| abstract |
The present invention includes a process of preparing a coupled polymer by heating an admixture containing (1) at least one elastomer comprising ethylene and at least one comonomer which is selected from alpha olefins having at least 3 carbon atoms, dienes and combinations thereof and (2) a coupling amount at least one poly(sulfonyl azide) to at least the decomposition temperature of the poly(sulfonyl azide) for a period sufficient for decomposition of at least 80 weight percent of the poly(sulfonyl azide) and sufficient to result in a coupled polymer having a gel content of less than 2 weight percent. The elastomer preferably comprises ethylene, and alpha olefin of at least three carbon atoms and optionally at least one diene and preferably has a density of at least 0.850 and up to 0.90 g/mL. The poly(sulfonyl azide) and elastomer preferably react at a temperature at least the decomposition temperature and greather than 150 °C. |