Abstract: The present invention recites a method comprising reacting in a solvent in the presence of a base a) at least one diacidic monomer comprising about 1 to 100 mole % of at least one light-absorbing monomer having a light absorption maximum between about 300 nm and about 1200 nm and 99-0 mole % of a non-light absorbing monomer which does not absorb significant light at wavelengths above 300 nm or has a light absorption maximum below 300 nm, with b) an organic compound of Formula II X—B—X1 wherein B is a divalent organic radical to form a light absorbing composition comprising a mixture of a polymer having the formula and a cyclic compound having the general formula wherein B is as defined above; n is at least 2, m is 1, 2, 3 or 4 and A comprises the residue of a diacidic monomer comprising about 1 to 100 mole % of at least one light-absorbing monomer having a light absorption maximum between about 300 nm and about 1000 nm and wherein the remaining portion of A

Abstract: An apparatus for depolymerizing recycled polyester into its component ester monomers and half esters includes a first reactor for depolymerizing the recycled polyester, a separator for separating ester monomeric components and half-esters from secondary materials produced in the first reactor, and a second reactor for producing a low molecular weight polyester from liquefied separator products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyester-platelet particle composite comprising; at least one polyester having dispersed therein a platelet particle dispersion comprising about 0.01 to about 25 weight percent platelet particles and at least one water dissipatible polymer in a concentration which is at least about 1 part water dissipatible polymer to 1 part said polyester wherein said platelet particles primarily comprise individual platelet particles and tactoids. The composites of the present invention are prepared by dispersing at least one clay material in a water dissipatible polymer to form a platelet particle dispersion; introducing said platelet particle dispersion to a polyester and extrusion mixing said dispersion and polyester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for introducing strain-induced crystallization to polyesters. Specifically, amorphous polymer from the melt phase reactor is first extruded through a traditional strand die. However, instead of going directly into a pelletizer/cutter, it is stretched uniaxially at a temperature only slightly higher than Tg. The chain alignment resulting from stretching makes crystallization occur at a considerably higher rate than with traditional thermal crystallization. After this stretching process, the strand is annealed and fed to the pelletizer and chopped. The process of the present invention is advantageous for crystallizing polymers having slow rate of thermal crystallization half time from the glass. Optically clear polymers having at least about 15% crystallinity and a single melting point endotherm are produced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating entrained gases from a pumped fluid. A degas pipe having an increased inner dimension relative to surrounding process piping is provided to generate a stratified two-phase gas/liquid flow. A controlled release mechanism permits selective removal of gas from the degas pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to anthraquinone polysulfonamide colorants derived from colored disulfonyl chlorides containing anthraquinone chromophores by reacting with various diamines. The anthraquinone polysulfonamide colorants are useful for coloring a wide variety of products such as plastics, fibers, films, cosmetics, skin creams or lotions, polishes, waxes, hair colorations, coatings, paints, inks, etc. and are particularly useful in end uses where sublimation, migration, extraction and exudation of presently used colorants are problems.

Abstract: A process for recovering suitable polyester feedstock material from recycled polyester includes the steps of depolymerizing the polyester into its component ester monomers and half-esters; separating the monomers and half-esters from other secondary materials; and mixing the component ester monomers and half-esters with additional monomers to produce a low molecular weight polyester. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the recycled polyester is contacted with a component monomer or oligomer thereof to liquefy the polyester before the polyester is depolymerized.The invention further provides an apparatus for carrying out the process. The apparatus includes a first reactor for depolymerizing the recycled polyester, a separator for separating ester monomeric components and half-esters from secondary materials produced in the first reactor, and a second reactor for producing a low molecular weight polyester from the liquefied separator products.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions containing certain anthraquinone polysulfonamide colorants incorporated therein as toners or colorants. The anthraquinone colorant moieties which are incorporated into the polymer chain of the polysulfonamide colorants are not leachable, sublimable or extractable and do not exude from the thermoplastic compositions. The anthraquinone polysulfonamide colorants may be added to the thermoplastic polymers during production or melt blended with the polymer by conventional techniques to produce transparent thermoplastic compositions useful for a variety of end uses where nonmigrating or nonextractable colorants are needed.

