The British Petroleum Company, P.l.c.

Alan C Aldred

Sidney G Fogg

Brian Weeks

A process for producing a thermoplastic elastomer comprising curing a blend of nitrile rubber and a thermoplastic under dynamic curing conditions. The thermoplastic comprises a copolymer of ethylene and an acrylic or methacrylic ester, e.g. ethylene-ethyl acrylate, and the curing agent is a peroxy curing agent. The compositions are cured by mixing at a temperature above the activation temperature of the curing agent and above the melting point of the thermoplastic copolymer.

Thermoplastic elastomer composition

This invention relates to a blend of an olefin/alkyl acrylate copolymer and hardened extract which has a saturated hydrocarbon content of not more than 10% by weight and articles made therefrom, e.g. linings for reservoirs and for water proofing roofs. The new products are easier to manufacture since they resist gelation, do not suffer from problems of shrinkage and are appreciably cheaper.

Blends of hardened extract with copolymers of olefin/alkyl acrylate

Blends of chlorosulphonated polyethylene and defined bituminous material are modified by the addition of not more than 15% by weight, based on total weight of chlorine-containing synthetic elastomer, of a thermoplastic olefin polymer having a softening point in the range 110.degree.-160.degree. C. The incorporation of this polymer reduces shrinkage when sheets formed from the blend are exposed to heat while in use.

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North Cheam, United Kingdom

Alan C Aldred