the tackifier composition are less than about 0.5 ppm as measured by GC/MS headspace analysis. Processes for producing the tackifier composition are also provided as well as adhesives comprising the tackifier compositions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a polymer emulsion includes the following steps. A mixture is heated to a first temperature less than or equal to about 40° C. The mixture including about 100 to about 500 parts by weight of a monomer and about 0.5 to about 95 parts by weight of a first cross-linking agent, in which the monomer has a structure of formula (I): and R1, R2, and R3 represent H or C1-C4 alkyl group, respectively. About 0.005 to about 5 parts by weight of a first initiator is added. About 0.003 to about 5 parts by weight of a reducing agent is added to form an intermediate product. The intermediate product is heated to a second temperature less than or equal to about 92° C.

Abstract: A vulcanizable composition comprising rubber component, a filler, and a curing agent, where the rubber component includes a block copolymer of polybutadiene and polyisoprene, and where the block copolymer has a cis content of at least 90%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified conjugated diene-based polymer having a high modification ratio with improved compounding properties by being excellent affinity with a filler and a method for preparing the same. The modified conjugated diene-based polymer thus prepared includes a functional group derived from a compound represented by Formula 1 at one terminal, and has excellent affinity with a filler. If the modified conjugated diene-based polymer is applied to a rubber composition, excellent processability, tensile strength and viscoelasticity may be achieved.

Abstract: A method includes: mixing a polymer cement and a filler to form a solution masterbatch; optionally drying the solution masterbatch to form a crumb polymer composition; mixing a low viscosity polymeric or oligomeric liquid into the solution masterbatch or crumb polymer composition; and intermeshing mixing the solution masterbatch or crumb polymer composition.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for preparing vinylidene-terminated polyolefins. Further provided herein are sulfide-terminated polyolefins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cement dispersant that is a copolymerization product of a first monomer (A) comprising a carboxylic acid, a second monomer (B) comprising an alkoxylated allyl alcohol sulfate, and, optionally, a third monomer (C) comprising an alkoxylated allyl alcohol. The cement dispersant according to the invention provides improved slump life properties and water reduction properties in cement admixtures.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for increasing the viscosity of an oligomer composition including contacting the oligomer composition comprising one or more vinyl terminated oligomer with a supported mixed metal oxide catalyst; wherein the contacting causes the reaction of the vinyl terminated oligomers; and producing a product oligomer composition having a higher viscosity than the oligomer composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides aqueous compositions of one or more divalent metal crosslinked aqueous carboxylic acid group containing acrylic polymer having a Tg of ?10° C. and one or more acrylic oligomer of a molecular weight of 20,000 or less and having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of equal to or lower than the Tg of the aqueous carboxylic acid group containing acrylic polymer. IN addition, the present invention provides methods of forming such compositions by polymerizing the aqueous carboxylic acid group containing acrylic polymer as a first stage of a multi-stage polymerization, followed by polymerizing the acrylic oligomer in the second or a subsequent stage by polymerizing the monomers in the in second or a subsequent stage in the presence of a chain transfer agent. Preferably, the compositions are used in soft feel applications to coat leather for, for example, furniture for home use and upholstery for automotive use.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for preparing vinylidene-terminated polyolefins. Further provided herein are sulfide-terminated polyolefins.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for preparing vinylidene-terminated polyolefins. Further, provided herein are novel sulfide-terminated polyolefins of the formula: wherein R1 is a polyolefin group and R2 is hydrocarbyl; and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: A process for catalytically preparing (meth)acrylic esters of N-hydroxyalkylated lactams and to the use thereof.

Abstract: Norbornene monomers with epoxy groups and polymer materials thereof are disclosed. The Norbornene monomers with epoxy groups are prepared by Diels-Alder reaction. The Norbornene monomers with epoxy groups are highly active for ring-opening-metathesis polymerization (ROMP), and the molecular weight and PDI value of the obtained polymers are controllable.

