Abstract: A multilayered structure that includes an olefin resin layer and a gas-barrier layer. An adhesive layer is provided adjoining the olefin resin layer and the gas-barrier layer, the adhesive layer consisting of an acid-modified olefin resin. The acid-modified olefin resin has methyl branches in a number of 10 to 200 per 1000 carbon atoms on a main chain thereof, and has not more than 50 branches that are larger than the methyl groups.

Abstract: Of the many embodiments presented herein, one is a subterranean treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous fluid; and a water-soluble degradable synthetic vinyl polymer having a labile link in its backbone. Also provided in one instance is a water-soluble degradable synthetic vinyl polymer with labile group in its backbone made by a redox polymerization, the redox polymerization reaction comprising these reactants: a macroinitiator that comprises a labile link, an oxidizing metal ion, and a vinyl monomer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biocompatible, non-biodegradable, and non-toxic polymer of formula (I), comprising of three monomeric units, selected from 1-Vinylpyrrolidne (VP), N-Isopropylactylamide (NIPAM), and ester of Maleic anhydride and Polyethylene glycol (MPEG), cross-linked with a bi-functional vinyl derivative, of high purity and substantially free of respective toxic monomeric contaminants, and a process for preparation thereof. The invention further relates to nanoparticulate pharmaceutical compositions of poorly water-soluble drugs or compounds comprising the polymer of the invention, which are safe, less-toxic and convenient for bedside administration to patients in need thereof. Furthermore, the invention relates to a highly selective method for preparation of nanoparticulate pharmaceutical compositions of poorly water-soluble drugs or compounds.

Abstract: A method for producing a polybutadiene, which comprises subjecting 1,3-butadiene to cis-1,4 polymerization, and subsequently subjecting a resultant in the resulting polymerization system to syndiotactic-1,2 polymerization, the method being characterized in that there is added, after the polymerization, a halogen acid or halogen acid salt.

Abstract: This present invention is directed towards the identification or design, preparation, and use of suitable transition metal complexes for use as catalysts. The transition metal complexes may comprise heterodonor ligands. The present invention is also directed toward a method of determining the suitability of a transition metal complex for use in a catalytic reaction, such as, but not limited to, atom transfer radical polymerization (“ATRP”), atom transfer radical addition (“ATRA”), atom transfer radical cyclization (“ATRC”), and other catalytic redox reactions. The method assists in the approximate determination of the fundamental properties of the transition metal complex in a reaction media, such as, but not limited to, solubility, redox potential, stability towards acidic, basic, or ionic species, conditional radically transferable atom phylicity, and propensity toward disproportionation and therefore, the suitability of the complex to be used as a catalyst in the reaction media.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for polymerizing ethylene, acyclic olefins, and/or selected cyclic olefins, and optionally selected olefinic esters or carboxylic acids, and other monomers. The polymerizations are catalyzed by selected transition metal compounds, and sometimes other co-catalysts. Since some of the polymerizations exhibit some characteristics of living polymerizations, block copolymers can be readily made. Many of the polymers produced are often novel, particularly in regard to their microstructure, which gives some of them unusual properties. Numerous novel catalysts are disclosed, as well as some novel processes for making them. The polymers made are useful as elastomers, molding resins, in adhesives, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides water-soluble or water-swellable copolymers obtainable by free-radical copolymerization of

Abstract: A process for preparing an aqueous emulsion polymer including providing at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a free radical redox initiator system under emulsion polymerization conditions, the redox initiator system including an oxidant; a reductant and a metal promoter complex, and effecting the polymerization of at least some of the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is provided. Also provided is a process for reducing the residual ethylenically unsaturated monomer content of an aqueous emulsion polymer.

Abstract: A catalyst composition for use in dimerizing, co-dimerizing or oligomerizing olefins comprises:

Abstract: A process for preparing an aqueous emulsion polymer including providing at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a free radical redox initiator system under emulsion polymerization conditions, the redox initiator system including an oxidant; a reductant and a metal promoter complex, and effecting the polymerization of at least some of the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is provided. Also provided is a process for reducing the residual ethylenically unsaturated monomer content of an aqueous emulsion polymer.

