Abstract: Alpha-olefin oligomers are produced by oligomerizing an alpha-olefin monomer with a catalyst system comprising boron trifluoride, a protic promoter, and a modifier which is (a) at least one 1,3-dioxolane, or (b) at least one 1,3-dioxane, or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). Use of these modifiers in the BF.sub.3 -catalyzed oligomerization makes it possible to modify the promoted catalytic reaction so that product containing as much as 50% or more of dimer can be produced at high conversions, at modest reaction temperatures, and in short reaction periods.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of BF.sub.3 from crude oligomerization reaction product mixture containing dissolved BF.sub.3 is described, the process being characterized by vaporization of BF.sub.3 from the crude oligomerization reaction product mixture in a vaporization zone at a temperature insufficient to decompose BF.sub.3 or any BF.sub.3 promoter-complex in the mixture. BF.sub.3 from the vaporization zone is then contacted with a liquid olefin composition under conditions to absorb BF.sub.3, in an absorption zone, forming a mixture comprising liquid olefin composition and BF.sub.3. The liquid olefin composition may be utilized directly for oligomerization of the liquid olefin therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fabrication of thick, three-dimensional structures comprising discontinuous thermoset pitch fiber, and to composites comprising such structures embedded in a matrix material such as a thermoset resin, ceramic, metal or carbon. Carbon-carbon fiber composite articles produced from porous carbon preforms obtained by carbonizing such structures followed by infiltration with pyrolytic carbon using CVD processes exhibit surprisingly high through-thickness thermal conductivity and isotropic properties.

Abstract: Polyphthalamide formulations containing from 0.1 to about 2 wt % alkali metal halide have a significantly reduced melt viscosity and both filled and untitled resin formulations containing the requisite amount of alkali metal halide are more readily processed by thermal means. When stabilized with a copper-containing stabilizer and, optionally, a polyolefin synergist the formulations exhibit substantially improved dry heat stability and are particularly useful in the production of thermally-stabilized melt spun polyphthalamide fiber for applications where extended exposure to elevated temperatures in air is contemplated.

Abstract: Vinylidene olefin can be formed in good yield and high selectivity in much shorter reaction periods than found critical heretofore. The process involves dimerizing vinyl olefin with at least one trialkylaluminum compound as the catalyst component charged to the reaction vessel. These materials are charged to the reactor so that it contains in the range of 0.001 to 0.5 mol of trialkylaluminum per mol of the initial vinyl olefin. The reaction is performed at a temperature in the range of 100.degree. to 200.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to convert 10 to 99% by weight of the initial vinyl olefin to a different product with at least 80 wt % vinylidene dimer selectivity. In conducting the process the liquid reaction mixture is in direct contact with a nickel-containing metal alloy surface for at least one hour at a temperature above about 50.degree. C.

Abstract: Vinylidene olefin can be formed in good yield and high selectivity in much shorter reaction periods than found critical heretofore. The process involves dimerizing vinyl olefin with at least one trialkylaluminum compound as the sole catalyst component charged to the reaction vessel. These materials are charged to the reactor so that it contains in the range of 0.001 to 0.5 mol of trialkylaluminum per mol of the initial vinyl olefin. The reaction is performed at a temperature in the range of 100.degree. to 200.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to convert 10 to 99% by weight of the initial vinyl olefin to a different product and form a product mixture with at least 80 wt % vinylidene dimer selectivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fabrication of thick, three-dimensional structures comprising discontinuous thermoset pitch fiber, and to composites comprising such structures embedded in a matrix material such as a thermoset resin, ceramic, metal or carbon. Carbon-carbon fiber composite articles produced from porous carbon preforms obtained by carbonizing such structures followed by infiltration with pyrolytic carbon using CVD processes exhibit surprisingly high through-thickness thermal conductivity and isotropic properties.

Abstract: Alpha-olefin oligomer is prepared by contacting an alpha-olefin monomer which contains from about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms with a catalyst system comprising boron trifluoride, a protic promoter, and an organic sulfone, sulfoxide, carbonate, thiocarbonate, or sulfonate. Oligomer containing as much as 50% or more of dimer can be produced at high conversions, at modest reaction temperatures, and in acceptably short reaction periods.