Abstract: A polymeric composition composed of a polymeric material and at least one additive. The polymeric material is at least one of a polymeric precursor material or a melt processible polymeric material. The additive is complexed with the polymeric material and is an inorganic or organo-inorganic complex that is integrated into at least a portion of the polymeric chains in the polymeric composition. The additive may be at least one of oxide glass compounds or halogenated post-transition metal compounds and is present in an amount sufficient to increase the material weight without unduly compromising optical qualities such as transparency to visible light. The polymeric composition can be provided in melt processible form to be used to produce articles such as drinking glasses and the like. The composition can be produced by processes such as dispersion by polymerization of the monomers producing the desired polymeric material in the presence of the additive.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a process and polymerization system to produce isoolefin polymers (72) utilizing polymorphogenates (16, 26) in the catalyst system to control polydispersity (MWD). The disclosure also provides a catalyst system (20) comprising a plurality of active catalyst complex species (34) formed by combination of a Lewis acid (24), an initiator (22) and a polymorphogenate (26), as well as polymers made using the catalyst system or process. The polymorphogenate (16, 26) can promote or mimic the formation of different active catalyst complex species (34) having different polymerization rates, i.e. different rates of propagation, chain transfer, or termination, as observed by different polydispersities resulting from the presence of relatively different proportions of the polymorphogenate.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for preparing vinylidene-terminated polyolefins. Further, provided herein are novel sulfide-terminated polyolefins of the formula: wherein R1 is a polyolefin group and R2 is hydrocarbyl; and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: A polymerization reaction mixture for the cationic polymerization of unsaturated biological oils (e.g. vegetable oils and animals oils) based on the cationic reaction of double bonds initiated by superacids is provided. The polymerized oils have a viscosity about 10 to 200 times higher than the initial oil and relatively high unsaturation (only about 10-30% lower than that of initial oils).

Abstract: The present invention provides a copolymer that includes at least one alkene monomer, at least one acrylate monomer and at least one the unsaturated organic acid monomer having one or more double bonds, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to copolymers based on phosphorous-containing monomers (A) and on macromonomers (B), to methods for the production thereof and to their use as additives for inorganic binding agent suspensions based on cement, lime, gypsum and anhydrite. The corresponding polymeric additives have, as flow agents, excellent water-reducing properties and hold the flowability of the concrete over a relatively long period of time (60 to 90 min.) to an almost unchanged level without having delayed action. In addition, the corresponding polymeric additives improve the processing and setting processes of the building materials produced with these additives by making possible earlier and higher resistances to pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparation of an 1-alkene-acrylate based copolymer comprising a step of a radical polymerization reaction of 1-alkene and acrylate based monomer under presence of a metal oxide or Lewis acid, and a method for preparation of an alkene-acrylate based copolymer comprising reacting alkene with an acrylate based monomer under presence of a metal oxide. In the method of preparation according to the present invention, the process is simple and properties of the copolymer can be easily controlled by preparing the copolymer in a mild condition of 100° C. or less and 200 bar or less. In addition, the amount of the polar group of the copolymer prepared by the method is so high that the copolymer can be used for transparent optical products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a copolymer that includes at least one alkene monomer, at least one acrylate monomer and at least one the unsaturated organic acid monomer having one or more double bonds, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Norbornene monomers with fluorene group and polymer material thereof are disclosed. The norbornene monomers with fluorene group are prepared by Diels-Alder reation. The Norbornene monomers containing fluorene groups are highly active for ring-opening-metathesis polymerization (ROMP), and the molecular weight and PDI value of the obtained polymers are controllable.

Abstract: The present invention provides aqueous compositions of one or more divalent metal crosslinked aqueous carboxylic acid group containing acrylic polymer having a Tg of ?10° C. and one or more acrylic oligomer of a molecular weight of 20,000 or less and having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of equal to or lower than the Tg of the aqueous carboxylic acid group containing acrylic polymer. IN addition, the present invention provides methods of forming such compositions by polymerizing the aqueous carboxylic acid group containing acrylic polymer as a first stage of a multi-stage polymerization, followed by polymerizing the acrylic oligomer in the second or a subsequent stage by polymerizing the monomers in the in second or a subsequent stage in the presence of a chain transfer agent. Preferably, the compositions are used in soft feel applications to coat leather for, for example, furniture for home use and upholstery for automotive use.

Abstract: A process for simply and inexpensively producing a conjugated diene polymer with a narrow molecular weight distribution and a high cis-bond content at a low cost is provided. The process comprises a polymerization step, wherein a conjugated diene polymer having a cis-1,4-bond content of 98.5 mass % or more and a ratio (Mw/Mn) of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) measured by gel permeation chromatography of 2.5 or less is obtained by carrying out a polymerization reaction in conjugated diene compounds using a catalyst composition containing a rare earth element-containing compound or a reaction product of the rare earth element-containing compound with a Lewis base, an aluminoxane and/or organoaluminum compound, and an iodine-containing compound.

