A method for producing a polymer composition comprises the steps of providing a compatibilizing agent, providing a heterophasic polymer composition, providing a second polymer composition comprising recycled polymer; mixing the compatibilizing agent, the heterophasic polymer composition, and the second polymer composition, and generating free radicals in the heterophasic polymer composition and the second polymer composition. At least a portion of the compatibilizing agent is believed to react with the free radicals generated in the heterophasic polymer composition and the second polymer composition.

Process for modifying a polymer comprising the steps of (a) mixing the polymer with a maleimide-functionalized mono-azide and/or a citraconimide-functionalized mono-azide at a temperature in the range 80-250 C. to form a functionalized polymer, and (b) reacting the functionalized polymer with a substance containing one or more functional groups that can react with a maleimide or citraconimide functional group.

Process for crosslinking polypropylene comprising the steps of (a) treating a mixture of (i) polypropylene, (ii) a maleimide-functionalized mono-azide and/or a citraconimide-functionalized mono-azide, and (iii) a radical scavenger selected from the group consisting of hydroquinone, hydroquinone derivatives, benzoquinone, benzoquinone derivatives, catechol, catechol derivatives, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinooxy (TEMPO), TEMPO derivatives, and combinations thereof, at a temperature in the range 120-250 C. to form a functionalized polypropylene, and (b) reacting the functionalized polypropylene with a peroxide at a temperature in the range 150-350 C.

Process for functionalizing an ethylene-based (co)polymer comprising the step of contacting an ethylene-based (co)polymer at a temperature in the range 100-250 C. with an azide of formula (I) wherein Y is either (Ia) or (Ib) m is 0 or 1, n is 0 or 1, n+m=1 or 2, and X is a linear or branched, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety with 1-12 carbon atoms, optionally containing heteroatoms. ##STR00001##

Processes for producing an (ultra) high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) article include incorporating into the HMWPE resin a Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer (HALS) and cross-linking the (U)HMWPE during or after molding the (U)HMWPE resin.

The invention relates to a process for producing an (ultra) high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) article comprising: incorporating into the HMWPE resin a Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer (HALS) and cross-link the (U)HMWPE during or after molding the (U)HMWPE resin. In particular the invention relates to a process comprising the following steps: a) incorporating into (U)HMWPE resin a Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer (HALS) according to one of the following general formulas or combinations hereof: ##STR00001## wherein R.sub.1 up to and including R.sub.5 are herein independent substituents; for example containing hydrogen, ether, ester, amine, amide, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl and/or aryl groups, which substituents may in turn contain functional groups, for example alcohols, ketones, anhydrides, imines, siloxanes, ethers, carboxyl groups, aldehydes, esters, amides, imides, amines, nitriles, ethers, urethanes and any combination thereof; b) molding the (U)HMWPE resin comprising the HALS, resulting in an article; c) cross-linking and sterilizing the article via gamma radiation or electron beam radiation; d) optionally, if step b results in a stock shape, machining the stock shape into an article; wherein step c and step d can be performed in either order.

The invention provides: imidazole and imidazolium compounds of formulas (I) and (II): ##STR00001##
polymers containing a plurality of imidazolium-containing repeating units of formula (III): ##STR00002##
and membranes and devices comprising the polymers. Also provided are methods of making the inventive compounds and polymers.

Organic molecules with free acid groups and a molecular weight of greater than 140 g/mol used in combination with surfactants, are used as processing aids in the formation of extrudates and other molded materials. The compositions of this invention can be used as defined herein, or can be used with prior art processing aids, depending on the end use application. The novel materials and processes provide a useful alternative to the sole use of fluorine-based polymer processing aids.