Abstract: The present invention is a composition and method to process an ultrahigh molecular weight polymer, preferably a vinylic polymer, from about 0.1 to about 25 percent by weight based on the weight of the polymer of a material containing more than one acid group, and from about 0.01 to about 2.5 percent by weight based on the weight of the polymer of a polyfunctional Lewis base.

Abstract: In the manufacture of semiconductor components, direct etching is effected using electrons. In a specific application an electron beam may be used to directly etch a pattern in a dielectric layer in an atmosphere of low pressure sulfur hexafluoride. The technique involves a simpler alternative to the more typical microcircuit manufacturing processes in which dielectric layers such as silicon dioxide, silicon nitride or silicon oxynitride are etched by either plasma or wet chemical techniques through a photoresist mask. The latter invariably involves a large number of process steps. The disclosed method presents a simpler alternative in which the silicon dioxide, for example, is patterned directly and which may be particularly suited to very small (sub-micron) geometries or to more conventional geometries if a high intensity electron flood exposure system is used.

Abstract: A bristle material is disclosed having improved stiffness comprised of a thermoplastic matrix comprising polybutylene terephthalate and containing an abrasive filler.

Abstract: Electrical energy is generated from acid-base neutralization reactions in electrodialytic cells. Permselective bipolar membranes in these cells are contacted on their cation selective faces by aqueous acid streams and on their anion-selective faces by aqueous base streams. Spontaneous neutralization reactions between the basic anions and acidic cations through the bipolar membranes produce electrical potential differences between the acid and base streams. These potential differences are transmitted to electrodes to produce electrical energy which is withdrawn from the cell.

Abstract: A method for production of absorptive particles of Wegscheider's Salt (Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3.3NaHCO.sub.3) having low bulk density and acceptable flow properties, by reaction of anhydrous sodium carbonate particles with water and carbon dioxide is disclosed. Particles of anhydrous sodium carbonate having a bulk density less than about 750 g/l are contacted with water up to 1.55 times the stoichiometric amount of water required for the formation of sodium carbonate monohydrate. Carbon dioxide is added in two stages; in the first, the reaction zone is maintained at ambient temperatures, the second, the reaction zone is preheated and the reaction temperature is maintained at between about 90.degree. and 105.degree. C. until at least about 50 weight percent Wegscheider's Salt is produced. Water is added to the carbon dioxide in the second stage if less than about 1.20 times the stoichiometric amount of water is added to the particles of anhydrous sodium carbonate in the first stage and when about 1.20 to 1.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for storing energy by use of the heat of fusion of hydrated salts which are within a bulk container having heat exchange means. The process prevents stratification and supercooling from occurring during the heat releasing cycles by internally circulating the molten salt within the container and also by preventing the temperature of the salt from rising above that at which complete melting of the salt crystals within the container occurs.

Abstract: An improved process for the electrodialysis of aqueous NaCl which operates at high current efficiency and low unit cell voltage drop to produce high strength, high purity Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 and either high purity HCl or CaCl.sub.2 by utilizing cation permselective, anion permselective and bipolar membranes wherein the solutions on both sides of the anion permselective membrane are acidic.

Abstract: An electrolysis process is disclosed in which catholyte is transferred serially from one cell, in a bank of a plurality of cells, to the cathode compartment of a succeeding cell in the bank. The transfer is accomplished by means of a gas-lift in which gas, present in the cathode compartment rises through a confined space, which is dimensioned such that the gas serves to lift the catholyte upward to a point where the gas and liquid separate and the liquid catholyte is allowed to fall freely to a collection point from which it is introduced into the cathode compartment of a succeeding cell.

Abstract: A process for producing chlorine and caustic soda is described involving a bank of electrolytic membrane cells arranged for series catholyte flow. Power efficiency is improved by maintaining at least two of the initial cells in the bank in parallel catholyte flow, combining the catholyte streams from such initial cells and introducing the combined catholyte into the cathode compartment of one or more succeeding cells in the bank.

Abstract: Process is provided for removal of alumina from aqueous alkali metal chromate solutions containing the same, which comprises contacting the aqueous solution with a soluble-silica compound under conditions sufficient to effect reaction of alumina with silica for formation of crystalline alkali metal alumino silicate, and removing the crystalline alkali metal alumino silicate from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the prevention of carbonaceous deposits from forming on the surfaces of catalytic materials employed in the reduction of sulfur dioxide in a gas stream with a gaseous reductant to produce elemental sulfur by a process consisting essentially of preheating separately the sulfur dioxide gas stream to a temperature above the initiation temperature of the reduction reaction and the gaseous reductant stream to a temperature below the initiation temperature of the reduction reaction, preferably mixed with elemental sulfur vapor, rapidly mixing the two preheated streams just prior to their introduction into a reaction zone, passing the resulting mixture through the reaction zone under reaction conditions, including an initiation temperature, sufficient to effect reaction of said gaseous reductant with the sulfur dioxide and recovering a product stream containing elemental sulfur.

Abstract: A securing device is disclosed which retains membranes in electrolytic cells during assembly and disassembly thereof and which allows safe, effective storage during disassembly of the cell.