Abstract: A monosulfonium salt in which very little unreacted raw material remains, which has a purity of at least 96%, and which has one sulfonio group in its molecule is manufactured without a refining step. After (a) an aryl compound, (b) a sulfoxide compound, (c) a dehydrating agent, and (d) a BF4, PF6, AsF6, or SbF6 salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal are introduced into a reaction system, (e) an inorganic acid is added, so that the aryl compound (a) and the sulfoxide compound (b) are subjected to dehydration condensation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing functionalized cis-1,4-polydienes having a combination of a high cis-1,4-linkage content and a high functionality, the resulting polymers and the vulcanized products containing the polymers. The functionalized cis-1,4-polydienes of the present invention are produced by a method comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a reactive polymer by polymerizing conjugated diene monomer with a lanthanide-based catalyst in the presence of less than 20% by weight of organic solvent based on the total weight of monomer, organic solvent, and resulting polymer, where the lanthanide-based catalyst is the combination of or reaction product of (a) a lanthanide compound, (b) an aluminoxane, (c) an organoaluminum compound other than an aluminoxane, and (d) a halogen-containing compound; and (2) contacting the reactive polymer with a functionalizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soluble polyfunctional vinylaromatic copolymer improved in heat resistance, resistance to thermal decomposition, solvent solubility, and processability. The soluble polyfunctional vinylaromatic polymer is obtained by cationically polymerizing, at a temperature of 20 to 120° C., one or more monomer ingredients including 20 to 100 mol % divinylaromatic compound (a) in the presence of a donor ingredient, e.g., a quaternary ammonium salt, with the aid of a Lewis acid catalyst and an initiator represented by the following general formula (1) wherein R1 represents hydrogen or a monovalent C1-6 hydrocarbon group; R2 represents an aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbon group having a valence of p; Z represents halogen or C1-6 alkoxy or acyloxy; and p is an integer of 1 to 6; provided that when two or more R1's and Z's are present per molecule, they may be identical to different from each other.

Abstract: A highly active and environment-friendly catalyst for use in a living radical polymerization is provided. A catalyst for use in a living radical polymerization method is provided. The catalyst comprises a central element, which is selected from germanium, tin and antimony, and at least one halogen atom, which is bound to the central element. A monomer having a radical reactive unsaturated bond is subjected to a radical polymerization reaction under the presence of the catalyst, thereby it is possible to obtain a polymer having narrow molecular weight distribution. The present invention has the merits such as low toxicity of the catalyst, a small amount of the catalyst can be used, high solubility of the catalyst, mild reaction conditions, no coloration, no odor (unnecessary post-treatment of molded products). The method of the present invention is more environment-friendly and economical than a conventional living radical polymerization method.

Abstract: The invention relates to copolymers based on phosphorous-containing monomers (A) and on macromonomers (B), to methods for the production thereof and to their use as additives for inorganic binding agent suspensions based on cement, lime, gypsum and anhydrite. The corresponding polymeric additives have, as flow agents, excellent water-reducing properties and hold the flowability of the concrete over a relatively long period of time (60 to 90 min.) to an almost unchanged level without having delayed action. In addition, the corresponding polymeric additives improve the processing and setting processes of the building materials produced with these additives by making possible earlier and higher resistances to pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cement dispersant that is a copolymerization product of a first monomer (A) comprising a carboxylic acid, a second monomer (B) comprising an alkoxylated allyl alcohol sulfate, and, optionally, a third monomer (C) comprising an alkoxylated allyl alcohol. The cement dispersant according to the invention provides improved slump life properties and water reduction properties in cement admixtures.

Abstract: A process of producing a polymer by aqueous solution polymerization with good productivity without causing the formation of noxious gases or the formation of impurities due to the noxious gases, or without any danger of foaming and the like is disclosed. The process includes subjecting a monomer to aqueous solution polymerization while controlling the temperature using at least one device of an external circulation device and an internal coil device each having heat exchanging function.

