Abstract: This invention relates to olefin polymerization processes for polymerizing ethylene, higher alpha-olefin comonomer and dienes, especially vinyl norbornene, and especially process for producing amorphous or semi-crystalline polymers such as EPDM. The invention also relates to the novel polymers produced by such processes. The invention furthermore relates to articles of manufacture with an improved balance of toughness and curing properties.

Abstract: An adhesive or coating composition prepared by mixing together at least one metathesizable highly-reactive cycloolefin (e.g., a norbornadiene) and a metathesis catalyst. The use of highly-reactive cycloolefins can provide exceptional adherence to a low-surface-tension substrate. Another embodiment is a two-part adhesive or coating system wherein the first part includes at least one first metathesizable material, and the second part includes at least one liquid metathesis oligomer or polymer and a metathesis catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst component and a catalyst system for the preparation of high molecular weight ethylene or alpha-olefin homopolymers, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, terpolymers or tetrapolymers, in a polymerization process, which is expediently effected in solution, at elevated temperature, preferably at least 80 DEG C. The catalyst system comprises a group 4-6 metal, preferably group 4 metal, a cyclic ligand (such as a cyclopentadienyl-type ligand), which forms a delocalized pi-bond with the metal M, a monohapto bonded 1,3-diaza-2-imino heterocyclic ligand (such as an iminoimidazolidine-type ligand) and anionic ligands and a catalyst activator coupound.

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 method of producing a polyolefin composition comprising contacting a metallocene pre-catalyst with a substoichiometric amount of a co-catalyst; adding a first olefin monomer; and polymerizing the first monomer for a time sufficient to form the polyolefin. The method allows for the use of a minimum amount of activating co-catalyst, and allows for the production of stereoregular and non-stereoregular polyolefins. The use of configurationally stable metallocene pre-catalysts allows for the production of monomodal isotactic polyolefins having narrow polydispersity. The use of configurationally unstable metallocene pre-catalysts allows for the production of monomodal atactic polyolefins having narrow polydispersity. The method of the present invention optionally further comprises contacting the polyolefin with a second amount of said co-catalyst; adding a second olefin monomer; polymerizing said second olefin monomer to form a block-polyolefin composition.

Abstract: The present invention is to offer a rubber material composition excellent in an abrasion resistance and less to cause heat by friction, and is suitably used to sealing members of rolling devices to be used with grease lubrication under severe circumstances allowing water or dusts to much exist. The rubber material composition is fabricated with carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber.

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: Removing silicon species from hydrocarbon solvents such as cyclohexane by flowing the hydrocarbon solvent through a selective adsorbent selected from the group consisting of aluminas, silicon-aluminas, ion exchange resins, zeolite Y, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the copolymerisation of propylene with at least one C4-20 &agr;-olefin or C4-20 diene in a reaction medium in the presence of a catalyst system at a temperature of greater that 80° C. or at a temperature and pressure above the critical temperature and pressure of the reaction medium. Under such conditions, comonomer incorporation is higher than under standard conditions.

Abstract: A metallocene compound having the formula (I): where M1 is a metal of group IVb, Vb or VIb of the Periodic Table of Elements, two or more adjacent radicals R4 to R12 together with the atoms connecting them form one or more aromatic or aliphatic rings and if R5, R6, and R7 are hydrogen, R9 and R11 are identical or different and are a C1-C4 alkyl group, a C1-C6 alkeryl group, or a C6-C10 aryl group.

Abstract: The present invention is a modified HFPB polymer for use in propellants and explosives that is chemically degradable and also is compatible with commonly used energetic plasticizers. The HFPB polymer of the present invention contains ester linkages formed in the backbone of the polymer from a dicarboxylic acid containing either oxymeythylene or oxyethylene moeities. The ester and ether linkages change the polarity of the polybutadiene to make it compatible with polar energetic plasticizers. The ester linkages along with either oxymethylene or oxyethylene moeities make the polymer degradable to basic solutions while still maintaining the structural integrity necessary for a polybutadiene type binder.

Abstract: Initiators for nitroxide-mediated radical polymerizations are described. The initiators have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.

Abstract: Initiators for nitroxide-mediated radical polymerizations are described. The initiators have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to multifunctional alkoxyamines based on polyalkylpiperidines, polyalkylpiperazinones and polyalkylmorpholinones and their use as polymerization regulatros/initiators. Further subjects of the invention are a polymerizable composition comprising an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oligomer and the alkoxyamine compound as well as a process for polymerization and a process for preparation of the compounds.

