Abstract: There are disclosed an ethylenic copolymer comprising ethylene and an &agr;-olefin in which diad chain distribution [EA] of ethylene [E] and &agr;-olefin [A] as determined by the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum method (13C-NMR method) and ethylene content &agr; (mol %) as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum satisfy the following relational expressions (1) and (2): 0.7−2.8(0.5−&agr;/100)2−|0.25(0.5−&agr;/100)|≦[EA]≦2&agr;/100  (1) (| | represents the absolute value) 10≦&agr;≦90  (2) and in which the &agr;-olefin has 3 to 20 carbon atoms; a process for producing the ethylenic copolymer and a lubricating oil composition comprising the same.

Abstract: A viscosity index (VI) improver concentrate containing at least one VI improver, from 0 to about 5 mass % of lubricating oil flow improver (LOFI) and diluent oil, wherein the diluent oil has a kv100 of at least about 3.0 cSt and a CCS at −35° C. of less than 3700 cPs, and wherein at least about 98 mass % of the concentrate is composed of VI improver, LOFI and diluent oil.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide lubricating oil compositions excellent in low-temperature properties, oxidation stability, lubricity at high temperatures and fuel efficiency and also in handling properties at low temperatures, and a viscosity modifier for lubricating oil employable in said lubricating oil compositions. The viscosity modifier for lubricating oil comprises an ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer (B) composed of: (i) ethylene, (ii) an &agr;-olefin of 3 or more carbon atoms, and (iii) a higher &agr;-olefin of 4 to 20 carbon atoms wherein the carbon number of (iii) is larger than that of (ii) by one or more, and the ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer (B) has the following properties (b-1) and (b-2): (b-1) a content of ethylene (i) is in the range of 40 to 80% by weight, a content of the &agr;-olefin of 3 or more carbon atoms (ii) is in the range of 15 to 59% by weight, and a content of the higher &agr;-olefin of 4 to 20 carbon atoms (iii) is in the range of 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer blend containing a high ethylene content ethylene-propylene copolymer and a lower ethylene content ethylene-propylene copolymer. The polymer blend of the present invention is useful for the preparation of viscosity index improvers with improved lower temperature properties relative to conventional viscosity index improvers.

Abstract: A novel series of copolymers and terpolymers, useful as base oils for synthetic lubricants, are produced by polymerization of ethylene, an alpha-olefin, and optionally a third monomer comprising an alpha-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms, in the presence of a combination catalyst comprising a compound of a transition metal of Group IVb of the Periodic Table and an aluminoxane. The copolymer or terpolymer may be further processed by thermal cracking to yield novel cracked polymers, and the cracked polymers may be hydrogenated. The copolymers or terpolymers may also be hydroisomerized. All the polymers are useful as base oils for lubricating oils and consumer products.

Abstract: High performance engine oils and other liquid lubricants comprise a liquid lubricant basestock of low viscosity from 1.5 to 12 cSt (100C) with two dissolved polymer components of differing molecular weights. The basestock is preferably a single PAO or blend of PAOs with a co-basestock component which is preferably an ester or an alkylated aromatic of comparable viscosity. The lower molecular weight polymer is highly viscoelastic in character and is preferably an HVI-PAO; this component in the lubricant which provides unexpectedly high film thickness and unexpectedly good wear protection under conditions where the second, higher molecular weight polymer may lose some or all of its thickening power. The use of the highly viscoelastic low molecular weight polymer in combination with the higher molecular weight thickener enables the production of very widely cross-graded engine oils, especially oils with a low temperature grading of 0W or better.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for polymerizing an olefin to produce poly-olefins using a crystalline catalyst. The resulting poly-olefins have low viscosity and low volatility and may be used in various functional fluids.

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

Abstract: A fluid blend suitable for use as a lube basestock comprises two major components: (A) a copolymer made from ethylene with one or more alpha olefins, the copolymer (i) containing not more than 50 wt % ethylene; (ii) having a number average molecular weight of from 400 to 10,000; and (iii) a molecular weight distribution<3; and (B) a polyalphaolefin fluid or a hydroprocessed oil having a VI greater than 80.