Abstract: A catalyst for preparing a polyester for a toner, comprising an inorganic tin(II) compound; a polyester resin composition comprising a polyester and the catalyst; and a toner comprising the polyester resin composition. The catalyst for preparing a polyester is suitably used for a toner which is used for developing electrostatic latent images formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method, and the like.

Abstract: A dispersant for use with concrete or cement, and a concrete or cement admixture that comprises a cementitious material, water, and the dispersant. The dispersant includes a polymeric derivative of carboxylic acid, and has a sulfur-containing moiety that is covalently bonded thereto. Adding the dispersant to the cementitious material and water improves the rheological properties of the admixture.

Abstract: A dispersant for use with concrete or cement, and a concrete or cement admixture that comprises a cementitious material, water, and the dispersant. The dispersant includes a polymeric derivative of carboxylic acid, and has a sulfur-containing moiety that is covalently bonded thereto. Adding the dispersant to the cementitious material and water improves the rheological properties of the admixture.

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: A process for producing polymers of &agr;-methylstyrene uses tin IV chloride as a polymerization initiator. Use of tin IV chloride as an initiator allows polymerization to proceed without purification of the monomer prior to processing. Polymerization can be carried out at ambient temperatures with mild exotherms and good polymer yields. The process uses solvents commonly found in a plant producing &agr;-methylstyrene.

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: An inorganic dispersion stabilizer having a hydrophobic inorganic oxide such as hydrophobic silica dispersed in an aqueous medium in the presence of an hydrophilic organic compound such as alcohol. An suspension polymerization process for producing resinous particles of a narrow particle diameter distribution by dispersing a monomer into an dispersion medium in the presence of the inorganic dispersion stabilizer, and polymerizing the monomer.

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: Conventional SBR does not have the soft and smooth chew characteristics needed in chewing gum base for soft chew applications. Conventional SBR typically also has undesirable odor and taste characteristics that have generally limited its use in chewing gum base formulations. However, there is a desire to use SBR in such applications because it is relatively inexpensive. The present invention also specifically discloses a process for synthesizing styrene-butadiene rubber that is particularly useful in manufacturing chewing gum base for soft chew applications which comprises copolymerizing about 1 phm to about 12 phm styrene and about 88 phm to about 99 phm of 1,3-butadiene in an aqueous emulsion, wherein said copolymerization is conducted at a temperature which is within the range of about 1° C. to about 20° C.

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

Abstract: A method of preparing a carbamate-functional polymer comprising the steps of providing a hydroxy-functional polymer and reacting a carbamate compound with the hydroxy-functional polymer in the presence of a transcarbamation catalyst, thereby forming a carbamate-functional polymer. The transcarbamation catalyst may be Bi(III) compounds, Zr(IV) compounds, or mixtures of these.

Abstract: A vinyl polymer having a controlled molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution is prepared by polymerizing a vinyl monomer using an organic halide polymerization initiator in the presence of a cuprous compound catalyst in a solvent containing an organic compound having a dielectric constant of at least 10 at 25° C., or by polymerizing a vinyl monomer using an organic halide polymerization initiator in the presence of a cuprous compound catalyst and also a specific 1,10-phenanthroline compound.

Abstract: Catalyst support containing an &agr;-olefin polymer which is in the form of particles of mean size from 5 to 350 &mgr;m in which the pore volume generated by the pores of radius from 1,000 to 75,000 Å is at least 0.2 cm3/g.

Abstract: A suspension polymerization technique is provided for molecular imprinting based on the use of a perfluorocarbon liquid as the dispersing phase that does not interfere with the interactions between functional monomers and print molecules required for the recognition process during molecular imprinting, and provides controllable particle sizes within less than about 5 .mu.m to about 100 .mu.m.

Abstract: The specification discloses a process for cationic polymerization of vinyl aromatic monomers, adhesive compositions containing polymers made by the process and use of the polymers as processing aids for thermoplastic polymers. In the process, a vinyl aromatic monomer is dissolved in an organic solvent containing a complex comprising an in situ formed ester of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and a Lewis acid to provide a polymer having a softening point above about 125.degree. C. and a polydispersity index above about 2.0. Surprisingly, the Lewis acid/acrylate complex causes the reaction to proceed with reduced exothermicity and enables an increase in the softening point and yield as compared with a polymer made without the complex or using other complexes.