Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of methyl methacrylate. The process of the present invention comprises the steps of: a) providing a microorganism in a fermentation medium, under conditions which said microorganism will produce a C3-C12 methacrylate ester; b) providing an organic phase in contact with the fermentation medium, said organic phase including C3-C12 methacrylate ester in a higher concentration than that in the fermentation medium; c) removing organic phase containing the said C3-C12 methacrylate ester from contact with the fermentation medium; and d) transesterifying the removed C3-C12 methacrylate ester with methanol, optionally after separation from the organic phase, to produce methyl methacrylate.

Abstract: A catalyst has a modified silica support and comprises a modifier metal, zirconium and/or hafnium, and a catalytic metal on the modified support. The catalyst has at least a proportion, typically, at least 25%, of modifier metal present in moieties having a total of up to 2 modifier metal atoms. The moieties may be derived from a monomeric and/or dimeric cation source. A method of production: provides a silica support with isolated silanol groups with optional treatment to provide isolated silanol groups (—SiOH) at a level of <2.5 groups per nm2; contacting the optionally treated silica support with a monomeric zirconium or hafnium modifier metal compound to effect adsorption onto the support; and optionally calcining the modified support for a time and temperature sufficient to convert the monomeric zirconium or hafnium compound adsorbed on the surface to an oxide or hydroxide of zirconium or hafnium in preparation for catalyst impregnation.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the production of methacrylates using methacrylate tolerant microorganisms.

Abstract: A process of producing methacrylic acid and/or derivatives thereof including the following steps: (a) biologically converting isobutyryl-CoA into methacrylyl-CoA by the action of an oxidase; and (b) converting methacrylyl-CoA into methacrylic acid and/or derivatives thereof. The invention also extends to microorganisms adapted to conduct the steps of the process.

Abstract: A process of producing methacrylic acid and/or derivatives thereof including the following steps: (a) biologically converting isobutyryl-CoA into methacrylyl-CoA by the action of an oxidase; and (b) converting methacrylyl-CoA into methacrylic acid and/or derivatives thereof. The invention also extends to microorganisms adapted to conduct the steps of the process.

Abstract: A catalyst has a modified silica support and comprises a modifier metal, zirconium and/or hafnium, and a catalytic metal on the modified support. The catalyst has at least a proportion, typically, at least 25%, of modifier metal present in moieties having a total of up to 2 modifier metal atoms. The moieties may be derived from a monomeric and/or dimeric cation source. A method of production:— provides a silica support with isolated silanol groups with optional treatment to provide isolated silanol groups (—SiOH) at a level of <2.5 groups per nm2; contacting the optionally treated silica support with a monomeric zirconium or hafnium modifier metal compound to effect adsorption onto the support; optionally calcining the modified support for a time and temperature sufficient to convert the monomeric zirconium or hafnium compound adsorbed on the surface to an oxide or hydroxide of zirconium or hafnium in preparation for catalyst impregnation.

Abstract: A hardenable multi-part acrylic composition having at least two parts that react upon mixing to form a cement, such as bone cement, which hardens to a solid is described that includes storage stable liquid first and second parts, and optionally, further liquid parts. The parts react upon mixing to form a cement that hardens to a solid. The composition includes an acrylic monomer component and an initiator component in an amount effective to polymerize the acrylic monomer component when mixed and/or activated with it. The liquid first part comprises an aqueous dispersion of acrylic polymer particles and acrylic polymer beads. The polymer beads are at an equilibrium water content with the aqueous phase of the dispersion that generally has a viscosity between 10 and 10,000 centipoise. A twin barreled syringe, caulking gun or other cement mixing and delivery device and a method of producing the composition are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition with improved scratch and/or abrasion resistance and methods of their manufacture. Compositions for injection moulding, extrusion, (co)extrusion and/or thermoforming are described. The composition comprises (a) an acrylic (co)polymer and (b) a fatty acid amide. At least 30 wt % of the acrylic (co)polymer residues are residues of an alkacrylic acid or ester monomer such as methyl methacrylate and 0 to 70 wt % are residues of one or more other vinyl comonomers. A process for the production of a composition comprising the steps of melt blending the fatty acid amide with the acrylic (co)polymer or adding the fatty acid amide to the monomer during production of the acrylic (co)polymer. Use of the composition may be in injection moulding, extrusion or co-extrusion. Co-extruded laminates comprising a cap layer of the composition are also described.

Abstract: A process of producing methacrylic acid and/or derivatives thereof including the following steps: (a) biologically converting isobutyryl-CoA into methacrylyl-CoA by the action of an oxidase; and (b) converting methacrylyl-CoA into methacrylic acid and/or derivatives thereof. The invention also extends to microorganisms adapted to conduct the steps of the process.

Abstract: There is described a method of reducing polymer tar build-up in the production of methyl methacrylate and/or methacrylic acid by the acetone cyanohydrin process. In the method a stabiliser is contacted with the amide stage reaction medium. The stabiliser includes a hydrocarbon moiety capable of donating a labile hydrogen atom to a methacrylamide derivative capable of reaction with said labile hydrogen atom under the conditions in the said medium. The method herein is especially useful for the continuous production of methyl methacrylate and/or methacrylic acid.

Abstract: There is described a composition for synthetic stone. The composition having (a) 3 to 25 wt % acrylic resin, the acrylic resin having:—(i) >50 upto 95 wt % methyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate monomer residues, (ii) 4 to 40 wt % higher boiling point mono(alk)acrylate monomer, (iii) optionally, 0 to 10 wt % other acrylate or vinyl comonomer residues, and(iv) a crosslinking agent. The MMA residues of component (a)(i) are present in the acrylic resin in the form of a MMA residue containing (co)polymer, comprising at least 80% residues of MMA by weight of the (co)polymer. The composition further having (b) 70 to 95 wt % filler; and (c) optionally, a coupling agent. The composition being especially useful for the manufacture of synthetic stone for use in outdoor applications.