Abstract: Copolymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefin having (a) a density in the range 0.900-0.940 g/cm3, (b) a melt index MI2 (2.16 kg, 190° C.) in the range of 0.01-50 g/10 min, (c) a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range 3.5 to 4.5, and (d) a melt elastic modulus G?(G?=500 Pa) in the range 40 to 150 Pa. The copolymer has a melt index MI2 (2.16 kg, 190° C.) Dow Rheology Index (DRI) and melt elastic modulus G?(G?=500 Pa) satisfying the equations of [DRI/MI2]>0 and [DRI/MI2]<0.0225G??0.745.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymerization catalyst compositions employing half-metallocene compounds with a heteroatom-containing ligand bound to the transition metal. Methods for making these hybrid metallocene compounds and for using such compounds in catalyst compositions for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins are also provided.

Abstract: The method for producing polyolefin nanocomposites uses an aluminum nitride (AlN) nano-filler as a promoter of olefin polymerization with a metallocene catalyst. The method of making the polyolefin nanocomposites begins by combining a metallocene catalyst, such as a zirconocene catalyst, with aluminum nitride in a reactor. The reactor is then charged with toluene and methylaluminoxane, methylaluminoxane acting as a co-catalyst. The reactor is then heated at a constant temperature, and ethylene is added to the reactor to initiate polymerization of a polyethylene nanocomposite. Polymerization is then quenched by the addition of acidic methanol to the reactor, and un-reacted monomer is vented from the reactor. The resultant polyethylene nanocomposite is then washed in methanol and dried. The aluminum nitride nano-filler promotes the conversion of the olefin monomer to the polyolefin.

Abstract: Cycloolefin copolymers which are distinguished by the presence of racemic diads of repeating polycyclic units and additionally by racemic triads of repeating polycyclic units are described. These copolymers can be prepared by copolymerization of polycyclic olefins with linear olefins in the presence of metallocene catalysts which have no Cs symmetry in relation to the centroid-M-centroid plane. The novel copolymers can be used for the production of shaped articles, in particular of films.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising a neutral bimetallic diphenoxydiiminate complex of group 10 metals or Ni, Pd or Pt is disclosed. The compositions can be used for the preparation of homo- and co-polymers of olefinic monomer compounds.

Abstract: A solid catalyst component for olefin polymerization comprising a titanium atom, a magnesium atom, a halogen atom, and a cycloheptapolyenedicarboxylic diester; a production method of the solid catalyst component, by contacting with one another a titanium compound, a magnesium compound, and the cycloheptapolyenedicarboxylic diester; a production method of a solid catalyst, by contacting the solid catalyst component with an organoaluminum compound; and a production method of an olefin polymer by polymerizing an olefin in the presence of the solid catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic composition for producing a 1-alkene-acrylate copolymer that includes a metal nano catalyst, and a method for producing a 1-alkene-acrylate copolymer. In the catalytic composition for producing a 1-alkene-acrylate copolymer, since the content of the polar comonomer is high, it may be used to produce the 1-alkene-acrylate copolymer that has no crystallinity and is capable of being used as an optical material. The method for producing the 1-alkene-acrylate copolymer may be produced by using a simple process of a mild polymerization condition without a polymerization condition of high temperature and high pressure, and it is easy to control physical properties.

Abstract: Provided are transition metal catalytic systems for preparing ethylene homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene with ?-olefins. More specifically, provided are Group 4 transition metal catalysts, which is characterized in that the catalyst comprises around the Group 4 transition metal a cyclopentadiene derivative, and at least one aryloxide ligand(s) having a fluorenyl group or a derivative thereof (which is ready to be substituted at 9-position) that functions as an electron donor and serves to stabilize the catalytic system by surrounding an oxygen atom that links the ligand to the transition metal at ortho-position, and there is no cross-linkage between the ligands; catalytic systems comprising such transition metal catalyst and aluminoxane cocatalyst or boron compound cocatalyst; and processes for preparing ethylene homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene with ?-olefins by using the same.

