Abstract: The present invention relates to a proton-conducting polymer membrane comprising polymers containing sulfonic acid groups, obtainable by a process comprising the steps of A) mixing vinyl-containing sulfonic acid with one or more aromatic tetraamino compounds with one or more aromatic carboxylic acids, their esters, their acid halides or their acid anhydrides, containing at least two acid groups per carboxylic acid monomer, and/or mixing vinyl-containing sulfonic acid with one or more aromatic and/or heteroaromatic diaminocarboxylic acids, their esters, their acid halides or their acid anhydrides, B) heating the mixture obtainable according to step A) under inert gas to temperatures of up to 350° C., to form polyazole polymers, C) applying a layer to a support, using the mixture according to step A) and/or B), D) polymerizing the vinyl-containing sulfonic acid present in the sheetlike structure obtainable according to step C).

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polymers, which are based on poly(vinyl ester) copolymers and poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers having excellent thermal properties because of their special composition and to the use of said polymers. The poly(vinyl alcohol-polyalkene) copolymers and polymer mixtures obtained in this way are characterized by a strongly modified melting behavior compared to linear poly(vinyl alcohols).

Abstract: The present invention relates to new polyvinyl polymers, to initiator systems for preparing them, to a process for preparing the polymers, and also to their use as an adhesive component, emulsifier, detergent, lubricant, coating component, for electrically insulating magnetic wires, for producing laminated glass sheets, as an adhesive primer, for textile coatings, as an additive for motor fuels, engine oils, concrete, and in papermaking, for producing water-soluble films and for preparing biodegradable and water-soluble polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyvinyl alcohols, to polyvinyl alcohol copolymers having specific geometries, to a process for preparing such polyvinyl alcohols and polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, and to their use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing special transition metal compounds, to novel transition metal compounds and to the use thereof for polymerizing olefins.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel group of specific transition metal compounds, referred to as nonmetallocene compounds, and catalyst systems prepared therefrom. These catalyst systems which have become obtainable for the first time are suitable for the polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: Nonmetallocenes, process for preparing them and their use for the polymerization of olefins. The present invention describes a novel group of specific transition metal compounds, referred to as nornmetallocene compounds, and catalyst systems prepared therefrom. These catalyst systems which have become obtainable for the first time are suitable for the polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing specific transition metal compounds, novel transition metal compounds and also catalyst systems and their use for the homo- or copolymerization of olefins.

Abstract: An electrode includes an electrically conductive matrix containing a disulfide group, wherein an S—S bond of the disulfide group is cleaved by electrochemical reduction and reformed by electrochemical oxidation. A plurality of carbon nanotubes are substantially disentangled and dispersed in the electrically conductive matrix. The electrode can be used as a cathode of a lithium battery. A method for producing disentangled carbon nanotubes includes the steps of: adding a plurality of aggregates of carbon nanotubes to a liquid; and providing sheer force (e.g. passing the liquid through a narrow gap at a high speed) onto the liquid for disentangling the aggregates of carbon nanotubes therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for increasing the content of ?-amylase-resistant starch (RS content) of a polysaccharide wherein the polysaccharide used is, under a water deficit, incubated, then cooled, if appropriate dried and a polysaccharide having an RS content increased compared with the polysaccharide used is obtained.

Abstract: Membranes comprising sulfonated polyether ketone and another polymer, process for their production, and their use, Membranes comprising from 30 to 99.5% by weight of a sulfonated, strictly alternating polyether ketone (A) having repeat units of the formula (I) —Ar—O—Ar?—CO—, where Ar and Ar?, independently of one another, are bivalent aromatic radicals, with an ion exchange capacity of from 1.3 to 4.0 meq of —SO3H/g of polymer and from 0.5 to 70% by weight of a partially fluorinated, nonfluorinated or perfluorinated polymer (B) are described. The membranes may be used in fuel cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel and inexpensive process for the nitration and amination of aryl polymers and also to their use as blend components for producing polymer blend membranes. Such polymer blend membranes are used in membrane processes, in particular as polymeric electrolyte in electromembranes, e.g. for electrodialysis and fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polymer blend membranes comprising a functional polymer based on sulfonated aryl polymers, a reinforcing polymer based on aminated or nitrated polyether sulfones and/or polyether ether sulfone and a plasticizer, and also their use as polymer electrolyte membrane in fuel cells, in particular in low-temperature fuel cells.

Abstract: A novel non-aggressive sulfonating process for aromatic polymers is described. The process encompasses: a). dissolving the aromatic polymer in a substantially anhydrous acid selected from the group consisting of concentrated sulfuric acid, chlorosulfonic acid, and oleum, b) adding an organic solvent which is inert under the conditions of the reaction, c) adding a carboxylic anhydride, d) adding a sulfonating agent, and e) carrying out the sulfonation at a temperature below 25° C. and for a time sufficient to achieve the desired degree of sulfonation.

Abstract: A method for producing a bridged polymer membrane includes the steps of: obtaining a liquid medium comprising a basic polymer having an amino group in a repeating unit, a bridging agent, and a solvent; shaping the liquid medium into a membrane configuration to obtain the shaped membrane; and bridging the basic polymer by the bridging agent in the shaped membrane. A fuel cell has the bridged polymer membrane. The mechanical strength of the polymer electrolyte membrane is improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sun protection product which contains microparticles as the active agent, wherein the microparticles comprise water-insoluble linear polyglucan.

Abstract: Compositions are described, based on starch and/or on modified starch and comprising, as plasticizers, polyhydroxycarboxylic acids derived from aldoses and/or from ketoses, in particular from pentoses and hexoses, or comprising lactones of these acids. The materials can be processed thermoplastically to give shaped articles which are biodegradable and physiologically nonhazardous. They may be used as packaging or casing for food or drink or pharmaceutical products, or also for the controlled release of active substances, or else for producing temporary protective coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing smooth-surface spherical microparticles which are completely or partially made of at least one water-insoluble linear polysaccharide. This method involves dissolving the at least one water-insoluble linear polysaccharide in a solvent or a mixture of solvents, introducing the solution into a precipitation agent or a mixture of precipitation agents, optionally cooling the mixture thus obtained, and separating the microparticles thus formed. The precipitation agent used consists of at least one water-soluble cellulose derivative. This invention also relates to microparticles obtained according to this method.

Abstract: An electrode includes an electrically conductive matrix containing a disulfide group, wherein an S—S bond of the disulfide group is cleaved by electrochemical reduction and reformed by electrochemical oxidation. A plurality of carbon nanotubes is dispersed in the electrically conductive matrix. The electrode can be used as a cathode of a lithium battery.

Abstract: Microparticles with a uniform spherical shape and a very narrow size distribution are described. They consist wholly or partly of a linear water-insoluble polysaccharide, preferably of 1,4-&agr;-D-polyglucan, and may contain other, in particular biodegradable, polymers and/or active substances. They are suitable inter alia for the controlled delivery of active substances. They are prepared by dissolving 1,4-&agr;-D-polyglucan or the polysaccharide in a solvent, introducing the solution into a precipitant, cooling the mixture and removing the particles formed.