Abstract: A method for improving the processability of a crystalline polyphthalamide having high heat deflection temperature when filled with glass fibers by compounding with an amount of a polyarylene sulfide sufficient to reduce melt viscosity.

Abstract: Polymer blends comprise a crystalline polyphthalamide component having high heat deflection temperature when filled with glass fibers and a polyarylene sulfide component.

Abstract: Alpha-olefin oligomers are prepared by a process which comprises contacting an oligomerizable olefin monomer with a catalyst system comprising a catalytic amount of boron trifluoride, a protic promoter, and an organic modifier selected from the group consisting of phosphate, thiophosphate, phosphine oxide, and phosphine sulfide. The oligomerizable olefin monomer is a C.sub.6 to C.sub.20 linear olefin comprising at least 50 mole % alpha olefin.

Abstract: Filled thermoplastic pitch comprising particulate filler and advanced mesophase pitch having a TMA deformation temperature of at least 400.degree. C., and a method for the manufacture thereof. The filled thermoplastic pitch may be shaped and densified in one or more thermoforming operations. The resulting preform may be thermoset and carbonized in ordinary baking operations without requiring molds and pressurized vessels.

Abstract: Vinylidene olefin can be formed in good yield in much shorter reaction periods than found critical heretofore. The process involves dimerizing vinyl olefin with at least one trialkylaluminum compound as the sole catalyst component charged to the reaction vessel. These materials are charged to the reactor so that it contains in the range of 0.001 to 0.05 mol of trialkylaluminum per mol of the initial vinyl olefin. The reaction is performed at a temperature in the range of over 140.degree. C. and below 172.degree. C. for a period of time in the range of 1 to 24 hours sufficient to convert at least 10% by weight of the initial vinyl olefin to a different product with at least 80 wt % vinylidene dimer selectivity.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions useful for the preparation of high modulus matrix resins for composites comprising a cycloaliphatic epoxide and a particular modifier.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions containing (a) a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, (b) an aromatic amine hardener, and (c) a particular cure accelerator. These compositions afford unreinforced castings with a high level of mechanical properties and improved heat deflection temperatures.

Abstract: Described herein is a composition comprising an epoxy resin containing at least one glycidyl amine group wherein the resin contains three or more epoxide groups per molecule and a particular aromatic amine hardener. These compositions possess the necessary balance of properties required for making prepreg and afford unreinforced castings with high moduli and strength.

Abstract: Described herein are resinous compositions comprising a particular cycloaliphatic epoxy resin and the adduct of these epoxy resins with an aromatic active hydrogen-containing compound. These compositions afford unreinforced castings with higher heat deflection temperatures, faster cure rates, and reduced water uptake than similar compositions containing epoxy adducts made from aliphatic polyols.

Abstract: Polyolefin resin compositions and oriented microporous films prepared from same comprising an ethylene-propylene block copolymer having an ethylene content of about 10 to about 50 wt %, a propylene homopolymer or random propylene copolymer having up to about 10 wt % of a comonomer of ethylene or an .alpha.-olefin of 4 to 8 carbon atoms, and components selected from a low molecular weight polypropylene, a beta-spherulite nucleating agent and an inorganic filler, and to processes for forming such films wherein the microporous films have improved breathability, strength, toughness and break elongation.

Abstract: Polyphthalamide formulations containing from 0.1 to about 2 wt % alkali metal halide have a significantly reduced melt viscosity and both filled and untilled resin formulations containing the requisite amount of alkali metal halide are more readily processed by thermal means. When stabilized with a copper-containing stabilizer and, optionally, a polyolefin synergist the formulations exhibit substantially improved dry heat stability and are particularly useful in the production of thermally-stabilized melt spun polyphthalamide fiber for applications where extended exposure to elevated temperatures in air is contemplated.

Abstract: Filled thermoplastic pitch comprising particulate filler and advanced mesophase pitch having a TMA deformation temperature of at least 400.degree. C., and a method for the manufacture thereof. The filled thermoplastic pitch may be shaped and densified in one or more thermoforming operations. The resulting preform may be thermoset and carbonized in ordinary baking operations without requiring molds and pressurized vessels.