Abstract: A molding material for plastic lenses, comprising a hydrogenated product of an aromatic vinyl polymer, wherein the hydrogenated product of the aromatic vinyl polymer has properties that the hydrogenation rate of aromatic rings is at least 97%, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is within a range of 50,000 to 500,000, and the ratio (Mw/Mn) of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) is at most 2.5, a plastic lens obtained by molding the molding material, novel hydrogenated products of aromatic vinyl polymers, which are suitable for use as molding materials, and a production process thereof.

Abstract: Impact modified styrene polymers can be prepared by a continuous process for the production of a solution of rubber in vinyl aromatic monomers.

Abstract: The extremely rapid anionic polymerization rate of polystyrene has made polymerization difficult to control and has prevented large-scale development. This invention uses batch polymerization to utilize the rapid rate of polymerization to complete polymerization from zero to 100% conversion in minutes and turns this rapid rate into an advantage. Polystyrene itself is used as a heat sink to limit and control the maximum temperature reached during polymerization. Adiabatic polymerization increases the polymer temperature to the desired processing temperature of the polymer for either removal of volatile compounds or for direct pellet formation when no solvent is employed. The polystyrene to be used as a heat sink is added either as pellets or is first formed at a low controllable temperature. Extremely low levels of residual monomer are found in the product. This invention also demonstrates techniques to prevent gel formation or to reduce formation to an acceptable level.

Abstract: A composition of matter formed by melt-blending certain thermoplastic polymers and from about 1.0 to about 7.5 wt. % of a fluorocarbon additive, the additive having a lower by surface energy than that of the polymer; the blending resulting in a cooled admixture having a concentration of fluorocarbon additive through a cross-section of the solid composition lower in the interior thereof and higher at the surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A process for ATRP polymerization and coupling of molecules by radical processes is provided, wherein improvements are provided by selection of various ligands, counterions, transition metal compounds and/or zero oxidation state transition metals to give improved control over molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and compositions of the products formed.

Abstract: A refinish clearcoat composition includes an hydroxyl-functional acrylic polymer. The acrylic polymer has a number average molecular weight of at least about 5000 and is polymerized using at least about 45% by weight cycloaliphatic monomer, based on total monomer weight polymerized. The clearcoat composition is fast drying. Optionally, the clearcoat is cured by low temperature baking. The cured clearcoat surface may be taped without leaving tape marks as soon as the substrate is cooled. The cured clearcoat may undergo wet sanding after baking as soon as the part is cooled, and can then be buffed back to a high gloss finish after sanding and washing.

Abstract: Disclosed are cyclic phosphate esters of fumarate—or maleic acids suitable for use as a comonomer, capable of being copolymerized with a monovinylidene aromatic compounds to impart flame resistant properties to the resultant copolymers.

Abstract: Acrylic polymer compositions with crystalline side chains are disclosed. Solution polymerization, aqueous suspension polymerization, and aqueous dispersion polymerization processes for the preparation of the acrylic polymer compositions with crystalline side chains are also disclosed. Methods of use for the acrylic polymer compositions with crystalline side chains, including dry powder coatings; wax replacements in floor polishes and wood coatings; nonwoven and textile coatings; adhesives; and hot melt adhesives are also disclosed.

