Abstract: A catalyst composition that is the combination of or the reaction product of ingredients comprising (a) an iron-containing compound, (b) a silyl phosphonate, and (c) an organoaluminum compound.

Abstract: The group IIa metal containing catalyst system of this invention can be utilized to synthesize rubbery polymers having a high trans microstructure by solution polymerization. Such rubbery polymers having a high trans microstructure content, such as polybutadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, can be utilized in tire tread rubbers that exhibit improved wear and tear characteristics. This invention more specifically reveals a catalyst system which is comprised of (a) an organolithium compound, including organolithium functionalized compounds, (b) a group IIa metal salt selected from the group consisting of group IIa metal salts of di(alkylene glycol)alkylethers and group IIa metal salts of tri(alkylene glycol) alkylethers, and (c) an organoaluminum compound, and optionally an organomagnesium compound.

Abstract: A process for producing polymer in a gas phase reactor by introducing a stream of monomer and gas into a polymerization zone while providing at least one liquid component in the polymerization zone.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing hyperbranched polymers comprising heating a polymerizable reaction charge comprising (a) a monomer mixture comprising 50-99.1% by weight of at least one monoethylenically unsaturated monomer and 0.1-50% by weight of one or more multiethylenically unsaturated monomers and (b) if at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer of the monomer mixture is not a thermally initiating monomer, a free radical polymerization initiator, to a temperature in the range from about 250° C. to about 400° C. in a continuous reactor which allows mixing of the reactor contents for a residence time of from about 2 minutes to about 60 minutes, provided that if the total amount of multiethylenically unsaturated monomer is less than 3% by weight of the monomer mixture than at least one of said one or more multiethylenically unsaturated monomers must be tri- or greater ethylenically unsaturated. The hyperbranched polymers prepared by this process are also described.

Abstract: A copolymer comprising imidazole ring units having nitrogen at the 1 and 3 positions of the ring; a carbon at each of the 2, 4 and 5 positions of the ring; and radical substituents G1 and G2 carried at the 4 and 5 positions together with a non-imidazole monomer capable of undergoing addition polymerization. In the imidazole, G1 and G2 are each independently selected from cyano, substituents derived from cyano, and substituents which replace cyano. The invention also provides a method for using the co-polymers as a coupling/activator for synthon synthesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer composition capable of being cured or crosslinked in the absence or without the use of conventional sulfur and accelerator cure systems. The polymer is formed from olefinically unsaturated monomers and includes at least one conjugated diene monomer. Such polymer includes additional functionality provided by a chelating monomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing amino functionalized diene polymers with 1,4-trans linkage content equal to or greater than 70%. The invention also concerns polymers of such type, a rubber composition and a tire casing containing those polymers. The process of preparation according to the invention comprises polymerizing at least one diene monomer by means of a lithium catalytic system, which comprises at least one hydrocarbon solvent, one compound A of a IIIA group metal, one compound B of an alkaline earth metal and one aminolithium initiator C. Amino functionalized diene polymers with high 1,4-trans linkage content according to the invention are such that the amino function, situated at the end of the polymer chain, is a tertiary amino function, the rate of functionalization of said polymers being equal to or greater than 50% and the 1,4-trans linkage content being equal to or greater than 70%.

Abstract: A catalyst composition that is the combination of or the reaction product of ingredients comprising (a) an lanthanide compound, (b) an alkylating agent, (c) a nickel-containing compound, and optionally (d) a halogen-containing compound, with the proviso that the halogen-containing compound must be present where none of the lanthanide compound, the alkylating agent, and the nickel-containing compound contain a labile halogen atom.

Abstract: The vulcanizates produced using the rubber mixtures according to the invention, in which the vulcanizates contain agglomerated rubber gels, are distinguished by improved mechanical properties with an at least equivalent damping behavior.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that elastomeric trans-1,4-polybutadiene can be made by utilizing a catalyst system that is comprised of an organocobalt compound, an organoaluminum compound, a para-alkyl substituted phenol, and ortho-phenyl phenol wherein the molar ratio of the para-substituted phenol to the organoaluminum compound is within the range of about 1.2:1 to about 1.8:1, and wherein the molar ratio of the ortho-phenyl phenol to the organoaluminum compound is within the range of about 0.7:1 to about 1.3:1. Accordingly, the elastomeric trans-1,4-polybutadiene made by the process of this invention does not need to be heated, such as in a hot-house, before being used in making rubber stocks.