Abstract: A method for producing alkali metal chromates by double roasting chrome ores without the use of alkaline earths is disclosed. The pollution and hygiene problems associated with the use of lime are substantially eliminated and only negligible amounts of alumina are found in the product chromate liquors without employing steps previously thought necessary. These advantages are achieved by controlling (1) the Bichromate Equivalent: aluminum oxide ratio in the mix, (2) the amount of alkali metal salts added to the mix, (3) the roasting time, (4) the composition and alkalinity of the liquor used for leaching the roast, and (5) the temperature employed, in both roasts.

Abstract: A concentrated calcium fluoride ore, having a decreased foam value which is particularly adapted for the manufacture of hydrogen fluoride is provided by a process which comprises: (a) grinding calcium fluoride ore containing calcite and quartzite particles to form calcium fluoride particles and to liberate at least a portion of said calcite and quartzite particles; (b) admixing the ground ore with aqueous medium and an effective amount of a suitable flotation agent to form a first aqueous slurry containing said flotation agent and calcium fluoride, calcite and quartzite particles; (c) contacting said first aqueous slurry with a gas under conditions sufficient to produce (i) a foam containing a major portion of said flotation agent and foamed particles comprising calcium fluoride particles together with a minor portion of the calcite and quartzite particles in said first slurry, and (ii) separated solids containing a major portion of the calcite and quartzite particles in said first slurry; (d) recovering at l

Abstract: A cell frame transfer cart for vertical and horizontal displacement of a segment of a plural cell electrolyzer is comprised of spaced main and secondary platforms, a vertical displacement member disposed intermediate the platforms, and a support member for supporting the main platform and permitting horizontal displacement of a selected segment of a plural cell electrolyzer when the vertical displacement member is actuated. An assembly including the present transfer cart, and a method for disassembly of a plural cell electrolyzer, are also described.

Abstract: A one-stage method for production of free-flowing, absorptive particles of Wegscheider's Salt (Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 .multidot.3NaHCO.sub.3), having a low bulk density, low alkalinity and low friability, by reaction of higher bulk density, anhydrous sodium carbonate particles with carbon dioxide and steam at superatmospheric pressure is disclosed. Particles of high bulk density anhydrous sodium carbonate are introduced into a preheated reaction zone and heated to a temperature of at least about 100.degree. F., and thence continuously contacted therein with a gaseous mixture containing from about 45 to 70 weight percent steam and 30 to 55 weight percent carbon dioxide. By preheating the reaction zone and delaying the introduction of the gaseous mixture thereto until the temperature of the particles of sodium carbonate therein is at least about 100.degree. F., caking and coagulation of the contacted particles is substantially eliminated. The exothermic reaction mixtue is maintained at a temperature from about 240.

Abstract: A method for dissolving calcined trona containing calcareous impurities, to obtain an aqueous sodium carbonate solution having low calcium content involves contacting calcined trona in countercurrent flow, desirably under specific temperature conditions, with dilute sodium carbonate solution. Sodium carbonate solutions thus obtained have reduced tendency to form calcium deposits in processing equipment.

Abstract: An improved process for the alkylation of isoparaffins by olefins in the presence of a sulfuric acid catalyst is disclosed. Improvement in the octane rating of the product alkylate is achieved by the periodic fortification of the sulfuric acid catalyst with sulfur trioxide-bearing fortifying agents and the incorporation of a holding time to delay the return of the fortified acid to the alkylation zone. Fortification is employed less than 6% of the time the catalyst is in contact with the hydrocarbons and a preferred water content of between 1.5% and 2.5% is maintained in the acid. By maintaining an optimum water content and fortifying less frequently, lower water and organic build-up rates are observed than previously thought possible. By incorporation of a holding time before the acid is returned to the alkylation reactor, there is essentially complete utilization of the fortifying agent for water removal and no free SO.sub.3 is available for harmful side reactions with the hydrocarbon feeds in the reactor.

Abstract: A process is described for producing bromine which comprises heating a bromide salt at a temperature of about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas, silicon dioxide and an oxidation catalyst preferably selected from the group consisting of B.sub.2 O.sub.3, CaO, Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Na.sub.2 B.sub.4 O.sub.7, ZnO, MgO, MnO.sub.2, TiO.sub.2, NaNO.sub.2 and mixtures thereof. A by-product silicate can optionally be formed which is useful in the glass industry.The process is useful in many industrial applications, especially in the formation of ethylene dichloride, an intermediate used in the manufacture of vinyl chloride monomer, which involves reacting ethylene with bromine to produce ethylene dibromide, reacting the ethylene dibromide with a chloride salt to produce ethylene dichloride and a bromide salt, and oxidizing the bromide salt to bromine for reaction with ethylene to complete the cycle.

Abstract: A retaining and restraining support structure for a plural cell electrolyzer is comprised of a sleeper assembly for supporting the electrolyzer cell along its longitudinal dimension, and a tension bar assembly for maintaining each of the cells in a substantially vertical plane, while insuring good mechanical connection and fluid communication therebetween, wherein the tension bar assembly includes plural longitudinal, adjustable tension bars and diagonal, adjustable tie bars.