Abstract: Acrylic polymer compositions with crystalline side chains are disclosed. Solution polymerization, aqueous suspension polymerization, and aqueous dispersion polymerization processes for the preparation of the acrylic polymer compositions with crystalline side chains are also disclosed. Methods of use for the acrylic polymer compositions with crystalline side chains, including dry powder coatings; wax replacements in floor polishes and wood coatings; nonwoven and textile coatings; adhesives; and hot melt adhesives are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymerization process comprises (1) contacting at least one polymerizable monomer in the presence of a metal catalyst in a reactor; (2) effectuating polymerization of the monomer; (3) adding a substituted olefin having at least one polar group to the reactor. The substituted olefin is different from the monomer. Vinyl-terminated macromers preferably are generated which can be homopolymerized or copolymerized with the monomer by the metal catalyst. A polymer of an olefin monomer and a substituted olefin comprising a backbone and a plurality of side chains. The polymer is characterized by an Rv of greater than about 0.85, where Rv is a measure of the relative number of vinyl groups in the polymer. In some polymers, the vinyl endgroups are transformed to other useful end groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydroxy-functional copolymer P, which is present as a dispersion and/or solution in water, and is obtained by successively carrying out process steps A-D: A) initially introducing a hydrophobic polymer containing hydroxyl groups into a reaction vessel, B) introducing an initiator component into that vessel, C) subsequently polymerizing a hydrophobic monomer mixture containing hydroxyl groups in that vessel and D) subsequently polymerizing a hydrophilic monomer mixture containing hydroxyl and acid groups in that vessel. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of copolymers P following the procedure previously set forth and to coating compositions containing these copolymers P and one or more crosslinking agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of homopolymers and/or water-soluble copolymers of acrylic acid with one or more acrylic, vinyl or allylic monomers as dispersing agents for aqueous suspensions of mineral particles issuing from a mechanical and/or thermal reconcentration step following upon a step of wet grinding without the use of a dispersant and at low concentration in terms of dry matter.

Abstract: A polymerization process for styrene derivatives in which a styrene monomer is placed in contact with a catalyst system in a solvent, including at least:

Abstract: It has been discovered that the polymerization of unsaturated compounds, such as butadiene, may be inhibited by the addition of a diene and/or alkanolamine inhibitor. The inhibitor is believed to catalytically destroy peroxides present, such as hydrogen peroxide, which may be present in trace amounts. Particularly useful inhibitors include, but are not limited to, ethylenediamine (EDA) and monoethanolamine (MEA).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for producing elastomers based on conjugated dienes or based on conjugated dienes and vinyl aromatic compounds or based on alkenes, polymerization being carried out while maintaining certain residence times of the monomers used and the elastomers obtained in the reactors while maintaining a certain temperature gradient in the first reactor. The elastomers obtained by the process according to the invention are characterized in particular by a low metal ion content, a low ash content and a high cis-1,4 compound content in the polymer. Furthermore, the process according to the present invention is particularly economical.

Abstract: Polymer particles are obtained by dispersion polymerization of styrene and acrylic acid ester along with an organosilane compound. The polymer particles have simultaneously an excellent particle size distribution, a large particle size and a satisfactory molecular weight. A toner in which the polymer particles are used as binder resin is especially suitable for high image quality and high-density printing.

Abstract: A method for continuously preparing a heat resistant &agr;-methylstyrene-acrylonitrile copolymer by bulk polymerization, comprising the steps of: a) Continuously charging a mixture of monomers including following materials into a continuous polymerization system with two or more stirred-vessel reactors connected in series: i) 60 to 75% (by weight of Yá-methylstyrene; ii) 25 to 40% by weight of acrylonitrile; iii) 5 to 15% by weight of a solvent, and iv) 0.05 to 0.3% by weight of a mixed initiator of an organic peroxide with a multifunctional group and an organic peroxide with a monofunctional group, b) Continuously polymerizing the monomer mixture charged at step a) starting from the first reactor to convert 50 to 70% by weight of total charged monomers into a polymer; and c) transferring reacted liquid containing the polymer from step b) to an evaporator, and then separating the polymer by evaporating unreacted monomers and solvents.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the synthesis of addition polymers containing branches upon branches and having a polymerizable olefin end group by a convenient one-pot polymerization of selected vinyl monomers with chain polymerization initiators and a method to provide olefinic end groups by chain termination agents; and polymers produced thereby characterized by branch-on-branch structure and lower inherent viscosity than heretofore possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to open chain alkoxyamine compounds useful as polymerization regulators. The open chain alkoxyamine compounds are useful for the polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The compounds of the present invention provide polymeric resin products having low polydispersity. The polymerization process proceeds with enhanced monomer to polymer conversion efficiency. In particular, this invention relates to stable free radical-mediated polymerization processes which provide homopolymers, random copolymer, block copolymers, multiblock copolymers, graft copolymers and the like, at enhanced rates of polymerization and enhanced monomer to polymer conversions.