Abstract: A process for preparing a butyl polymer having a broad molecular weight distribution. The process comprises the step of contacting a C4 to C8 monoolefin monomers 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 major amount of a dialkylalumium halide, a minor amount of a monoalkylaluminum dihalide, and a minute amount of an aluminoxane.

Abstract: A method for block copolymerization of a conjugated diene and an aromatic vinyl compound, which comprises the steps of carrying out homopolymerization of the conjugated diene in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising the following components: (A) a metallocene type complex of a rare earth metal compound, and (B) an ionic compound composed of a non-coordinate anion and a cation and/or an aluminoxane, and then adding the aromatic vinyl compound, and a catalyst composition for polymerization of a conjugated diene or copolymerization of a conjugated diene and an aromatic vinyl compound, which comprises the following components: (D) a neodymium complex, and (B) an ionic compound composed of a non-coordinate anion and a cation and/or an aluminoxane.

Abstract: A block copolymer having narrow molecular weight distribution and excellent symmetrical property or a telechelic polymer having, equally at both terminals thereof, a functional group can be produced by using a polymerization initiator solution which comprises a dilithium polymerization initiator having an average number of functional groups of 1.8 to 2.0/molecule and a solvent selected from aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds and alicyclic compounds and is free of a polar substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the copolymerisation of conjugated diolefins with non-conjugated olefins in the presence of rare earth metal catalysts. The advantages of the process according to the invention are in particular the high selectivity, good space-time yield and the possibility of being able to vary the reaction conditions within a wide range.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to synthetic polymers, generally with improved balance of processability, resilience and durability. These polymers are generally of the ethylene, alpha-olefin, diene terpolymer type.

Abstract: A catalyst composition that is the combination of or the reaction product of ingredients comprising (a) an iron-containing compound, (b) an &agr;-acylphosphonate diester, and (c) an organoaluminum compound.

Abstract: New ligands having a backbone comprised of NCCX can be combined with a metal or metal precursor compound or formed into a metal-ligand complex to catalyze a number of different chemical transformations, including polymerization.

Abstract: A catalyst composition for living free radical polymerization.

Abstract: The group IIa metal containing catalyst system of this invention can be utilized to synthesize rubbery polymers having a high trans microstructure by solution polymerization. Such rubbery polymers having a high trans microstructure content, such as polybutadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, can be utilized in tire tread rubbers that exhibit improved wear and tear characteristics. This invention more specifically reveals a catalyst system which is comprised of (a) an organolithium compound, including organolithium functionalized compounds, (b) a group IIa metal salt selected from the group consisting of group IIa metal salts of di(alkylene glycol)alkylethers and group IIa metal salts of tri(alkylene glycol) alkylethers, and (c) an organoaluminum compound, and optionally an organomagnesium compound.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing monomers in the gas phase, in fluidized bed reactors is described, where unsaturated, gas phase monomers are fed into the reactors in the presence of a mixture of inert diluents having a composition that allows the dew point to be adjusted, this leading to high production rates under stable operation in a non condensed operation mode.

Abstract: The process for the continuous preparation of homopolymers or copolymers by free-impinging-jet micromixing of fluids formed (1) of monomer(s) and (2) of an initiator system consists in micromixing the said fluids (1) and (2) and in recovering the mixture of these fluids in the form of a resultant jet Jr, originating from the point of impingement (I), the micromixture being obtained by:

Abstract: A production process for a vinyl-based polymer is provided. The production process comprises a step for polymerizing a vinyl-based monomer by a radical reaction within an aqueous medium in a polymerization vessel, and a step for supplying a reaction inhibitor with a melting point of no more than 40° C. from a reaction inhibitor supply tank to the polymerization vessel via a reaction inhibitor supply pipe. The reaction inhibitor supply tank and the reaction inhibitor supply pipe are heated, and the reaction inhibitor is added to the polymerization vessel in a liquid state with a viscosity of no more than 200 mPa·s. The reaction inhibitor can be added to the polymerization mixture without the use of an organic solvent even at low temperatures, and problems such as the solidification of the reaction inhibitor inside the supply tank or piping, and subsequent blocking of the piping do not occur.

Abstract: The present invention is relative with an organic liquid absorbent resin comprised of a water-insoluble resin to which have been introduced hydrophilic polar groups. This organic liquid absorbent resin is produced on introducing hydrophilic groups to the water-insoluble resin. This organic liquid absorbent resin is inexpensive, high in safety and superior in is performance in absorbing not only hydrophilic solvents but also oleophilic solvents.

Abstract: A polymerization process comprising the steps of admixing a halogen-containing compound, monomer, and a cobalt complex.