Abstract: Specific iron complexes (A), a catalyst system for polymerization of olefins comprising at least one metal complex (A) and/or (A?), a prepolymerized catalyst system, the use of these catalyst systems for the polymerization of olefins, and a process for the preparation of polyolefins by polymerization or copolymerization of olefins in the presence of one of the described catalyst systems.

Abstract: Multi-layer elastic air quenched blown film structures are disclosed which include: a first layer incorporating a propylene-based copolymer and optionally, a linear low density polyethylene or a low density polyethylene; and at least one second layer incorporating a linear low density polyethylene copolymer and optionally, a propylene-based copolymer and/or a low density polyethylene. Alternatively the second layer of the film structures may contain an in-reactor blend of a substantially linear polyethylene (or a homogeneously branched linear polyethylene) and a linear low density polyethylene. The film structures show an excellent balance of Dart impact, Elmendorf tear (in both the machine direction and cross direction), elastic holding force and elastic recovery.

Abstract: The invention generally provides for methods for controlling polymer properties. In particular, invention provides for methods for controlling the comonomer composition distribution of polyolefins such as ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers by altering at least one or more of the following parameters: the molar ratio of hydrogen to ethylene, the molar ratio of comonomer to ethylene, the partial pressure of ethylene, and the reactor temperature without substantially changing the density and/or the melt index of the copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composition comprising a polymeric composition comprising a first crosslinked network; and a second crosslinked network; wherein the first crosslinked network is crosslinked at a first stress and/or a first strain and the second crosslinked network is crosslinked at a second stress and/or a second strain; where the first stress and/or the first strain is different from the second stress and/or the second strain either in magnitude or direction. Disclosed herein is a method comprising subjecting a polymeric mass to a first stress and/or a first strain level; crosslinking the polymeric mass to form a first crosslinked network; subjecting the polymeric mass to a second stress and/or a second strain level; and crosslinking the polymeric mass to form a second crosslinked network; where the first stress and/or the first strain level is different from the second stress and/or the second strain level.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrocarbon fluids having high purity with respect to at least one of sulfur species, nitrogen species, oxygenated species, and unsaturated species, particularly hydrocarbon fluids low in aromatics, a method of making said hydrocarbon fluids, a catalyst for use in said method, an apparatus whereby said method may be practiced, and uses of said fluids.

Abstract: In a process for producing a propylene copolymer, propylene and at least one olefin monomer selected from ethylene and alpha olefins having 4 to 20 carbon atoms are contacted with a catalyst system comprising (a) a catalyst precursor comprising an organometallic compound and (b) an activator comprising a fluoroarylborate anion represented by the formula: Ct+[B(Ar)x(R)n]? where Ct+ is a cation capable of extracting an alkyl group from, or breaking a carbon-metal bond of, the organometallic compound; Ar is a fluorophenyl group; R is a fluoronaphthyl group and each of x and n is 1, 2, or 3, with the proviso that the sum of x+n=4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to integrated processes for the production of ethylene-butylene copolymers from at least one renewable natural raw material. More specifically, the present invention relates to processes wherein in the ethylene monomer, used in the polymerization for the production of an ethylene copolymer, and the 1-butylene, as the comonomer, is obtained by the ethanol dehydration reaction, which ethanol is produced by the fermentation of sugars, and the 1-butylene comonomer is obtained according to at least one of the following reactions: (i) dehydration reaction of 1-butanol directly produced by the fermentation of sugars, (ii) dehydration reaction of 1-butanol obtained from ethanol via a chemical route, which ethanol is produced by the fermentation of sugars; and/or (iii) dimerization reaction of ethylene produced by the dehydration of ethanol obtained from the fermentation of sugars, followed by isomerization of the 2-butylene isomers then formed.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyethylene which comprises ethylene homopolymers and/or copolymers of ethylene with 1-alkenes and has a molar mass distribution width Mw/Mn of from 5 to 30, a density of from 0.92 to 0.955 g/cm3, a weight average molar mass Mw of from 50000 g/mol to 500 000 g/mol and has from 0.01 to 20 branches/1000 carbon atoms and a z-average molar mass Mz of less than 1 million g/mol.