Abstract: The neodymium catalyst system prepared by the technique of this invention can be used in the polymerization of isoprene monomer into polyisoprene rubber that is clear (transparent) and of high purity. This invention more specifically discloses a process for the synthesis of polyisoprene rubber which comprises polymerizing isoprene monomer in the presence of a neodymium catalyst system, wherein the neodymium catalyst system is prepared by (1) reacting a neodymium carboxylate with an organoaluminum compound in the presence of isoprene for a period of about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes to produce neodymium-aluminum catalyst component, and (2) subsequently reacting the neodymium-aluminum catalyst component with a dialkyl aluminum chloride for a period of at least 30 minutes to produce the neodymium catalyst system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing polymers, which consists in contacting: an ethylenically unsaturated monomer; a soure of free radicals; and a halogenated xanthate.

Abstract: A curable casemaking adhesive, books and related articles bound thereby. In one embodiment, a UV curable hot melt adhesive is used to form the case, which is preferably also embossed. In another embodiment, a moisture curable hot melt adhesive is used to form the case, which is preferably also embossed.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization catalyst system, comprising a catalyst represented by the general formula CrR4, wherein each R is independently a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, with the proviso that R may not be a cyclopentadienyl group, an activator represented by the general formula, MQ2, where M is a Group II metal, where each Q is independently an alkyl, or substituted alkyl; and a support. The support may be organic or inorganic. Ethylene and one or more olefins may be polymerized by the catalyst system.

Abstract: Initiators for nitroxide-mediated radical polymerizations are described. The initiators have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.

Abstract: Free-radical-initiated copolymerization of metallocene complexes containing olefinic substituents on aryl groups with styrene results in polymerized late transition metal catalysts that can be used for olefin polymerization or oligomerization. These catalysts have high catalyst activity for olefin polymerization or oligomerization.

Abstract: Initiators for nitroxide-mediated radical polymerizations are described. The initiators have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.

Abstract: The invention provides olefin polymerization catalyst exhibiting excellent polymerization activities, a process for olefin polymerization using the catalyst, a novel transition metal compound useful for the catalyst, and an &agr;-olefin/conjugated diene copolymer having specific properties. The olefin polymerization catalyst of the invention comprises (A) a transition metal compound of formula (I) or (II), and (B) an organometallic compound, an oranoaluminum oxy-compound or an ionizing ionic compound. The novel transition metal compound of the invention is a compound of formula (I) wherein M is a transition meal atom of Group 3 or 4 of the periodic table; m is an integer of 1 to 3; R1 is a hydrocarbon group, etc.; R2 to R5 are each H, a halogen, a hydrocarbon group, etc.; R6 is a halogen, a hydrocarbon group, etc.; n is a number satisfying a valence of M; and X is a halogen, a hydrocarbon group, etc.

Abstract: Copolymerization of Ni(II) phenol imine complexes containing olefinic substituents on aryl groups with styrene in the presence of a radical initiator results in polymerized late transition metal catalysts which can be used for olefin polymerization or oligomerization. These catalysts have high catalyst activity for olefin polymerization or oligomerization.

Abstract: Novel conjugated diene polymers having good wear resistance, mechanical properties, storage stability, processability and a reduced cold flow are produced by polymerizing a conjugated diene compound with a catalyst of rare earth element compound and reacting the resulting polymer just after the polymerization with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a halogenated organometallic compound, a halogenated metal compound, an organometallic compound, a heterocumulene compound, a hetero three-membered-ring containing compound, a halogenated isocyano compound, a carboxylic acid, an acid halide, an ester compound, a carbonic ester compound, an acid anhydride and a metal salt of a carboxylic acid as a modifying agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer comprising one or more C3 to C40 olefins, optionally one or more diolefins, and less than 15 mole % of ethylene, where the polymer has:

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for controlled free radical polymerization or copolymerization of vinyl chloride at a temperature between 40° C. and 95° C., at a pressure between 5 and 30 bar in the presence of a stable free nitroxyl radical.

Abstract: The present invention is relates to a process for the preparation of an isoolefin polymer containing repeating units derived from at least one isoolefin, at least one divinyl aromatic monomer and, optionally, additional copolymerizable monomers, wherein the content of unreacted vinyl groups from the aromatic monomer is predicted by means of FTIR measurements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for polymer hydrogenation that includes: polymerizing or copolymerizing at least one conjugated diene in a hydrocarbon solvent using an organic alkali metal polymerization initiator to generate a living polymer; adding a terminating agent selected from amines, esters, ketones, or halogen compounds to deactivate the active terminal of the living polymer; and selectively hydrogenating the conjugated diene polymer using at least one organotitanium compound and a lithium hydride, which is prepared from a reactor equipped with a high-speed injection nozzle and thereby precisely controlled in regard to particle diameter.