Abstract: Selected nickel complexes of the anions of certain 2-aminotropones are olefin polymerization catalysts. Novel 2-aminotropones and their nickel complexes are also disclosed together with methods of making these 2-aminotropones.

Abstract: The catalyst for polymerizing vinyl compounds according to the present invention comprises (A) a complex of Group 4 to 10 transition metal of the Periodic Table, (B) a clay, clay mineral or ion-exchangeable layered compound, and (C) at least one aluminoxy compound represented by Formula (1): 1

Abstract: A new class of “living” free radical initiators that are based on alkylperoxydiarylborane and its derivatives and that may be represented by the general formula. R—[O—O—B—&phgr;1(—&phgr;2)]n wherein n is from 1 to 4, R is a hydrogen or a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl radical having a molecular weight from 1 to about 500, and &phgr;1 and &phgr;2, independently, are selected from aryl radicals, based on phenyl or substituted phenyl groups, with the proviso that &phgr;1 and &phgr;2 can be the chemically bridged to each other with a linking group or with a direct chemical bond between the two aryl groups to form a cyclic ring structure that includes a boron atom are disclosed.

Abstract: A photosensitive resist composition comprising:

Abstract: An aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene block copolymer rubber comprising 50 to 75% by weight of conjugated diene monomer units and 25 to 50% by weight of aromatic vinyl monomer units, wherein the content of vinyl bond in the conjugated diene monomer units is at least 50% by weight, the ratio of blocked aromatic vinyl in the aromatic vinyl monomer units is at least 70% and the number average molecular weight of the copolymer rubber is in the range of 280,000 to 1,000,000. An aromatic vinyl resin having incorporated therein the aromatic vinyl-conjugated dione block copolymer rubber gives a shaped article having good impact resistance and luster, and characterized in that the luster is thermally stable and the luster varies only to a minimized extent within the shaped article.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide polymerization catalyst which can produce quite efficiently (co)polymer having number average molecular weight and number of molecules which are accurately controlled in producing method of (co)polymer by the polymerization of polar unsaturated compound, and provide living polymerized (co)polymer obtained according to the producing method. For the purpose, polymerization catalyst composition which comprises the composition comprising organic oxysalt compound and hydroxycarbonyl compound having at least both an alcoholic hydroxyl group and a carbonyl group in the same molecule is provided and the polar unsaturated compound is polymerized by using the polymerization catalyst composition. The composition containing the obtained (co)polymer were able to provide thermosetting powder coating composition having particularly excellent characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin of the formula: 1

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the radical polymerization of at least one monomer in the presence of at least two stable free radicals of different natures. The use of two different stable free radicals is reflected by a higher productivity than that which would be expected on calculating the arithmetic mean of the productivities obtained with each of the stable free radicals when they are used individually.

Abstract: A styrene polymer represented by formula (1), terminated with P, and having a weight average molecular 1

Abstract: Novel ethylene styrene interpolymers having atactic ES repeating units and an alternating structure substantially higher than that predicted using Bernoullian statistics may be prepared in the presence of a transition metal phosphinimine compound and an activator.

Abstract: A new class of “living” free radical initiators that are based on alkylperoxydiarylborane and its derivatives and that may be represented by the general formula.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in a method of anionically polymerizing monomers by contacting them with an anionic polymerization initiator which is an organo-substituted alkali metal compound in the presence of low amounts of an accelerator/promoter and/or a highly active microstructure modifier. The improvement comprises adding from 0.1 to 1.0 equivalents of a metal alkyl compound per equivalent of alkali metal initiator wherein alkyl groups of the metal alkyl compound are chosen so that they will not exchange with the organo substituents of the alkali metal compound. The preferred initiator for use herein is the sec-butyl lithium adduct of diisopropenyl benzene and the preferred metal alkyl is triethyl aluminum.