Abstract: Supported metal halides and metal halide solid acids are used as catalysts for the polymerization of a feed stream containing at least one of pure monomer, C5 monomers, and C9 monomers to produce hydrocarbon resins. Freely-associated water may be removed from the solid acid catalyst prior to use. Resins with softening points (Ring and Ball) in the range of about 5° C. to 170° C. can be prepared. These catalysts offer advantages over the traditional Friedel-Crafts polymerization catalysts since the acid sites are an integral part of the solid. The solid acid catalysts are relatively nonhazardous, reusable catalysts which eliminate or at least reduce contamination of the resulting resin products with acid residues or by-products.

Abstract: The lubricating oil composition of the invention comprises a lubricating oil base (A) and a copolymer (B) of ethylene and an &agr;-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms. The copolymer (B) of ethylene and an &agr;-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms is contained in the composition in an amount of 1 to 20% by weight and has the following properties: (1) the ethylene content (E) is in the range of 40 to 77% by weight, (2) the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) in terms of polystyrene, as measured by GPC, is in the range of 80,000 to 400,000, (3) Mw/Mn is not more than 2.4, (4) the melting point (Tm), as measured by DSC, is not higher than 60° C., (5) the ethylene content (E, % by weight) and the melting point (Tm, ° C.), as measured by DSC, satisfy the following relation (I): 3.31×E−186≧Tm  (I), and (6) the intensity ratio, S&agr;&bgr;/S&agr;&agr;, measured by 13C-NMR spectrum is not more than 0.5.

Abstract: Polyolefins, especially branched polyethylenes, can be made by combining a catalyst that can oligomerize ethylene to one or more alpha-olefins and a polymerization catalyst which can copolymerize ethylene and &agr;-olefins, by first carrying out the process in, for example, a continuous stirred tank reactor or its equivalent, and then in a plug flow reactor or its equivalent. The process minimizes the occurrence of (unreacted) &agr;-olefins in the final polymer product.

Abstract: Various vinylidene-containing polymers are obtained in the presence of a single-site catalyst. For example, the polymers include ethylene/isobutene copolymer, ethylene/propylene/isobutene terpolymer, ethylene/styrene/isobutene terpolymer, ethylene/&agr;-methyl-styrene/isobutene terpolymer, propylene/isobutene copolymer, styrene/isobutene copolymer, and &agr;-methyl-styrene/isobutene copolymer. These polymers may be used to formulate lubricant oils.

Abstract: There are disclosed an ethylenic copolymer comprising ethylene and an &agr;-olefin in which diad chain distribution [EA] of ethylene [E] and &agr;-olefin [A] as determined by the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum method (13C-NMR method) and ethylene content a (mol %) as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum satisfy the following relational expressions (1) and (2):

Abstract: The present invention is intended to obtain a viscosity modifier for a lubricating oil, by the use of which a lubricating oil composition of excellent low-temperature properties can be obtained, and to obtain a lubricating oil composition of excellent low-temperature properties containing the viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier for a lubricating oil comprises an ethylene/propylene copolymer (A) having the properties: the density is in the range of 857 to 882 kg/m3, Mw is in the range of 80,000 to 400,000, Mw/Mn is not more than 2.3, and the density (D (kg/m3)) and the melting point (Tm (° C.)) satisfy the relation Tm≦1.247×D−1037; or comprises an ethylene/propylene copolymer (B) having the properties: the ethylene content is in the range of 70 to 79 wt %, Mw is not less than 80,000 and less than 250,000, Mw/Mn is not more than 2.3, Tm is in the range of 15 to 60° C., and the ethylene content (E (wt %)) and the melting point (Tm (° C.)) satisfy the relation 3.

Abstract: Oil soluble viscosity index improver composition comprising a mixture of: (A) at least one molecular weight degraded copolymer of ethylene and at least one other alpha-olefin monomer; and (B) at least one substantially undegraded copolymer of ethylene and at least one other alpha-olefin monomer. The ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers before degradation can be polymerized by a variety of available technologies including Ziegler-Natta, metallocene and diimine catalysis, as well as batch, continuous stirred tank and tubular reactors to produce copolymers having both broad or narrow molecular weight and compositional distributions. Use of degraded/non-degraded copolymer mixtures facilitates the preparation of viscosity index improvers for oils having targeted levels of shear stability index.