Abstract: Ring-hydrogenated block copolymers composed of vinylaromatic monomers and dienes having at least two S blocks with differing molar mass composed of vinylaromatic monomers, mixtures with ring-hydrogenated polystyrene, and a process for their preparation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers that are modified along the polymer chain and are based on conjugated dienes or conjugated dienes and vinyl-aromatic compounds having a content of vinyl-aromatic compounds of up to 60 wt. %, a content of cis-position double bonds of ≧92%, a mean molecular weight of 50,000 to 1,500,000 g/mole and a gel content of ≦5%. The polymers according to the invention can be used for the production of all types of molded articles, wherein in particular their technical and physical properties are improved compared with the prior art.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pneumatic tire having at least one component comprising a vulcanizable rubber composition, wherein the vulcanizable rubber composition comprises, based on 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr), from about 30 to 100 phr of high trans random SBR, and from about zero to about 70 phr of at least one additional elastomer, wherein the high trans random SBR comprises from about 3 to about 30 percent by weight of styrene.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of polydienes with a low vinyl content and having a branched structure effected by means of the polymerization of conjugated dienes in the presence of catalysts based on rare-earth compounds. The resulting polymers are characterized in that they have a cis content varying from 80 to 96% and prove to be branched with consequent low viscosity values in solution.

Abstract: Catalytic composition for the (co)polymerization of ethylene and other &agr;-olefins, including a metallocene complex of a metal M of group 4 of the periodic table or the product obtainable from the same combined with a suitable activator, wherein said metallocene complex includes at least one cyclopentadienyl group and at least one unsaturated hydrocarbyl organic group bonded to the metal M, having the following formula (I):

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: This invention relates to a process to polymerize olefins comprising contacting, in a polymerization system, olefins having three or more carbon atoms with a catalyst compound, activator, optionally comonomer, and optionally diluent or solvent, at a temperature above the cloud point temperature of the polymerization system and a pressure no lower than 10 MPa below the cloud point pressure of the polymerization system, where the polymerization system comprises any comonomer present, any diluent or solvent present, the polymer product, where the olefins having three or more carbon atoms are present at 40 weight % or more.

Abstract: A continuous process for producing conjugated diene polymers comprising the steps of contacting, within an hydrocarbon solvent and within a continuous reactor, conjugated diene monomer and a catalyst composition prepared by combining: (a) a lanthanide compound, (b) an alkylating agent, and (c) a halogen-containing compound, and maintaining a non-ideal flow pattern within the continuous reactor so that 10% of the reagents entering the reactor at a reference time t0 are still present within the continuous reactor at a time t0+xtrt, where trt is the residence time corresponding to ideal flow within the continuous reactor and x is a numeral greater than 1.5.

Abstract: A polymeric reaction product is prepared by a process comprising a reaction, under free radical conditions, of a reaction mixture containing at least one monomer (a) capable of undergoing free radical reactions, in the presence of a compound (I) of the formula: 1

Abstract: Disclosed are a precursor composition, a rubber component and a shear ply prepared from the precursor composition, and methods for making and using the same. The precursor composition includes a first hydrogenated nitrile conjugated-diene copolymer modified by a metal salt unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, wherein the first hydrogenated nitrile conjugated-diene copolymer is derived from a first ethylenically unsaturated nitrile and a first conjugated diene a second hydrogenated nitrile conjugated-diene copolymer derived from a second ethylenically unsaturated nitrile and a second conjugated diene; and a curing agent.

Abstract: Hyperbranched copolymers comprising at least one C2-C20 &agr;-monoolefin monomers and 0.2 to 20 mole % of at least one &agr;, &ohgr;-non-conjugated diene monomers having 5 to 18 carbon atoms are prepared by coordination (metallocene) copolymerization of the monomers and quenching the reaction prior to the formation of a gelled product. The building blocks of the products are characterized by a number average molecular weight less than 5 times the entanglement molecular weight of a homopolymer prepared using the same catalyst but in the absence of the diene component.

Abstract: Certain specific embodiments of the inventions will now be discussed. For example, a process of preparing a copolymer composition that includes a diene-modified polypropylene copolymer is described, which process includes: contacting a metallocene catalyst compound with a polymerization medium that includes at least a propylene monomer and an &agr;, internal non-conjugated diene monomer; and conducting polymerization of the monomers in the presence of the metallocene catalyst compound for a time sufficient to provide a diene-modified polypropylene random copolymer that includes monomeric units derived from each of the monomers, and having from 0.0 wt % to 2.0 wt % ethylene and a heat of fusion of 25 J/g or more.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization pre-catalyst, an activated catalyst and a process for preparing the catalysts are described herein.