Abstract: Microspheres comprise a polymer or copolymer including one or more of 1) a plurality of C3 or larger alpha-olefin units wherein the polymer has an average number of branch points less than one per monomer unit, and 2) a plurality of C2 alpha-olefin units wherein the polymer has an average number of branch points greater than 0.01 per monomer unit, the microspheres having an average diameter in the range of 1 to 300 micrometers. Optionally, the polymer of the microspheres can be crosslinked. The microspheres can be prepared by suspension or dispersion polymerization processes using aqueous or organic reaction media.

Abstract: The present invention is an acrylic polymer particle which is consistently and substantially spherical in shape and which has a mean diameter that can be predetermined from about 30 microns in diameter to about 5 microns or less. Polyacrylonitrile is synthesized in an aqueous dispersion polymerization with a ionic monomer or “surfmer” to attain a narrow particle size distribution with a mean diameter as low as approximately 3±1.5 microns which is characteristic of an emulsion polymerization. The polymer comprises the ionic monomer and, optionally, a neutral comonomer. The mean particle size is dependent on the concentration of the ionic monomer present, the particular ionic monomer or monomers selected, and the counterion associated with the ionic monomers, the persulfate initiator, and the bisulfite activator. The counterions, often sodium ions, can be removed from the polymer particles by ion exchange with quaternary ammonium compounds.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition comprises an alpha-olefin hydrocarbon monomer, an effective amount of an organometallic catalyst of a Group VIII metal, preferably Ni or Pd, and at least one of water and air. Novel catalysts for polymerizing alpha-olefin hydrocarbon monomers provide improved processes and products. Methods of the invention include polymerizing the composition in open air and in the presence of water to provide novel polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of polymerizing vinyl chloride monomer using a catalyst having the general formula where L is a ligand covalently bonded to the cobalt atom, each D is independently selected from donor ligands, R is hydrogen, hydrocarbon from C1 to C30, or hydrohalocarbon from C1 to C30, and X− is an anion. The catalyst is activated by the addition of an acid.

Abstract: New initiators which are suitable for cationic polymerization have the following structure: ##STR1## such that following apply: R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are alkyl or cycloalkyl or they, together with the S atom, form a heterocyclic ring,R.sup.3 is H or alkyl,R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, and R.sup.7 are H, alkyl, or alkoxy,X.sup.-- is a non-nucleophilic anion.Reaction resin mixtures with initiators of this type contain, in addition to a cationically polymerizable monomer and/or oligomer, 0.01 to 10% by mass of the initiator.

Abstract: Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is a thermoplastic resin which has double bonds attached in an alternating fashion to its polymeric backbone. Films, fibers and molded articles can be made utilizing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. It can also be blended into rubbers and cocured therewith. In such applications, sometimes it is beneficial for the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene to have more than one melting point. This invention discloses a process for preparing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having at least two different melting points which comprises: polymerizing 1,3-butadiene monomer in an aqueous medium in the presence of (1) a catalyst composition which is made by reacting (a) at least one cobalt compound selected from the group consisting of (i) .beta.-diketone complexes of cobalt, (ii) .beta.-keto acid ester complexes of cobalt, (iii) cobalt salts of organic carboxylic acids having 6 to 15 carbon atoms and (iv) complexes of halogenated cobalt compounds of the formula CoX.sub.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition comprises an alpha-olefin hydrocarbon monomer, an effective amount of an organometallic catalyst of a Group VIII metal, preferably Ni or Pd, and at least one of water and air. Novel catalysts for polymerizing alpha-olefin hydrocarbon monomers provide improved processes and products. Methods of the invention include polymerizing the composition in open air and in the presence of water to provide novel polymers.