Abstract: Described herein are implantable medical devices comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue. The triggerable bioadhesive property of the polymer can be triggered or activated by exposure to a stimulus. Also, the present invention pertains to methods of making an implantable medical device comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalyst systems containing solid catalyst components comprising titanium, magnesium, halogen and a 1,8-naphthyl diaryloate internal electron donor compound; organoaluminum compounds and alkyl benzoate derivatives as external electron donors. The present invention also relates to methods of making the catalyst systems, and methods of polymerizing or copolymerizing alpha-olefins using the catalyst systems.

Abstract: A polymer comprises units derived from ethylene and polyalkylene, the polymer having at least 0.15 units of amyl groups per 1000 carbon atoms as determined by 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the manufacture of heterophasic propylene copolymer compositions comprising the steps of forming a propylene polymer matrix in at least one slurry reactor and optionally in at least one gas phase reactor and subsequently forming in at least one gas phase reactor an elastomeric copolymer by copolymerizing propylene with ethylene and/or with another alpha-olefin in the presence of said matrix, wherein the polymerization is carried out in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a catalyst in form of solid particles, said particles (a) have a surface area of less than 20 m2/g, (b) comprise a transition metal compound of groups 4 to 10 of the periodic table or a compound of actinide or lanthanide, (c) comprise a metal compound of groups 1 to 3 of the periodic table, and (d) comprise inclusions not comprising catalytically active sites.

Abstract: Rubber-like or rubber-like-material-containing articles contain or are made from hydrogenated natural polyisoprenoids or modified products thereof. These rubber-like or rubber-like-material-containing articles include a rubber-like elastic article made from a hydrogenated natural polyisoprenoid or a modified product thereof. A polymer obtained by reacting a natural polyisoprenoid with hydrogen in a solvent in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, for example, can be used as the hydrogenated natural polyisoprenoid. The hydrogenated natural polyisoprenoid preferably has a degree of hydrogenation of 50% or more. The hydrogenated natural polyisoprenoid preferably has a weight-average molecular weight of 20×104 or more and a molecular-weight distribution of 2.0 or more. The rubber-like or rubber-like-material-containing articles have excellent heat resistance and weather resistance, and are also excellent in view of resources and environment, because they use plant-derived raw materials.

Abstract: A method of modifying a tubular low density polyethylene (LDPE) is disclosed. In the method ethylene is polymerized with a free radical initiator in a high pressure reactor to form an LDPE. The LDPE is then reacted with a free radical initiator to produce a modified polyethylene. The modified polymer has an increased long chain branching index as indicated by the increase in the gel permeation chromatography branching index.

Abstract: Mono-oriented film having a shrink rate at 100° C. of at least 15% and at least one layer of which comprises a propylene copolymer with ethylene and optionally other olefins of formula CH2?CHR in which R is an alkyl group containing from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, having at least 5.5% wt of ethylene, a melt flow rate according to ISO 1133 (230° C., 2.16 Kg) of less than 10, and a fraction of polymer soluble in xylene at 25° C. ranging from 14 to 30% weight based on the total weight of said copolymer. The said films are particularly suited for the manufacturing of shrink labels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the polymerization of an olefin monomer. In particular, the present invention relates to a process for the polymerization of an olefin monomer and one or more optional comonomers in presence of a polymerization catalyst and hydrogen, said process being characterized by an improved control of the hydrogen concentration in the polymerization reactor. In addition, the present invention provides for an improved hydrogen feeding system to a polymerization reactor. Furthermore, the present invention provides for a polymerization reactor comprising such an improved hydrogen feeding system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are catalyst compositions and polymers, i.e., propylene-based polymers, produced therefrom. The present catalyst compositions include an internal electron donor with a compounded alkoxyalkyl ester and optionally a mixed external electron donor. The present catalyst compositions improve catalyst selectivity, improve catalyst activity, and/or improve hydrogen response. Propylene-based polymer produced from the present catalyst composition has a melt flow rate greater than 10 g/10 min.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are procatalyst compositions, catalyst compositions and polymers, i.e., propylene-based polymers, produced therefrom. The present procatalyst compositions contain a halo-malonate and a 2-fluoro-malonate in particular. The present catalyst compositions improve catalyst selectivity, improve catalyst activity, and also improve hydrogen response during polymerization. Propylene-based polymer produced from the present catalyst composition has a melt flow rate greater than 50 g/10 min.

