The copolymerization of ethylene with a cyclic mono olefin (such as norbornene) is conducted in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a bridged hafnocene catalyst and a three part activator. The catalyst system provides excellent activity at high polymerization temperatures. Copolymers produced according to this invention have unique microstructure (with methyl branching being observed) and unique rheology.

Described herein are hydrocarbon polymer modifiers for use in various applications. The hydrocarbon polymer modifier comprises a cyclic component, and has a glass transition temperature and Mn defined by the following two equations: (1) Tg≥95-2.2*(% H Ar); and (2) Tg≥125−(0.08*Mn) and an aromaticity content of less than or equal to 6 mole %, wherein Tg is glass transition temperature as expressed in ° C. of the modifier, the % H Ar represents the content of aromatic protons in the hydrocarbon polymer modifier, and Mn represents the number average molecular weight of the hydrocarbon polymer modifier, and the cyclic component is selected from the group of a distillation cut from a petroleum refinery stream, and/or C.sub.4 C.sub.5 or C.sub.6 cyclic olefins and mixtures thereof, and wherein the hydrocarbon polymer modifier has number average molecular weight (Mn) of between 150 and 800 g/mol. The hydrocarbon modifiers are particularly useful in high Tg applications where compatibility with the polymer systems and/or ease of manufacturing are desirable.

Described herein are hydrocarbon polymer modifiers for use in various applications. The hydrocarbon polymer modifier comprises a cyclic component, and has a glass transition temperature and Mn defined by the following two equations: (1) Tg≥95-2.2*(% H Ar); and (2) Tg≥125−(0.08*Mn) and an aromaticity content of less than or equal to 6 mole %, wherein Tg is glass transition temperature as expressed in ° C. of the modifier, the % H Ar represents the content of aromatic protons in the hydrocarbon polymer modifier, and Mn represents the number average molecular weight of the hydrocarbon polymer modifier, and the cyclic component is selected from the group of a distillation cut from a petroleum refinery stream, and/or C.sub.4 C.sub.5 or C.sub.6 cyclic olefins and mixtures thereof, and wherein the hydrocarbon polymer modifier has number average molecular weight (Mn) of between 150 and 800 g/mol. The hydrocarbon modifiers are particularly useful in high Tg applications where compatibility with the polymer systems and/or ease of manufacturing are desirable.

Disclosed are polymers derived from biomass. More specifically described are δ-pinene-based polymers, copolymers and compositions comprising δ-pinene-based polymers. Also disclosed are methods of making the same.

Disclosed are polymers derived from biomass. More specifically described are δ-pinene-based polymers, copolymers and compositions comprising δ-pinene-based polymers. Also disclosed are methods of making the same.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass compositions comprising a organopalladium compound, a photoacid generator, a photosensitizer, one or more olefinic monomers and a stabilizer, such as for example a hindered amine, which undergo vinyl addition polymerization when said composition is exposed to a suitable actinic radiation to form a substantially transparent film. The compositions of this invention are stable at room temperature for several days to several months and can also be stored at higher temperatures from about 40° C. to 60° C. for several days and undergo mass polymerization only when subjected to suitable actinic radiation. The monomers employed therein have a range of optical and mechanical properties, and thus these compositions can be tailored to form films having various opto-electronic properties. Accordingly, compositions of this invention are useful in various applications, including as coatings, encapsulants, fillers, leveling agents, sealants, adhesives, among others.

The present application is directed to a nanocomposite organo gel having a continuous polymeric network structure, wherein polymer chains are held together by ionic interaction between polymer chain ends, interparticle chain entanglements, layered silicate surface modifier, ionic salt, and layered silicate. The present application is also directed to methods of making and using the nanocomposite organo gel.

The disclosure relates to methods for producing poly(cyclohexadiene) homopolymers (PCHD). The PCHD is formed by polymerizing a 1,3-cyclohexadiene monomer in the presence of a catalyst, in a hydrocarbon solvent, and at a temperature of −100° C. to 120° C. The catalyst is selected from the group consisting of a Bronsted acid, a Lewis acid, and combinations thereof. PCHD produced under these conditions has good solubility in non-polar solvents, and a number average molecular weight of 300 to 5,000 Dalton; a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 15,000 Delton; and a polydispersity index of 3.0 to 8.0. The PCHD is useful for producing crosslinked materials having good physical properties. The crosslinked materials can be combined with a rubbery polymer to produce compositions valuable for further downstream uses.

The disclosure relates to methods for producing poly(cyclohexadiene) homopolymers (PCHD). The PCHD is formed by polymerizing a 1,3-cyclohexadiene monomer in the presence of a catalyst, in a hydrocarbon solvent, and at a temperature of −100° C. to 120° C. The catalyst is selected from the group consisting of a Bronsted acid, a Lewis acid, and combinations thereof. PCHD produced under these conditions has good solubility in non-polar solvents, and a number average molecular weight of 300 to 5,000 Dalton; a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 15,000 Delton; and a polydispersity index of 3.0 to 8.0. The PCHD is useful for producing crosslinked materials having good physical properties. The crosslinked materials can be combined with a rubbery polymer to produce compositions valuable for further downstream uses.

Disclosed herein are copolymers formed by cationic polymerfization of one or more cyclic dienes and a comonomer selected from the group consisting of a monoterpene, a branched styrene, and combinations thereof, in the presence of a catalyst. Random copolymers having repeat units derived from a cyclic conjugated diene, such as 1,3-cyclohexadiene, and a comonomer such as a monoterpene, can be prepared as soluble products in hydrocarbon solvents. The copolymers can be crosslinked with various crosslinking agents to form materials having good oxidative stability and fire retardancy. The uncrosslinked and crosslinked copolymers have useful properties such as a low dissipation factor, low dielectric constants, and a good balance of thermomechanical and electrical properties that make them valuable in electronic applications.