Abstract: The specification discloses an emulsifier for use in preparing olefinic polymers by emulsion polymerization which comprises a mixture of alkali metal salts of unsaturated branched chain isomers of fatty acids characterized by a relatively low concentration of di- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. The unsaturated branched chain isomers of fatty acids are preferably provided by the monomeric distillate fraction from the dimerization of the unsaturated fatty acid fraction of tall oil, and the alkali metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium and potassium. The disclosure also describes a polymerization emulsion for use in the polymerization of olefinic monomers and a method for polymerizing olefinic monomeric compounds employing an emulsifier which comprises the saponified monomeric distillate fraction from the dimerization of unsaturated fatty acids.

Abstract: Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is a thermoplastic resin which has double bonds attached in an alternating fashion to its polymeric backbone. Films, fibers and molded articles can be made utilizing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. It can also be blended into rubbers and cocured therewith. It is generally preferred to synthesize syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene in an aqueous medium by suspension or emulsion polymerization. In such aqueous polymerization techniques reactor fouling and particle size control problems are frequently encountered. This invention is based upon the unexpected finding that reactor fouling can be greatly reduced or eliminated and that particle size can be regulated by conducting such aqueous polymerizations in the presence of a controlled amount of dissolved oxygen which is within the range of about 0.01 ppm to about 4 ppm.

Abstract: Process for the free-radical polymerization of at least one olefinically unsaturated monomer, the polymerization being performed in the presence of a compound for effecting molecular weight control, being a CoII chelate of the following formula: ##STR1## wherein each group X is a divalent group which forms with the two carbon atoms to which it is bonded a pericondensed polycyclic group, being a group having 3 or more carbocyclic rings where the oxime-containing carbocyclic ring has carbon atoms in common with 2 or more of the other rings, the polycyclic group being unsubstituted (apart from the oxime groups) or having at least one hydrocarbyl substituent; and wherein each group Q is independently selected from F, Cl, Br, OH, C.sub.1-12 alkoxy, aryloxy, C.sub.

Abstract: In a process for producing syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene by suspension polymerization wherein a mixture composed of 1,3-butadiene, a cobalt compound, and an organometallic compound or metal hydride containing a metal of group I, II or III of the periodic table is contacted with an initiator selected from the group consisting of carbon disulfide, phenyl isothiocyanate and xanthogenic compounds in an aqueous medium, the improvement comprising, after the preparation of the mixture, adding thereto an anti gelling agent selected from the group consisting of alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acid esters, nitriles, sulfoxides, amides and phosphoric acid esters, whereby the formation of a rubber-like gelation product in the mixture is inhibited.

Abstract: A process for preparing PAN fibers under precipitation polymerization conditions in an aqueous solvent system.

Abstract: A method for preparing a dispersion for a pressure sensitive adhesive is provided, wherein the dispersions contain a copolymer (CP) having units of butyl acrylate and (meth)acrylic acid, the method involving the steps of polymerizing an aqueous emulsion (EM) containing butyl acrylate, an anionic emulsifier and a non-ionic emulsifier, in the aqueous phase, under heating and in the presence of at least one water-soluble initiator (IN) of formula (I)M R.sub.1 (I)where M represents a metal cation, andR1 represents an anion of a peroxyacid or azo-group-containing acid,wherein (IN) is present in an amount of 0.5-1.5 wt. % (based on weight of the monomers);emulsifying-in (meth)acrylic acid while maintaining an elevated reaction temperature; andadding a second initiator (RI) to complete the polymerization.

Abstract: A 1,2-polybutadiene composition having an excellent reinforcing effect for rubber and synthetic resin materials including at least two polybutadiene components different in melting point from each other and each having, as a main structure, a 1,2-polybutadiene structure, produced by polymerizing a 1,3-butadiene-containing monomer in a water-containing polymerization system in the presence of a catalyst comprising a transition metal compound, an organic compound of one of the Group I to III metals, and one of carbon disulfide, phenyl isothiocyanate, and xanthic acid compounds, while adding a melting point-regulating agent comprising at least one of ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, esters, nitriles, sulfoxides, amides, and phosphoric acid esters in one or two or more separate adding operations or a continuous adding operation.