Abstract: Process for producing a multimodal polyethylene in at least two reactors connected in series, in which 20-80 wt % of a first polymer is made in suspension in a first reactor and 80-20 wt % of a second polymer is made in suspension in a second reactor in the presence of the first polymer, and a stream or slurry containing the resulting polymer is withdrawn from the second reactor and transferred to a flash tank operating at a pressure and temperature such that at least 50 mol % of the liquid component of the slurry, or the non-polymer component of the stream entering the flash tank, is withdrawn from the flash tank as a vapour, wherein the concentration in the stream or slurry entering the flash tank of components having a molecular weight below 50 g/mol, Clights (mol %), satisfies the equation Clights<7+0.07(40?Tc)+4.4(Pc?0.8)?7(CH2/CEt) where Tc and Pc are respectively the temperature (in ° C.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising a zirconium complex of a polyvalent aryloxyether and an alumoxane, polymerization processes employing the same, especially the continuous, solution polymerization of ethylene and one or more C3-30 olefins or diolefins to prepare copolymers having reduced cocatalyst by-product content, are disclosed.

Abstract: An ethylenic polymer comprising amyl groups from about 0.1 to about 2.0 units per 1000 carbon atoms as determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and both a peak melting temperature, Tm, in ° C., and a heat of fusion, Hf, in J/g, as determined by DSC Crystallinity, where the numerical values of Tm and Hf correspond to the relationship Tm?(0.2143*Hf)+79.643. An ethylenic polymer comprising at least one preparative TREF fraction that elutes at 95° C. or greater using a Preparative Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation method, where at least one preparative TREF fraction that elutes at 95° C. or greater has a gpcBR value greater than 0.05 and less than 5 as determined by gpcBR Branching Index by 3D-GPC, and where at least 5% of the ethylenic polymer elutes at a temperature of 95° C. or greater based upon the total weight of the ethylenic polymer.

Abstract: A method for extruding transparent and/or translucent article is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a propylene-based polymer comprising propylene derived units and one or more dienes, the propylene-based polymer having a triad tacticity of from 50% to 99% and a heat of fusion of less than 80 J/g, extruding the propylene-based polymer in the absence of processing oil into an article; and then crosslinking the extruded article.

Abstract: A resin composition includes a polyolefin resin. A viscosity of the resin composition is within a range of not less than 500 Pa·s and not more than 2300 Pa·s under measurement conditions of a measurement temperature of 170° C. and a measurement frequency of 1 Hz. A strain hardening rate of the resin composition in uniaxial elongational viscosity measured under measurement conditions of a measurement temperature of 150° C. and a strain rate of 3.0 s?1 is not less than 800%. A foam insulated wire includes a conductor, and a foam insulation of the resin composition extruded on an outer periphery of thereof. A diameter of the conductor is 3.5 to 18 mm, and an outer diameter of the foam insulation is not less than 8 mm.

Abstract: A novel polyethylene is devised which polyethylene is particularly advantageous for manufacturing rotomoulded articles.

Abstract: A process for the gas-phase polymerization of ?-olefins carried out in two interconnected polymerization zones, wherein the growing polymer particles flow through the first of said polymerization zones (riser) under fast fluidization conditions, leave said riser and enter the second of said polymerization zones (downcomer) through which they flow downward in a densified form, the process being characterized in that: (a) the gas mixture present in the riser is totally or partially prevented from entering the downcomer by introducing into the upper part of said downcomer a liquid stream LB having a composition different from the gaseous mixture present in the riser; (b) the ratio R between the flow rate Fp of polymer circulated between said downcomer and said riser and the flow rate LB of said liquid being adjusted in a range from 10 to 50.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process for the preparation of a superabsorbent polymer comprising the steps of a) subjecting an aqueous monomer mixture containing at least one ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated monomer; at least one monomer bearing at least two ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated groups; iron ions in an amount of 0.1 to 3 wppm based on the total weight of the aqueous monomer mixture; and at least one chelating agent in an amount to provide a mol ratio of chelating agent to iron ion of 0.8 to 4.0 to free radical polymerization in an reactor to obtain a super-absorbent polymer; and b) recovering the superabsorbent polymer, whereby if the process is continuous and is run in an agitated reactor the upper limit of the mol ratio of chelating agent to iron ion is 4.0 for a throughput of total reaction mixture through the reactor of at most 1.3 kg/h per liter reactor volume.