Abstract: A novel series of copolymers and terpolymers, useful as base oils for synthetic lubricants, are produced by polymerization of ethylene, an alpha-olefin, and optionally a third monomer comprising an alpha-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms, in the presence of a combination catalyst comprising a compound of a transition metal of Group IVb of the Periodic Table and an aluminoxane. The copolymer or terpolymer may be further processed by thermal cracking to yield novel cracked polymers, and the cracked polymers may be hydrogenated. The copolymers or terpolymers may also be hydroisomerized. All the polymers are useful as base oils for lubricating oils and consumer products.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a non-pourable homogeneous ultra-low molecular weight ethylene polymer composition and a process for the preparation thereof. Such polymer compositions have longer lamella and a greater degree of crystalline organization than corresponding higher molecular weight materials at an equivalent density.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide an ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer of specific structure, exhibiting excellent performance as a lubricant oil additive, capable of having various functional groups in high ratio, and serviceable as raw material for various solubilizing agents. The ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer of the present invention is composed of ethylene and an &agr;-olefin having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and characterized by specific characteristics.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising vinyl ended copolymer chains having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of about 1500 to 75,000, the number average molecular weight being determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) at 145° C.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing 1,3-butadiene into a low molecular weight high-cis polybutadiene is described using a catalyst system comprising: (a) a neodymium-containing compound, (b) an aluminoxane or a trialkyl aluminum compound, (c) an organoaluminum hydride, and (d) a halogen source. A blend of a high molecular weight high-cis polybutadiene and the low molecular weight high-cis polybutadiene is also disclosed for use in pneumatic tire treads. Desirably both the high and the low molecular weight polymers have high cis contents, with the low molecular weight polymer being at least 70 percent cis and the high molecular weight polymer being at least 92 percent cis. Desirably both polymers are made with a neodymium catalyst system. The blends provide a balance of properties including good snow traction, wet traction, and rolling resistance while providing a balance of good physical properties including tension at break, modulus etc.

Abstract: A novel series of copolymers and terpolymers, useful as base oils for synthetic lubricants, are produced by polymerization of ethylene, an alpha-olefin, and optionally a third monomer comprising an alpha-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms, in the presence of a combination catalyst comprising a compound of a transition metal of Group IVb of the Periodic Table and an aluminoxane. The copolymer or terpolymer may be further processed by thermal cracking to yield novel cracked polymers, and the cracked polymers may be hydrogenated. The copolymers or terpolymers may also be hydroisomerized. All the polymers are useful as base oils for lubricating oils and consumer products.

Abstract: An extreme pressure industrial gear lubricant having enhanced oxidative and thermal stability, lower pour point, and higher viscosity index relative to petroleum-based lubricants is comprised of a poly-&agr;-olefin, a polyol ester, a polybutene oligomer, an antioxidant, and an extreme pressure additive.

Abstract: A novel series of copolymers and terpolymers, useful as base oils for synthetic lubricants, are produced by polymerization of ethylene, an alpha-olefin, and optionally a third monomer comprising an alpha-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms, in the presence of a combination catalyst comprising a compound of a transition metal of Group IVb of the Periodic Table and an aluminoxane. The copolymer or terpolymer may be further processed by thermal cracking to yield novel cracked polymers, and the cracked polymers may be hydrogenated. The copolymers or terpolymers may also be hydroisomerized. All the polymers are useful as base oils for lubricating oils and consumer products.

Abstract: An oil-extended copolymer for sponge comprising an ethylene-&agr;-olefin nonconjugated diene copolymer satisfying the following conditions (1) to (4), and an extender oil in an amount of 10 to 90 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of said copolymer. (1) a weight ratio of ethylene/&agr;-olefin of 73/27 to 40/60, (2) an iodine value of 20 to 36 which represents a non-conjugated diene content, (3) a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 (121° C.) in Mooney viscosity according to JIS-K-6300) of 100 to 180 as measured for a mixture formed by compounding 20 parts by weight of an extender oil based on 100 parts by weight of said copolymer, and (4) a Q-value (a weight average of molecular chain/number average of molecular chain) of 3 to 5 as measured by gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) of said copolymer.