Abstract: Pure syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is a thermoplastic resin which has double bonds attached in an alternating fashion to its polymeric backbone. Films, fibers and molded articles can be made utilizing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. It can also be blended into rubbers and cocured therewith. Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene can be made by solution, emulsion or suspension polymerization. It typically has a melting point which is within the range of about 195.degree. C. to about 215.degree. C. However, it is often desirable for the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene to have a melting point of less than about 195.degree. C. This invention discloses a process for preparing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having a melting point of less than about 195.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the rapid precipitation polymerization of acrylonitrile and a minor amount of a vinyl carboxylic acid comonomer in an environment of less than 10 ppm metal-ions to produce an acrylonitrile copolymer which, when pyrolyzed in an oxidizing atmosphere, produces a high quality carbon fiber.

Abstract: A process for producing polybutadiene essentially consisted of syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene in an aqueous medium includes a step off polymerizing diene essentially consisted of 1,3-butadiene in the presence of: (A) a catalyst composition including (a) a transition metal compound, and (b) an organometallic compound which includes a metal selected from the elements consisting off groups 1, 2, 12, and 13 of Periodic Table; (B) an initiator comprising at least one component selected from a group consisting of carbon disulfide, an isothiocyanate compound, and a xanthogenic compound; and (C) an inert organic liquid having a density of at least 1.10, thereby resultant particles of syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene have a diameter up to 2 min.

Abstract: Pure syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is a thermoplastic resin which has double bonds attached in an alternating fashion to its polymeric backbone. Films, fibers and molded articles can be made utilizing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. It can also be blended into rubbers and cocured therewith. Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene can be made by solution, emulsion or suspension polymerization. It typically has a melting point which is within the range of about 195.degree. C. to about 215.degree. C. However, it is often desirable for the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene to have a melting point of less than about 195.degree. C. This invention discloses a process for preparing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having a melting point of less than about 195.degree. C.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical tablet is provided herein having an effective dissolution rate. The tablet contains a pharmaceutically-active ingredient and a substantially linear, i.e. non-crosslinked K-30 to K-120 PVP as a binding agent. The PVP used herein is made by an initiated polymerization process in which vinyl pyrrolidone monomer is polymerized in the presence of an initiator which produces a linear PVP polymerization, i.e. is a poor hydrogen abstractor of PVP polymer backbones, which would produce a disadvantageous crosslinked PVP product. Suitable initiators include low energy peroxyester free radical initiators, such as t-amylperoxy pivalate, an azo initiator, or a redox initiator which can perform at low temperatures.Preferably the residual initiator level in the PVP is reduced to less than 500 ppm, thereby further precluding the possibility of crosslinking of the PVP polymer during the shelf-life of the tablet.

Abstract: Pure syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is a thermoplastic resin which has double bonds attached in an alternating fashion to its polymeric backbone. Films, fibers and molded articles can be made utilizing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. It can also be blended into rubbers and cocured therewith. Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene can be made by solution, emulsion or suspension polymerization. It typically has a melting point which is within the range of about 195.degree. C. to about 215.degree. C. However, it is often desirable for the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene to have a melting point of less than about 195.degree. C. This invention discloses a process for preparing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having a melting point of less than about 195.degree. C.

Abstract: Water-soluble polymers or copolymers of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid which contain at least 50 base mole percent of these acids and as end groups hydrogen atoms, hydroxyl groups and moieties of a water-soluble mercaptan or moieties with a sulfoxide group formed therefrom are produced in a readily reproducible manner and free of mercaptan odor in aqueous solution by polymerization with an initiator system consisting of hydrogen peroxide, a water-soluble mercaptan and an iron salt and used as calcium-binding additives or as dispersants in aqueous systems.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion of polymer particles each consisting essentially of (a) a syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having 70% or more of unsaturated hydrocarbon groups in the side chains and having a melting point of 70.degree. C. or higher, (b) a polymer mixture of said polybutadiene (a) and other polymer in the form that (a) and (b) co-exist in the same particle, or (c) a copolymer obtained by graft-polymerizing a conjugated diene and/or other polymerizable monomer on said polybutadiene (a), each of said particles having an average diameter of 10 .mu.m or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions and methods of preparation of deflocculents for water-base mud additives. The disclosed materials are low molecular weight terpolymers and graft copolymers consisting essentially of monovalent salts of (1) 5 to 50% by weight of tetrahydrophthalic acid (THPA); (2) 10 to 70% by weight of acrylic acid (AA); (3) 5 to 50% by weight of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS); and (4) 0 to 70% by weight of lignosulfonate units. The unique compositions and processes of terpolymers and graft copolymers provide excellent drilling fluid additives which significantly control the viscosity, yield point, gel strength, and fluid loss of drilling fluids over a wide range of temperatures and in the presence of contaminants such as salt, lime, cement, gypsum and drilled solids.