Abstract: A method for determining the water strain of an article is provided in the present invention by predetermining a maximum tilt range and radius for the article. Further embodiments of the present invention include a storage medium for data and a polymer for use in a storage medium for data where the storage medium comprises a plurality of layers wherein the aforementioned water strain is calculated for the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A new polymerization process (atom transfer radical polymerization, or ATRP) based on a redox reaction between a transition metal (e.g., Cu(I)/Cu(II), provides “living” or controlled radical polymerization of styrene, (meth)acrylates, and other radically polymerizable monomers. Using various simple organic halides as model halogen atom transfer precursors (initiators) and transition metal complexes as a model halogen atom transfer promoters (catalysts), a “living” radical polymerization affords (co)polymers having the predetermined number average molecular weight by &Dgr;[M]/[I]0 (up to Mn>105) and a surprisingly narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) as low as 1.15. The participation of free radical intermediates in ATRP is supported by end-group analysis and stereochemistry of the polymerization. In addition, polymers with various topologies (e.g.

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

Abstract: Titanium complexes comprising a 3-aryl-substituted cyclopentadienyl ring or substituted derivative thereof, polymerization catalysts, and olefin polymerization processes using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a method of producing a polymer. The method includes taking a product stream from a monovinyl aromatic polymerization system wherein the product stream comprises a polymerized monomer and a monomer. The product stream is introduced into an up-flow heat exchanger in a presence of an initiator, such as a peroxide, that affects a polymerization of the monomer in the up-flow heat exchanger. The initiator may include a low-temperature initiator and a high-temperature initiator where a ratio of the high-temperature initiator to the low-temperature initiator can range from about 0:600 to about 50:600.

Abstract: New ligands, compositions, metal-ligand complexes and arrays with pyridyl-amine ligands are disclosed that catalyze the polymerization of monomers into polymers. Certain of these catalysts with hafnium metal centers have high performance characteristics, including higher comonomer incorporation into ethylene/olefin copolymers, where such olefins are for example, 1-octene, isobutylene or styrene. Certain of the catalysts are particularly effective at polymerizing propylene to high molecular weight isotactic polypropylene in a solution process at a variety of polymerization conditions.

Abstract: A method has been described of preparing monodisperse polymer particles by free radical polymerization or copolymerization of hydrophobic monomers in a water-based system in the presence of cyclodextrin, characterized in that said free radical polymerization is performed with semi-continuous addition of monomer, wherein said monomer is absent before initiating polymerization, and in that a total solid contents of less than 30% by weight is present in said water-based system, in order to provide monodisperse polymer particles which are very suitable for use in many applications as e.g. in inks or toners, in photonic crystal films, in thermal printing plates for computer-to-plate or computer-to-press applications, in inkjet media, in displays, in photographic films, or as a spacing agent.

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

Abstract: A process for producing a vinyl chloride polymer is provided. This process includes polymerizing vinyl chloride or a monomer mixture containing vinyl chloride in an aqueous medium in a polymerization vessel fitted with a reflux condenser. This process is characterized by starting to add (A) an anti-foam agent, and (B) a partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol with an average degree of polymerization of 100 to 500 and a saponification degree of 75 to 85 mole %, to a reaction mixture during the operation of said reflux condenser, and continuing the addition of (A) and (B) until recovery of unreacted monomers from said polymerization vessel is completed. According to the process, it is possible to prevent the polymer slurry from foaming, rising, or scattering during polymerization or recovery of unreacted monomers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a phase retarder made of a copolymer prepared by polymerizing one non-cyclic olefin monomer (A) selected from ethylene and &agr;-olefin compound having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, one cyclic olefin monomer (B) selected from cyclic olefin compound such as norbornene, and one cyclic vinyl monomer (C) selected from vinyl compound having a cyclic unit made of an aromatic hydrocarbon or an alicyclic hydrocarbon such as styrene or vinylcyclohexane; wherein (1) an amount of the aromatic vinyl monomer is from about 1 to about 20 mol % and a total amount of the non-cyclic olefin monomer (A) and the cyclic olefin monomer (B) is from about 80 to about 99 mol % in case the component (C) is the aromatic vinyl monomer, or (2) an amount of the alicyclic vinyl monomer is from about 80 to about 99 mol % and a total amount of the non-cyclic olefin monomer and th cyclic olefin monomer is from about 1 to about 20 mol % in case the component (C) is the alicyclic vinyl monomer.

