Appeal No. 2006-2617
Application No. 10/729,446
based copolymers, and particularly polystyrene resins that are modified with
organic rubber particles, have been investigated for use in applications
requiring less brittleness. The modification of polystyrene to reduce
brittleness is often referred to [as] increasing its impact properties and thus
the modified polystyrene is said to have higher impact.” (Id.)
The acronym “HIPS” is commonly used to refer to these high impact
polystyrene blends. (Id.) Polybutadiene rubber can be used as an impact
modifier in HIPS materials. (Id. at 2.)
The specification discloses that an impact modified polystyrene
having a haze value of 12 percent or less can be prepared by dissolving a
styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer in styrene monomer, and
polymerizing the styrene monomer. (Specification 3.) A chemical initiator
can be used in the polymerizing step, or polymerization can be initiated
thermally. (Id. at 7-9.)
DISCUSSION
1. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION
Claims 1-30 are pending and on appeal. Appellants do not argue the
claims separately. Therefore, the claims subject to each rejection stand or
fall together. 37 CFR § 41.37(c)(1)(vii).
Claims 18 and 19 are representative and read as follows:
18. A process for preparing an impact modified polystyrene comprising
dissolving a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer in styrene monomer
and polymerizing the styrene monomer wherein the impact modified
polystyrene has a haze value of less than or equal to 12 percent.
19. The process of Claim 18 wherein the polymerization is initiated
thermally.
2
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