Abstract: A 1,2-polymerization of 1,3-butadiene is carried out in a polymerization solvent in the presence of a 1,2-polymerization catalyst consisting essentially of a cobalt compound soluble in the polymerization solvent, an organic aluminum halide, an organic magnesium compound, and carbon disulfide and/or phenyl isothiocyanate and in the presence or absence of a cis-1,4-polymerization product of 1,3-butadiene.

Abstract: A propylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer is produced by copolymerizing propylene and tetrafluoroethylene in a molar ratio ranging from 95/5 to 40/60 in an aqueous medium containing tertiary butanol ranging from 5 to 30 wt.%, an emulsifier ranging from 0.01 to 10 wt.% and a redox catalyst of a combination of (1) a water soluble persulfate, (2) a water soluble iron salt, (3) a hydroxymethanesulfinate and (4) ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or a salt thereof at pH of 8 to 10.5 and at a temperature of 0.degree. to 50.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a process for producing a latex containing dispersed polymer. The improvement in the process for polymerizing a reaction mixture of vinyl monomer, stabilizer, oxidizing agent and reducing agent comprises using a water-soluble ketone bisulfite as the reducing agent, either alone or with other reducing agents, the ketone having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms in the structure. During the polymerization, the ketone bisulfite is maintained in stoichiometric excess of the oxidizing agent. Vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymers are some of the preferred polymer systems produced.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of homo- and co-polymers of vinyl chloride by polymerization in seeded microsuspension, which comprises effecting polymerization in the presence of one or more seeding products in the form of dispersions of particles of polymers, the particles of at least one of the seeding products containing the initiator required for polymerization and said initiator being activated by an organosoluble metal complex and nitric acid.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the aqueous polymerization of acrylamide to produce polymers of high molecular weight utilizing mixtures of water and monomer, at least one of which can be contaminated with small amounts of polymerization inhibiting components. In the process of the invention, a minimum amount of a redox pair catalyst is utilized in order to obtain the desired high molecular weight polymer. The minimum amount of catalyst is automatically provided to the polymerization mixture by adding a first member of a redox pair to the polymerization mixture and intimately combining a second member of the redox pair catalyst with an organic polymer capable of forming a colloidal dispersion in an aqueous medium and adding this intimate mixture to the mixture of water, acrylamide monomer, and a first member of the redox pair catalyst.

Abstract: NBR containing at least 10% by weight of combined acrylonitrile is produced by polymerizing acrylonitrile and butadiene in emulsion in the presence of a linear alkyl sulfate mixture containing at least 60% by weight of a linear alkyl sulfate having 6 to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An elastomeric interpolymer, method of preparation and blends thereof, where said interpolymer is comprised of (A) a conjugated diene, (B) a comonomer of selected esters and amides and (C) optionally a termonomer selected from at least one of (1) particular conjugated vinylic monomers and (2) selected alkyl esters. The elastomeric interpolymer is particularly useful for the production of industrial goods, especially when blended with thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: Antioxidants such as S-[3-(3,5-ditert.-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propyl] thiomethacrylate are used to stabilize polymers either by being physically incorporated therein or by being polymerized in combination with other monomer to form polymers with built-in antioxidant protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a composite suitable as an oxidizing component in a redox aqueous emulsion polymerization initiator starting with the relatively harsh oxidation of p-diisopropylbenzene with oxygen and involving a manipulative separation procedure for obtaining the effective oxidizing component. The invention also relates to the oxidizing component, the redox polymerization initiator and to the aqueous emulsion polymerization of selected unsaturated monomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a composite suitable as an oxidizing component in a redox aqueous emulsion polymerization initiator starting with the relatively harsh oxidation of p-diisopropylbenzene with oxygen and involving a manipulative separation procedure for obtaining the effective oxidizing component. The invention also relates to the oxidizing component, the redox polymerization initiator and to the aqueous emulsion polymerization of selected unsaturated monomers.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of SBR rubber is disclosed wherein the emulsion polymerization of styrene and butadiene is conducted in the presence of a redox system comprising a standard activator system and bis(1-hydroperoxy cyclohexyl) peroxide as the initiator.