Abstract: Polymerization initiator systems comprising an organoborane and a vinyl aromatic compound are described. The polymerization initiator systems are particularly useful in formulating two-part curable bonding compositions, particularly those that cure to acrylic adhesives, more particularly those that cure to acrylic adhesives capable of bonding low surface energy substrates. Also described are bonding compositions comprising an organoborane, at least one polymerizable monomer, and at least one vinyl aromatic compound.

Abstract: A diarylethene compound of the following formula (1) wherein R1 is a hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-22 alkyl group, a fluoro group, a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted phenylalkyl group, R2 is a C1-22 alkylene group which may be unsubstituted or substituted with fluorine, R3 is a chemical bond, O, S, NR1, N(R2R1), or a C1-3 alkylene group which may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more oxygen atoms or fluorine atoms, X and Y independently of one another O, S, nitrogen, NR1, or N(R2R1), and Z is a carbonyl group or a methylene group which may be unsubstituted or substituted with fluorine.

Abstract: The invention is directed to physiologically active compounds of formula (I): wherein: R1 is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy; X1, X2 and X6 independently represent N or CR10; and one of X3, X4 and X5 represents CR11 and the others independently represents N or CR10; where R10 is hydrogen, amino, halogen, hydroxy, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulphinyl, lower alkylsulphonyl, nitro or trifluoromethyl; and R11 represents a group —L1—Ar1—L2—Y; and the corresponding N-oxides, and their prodrugs; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates of such compounds and their N-oxides and prodrugs. Such compounds have valuable pharmaceutical properties, in particular the ability to regulate the interaction of VCAM-1 and fibronectin with the integrin VLA-4 (&agr;4&bgr;1).

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the living free radical addition polymerization of one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers using at least one free-radical polymerization initiator and in the presence of one or more stable N-oxyl radicals, wherein at least one stable N-oxyl radical has polymerizable double bonds. The invention additionally provides polymers obtainable by this process, having a polydispersity index PDI of from 1.0 to 1.8, and provides for the use of stable N-oxyl radicals having polymerizable double bonds in the living free radical addition polymerization of one or more different ethylenically unsaturated monomers.

Abstract: Copolymers prepared by radical polymerization of a fluorine-containing aromatic monomer and an acrylate-based comonomer that may or may not be fluorinated. The polymers are useful in lithographic photoresist compositions, particularly chemical amplification resists. In a preferred embodiment, the polymers are substantially transparent to deep ultraviolet (DUV) radiation, i.e., radiation of a wavelength less than 250 nm, including 157 nm and 248 nm radiation, and are thus useful in DUV lithographic photoresist compositions. A method for using the composition to generate resist images on a substrate is also provided, i.e., in the manufacture of integrated circuits or the like.

Abstract: Cross-linked copolymers which are obtained by polymerising a neutral diluent monomer or monomers, a monomer or monomers bearing a center of permanent positive charge, and a bifunctional and/or trifunctional cross-linking agent, are suitable for use in contact lenses. Process for producing them by copolymerisation, contact lens material comprising them, contact lenses made of them and processes for producing contact lenses from them.

Abstract: The melt of polyvinyl aromatic polymers comprising from 10 to 45 weight % of star branched polymer prepared using a combination of thermal and tetra functional peroxide initiation has an improved melt strength permitting better foam formation for extrusion foam blown with conventional blowing agents and inert gases including CO2.

Abstract: The &agr;-olefin-aromatic vinyl compound copolymer of the present invention is obtained by using a transition metal compound represented by the following Formula (1) and a promoter component to carry out copolymerization, and it is a novel &agr;-olefin-aromatic vinyl compound copolymer having a low alternating property and a high blocking property, particularly a high blocking property related to the aromatic vinyl compound: 1

Abstract: The use is described of particulate, water-insoluble and scarcely swellable polymers of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, which polymers contain, copolymerized, at least 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of at least one &agr;,&bgr;-monoethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having from 3 to 6 carbons as filter aid for filtering aqueous liquids. Subject-matter of the invention are also water-insoluble, scarcely swellable polymers (popcorn polymers) that contain, copolymerized, &agr;,&bgr;-monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids and styrene or styrene derivatives, and also a process for their preparation.