Abstract: A process for modifying certain polyamides by use of a novel combination of an organic sulfone and a lithium halide as a processing aid to yield a modified polymer having thermal stability and a lowered melting point (lower than unmodified polymer).

Abstract: Copolymers of acrylonitrile and propylene are produced by the process of the instant invention. This process comprises polymerizing (1) a major portion of an olefinically unsaturated nitrile monomer with (2) a minor portion of propylene, in the presence of a free radical initiator, while maintaining the molar ratio of propylene to the olefinically unsaturated nitrile during polymerization at a ratio greater than the molar ratio of propylene to the olefinically unsaturated nitrile in the final polymer.

Abstract: A catalytic process for the production of high molecular weight nylon-type polyamides from omega-aminonitriles has been discovered. The process comprises contacting an omega-aminonitrile, water and a catalytic amount of an oxygenated phosphorus compound catalyst.

Abstract: Nylon-type polyamides are produced by the polycondensation of a non-wholly aromatic diacid and diamine in the presence of a poly(ethylene oxide) matrix.

Abstract: This invention describes a process for preparing liquid polyamides comprising contacting a nitrile, amine and water in the presence of a carbon dioxide catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the production of a nonaqueous stable emulsion feedstock comprising a rubber, a block copolymer having at least one component miscible with the rubber and at least one component miscible with the monomer, and at least two unsaturated organic monomers capable of free radical polymerization is disclosed. At least one of the monomers must be miscible with the rubber and the mixture of the monomers is substantially a nonsolvent for the rubber. The block copolymer maintains the rubber or rubber-rich particles in emulsified form within the mixture of monomers. In general, the process comprises (1) mixing the rubber, block copolymer and at least a portion of the rubber miscible monomers to form a first nonaqueous solution, (2) mixing the remaining monomers and the remaining portion of the rubber miscible monomers to form a second solution, and (3) combining the two solutions to form the nonaqueous stable emulsion feedstock.

Abstract: Nylon-type polyamides are produced from a diamine and a diamide in contact with an oxygenated phosphorus compound catalyst. For example, high quality nylon-6,6 is manufactured by contacting hexamethylenediamine and adipamide in water with an oxygenated phosphorus compound at an elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The process for manufacturing a nylon-type polyamide from a dinitrile, a diamine, water and a catalyst is improved by using as a catalyst an oxygenated phosphorus compound and a molybdate compound. For example, high quality nylon-6,6 is manufactured by contacting adiponitrile, hexamethylene diamine, water with disodium phosphite and sodium molybdate at an elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: Acrylamide and methacrylamide are either self-polymerized or copolymerized with other monomers, such as amino acids, in the presence of a stoichiometric amount of aqueous ammonia and at a temperature of at least 200.degree. C. under autogenous pressure to form substantially linear polyamides, such as poly-.beta.-alanine and nylon-3/6.

Abstract: Polyesteramides can be prepared by copolymerizing a cyclic lactone with at least one of an ammonium salt of an alpha, beta unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, an alpha, beta unsaturated nitrile and water and beta-aminopropionic acids and their alkyl derivatives. Polymers with especially good physical properties were prepared by polymerizing caprolactone with one or more ammonium methacrylate, ammonium acrylate, acrylonitrile and beta-alanine. These polymers are useful as molding plastics.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of attrition resistant, microspheroidal fluid bed catalysts comprising the mixed oxides of vanadium and phosphorus in which a vanadium phosphorus mixed oxided catalyst precursor is densified, comminuted, formed into fluidizable particles and calcined under fluidization-type conditions. The present invention further provides the attrition resistant fluidizable catalysts prepared by the inventive process, and further provides a process for utilizing such attrition resistant catalysts in the production of maleic anhydride in the vapor phase by the oxidation of 4 carbon atom hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Polyamides suitable for fiber spinning are produced by contacting a diamine, a dinitrile and water in a process wherein the diamine is added gradually to the dinitrile over the course of polymerization in the presence of an oxygenated phosphorus compound catalyst.

Abstract: A process is provided for activating fluidizable catalysts containing the mixed oxides of vanadium and phosphorus useful for the production of maleic anhydride from 4-carbon atom hydrocarbons and oxygen by subjecting the catalyst to fluidization conditions and contacting the fluidized catalyst with oxygen at a temperature at least 20.degree. C. greater than the temperature required to produce about 85 percent conversion of hydrocarbon. A process is also provided for adding make-up fluid bed catalyst to an equilibrated catalyst by introducing a calcined and unequilibrated make-up catalyst into the fluid bed vessel containing equilibrated catalyst, subjecting the mixture to fluidization conditions and contacting the fluidized catalyst mixture with oxygen at a temperature at least 20.degree. C. greater than the temperature required to produce about 85 percent conversion of the hydrocarbon. The catalysts so activated and a process for producing maleic anhydride from 4-carbon atom hydrocarbons is also provided.

Abstract: This invention describes a process for preparing polyamides comprising contacting a dinitrile, a diamine and water in the presence of a dicarboxylic acid. In one embodiment, nylon-6,6 is prepared by contacting adiponitrile, hexamethylene diamine and water in the presence of adipic acid.

Abstract: The process for manufacturing a spinnable polyamide from a dinitrile, a diamine, water and a catalyst is improved by using as a catalyst a metal salt of an oxygenated phosphorus compound. For example, high quality nylon-6,6 is manufactured by contacting adiponitrile, hexamethylene diamine, water and disodium phosphite at an elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: Ethylene is polymerized by a catalyst system comprised of a transition metal complex consisting of at least one binucleating ligand attached to at least one transition metal containing nucleus; and an organometallic cocatalyst containing at least one element of Group IA, IIA or Group IIIA.

Abstract: A process for modifying certain polyamides by use of a novel combination of an organic sulfone and a lithium halide as a processing aid to yield a modified polymer having thermal stability and a lowered melting point (lower than unmodified polymer).

Abstract: Vanadium phosphorus mixed oxide containing catalysts are prepared by sequentially forming an alpha-VOPO.sub.4 catalyst precursor in aqueous media, and thereafter partially reducing a portion of the vanadium to a valence state of +4 in an organic liquid reducing media, in the absence of corrosive reducing agents. The catalysts exhibit excellent activity for the production of maleic anhydride from 4 carbon atom hydrocarbons such as n-butane.

Abstract: Polyamides can be formed in good yields by the copolymerization of at least one alpha, beta-unsaturated nitrile with at least one amino acid. These polymers are suitable for use as fibers, plastics, films and molding resins.

Abstract: A polyamide is produced by polymerizing at least one of alpha, beta unsaturated carboxylic acid, an ammonium salt of an alpha, beta unsaturated carboxylic acid, an alpha, beta unsaturated nitrile and water, a beta-amino propionic acid or alkyl derivative thereof and an alpha, beta unsaturated amide and ammonia in the presence of a catalyst containing cobalt. Preferred catalysts comprise cobaltous carboxylates and cobaltic salts of the enol of beta-di-ketones.