Abstract: A conjugated diene rubber gel comprising 80-99 weight % of conjugated diene monomer units and 20-1 weight % of aromatic vinyl monomer units and having a swelling index of 16 to 70 as measured in toluene. A rubber vulcanizate made from a rubber composition comprising this conjugated diene rubber gel and a rubber capable of being crosslinked with sulfur exhibits good abrasion resistance and low heat-build up without deterioration of mechanical properties, and thus, is suitable for tire materials. This conjugated diene rubber gel can be produced with high efficiency by emulsion-polymerization of a monomer mixture comprising 50-99.9 weight % of a conjugated diene monomer, 0-30 weight % of an aromatic vinyl monomer, 0-20 weight % of other ethylenically unsaturated monomer and 0.

Abstract: This invention discloses a rubbery polymer which is comprised of repeat units that are derived from (1) at least one conjugated diolefin monomer, and (2) at least one functionalized monomer having of the structural formula: 1

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a technique for synthesizing rubbery non-tapered, random, copolymers of 1,3-butadiene and isoprene. These rubbery copolymers exhibit an excellent combination of properties for utilization in tire sidewall rubber compounds for truck tires. By utilizing these isoprene-butadiene rubbers in tire sidewalls, tires having improved cut growth resistance can be built without sacrificing rolling resistance. Such rubbers can also be employed in tire tread compounds to improve tread wear characteristics and decrease rolling resistance without sacrificing traction characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of controlling the degree of branch of high 1,4-cis polybutadiene without any alternation in the 1,4-cis content and the polymerization yield, in which a dialkylzinc compound represented by the following formula I is added in a controlled amount as an agent for controlling the degree of branch of high 1,4-cis polybutadiene, thus guaranteeing the optimum processability and physical properties of polymer according to the use purpose. R1—Zn—R2  Formula I wherein R1 and R2 are same or different and include an alkyl group containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that certain catalyst systems which are comprised of (A) a transition metal compound selected from the group consisting of iron (II) compounds, iron (III) compounds, cobalt (II) compounds, cobalt (III) compounds, and nickel (II) compounds; (B) a ligand selected from the group consisting of certain azopyridines and certain iminopyridines; and (C) methylalumoxane can be used to catalyze the polymerization of diene monomers, such as 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, into polymers, such as high cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber. Some representative examples of azopyridines that can be utilized in the catalyst systems of this invention include 2-phenylazopyridine, 4-methyl-2-phenylazopyridine, and 2,6-diphenylazopyridine. The subject invention more specifically discloses a process for synthesizing a polybutadiene rubber which comprises polymerizing 1,3-butadiene at a temperature which is within the range of about 10° C. to about 100° C.

Abstract: Metal salts of cyclic alcohols can be used as modifiers in lithium initiated solution polymerizations of diene monomers into rubbery polymers having a low vinyl content. For instance, such initiator systems can be used in the copolymerization of styrene and isoprene to produce low vinyl styrene-isoprene rubber having a random distribution of repeat units that are derived from styrene. It is important for such polymerizations to be conducted in the absence of polar modifiers, such as Lewis bases. The subject invention more specifically discloses an initiator system which is comprised of (a) a lithium initiator and (b) a metal salt of a cyclic alcohol, wherein said initiator system is void of polar modifiers. The present invention also discloses a process for preparing a rubbery polymer having a low vinyl content which comprises: polymerizing at least one diene monomer with a lithium initiator at a temperature which is within the range of about 5° C. to about 100° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical adhesive composition containing a copolymer obtained by copolymerization of a monomer mixture containing an acrylic acid alkyl ester having C4-C12 alkyl group, a (meth)acrylic acid, and a methacrylic acid alkyl ester having C1-C4 alkyl group, which mixture is free of a multifunctional monomer having two or more unsaturated double bonds in a molecule, wherein the copolymer has a gel-sol ratio of 35:65 to 55:45 and a weight average molecular weight of the sol portion of 300,000 to 500,000, or a copolymer obtained by copolymerization of the above-mentioned monomer mixture and having a gel fraction of 35 to 55% and a swelling ratio of a gel portion of 50 to 90 times. The medical adhesive of the present invention is superior in the balance between adhesiveness and cohesiveness and can be preferably used for various medical adhesive tapes or sheets.

Abstract: Processes for improving the thermal stability of living polymer anions are provided. The invention further improves the efficiency of subsequent functionalization and linking reactions of such living polymer anions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an olefin polymer having a narrow molecular weight distribution and a specific molecular weight, an olefin polymer having a functional group introduced at the terminal, a tapered polymer containing a segment wherein monomer composition continuously changes in the polymer chain, an olefin polymer having different segments which are bonded to each other, and a process for preparing these polymers. The olefin polymers of the invention are polymers of olefins of 2 to 20 carbon atoms and have a number-average molecular weight of not less than 500 and Mw/Mn of not more than 1.5.