Abstract: An adhesive film for semiconductor devices, the adhesive film including a base film having a coefficient of linear expansion of about 50 to about 150 ?m/m·° C. at 0 to 5° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymerization process which is conducted by contacting an olefin monomer and at least one olefin comonomer in the presence of hydrogen and a metallocene-based catalyst composition. Polymers produced from the polymerization process are also provided, and these polymers have a reverse comonomer distribution, low levels of long chain branches, and a ratio of Mw/Mn from about 3 to about 6.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to article comprising 1) a functionalized component, 2) tackifier, and 3) an olefin polymer comprising one or more C3 to C40 olefins, optionally one or more diolefins, and less than 5 mole % of ethylene having a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more, a branching index (g?) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer; and an Mw of 100,000 or less; where the functional component is selected from the group consisting of functionalized polymers, functionalized oligomers and beta nucleating agents; and where the Gardner color of the adhesive does not change by more than 7 Gardner units when the adhesive has been heat aged at 180° C. for 48 hours as compared to the Gardner color of the unaged composition.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions including at least one thermoplastic resin; at least one dispersing agent; and water; wherein the dispersion has a pH of less than 12 are disclosed along with dispersions including at least one thermoplastic resin; at least one dispersing agent; and water wherein the dispersion has a volume average particle size of less than about 5 ?m. Some dispersions include less than about 4 percent by weight of the dispersing agent based on the weight of the thermoplastic resin. Other dispersions include at least one propylene-rich alpha-olefin interpolymer; at least one dispersing agent; and water. Methods of making such dispersions are also described.

Abstract: A method of treating a gas phase fluidized bed reactor and a method of polymerizing olefins in a gas phase fluidized bed reactor in the presence of a catalyst prone to cause sheeting by introducing a chromium-containing compound into the reactor and forming a high molecular weight polymer coating on the walls of the reactor. Furthermore, a device for and method of introducing the chromium-containing compound into the fluidized bed reactor at a plurality of locations in proximity to a lower section of a bed section wall of the fluidized bed reactor, and forming a high molecular weight polymer coating on the bed section wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a polyolefin composition comprising contacting a metallocene pre-catalyst, co-catalyst, and a stoichiometric excess of a metal alkyl; 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 minimum amounts of activating co-catalyst and metallocene pre-catalyst. Also disclosed is a method of producing a block polyolefin composition comprising contacting a metallocene pre-catalyst, a co-catalyst, and a stoichiometric excess of a metal alkyl; adding a first olefin monomer; polymerizing the first monomer for a time sufficient to form the polyolefin; adding a second monomer; and polymerizing the second olefin monomer for a time sufficient to form said block polyolefin composition. Also disclosed are amorphous atactic polymer and copolymer compositions made according to the present invention.

Abstract: The method of promoting olefin polymerization uses a nanoparticle filler to increase the activity of a metallocene catalyst for in situ polymerization of polyolefins. The filler may be nanoparticles of manganese, or nanoparticles of manganese-doped titanium dioxide. The method includes the steps of (a) mixing a metallocene catalyst, e.g., zirconocene dichloride, with nanoparticles of the filler in an organic solvent, e.g., toluene, in a reactor to form a reaction mixture; (b) immersing the reactor in a temperature bath for a period of time sufficient to bring the mixture to an optimal polymerization reaction temperature; (c) adding monomer to the mixture in the reactor; (d) adding methylaluminoxane (MAO) as a co-catalyst to the reaction mixture to initiate polymerization; and (e) quenching the polymerization, e.g., by adding methanol containing 5% hydrochloric acid by volume to the reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a high pressure ethylene polymerization unit comprising a tubular reactor, the method characterized in that the electrical conductivity of the aqueous cooling medium is monitored in at least one location. Furthermore, the invention also covers a high pressure ethylene polymerization unit comprising a tubular reactor, the unit characterized in that one or more cooling circuits comprise an electrical conductivity meter. The use of such a polymerization unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for producing polymer particles of a size just slightly larger than the size of polymer fines. The technique may prevent or limit the occurrence of reactor fouls associated with large polymer particles. The technique also may provide a greater weight percentage of solids in the reactor. The desired polymer particle size may be achieved by employing a catalyst having particles of a size determined based on the expected catalyst productivity. In certain embodiments, the catalyst particle size may be determined based on the expected catalyst productivity, the polymer particle density, the catalyst particle density, and/or the polymer particle size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel metallocene compound, a catalyst composition comprising the same, and to olefinic polymers produced using the same. The metallocene compound according to the present invention and the catalyst composition comprising the same can be used when producing olefinic polymers, have outstanding copolymerisation properties, and can produce olefinic polymers of high molecular weight. In particular, when the metallocene compound according to the present invention is employed, highly heat resistant block copolymers can be produced, and olefinic polymers can be produced which have a high melting point (Tm) even if the comonomer content is increased when producing the olefinic polymer.