Abstract: Ethylene copolymers with octene and/or ethylene terpolymers with alpha-olefins from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, optionally in the presence of other comonomers containing more than one unsaturation, usable as additives to increase the gas oil properties at low temperatures, obtainable by polymerization of the monomers in the presence of catalysts comprising: a bis-cyclopentadienyl derivative having the general formula:

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a non-pourable homogeneous ultra-low molecular weight ethylene polymer composition and a process for the preparation thereof Such polymer compositions have longer lamella and a greater degree of crystalline organization than corresponding higher molecular weight materials at an equivalent density.

Abstract: A novel series of copolymers and terpolymers, useful as base oils for synthetic lubricants, are produced by polymerization of ethylene, an alpha-olefin, and optionally a third monomer comprising an alpha-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms, in the presence of a combination catalyst comprising a compound of a transition metal of Group IVb of the Periodic Table and an aluminoxane. The copolymer or terpolymer may be further processed by thermal cracking to yield novel cracked polymers, and the cracked polymers may be hydrogenated. The copolymers or terpolymers may also be hydroisomerized. All the polymers are useful as base oils for lubricating oils and consumer products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of base oils and automotive engine oils using synthetic poly alpha olefins derived from 1-dodecene or 1-tetradecene to improve engine oil performance as demonstrated by the severe Volkswagen T-4, Volkswagen TDI, and Sequence IIIE tests.

Abstract: Ethylene copolymers with octene and/or ethylene terpolymers with alpha-olefins from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, optionally in the presence of other comonomers containing more than one unsaturation, usable as additives to increase the gas oil properties at low temperatures, obtainable by polymerization of the monomers in the presence of catalysts comprising: a bis-cyclopentadienyl derivative having the general formula: (Cp1Cp2)—M—(L2L3) containing groups with oxygen bound to the transition metal, wherein M is a metal from the IIIb group to the Vb group or of the lanthanide series of the Element Periodic Table; Cp1 and Cp2, equal to or different from each other, represent cyclopentadienyls bound to M with delocalized &pgr; bonds.

Abstract: A novel series of copolymers and terpolymers, useful as base oils for synthetic lubricants, are produced by polymerization of ethylene, an alpha-olefin, and optionally a third monomer comprising an alpha-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms, in the presence of a combination catalyst comprising a compound of a transition metal of Group IVb of the Periodic Table and an aluminoxane. The copolymer or terpolymer may be further processed by thermal cracking to yield novel cracked polymers, and the cracked polymers may be hydrogenated. The copolymers or terpolymers may also be hydroisomerized. All the polymers are useful as base oils for lubricating oils and consumer products.

Abstract: A filling compound for electrical and optical equipment in the form of cables, connectors, plugs, etc. and to assemblies thus produced, is provided. Electrical and optical equipment in the form of cables, connectors, plugs, etc. have to be protected against harmful influences penetrating from outside, particularly water, and also against mechanical damage during laying or as a result of exposure to heat. The filling compound is based on a stellate substance, i.e. a substance having a branched molecular structure in which, ideally, 3 or more branches, more particularly polymeric chains, radiate from a single branching point. The filling compound is flexible at very low temperatures but, on the other hand, does not run out, even at extremely high temperatures.

Abstract: A process for upgrading a feedstock comprising lower oligomers and higher oligomers of isobutylene by oligomerizing the lower oligomer fraction thereof to higher molecular weight components.

Abstract: Ethylene copolymers with alpha-olefins utilizable as additives to increase the properties of middle distillates at low temperatures, obtainable by polymerization in the presence of catalysts comprising the reaction product between: 1) a bis-cyclopentadienyl derivative having the general formula: (Cp1Cp2)—M—(L2L3) containing groups with oxygen bound to the transition metal, wherein M is a metal from the IIIb group to the IIb group or of the lanthanides series of the periodic table of the elements; 2) a co-catalyst chosen from alumoxanes or boranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins giving excellent balance between tack and shear properties even at low coating weights. These resins are characterized in that they have a Ring and Ball (R&B) softening point of 94° C. or lower, a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of not more than 2000 Dalton, a Z-average molecular weight (Mz) of not more than 6000 Dalton and a mixed methylcyclohexane aniline cloud point (MMAP) between 25 and 45° C. The aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins of the invention may be prepared by subjecting polymerization feeds containing petroleum feeds which comprise (a) C5 and C6 olefins and/or diolefins including cycloolefins, (b) aromatic monomers and (c) (di-)cyclodiolefins to a Friedel-Crafts polymerization. The invention is also directed to the use of the aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins as mono-tackifiers in adhesive formulations as well as to an adhesive tape comprising these resins.

