Abstract:
The invention is drawn to radial block copolymers of the formula: (pS-pI-pBnX), wherein pS is polystyrene, pI is polyisoprene, pB is polybutadiene, X is the residue of a multifunctional coupling agent used in the production of the radial block copolymer, and n is a number greater than or equal to 3 representative of the number of branches appended to X; pressure sensitive adhesive compositions comprising such radial block copolymers and articles of manufacture produced therefrom. The pS component of the radial block copolymers of this invention comprise from about 14 to about 24 parts per 100 parts by weight of the radial block copolymer; the molecular weight (as polystyrene equivalent) of the radial block copolymer is between about 200,000 to about 400,000; and the weight amount of polybutadiene in the pI-pB segment is less than 50 weight percent.
Abstract:
Radial block copolymers characterized by the formulae: (1) (pS-pI)nX and (2) (pS-pI-pB)nX where pS is polystyrene, pI is polyisoprene, pB is butadiene, X is a residue of a multifunctional coupling agent used in the production of the radial block copolymer, and n is a number greater than 2 representative of the number of branches appended to X; hot-melt adhesive compositions constituted of said radial block copolymers, and articles of manufacture produced therefrom. These compolymers possess blocks of high average molecular weight polystyrene (10,000 to 25,000) and an overall average molecular weight (90,000 to 380,000) such that when blended in requisite proportions with a compatible tackifier resin, preferably also a secondary tackifying resin or plasticizing oil, and stabilizer, superior hot-melt adhesive compositions can be formed. The hot-melt adhesive compositions possess, inter alia, superior heat resistance, superior static time to failure with low viscosity, good peel adhesion, good tack, and high ability to bond to a polyethylene or polypropylene substrate at temperatures below that which may damage the substrate.
Abstract:
Aqueous dispersions, and films prepared therefrom, comprising an organic phase of block copolymers and optional extenders wherein the block copolymers corresponds to the formula: A-B-Xm-(B-A)n wherein each A is a polymer block of a monovinylidene aromatic monomer and conjugated dienes, each B is a polymer block of one or more conjugated dienes and, optionally, one or more monovinylidene aromatic monomers, X is the remnant of a multifunctional coupling agent, m is 0 or 1, and n is an integer from 1 to 5. Each A polymer block has a weight average molecular weight from 4,000 to 15,000 Daltons. Each B polymer block has a weight average molecular weight from 20,000 to 200,000 Daltons. The total monovinylidene monomer content is from 6 to 30 percent by weight of the organic phase. The effective phase volume of the A polymer block in the organic phase is from 8 to 20 percent. Thin elastomeric articles prepared from the emulsions have improved tensile strength properties. Also claimed is a process for the preparation of such films.
Abstract:
The invention is a process for the preparation of tapered block copolymers according to one of the formulae: B-t-A or A-B-t-A, wherein A comprises a polymer block derived from one or more monovinylidene aromatic monomers, B comprises a polymer block derived from one or more conjugated dienes, and t is a tapered polymer block derived from one or more monovinylidene aromatic monomers and one or more conjugated dienes wherein the portion of the block closest to block A is rich in monovinylidene aromatic monomer units, the portion of the block closest to block B is rich in conjugated diene units and the relative amount of conjugates diene and monovinylidene aromatic monomer units gradually changes along the backbone of the tapered block, comprising: a) contacting one or more conjugated dienes with a monofunctional lithium alkyl initiator or a polymer block derived from monovinylidene aromatic monomers with a terminal living lithium anion capable of initiating anionic polymerization and a hydrocarbon solvent, in a closed reactor equipped with a reflux condenser under conditions of reflux; b) partially polymerizing the one or more conjugated dienes; and c) after step b), contacting with the reaction mixture one or more monovinylidene aromatic monomers under conditions such that the unreacted conjugated diene and monovinylidene monomers polymerize; wherein the materials condensed during the process are recycled to the reactor.
Abstract:
This invention relates to segmented, multicomponent interpolymers comprising: A) at least one olefin polymer segment comprising a substantially linear ethylene homopolymer or a substantially linear or branched copolymer of ethylene and at least one comonomer selected from the group consisting of C3-20 alpha -olefins, and B) at least one monovinylidene aromatic polymer segment, said olefin polymer segment and monovinylidene aromatic polymer segment being joined by means of the copolymerization of the terminal vinyl functionality of a macromonomer comprising the monovinylidene aromatic polymer segment with ethylene or a mixture of ethylene and said at least one comonomer under Ziegler-Natta polymerization conditions.