Abstract: Provided is an ?-olefin polymer having an excellent balance between a molecular weight and a melting point, which is a polymer of one or more kinds of ?-olefins having 20 to 40 carbon atoms, and which meets the following requirements (1) to (4): (1) the ?-olefin polymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) determined from its weight average molecular weight (Mw) and number average molecular weight (Mn) in terms of polystyrene measured by a GPC method of 2 or less, and has an Mw of 5,000 or less; (2) measurement of a melting point (Tm) of the ?-olefin polymer with DSC shows one melting peak, a melting heat absorption (AH) calculated from an area of the melting peak is 20 J/g or more, and the melting peak has a half value width of 10° C. or less; (3) when the Mw falls within a range of 1,000 to 5,000 and an average number of carbon atoms (Cn) of the ?-olefins falls within a range of 20 to 40, the Mw, the Cn, and the Tm measured with the DSC satisfy the relationship, 0.0025×Mw+(Cn×3.3812?29.5)?Tm?0.

Abstract: A polyimide precursor composition includes an oligomer or polymer having a substituted or unsubstituted carbonyl group only in a side chain and a diamine compound. A method of manufacturing a polyimide, and a polyimide film, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrahigh-molecular-weight ethylene copolymer powder having an intrinsic viscosity (?) of 10 dl/g to 34 dl/g, obtainable by copolymerizing ethylene and at least one olefin selected from the group consisting of ?-olefins having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, cyclic olefins having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, compounds represented by the formula CH2?CHR1 wherein R1 is an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and linear, branched or cyclic dienes having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein (1) a molded article of the copolymer powder has a haze of from 30% to 80% and (2) the copolymer powder has a bulk density of from 0.35 g/cm3 to 0.6 g/cm3.

Abstract: A Ziegler-Natta procatalyst composition in the form of solid particles and comprising magnesium, halide and transition metal moieties, said particles having an average size (D50) of from 10 to 70 ?m, characterized in that at least 5 percent of the particles have internal void volume substantially or fully enclosed by a monolithic surface layer (shell), said layer being characterized by an average shell thickness/particle size ratio (Thickness Ratio) determined by SEM techniques for particles having particle size greater than 30 ?m of greater than 0.2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer product comprising at least one ?-olefin interpolymerized with ethylene and, characterized in at least one aspect, as having improved properties when utilized in a hot melt adhesive formulation. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing the interpolymer product wherein the process comprises employing two or more single site catalyst systems in at least one reaction environment (or reactor) and wherein the at least two catalyst systems have (a) different comonomer incorporation capabilities or reactivities and/or (b) different termination kinetics, both when measured under the same polymerization conditions. The interpolymer products are useful, for example, in applications such as hot melt adhesives, and also for impact, bitumen and asphalt modification, adhesives, dispersions or latexes and fabricated articles such as, but not limited to, foams, films, sheet, moldings, thermoforms, profiles and fibers.

Abstract: A metallocene compound with the 4- and 7-positions on the indenyl moiety possessing large aromatic substituents is prepared in accordance with a method which produces substantially 100 percent racemic isomer. Advantageously, polymerization catalysts including the metallocene of the invention provide superior olefin polymerization results.