Abstract: A vulcanized elastomeric composition of matter comprises the reaction product of a sulfur-containing reagent with an anionic living polymer, the reagent being selected from the group consisting of R3—Si—S—R′—X, where R can all be the same or different and is selected from the group consisting of alkyls having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, cycloalkyls having from 3 to 11 carbon atoms, or an arylene having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms, and X is a halogen, to form a R3—Si—S—R′ ended polymer; a filler; processing oil; and a cure package containing a deprotecting agent and at least one sulfur cure accelerator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst system for gas phase polymerization of conjugated dienes, consisting of a rare earth compound, an aluminum organic compound, a further Lewis acid, optionally a conjugated diene, an inert inorganic or organic support and a co-catalyst applied to an inorganic support, in order to improve the flowability of rubber thus produced.

Abstract: A catalyst composition that is the combination of or the reaction product of ingredients comprising an iron-containing compound, an organomagnesium compound, and an &agr;-acylphosphonate diester.

Abstract: A metallocene catalyst may be temporarily and reversibly passivated by contact with an effective amount of an unsaturated hydrocarbon passivating compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymerizable composition comprising a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and b1) at least one multifunctional triazinyl based 2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl and a free radical initiator or b2) at least one multifunctional triazinyl based 2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl-ether. Further aspects of the present invention are a process for polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated monomers, the (co)polymers obtainable by this process and the use of multifunctional triazinyl based 2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyls in combination with a free radical initiator, or a multifunctional triazinyl based 2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl-ethers for controlled polymerization. In a particularly preferred embodiment at least one additional heating step at a temperature from 140 to 280° C. is applied after polymerization is completed.

Abstract: Provided are flow-and-leveling agents for powder coatings which provide the coated surfaces with a flow-and-leveling property by blending into powder coatings taking a serious view of finishing and which improves coating defects such as ruptures and craters to contribute to a rise in the appearance in powder coating. The above flow-and-leveling agents are (meth)acrylic acid ester base copolymers containing a trimethylsilyl group in a proportion of 2 to 65% by weight and having a number average molecular weight of 1000 to 60000.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the discovery of certain anionic initiator systems can be used to initiate the solution polymerization of conjugated diolefin monomers into rubbery polymers having a low vinyl content. For instance, such initiator systems can be used in the copolymerization of styrene and isoprene to produce low vinyl styrene-isoprene rubber having a random distribution of repeat units that are derived from styrene. These initiator systems are comprised of (a) a lithium initiator and (b) a member selected from the group consisting of (1) a sodium alkoxide, (2) a sodium salt of a sulfonic acid, and (3) a sodium salt of a glycol ether. It is important for the initiator system to be free of polar modifiers, such as Lewis bases.

Abstract: Reagents to cause swelling of coarsely ground vulcanized rubber, and a method of using the reagents is disclosed. Reagents which cause rubber to swell but which do not attack or react with rubber include various hydrocarbons, ketones and lactones. Specifically useful are benzene, cyclohexanone, cyclohexane, toluene, xylene, hexane, heptane, acetone, gasoline, paramethadione, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone and amyl acetate. It is taught that specific reagents work most effectively with specific types of rubbers, and that mixtures of reagents, preferably reagents having the same polarity, may be used. The reagent of the present invention is mixed with the coarsely ground rubber powder for about five minutes or more, causing the rubber particles to approximately double in size. Preferably, the reagent is substantially fully absorbed by the rubber. The swollen rubber is then suitable for further processing, namely, grinding into a superfine powder.

Abstract: A combined linear and nonlinear polymer (i.e., having a combined linear, branched and radial structure) P+PnD according to the present invention is represented by (P+PnD)−+Li, where P is a polymer of a monovinyl aromatic monomer or a conjugated diene monomer; PD is a nonlinear polymer having a combined linear, branched and radial structure due to a multifunctional compound D bonded to the polymer P; n is an integer ranging from 2 to 10 and represents the average number of bonds between the monovinyl aromatic or conjugated diene polymer P and the multifunctional compound D; and +Li represents a metal ion as a partner of the active anion (P+PnD)−. The combined linear and nonlinear polymer of the present invention, characterized by nonlinearity-related properties (i.e.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the discovery that rubbery polymers having a high vinyl content and a low degree of branching can be synthesized with an initiator system that is comprised of (a) a lithium initiator selected from the group consisting of allylic lithium compounds and benzylic lithium compounds, (b) a Group I metal alkoxide, and (c) a polar modifier; wherein the molar ratio of the Group I metal alkoxide to the polar modifier is within the range of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1; and wherein the molar ratio of the Group I metal alkoxide to the lithium initiator is within the range of about 0.01:1 to about 20:1. These high vinyl polymers offer reduced levels of hysteresis and better functionalization efficiency.