Abstract: This invention relates to PET copolymer composition that have both 1,4-cyclohexanedimethal (CHDM) and isophthalic acid moieties copolymerized. These compositions have better oxygen and carbon dioxide barrier properties than either PET homopolymer or CHDM-modified PET copolymers. These copolymer compositions are useful for packaging applications (such as carbonated soft drink bottles) requiring barrier properties to oxygen and carbon dioxide at least as good or better than PET homopolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyester-platelet particle composite compositions comprising about 0.01 to about 25 weight percent platelet particles dispersed in at least one polyester wherein said composition has an I.V. of greater than about 0.55 dl/g, low shear melt viscosity greater than about 30,000 poise and a gas permeability which is at least 10% lower than that of unmodified polyester and processes for producing same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising platelet particles treated with at least one polyalkoxylated ammonium salt comprising at least one polyalkoxylated group consisting of greater than 5 repeating alkyl oxide groups. The treated particles of the present invention display particularly good dispersion when incorporated into various polyester compositions at concentrations up to about 25 weight %. Also disclosed is a process incorporating said treated platelet particles into a polyester and for forming said treated platelet particles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process comprising forming a preform with planar stretch ratios greater than about 14 from a polyester having a natural stretch ratio which is substantially matched to the preform planar stretch ratio at processing conditions; and stretch blow molding said preform to produce a container. Suitable natural stretch ratios include those greater than about 13 at 210.degree. F. The desired natural stretch ratios and desirable final container properties are achieved by balancing the appropriate I.V. and copolymer modification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing polyesters displaying exceptionally low acetaldehyde concentrations and good clarity comprising the steps of:polycondensing in the melt phase, a polyester monomer/oligomer mixture under conditions sufficient to form a precursor having in intrinsic viscosity less than 75% of a possible maximum intrinsic viscosity; andsolid stating said precursor under conditions sufficient to increase said intrinsic viscosity at least about 0.05 dl/g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for minimizing the formation of undesirable byproducts in ozonated liquids comprising the steps of:providing a container comprising a polyester comprising repeat units from a dicarboxylic acid component comprising at least about 85 mole percent terephthalic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid or a mixture thereof and at least about 85 mole percent ethylene glycol; and from about--to about--weight % of at least one polyamide which displays a melting point below that of said polyester, andfilling said container with an ozonated liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a polymer having dispersed therein at least one layered clay material which has been cation exchanged with an organic cation salts represented by Formula I: ##STR1## wherein M represents either nitrogen or phosphorous; X.sup.- represents an anion selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxide, or acetate anions, preferably chloride and bromide; R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of straight and branched alkyl groups having at least 8 carbon atoms; R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are independently selected from straight or branched alkyl groups having 1 to four carbon atoms; and at least one expanding agent which is compatible with said polymer. Preferred polymers include polyesters. The compositions of the present invention show vastly improved platelet separation as evidenced by higher than previously reported basal spacing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoplastic polymer composition comprising a blend of a thermoplastic polymer admixed with from about 5 to 50 ppm black iron oxide particles, based on the amount of said thermoplastic polymer. The black iron oxide is admixed with the polymer in order to speed up the process of reheating parisons formed from the polymer during bottle manufacturing. The composition has the beneficial combination of a large percent reheat rate improvement (RIV) with only a small decrease in transparency (.DELTA.L*). The ratio of RIV/.DELTA.L* is significantly better than carbon black--polymer blends having similar RIV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process comprises mixing, at temperatures between about about 90.degree. C. to 300.degree. C., a first reactant solution comprising less than about 5.times.10.sup.-3 moles/l of at least one antimony compound and at least one first diol having having 2 to about 16 carbon atoms with a second reactant solution comprising less than about 30.times.10.sup.-3 moles/l of at least one phosphorus stabilizer compound and at least one second diol to form sub-visual molecular aggregates comprising antimony phosphate derivatives. Sub-visual molecular aggregates comprising antimony phosphate derivatives which are stable in suspension are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a compositional blend having a polyester, an acetaldehyde reduction compound and less than 50 ppm of an optical brightener. The blend has utility for food and beverage molded containers where improved clarity and flavor retention are important without producing a haze. The acetaldehyde reduction compound can be a low molecular weight partially aromatic polyamide, a low molecular weight aliphatic polyamides or polyesteramide. The optical brightener preferably is a bis(benzoxazolyl) stilbene. Articles, and especially beverage containers, produced from the blend have a yellowness, b*, less than about 2.5.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for molding of polyester articles having low acetaldehyde content directly from a melt without intermediate solidification of the molten polyester. A melt to mold process is used wherein an acetaldehyde stripping agent is mixed into a polyester melt before devolatilization in a flash tank. The devolatilized polyester is pumped out of the flash tank and injected into a mold, thus forming a shaped article. The apparatus may include one or more flash tanks in one devolatilization line, or multiple devolatilization lines may be used stemming from one main polymerization reactor. The final shaped article should contain less than 10 ppm of acetaldehyde.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing molded polyester articles. More particularly, the invention concerns an apparatus and method for continuously producing molded polyester articles having low acetaldehyde content from a melt prepared by continuously reacting polyester precursors. The polyester is prepared and formed into useful shaped articles in a single, integrated, continuous melt-to-mold process without an intermediate solidification of the melt.