poLichelic™ polymers exhibit unique architectures and functionalities including hydroxyl, secondary amine and tertiary amine; however, research continues for additional functionalities. Polymers (yours or ours) produced with initiaLi™ initiators open up new applications in the areas of coatings, adhesives, lubricant additives, composites and other similar applications.

FMC produces a number of specialty initiators, catalysts and polymers. Our latest invention is a line of initiators known as initiaLi™. initiaLi™ provides polymer producers with all the advantages of anionic polymerization with the addition of chain end functionality. We’ve taken the next step and developed specialty polymers utilizing initiaLi™ initiators known as poLichelic™ polymers. The poLichelic™ line consists of telechelic or heterotelechelic functional polymers; functional block copolymers; functional star polymers; and macromonomers for functional comb polymers. FMC’s traditional alkyllithium initiators are widely used in the polymerization of solution styrene-butadiene rubber, solution poly-butadiene rubber, styrenic block copolymers, and styrenic copolymers via anionic polymerization. By using an alkyllithium via anionic polymerization, producers can manufacture a variety of polymer architectures including: diblocks, triblocks, tetrablocks, radial and star polymer structures. Applications of these thermoplastic elastomers include: adhesives, sealants and coatings; polymer modification; asphalt modification; thermoset modification; automotive elastomer compounds; oil viscosity index improvers; medical elastomer compounds; oil gels; footwear compounds; and films and fibers.