Abstract: The invention provides dispersants and dispersant viscosity index improvers which include polymers of conjugated dienes which have been hydrogenated, functionalized, optionally modified, and post treated. The dispersant substances include a copolymer of two different conjugated dienes. The polymers are selectively hydrogenated to produce polymers which have highly controlled amounts of unsaturation, permitting highly selective functionalization. The polymers may be blended with lower molecular weight components. Also provided are lubricant fluids, such as mineral and synthetic oils, which have been modified in their dispersancy and/or viscometric properties by means of the dispersant substances of the invention. Also provided are methods of modifying the dispersancy and/or viscometric properties of lubricating fluids such as mineral and synthetic lubricating oils. The dispersant substances may also include a carrier fluid to provide dispersant concentrates.

Abstract: There are herein disclosed a branched ethylenic macromonomer which can function as a comonomer to provide a copolymer having excellent molding and working properties and which can be hydrogenated to provide a hydrogenated product as a wax useful in various uses, a copolymer having the excellent molding and working properties obtainable by using this macromonomer as a comonomer, and a branched ethylenic polymer having a low-molecular weight obtainable by hydrogenating the macromonomer.

Abstract: A dispersant for pigments for aromatic polymers, which is superior not only in the ability of dispersing pigments in aromatic polymers but also in attaining high transparency and stability of the resulting color, while avoiding grafting step and attaining a lower production cost. The dispersant for pigments for aromatic polymers comprises a wax composed of a random copolymer of ethylene with an aromatic vinyl compound, which has a content of structural unit derived from ethylene of 99-10% by weight and a content of structural unit derived form the aromatic vinyl compound of 1-90% by weight and exhibiting an intrinsic viscosity of 0.04-0.6 dl/g.

Abstract: A novel series of copolymers and terpolymers, usefull as base oils for synthetic lubricants, are produced by polymerization of ethylene, an alpha-olefin, and optionally a third monomer comprising an alpha-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms, in the presence of a combination catalyst comprising a compound of a transition metal of Group IVb of the Periodic Table and an aluminoxane. The copolymer or terpolymer may be further processed by thermal cracking to yield novel cracked polymers, and the cracked polymers may be hydrogenated. The copolymers or terpolymers may also be hydroisomerized. All the polymers are useful as base oils for lubricating oils and consumer products.

Abstract: A viscosity modifier comprising a low molecular weight block copolymer including A blocks and B blocks, wherein the A blocks comprise at least about 93 wt. % polyethylene and the B blocks comprise a copolymer of between about 40 wt. % to 75 wt. % ethylene and at least one other .alpha.-olefin; wherein the resulting block copolymer has an average ethylene content of between about 60 wt. % to 80 wt. %.

Abstract: The invention provides dispersants and dispersant viscosity index improvers which include polymers of conjugated dienes which have been hydrogenated, functionalized, optionally modified and post treated. The dispersant substances include a copolymer of two different conjugated dienes. The polymers are selectively hydrogenated to produce polymers which have highly controlled amounts of unsaturation, permitting highly selective functionalization. The polymers may be functionalized by hydroformylation followed by reductive amination. Also provided are lubricant fluids, such as mineral and synthetic oils, which have been modified in their dispersancy and/or viscometric properties by means of the dispersant substances of the invention. Also provided are methods of modifying the dispersancy and/or viscometric properties of lubricating fluids such as mineral and synthetic lubricating oils. The dispersant substances may also include a carrier fluid to provide dispersant concentrates.

