This invention relates to gel compositions for filling cables, such as communication cables, in particular to gel compositions containing microspheres, to cables comprising said gels, and to methods of preparing such gels

Described are a self-healing composition, and a preparation method for and an application of the composition. The composition is of a core-shell structure; the core contains a hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomer polymer and an inorganic filler; the shell contains a hydrophilic polymer; the composition has a density of 1.2-2 g/cm.sup.3, a water contact angle of no more than 90°, and a diesel oil and/or natural gas absorption expansion ratio of 5-15 times. By coating the hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomer and the inorganic filler with the hydrophilic (surface polarized) polymer, a core-shell structure is formed. When the composition is used for well cementing in an oil/gas field, the composition has a density and compatibility matching cement mortar and thus can form a uniform and stable cement slurry for well cementing in the oil/gas field, and has excellent oil/gas absorption expansion performance and thus can expand after absorbing oil/gas to perform self-healing.

The disclosure relates to rubber latex formed from any of: branched block copolymers derived from alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon—1,3-diene monomer system, and branched polyisoprene homopolymers derived from isoprene. The polymers in embodiments are obtained by polymerization in the presence of an anionic initiator; at a temperature from 0° C. to 100° C.; followed by coupling with a multifunctional coupling agent of formula (R.sup.1O).sub.3Si—Y—Si(OR.sup.2).sub.3, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl groups; and Y is a C.sub.2-C.sub.8 alkylene group. The polymers are obtained as rubber cements having high solids content and low zero shear viscosities. The rubber cements are valuable for making latices for further applications.

A hydrogenated block copolymer (P) obtained by hydrogenation of a coupled polymer represented by (A-B)n-X, wherein the content of the vinyl aromatic monomer unit in the hydrogenated block copolymer (P) is 10 mass % to 40 mass %, the peak top molecular weight of a diblock component corresponding to (A-B) in (A-B)n-X is 160,000 to 225,000, the proportion of a dibranched component corresponding to a case in which n is 2 in (A-B)n-X is 10 mass % to 30 mass % based on the total hydrogenated block copolymer (P), the proportion of a tribranched component corresponding to a case in which n is 3 in (A-B)n-X is 40 mass % to 70 mass % based on the total hydrogenated block copolymer (P), and the ratio of the tribranched component to the dibranched component M (mass of tribranched component/mass of dibranched component) is 2 or more.

A method for producing a polymer latex, includes a step of emulsifying a polymer solution of a synthetic polyisoprene and/or a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, in water in the presence of a rosin and/or a rosin metal salt, thereby obtaining an emulsified liquid, wherein the rosin and/or the rosin metal salt to be used have/has a total content rate of abietic acid, neoabietic acid and palustric acid, and salts thereof, of 5% by weight or less.

The present disclosure is directed to triblock copolymer based anion exchange membranes (AEMs) and methods for making same. The membranes are useful as separators in electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, water desalination systems, and redox flow batteries.

The present disclosure is directed to optically transparent and IR reflecting films having a metal oxide based composite layer which can synergistically improve the optical properties, solar properties, and production speed of the whole composite.

Components for articles of footwear and athletic equipment are provided including a foam. A variety of foams and foam components and compositions for forming the foams are provided. In some aspects, the foams and components including the foams can have exceptionally high energy return while also having improved durability and softness. In particular, midsoles including the foams are provided for use in an article of footwear. Methods of making the compositions and foams are provided, as well as methods of making an article of footwear including one of the foam components. In some aspects, the foams and foam components can be made by injection molding or injection molding followed by compression molding.

Cationic polymers are provided that comprise monomeric units of Formula (V). (V) Each asterisk (*) indicates an attachment position to another monomeric unit; R is hydrogen or methyl; each R.sup.2 is each independently an alkyl, aryl, or a combination thereof; L is a linking group comprising an alkylene group; and +R.sup.3 is a cationic nitrogen-containing group free of any N—H bonds. Membranes formed from said cationic polymers, devices including such membranes, and methods of making such cationic polymers are also provided.

Provided is a composition for a highly elastic extruded foam. The composition includes a peroxide-crosslinkable thermoplastic polymer, an organic peroxide, thermo-expandable microspheres, and a silane coupling agent.