Abstract: A gel polymer of vinyl compounds suitable for use as a coating is prepared by mixing the following four components [A], [B], [C] and [D],Component [A], an aqueous composition comprising an aqueous solvent and at least one selected from the group consisting of water-soluble or water-dispersible vinyl compounds,Component [B], at least one compound having at least one functional group selected from the groups consisting of hydroxyl group, amino group, quaternary ammonium group, aldehyde group, mercapto group and a group capable of producing a hydroxyl group aldehyde group, mercapto group or amino group in an aqueous medium,Component [C], at least one compound capable of producing ferric ion or ceric ion in an aqueous medium and,Component [D], at least one sulfur compound capable of producing S.sub.x O.sub.y.sup.

Abstract: Micro-suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers and comonomers with a seed in the form of a previously prepared dispersion of the polymer or copolymer containing all of the organo-soluble initiator required for the polymerization, in which the initiator is activated during the polymerization by the addition of an organo-metallic complex of a water-soluble metal salt reacted with a complexing agent.

Abstract: A method of producing a polymeric material comprised of polymerizing at least one unsaturated organic compound in an aqueous emulsion in the presence of a free radical generating redox catalyst comprised of a reducing component and an oxidizing component. Said oxidizing component is a composite prepared by (A) obtaining the oxidation product of reacting p-diisopropylbenzene with oxygen and (B) removing a major portion of resulting p-diisopropylbenzene hydroperoxide and unreacted monomers therefrom to effect a concentration of the remainder of the byproducts therein.

Abstract: A novel compound represented by the formula, ##STR1## WHEREIN R is a hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, said four R's being the same or different; R.sup.1 is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an ammonium group, a mono-to tetra-hydric aliphatic alcohol moiety having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or an organic amine residue; n is an integer of 1 to 4; and R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are independently hydrogen or alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may form a ring when taken together. Said novel compound has properties similar to those of natural rosin or a disproportionated rosin, and is useful as a vehicle for coating compositions and printing inks, as an emulsifier for emulsion polymerization, and as a sizing agent.

Abstract: Novel copolymers are produced by polymerizing 2,3-dicyano-substituted 1,3-dienes with at least one monomer copolymerizable therewith selected from conjugated dienes and vinylaromatic compounds. Some of the copolymeric products are elastomeric while others are thermosetting.

Abstract: Four component polymerization initiators for olefinic monomers comprise (1) an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide, a persulphate, a permanganate, a chlorate, a perchlorate, a bichromate, a bromate, a ceric salt, an oxazirane, an organic peroxide or an organic hydroperoxide, (2) a chelate compound of a metal such as titanium, iron, vanadium, aluminum, tin, manganese, chromium, cobalt, copper, zinc or bismuth in which the metal is not fully coordinated, (3) an electron donor in amount at most equal to that required to complex completely the said metal of the chelate compound, the said electron donor being for example an amine, a monoalcohol, an ether, an aldehyde, a ketone, an imine, an oxime, an amide, a sulphonamide, or a phosphonamide, and (4) a chelate complex or salt which is different from the chelate compound (2) and in which the metal may be for example, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, chromium, vanadium or tin, the degree of coordination of the said metal being different from that of the met