Abstract: The use of bismuth-compounds in an extreme pressure grease lubricant composition for rolling bearing applications can extend the useful service life of rolling bearings. The bismuth can be used as an additive, preferably an EP additive, or as a soap or non-soap thickener. The invention further relates to a method for preparing an extreme pressure lubricant composition in which a bismuth containing soap or thickener is mixed with an oil and optionally one or more EP- or other additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using polyolefin waxes prepared by means of metallocene catalysts as additive components in printing inks and surface coatings.

Abstract: Biodegradable polyalphaolefin fluids which are useful in functional fluid and lubricant compositions are oligomers of mixtures of C.sub.12 and C.sub.14 alphaolefins. The fluids have kinematic viscosities at 100.degree. C. of from 5 to 20 mm.sup.2 /s and a biodegradability as determined by the CEC L-33 A93 test of at least about 50 percent.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a non-pourable homogeneous ultra-low molecular weight ethylene polymer composition and a process for the preparation thereof. Such polymer compositions have longer lamella and a greater degree of crystalline organization than corresponding higher molecular weight materials at an equivalent density.

Abstract: Catalysts and processes are described to make low molecular weight, essentially terminally-unsaturated, viscous poly(1-olefin) or copoly(1-olefin) having a high terminal vinylidine content from a feed stock containing one or more 1-olefin and other volatile hydrocarbon liquids using a Ziegler catalyst made from a Group IVb metallocene and an aluminoxane cocatalyst, particularly bis(cyclopentadienyl) and bis(indenyl) titanium(IV), zirconium(IV) or hafnium(IV) compounds and methylaluminoxane. A particularly useful feed stock is a refinery stream containing 1-olefins and isobutylene which is used to make polyisobutylene.

Abstract: A water-free composition for treating the walls of a die for original shaping or reshaping contains up to 30% of a polyolefin and/or paraffin wax and at least 70% of oil, where the oil is a silicone oil, a synthetic oil, a vegetable oil, a mineral oil, or a blend of several such oils. To produce a water-free composition according to the invention, one or more waxes are mixed with the oil or oils and any additives desired until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. The water-free release/lubricating agents according to the invention are used especially to treat the walls of a die for shaping or reshaping.

Abstract: Polymers (including copolymers) derived from one or more olefins, such including ethylene and C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 .alpha.-olefins such as propylene and 1-butene, which polymers have (a) an average ethylene sequence length, ESL, of from about 1.0 to less than about 3.0; (b) an average of at least 5 branches per 100 carbon atoms of the polymer chains comprising the polymer; (c) at least about 50% of said branches being methyl and/or ethyl branches; (d) at least about 30% of said polymer chains terminated with a vinyl or vinylene group; (e) a number average molecular weight, Mn, of from about 300 to about 15,000 when the polymer is intended for dispersant or wax crystal modifier uses and up to about 500,000 where intended for viscosity modifier uses; and (f) substantial solubility in hydrocarbon and/or synthetic base oil.

Abstract: A copolymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefin having an ethylene content of from 30 to 90 mole %, a number average molecular weight of from 300 to 30,000 and a molecular weight distribution defined by a Q value (the ratio of the weight average molecular weight to the number average molecular weight) of not more than 3 and a Z value (the ratio of the maximum value of the molecular weight to the minimum value of the molecular weight when the molecular weight is measured by gel permeation chromatography) of from 15 to 200. The said copolymer can be produced by a process comprising copolymerizing ethylene with an alpha-olefin in the liquid phase in the presence of a polymerization catalyst composed of a combination of a soluble vanadium compound and an organoaluminum compound in the co-presence of hydrogen, characterized in that(a) the copolymerization is carried out in a continuous manner,(b) the concentration of the vanadium compound in the polymerization system is maintained at 0.

Abstract: A filling compound for electrical and optical equipment in the form of cables, connectors, plugs etc. and to assemblies thus produced, is provided. Electrical and optical equipment in the form of cables, connectors, plugs etc. have to be protected against harmful influences penetrating from outside, particularly water, and also against mechanical damage during laying or as a result of exposure to heat. The filling compound is based on a stellate substance, i.e. a substance having a branched molecular structure in which, ideally, 3 or more branches, more particularly polymeric chains, radiate from a single branching point. The filling compound is flexible at very low temperatures but, on the other hand, does not run out, even at extremely high temperatures.