Abstract: There is provided an ethylene-&agr;-olefin-non-conjugated diene copolymer rubber satisfying the following requirements (1) to (4):

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a high 1,4-cis polybutadiene having a controlled cold flow and, more particularly, to a novel method for preparing a high 1,4-cis polybutadiene having a controlled cold flow that involves initiating polymerization of a 1,3-butadiene in the presence of a non-polar solvent using, as a polymerization catalyst, a complex prepared by mixing a neodymium compound with or without a conjugated diene compound, a halogenated organoaluminum compound or a halogenated organic compound, and an organoaluminum compound irrespective of the addition order of the catalyst; and adding an organoborane compound as a cold flow controller of 1,4-cis polybutadiene after a predetermined time of the polymerization. Accordingly, a high 1,4-cis polybutadiene having an efficiently controlled cold flow can be prepared without causing a significant increase in the Mooney viscosity (molecular weight), an odor (bad smell), and a reduction in 1,4-cis content and polymerization yield.

Abstract: A low-contaminative hose which permits a fluid to be passed through with minimized fluid contamination, and a rubber composition used to produce such a hose. The low-contaminative hose is formed from the rubber composition that includes, as essential components, at least one rubber selected from an ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer, an ethylene-propylene copolymer and a silicone rubber, a peroxide vulcanizing agent, and a filler having a laminar crystal structure.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center comprising a polybutadiene having a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and a resilience index of at least about 40; and a cover layer comprising a polyurethane composition formed from a prepolymer having no greater than 7.5 percent by weight unreacted isocyanate groups.

Abstract: The co-polymerization reaction of one or more olefin monomers, such as propylene, with &agr;,&ohgr;-diene units and the resulting copolymers are provided. More specifically, the copolymer may have from 90 to 99.999 weight percent of olefins and from 0.001 to 2.000 weight percent of &agr;,&ohgr;-dienes. The copolymer may have a weight average molecular weight in the range from 50,000 to 2,000,000, a crystallization temperature in the range from 115° C. to 135° C. and a melt flow rate in the range from 0.1 dg/min to 100 dg/min. These copolymers may be employed in a wide variety of applications, the articles of which include, for example, films, fibers, such as spunbonded and meltblown fibers, fabrics, such as nonwoven fabrics, and molded articles. The copolymer may further include at least two crystalline populations.

Abstract: The co-polymerization reaction of one or more olefin monomers, such as propylene, with &agr;,&ohgr;-diene units and the resulting copolymers are provided. More specifically, the copolymer may have from 90 to 99.999 weight percent of olefins and from 0.001 to 2.000 weight percent of &agr;,&ohgr;-dienes. The copolymer may have a weight average molecular weight in the range from 50,000 to 2,000,000, a crystallization temperature in the range from 115° C. to 135° C. and a melt flow rate in the range from 0.1 dg/min to 100 dg/min. These copolymers may be employed in a wide variety of applications, the articles of which include, for example, films, fibers, such as spunbonded and meltblown fibers, fabrics, such as nonwoven fabrics, and molded articles. The copolymer may further indude at least two crystalline populations.

Abstract: A method of lowering MFR response of a high melt flow rate polymer producing metallocene catalyst is provided. The method includes contacting the metallocene catalyst with a sufficient quantity of &agr;,&ohgr;-diene monomer such that when the catalyst composition is contacted with polymerizable reactants under suitable polymerization conditions, the resulting polymer has an MFR rate in the range of 0.1 to 19. Hydrogen and ethylene may also be present in the polymerization. Additionally a catalyst composition is provided which includes a high melt flow rate polymer producing metallocene catalyst and a sufficient quantity of &agr;,&ohgr;-diene monomers such that when the catalyst composition is contacted with a monomer under polymerization conditions, the resulting polymer has an MFR rate in the range of 0.1 to 19.

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 a crosslinking monomer.

Abstract: Membranes made from amphiphilic copolymers are disclosed. The amphiphilic copolymers can be ABA copolymers, where one of A and B is hydrophilic and the other is hydrophobic. The copolymers may be crosslinked to form more stable structures. Crosslinking can be accomplished using a variety of methods, including end to end polymerization of copolymers having terminal unsaturated groups. Molecules such as membrane proteins can be incorporated into the membrane to allow the transport there through of selected components.