Abstract: Conjugated diolefins, optionally in combination with other unsaturated compounds which may be copolymerized with the diolefins, are polymerized by performing the polymerization of the diolefins in the presence of catalysts based on monocyclopentadienyl compounds of vanadium and alumoxanes in the presence of aromatic vinyl compounds as the solvent at temperatures of −30 C. to +80 C. By means of the process according to the invention, it is possible to straightforwardly produce solutions of polydiolefins, such as polybutadiene, having 1,2 unit contents of 10 to 30% in aromatic vinyl compounds, which solutions may then, for example, be further processed to yield ABS or HIPS.

Abstract: Glycidyl and alkylcarbonyl functional nitroxide radical polymerization initiator compounds of formula (Ia) or (Ib), where R1, R2 and A are as defined within, R3 is a radical of formula (II)  where X is phenylene, naphthylene or biphenylene, which are unsubstituted or substituted by NO2, halogen, amino, hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, C1-C4alkoxy, C1-C4alkylthio, C1-C4alkylamino or di(C1-C4alkyl)amino; the R12 are independently of each other H or CH3; D is a group  a group C(O)—R13 or a group C(O)—R9—C(O)—R13; R13 is C1-C18alkyl and m is a number from 1 to 4, provide polymeric resin products having low polydispersity, polymerization processes that proceed with good monomer to polymer conversion efficiencies and polymers that contain a glycidyl or alkylcarbonyl group.

Abstract: A method for preparing polybutadiene having controlled molecular weight and high 1,4-cis content over 95% in the presence of a diethylzinc compound as a cocatalyst (i.e., alkylating agent) and molecular-weight-controlling agent, in which the molecular weight of the polybutadiene is controlled by variating the added amount of the diethylzinc compound without deterioration of 1,4-cis content nor polymerization yield, thus guaranteeing the optimum processability and physical properties of polymer according to the use purpose.

Abstract: An objective of the invention is to provide a conjugated diene-based rubber having a specific composition and a method of producing the same, an oil extended rubber using the same, as well as a rubber composition capable of being converted into a vulcanized rubber which has a low rolling resistance, an excellent wearing resistance and the like, and is useful, for example, as a tire or the like. A conjugated diene-based rubber in the invention has a glass transition point of −60 to 0° C., an olefinically unsaturated nitrile monomer unit randomly contains in its molecular chain, its repeating units consists of 9 to 30% by mass of an olefinically unsaturated nitrile monomer unit such as acrylonitrile, 10 to 50% by mass of an aromatic vinyl monomer unit such as styrene and 20 to 81% by mass of a conjugated diene monomer unit such as 1,3-butadiene, and its Mooney viscosity [ML1+4(100° C.)] is 20 to 200.

Abstract: A polymer having at least one reactive terminal or pendant functional group that has been capped with a trifunctional olefinic compound. The polymer can be made by contacting a base polymer having at least one reactive terminal or pendant functional group with a trifunctional olefinic compound under conditions effective to react at least one of the terminal or pendant functional groups with the trifunctional olefinic compound. The capped polymers are particularly suitable as crosslinking toughening agents in multi-components compositions such as adhesives, coatings and matrices for composites.

Abstract: A polymerization process comprises contacting one or more olefinic comonomers in the presence of at least a high molecular weight catalyst and at least a low molecular weight catalyst in a single reactor; and effectuating the polymerization of the olefinic comonomers in the reactor to obtain an olefin polymer. Preferably, both catalysts have the ability to incorporate a substantially similar amount of comonomers in the olefin polymer. The polymers produced by the process may have a relatively higher level of long chain branching while maintaining a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution, i.e., MWD less than about 6. These interpolymers may exhibit processability similar to or better than LDPE but have physical properties similar to metallocene catalyzed polymers.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacture of a polymer including branched and linear components comprising first polymerizing conjugated diene(s) in the presence of an organometallic initiator to a conversion that is at least 90% complete. A coupling agent is added to obtain a polymer including branched and linear components. The coupling agent is added at a ratio of about 0.3 to about 0.6 coupling equivalents to initiator equivalents.