Abstract: The invention is a series of amorphous copolymers which, used in association with a small molecule, provide photorefractive materials that can be used in optical signal processing. These copolymers contain an active non-linear optical group and a group which contributes to their photoconductivity. ##STR1## where: X is H, CH.sub.3, Cl or FY is H, CH.sub.3, Cl or F2.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.42.ltoreq.m.ltoreq.4The electron-donor group D being:--O--, --S--, ##STR2## or --COO-- The electron-acceptor group A.sub.e being: --CN, --NO.sub.

Abstract: Odorless, aqueous copolymer dispersions are produced by emulsion copolymerizing a comonomer recipe which comprises at least 60% by weight of styrene and/or butadiene and/or an acrylic ester and/or a vinyl nitrile, and, optionally, up to 40% by weight of at least one other copolymerizable comonomer, in an aqueous medium of copolymerization, in the presence of an alkoxy, aryloxy, acyloxy or acylamino substituted diphenyl disulfide chain transfer agent.

Abstract: Enamine ketone and enonesulfide polymeric solids are prepared by reacting liquid or low-melting propynone terminated enamine ketone and enonesulfide prepolymers in one-step, or more preferably, in two-step processes. Properties of the resulting polymers are determined by the nature of the reactant selected and by the relative amounts of reactants employed. Where the prepolymers formed possess terminal propynone groups, the prepolymers can subsequently be cross-linked. Copolymers can also be formed by reacting the prepolymers of the invention with vinyl-type monomers to form polymers with cross-linked networks. The polymerization techniques disclosed can be employed to produce thermoplastic, thermoset, and elastomeric products, and they are especially useful in reaction injection molding processes, in adhesive systems, in composite formations, for linings, and gaskets which require chemical resistance.

Abstract: A heterofunctional macromer represented by the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; R.sub.2 is a (poly) lactone or (poly) ether chain;X.sub.1 is --COO--, --COOCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCO--, --CONHCOO--, --COOCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 NH--COO-- or ##STR2## X.sub.2 is --O--, --COO-- or --OCO--NH--R.sub.3 --NHCOO-- group; R.sub.3 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkylene, aromatic or alicyclic group;A is --CH.sub.2 --, --C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 -- or ##STR3## group; and reactive polymers derived from said macromer.

Abstract: The monomer cis-5,6-bis(trimethylsiloxy)-1,3-cyclohexadiene can be polymerized with certain nickel II catalysts, such as bis[(allyl)trifluoroacetatonickel(II)], bis[(allyl)pentafluorophenoxynickel(II)], and bis[(allyl)iodonickel(II)]. The resulting polymer is a precursor to poly(para-phenylene). Other substituted cyclohexadienes may also be polymerized by these catalysts to form useful polymers.

Abstract: A method for producing a vinyl resin comprising the steps of dissolving or dispersing a polymerizable vinyl monomer in a polymerization solvent containing a silicone oil, and polymerizing the polymerizable vinyl monomer in the presence of a polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: The epoxy resins according to the invention demonstrate the following structure: ##STR1## The cross-linked epoxy resins exhibit non-linear optical properties.

Abstract: Novel laser-optical recording elements which can be repeatedly erased and recorded on contain recording layers (a) which exhibit enantiotropic, ferroelectric smectic liquid crystalline (S.sub.C*) behavior, so that they can be switched back and forth between two thermodynamically stable, optically distinguishable ferroelectric smectic liquid crystlaline S.sub.C* order states on exposure to a laser beam of sufficient luminous power, by applying an external electric field. The recording layers (a) themselves consist mainly or exclusively of novel polymers P having chiral mesogenic side groups.

Abstract: A formaldehyde-free latent crosslinking monomer represented by the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl; R.sup.3 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl, or R.sup.4 --C(O)--; and R.sup.4 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 aryl, contains an allyl group capable of undergoing addition copolymerization and a dialkoxy ethyl group capable of crosslinking under acidic conditions. The monomer can be copolymerized with comonomers to form emulsion polymers for use as formaldehyde-free binders in nonwoven textiles. Methods for the preparation of the monomer, the polymers, and the nonwoven fabrics are described.

Abstract: Novel laser-optical recording elements which can be repeatedly erased and recorded on contain recording layers (a) which exhibit enantiotropic, ferroelectric smectic liquid crystalline (S.sub.c*) behavior, so that they can be switched back and forth between two thermodynamically stable, optically distinguishable ferroelectric smectic liquid crystalline S.sub.C* order states on exposure to a laser beam of sufficient luminous power, by applying an external electric field. The recording layers (a) themselves consist mainly or exclusively of novel polymers P having chiral mesogenic side groups.

Abstract: A method of addition of polymerization initiator in the process of suspension polymerization or emulsion polymerization polymerizing a polymerizable monomer in aqueous medium, comprising introducing a low-temperature-active polymerization initiator taking part in the polymerization reaction to a piping system filled beforehand with water and successively adding said initiator in the piping system to polymerization system within 20 minutes using water.

Abstract: This invention provides novel vinyl polymers with pendant side chains which exhibit nonlinear optical response. The polymers have utility as a transparent optical media in optical devices.

Abstract: Mono- or copolymers of water-soluble monomers of formula I are produced by preparing a two-phase system containing droplets of an aqueous solution of the monomers in a water-immiscible inert organic liquid. The monomers are polymerized in the presence of a combination of a suspending agent and an emulsifier.

Abstract: Unsaturated urethane having specified molecular structure shown by Formula (1) given below and vinyl monomers which are copolymerizable with such unsaturated urethane can form together polymerizable compositions which, as well as in-mold cured products therefrom, have improved characteristics such as compatibility between the constituents and water resistance: ##STR1## where X is a residual group obtained by removing the hydroxyl groups from a trihydric or tetrahydric polyol; R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 are each H or CH.sub.3 ; R.sup.2 is higher aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 5.about.21 carbon atoms; p and q are each 1 or 2; r is an integer 0.about.2 such that p+q+r=3 or 4 and p+r=2 or 3; and a is an integer 2.about.4.

Abstract: A process for addition polymerization of vinylic (in particular methacrylic) monomers at a temperature in the range of -20.degree. to 60.degree. c., in the presence of a catalyst comprising:(a) a first component of empirical formula (I):MT (I)whereinM is an alkali metal atom; andT is bulky hydrocarbyl which contains at least 4 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by one or more pendent substituents, or hetero-substituted hydrocarbyl, each of which is inert in the process conditions; and(b) a (co-catalyst) second component comprising a compound of empirical formula (II):Q(X.sub.m) (Y.sub.n) Zp (II)whereinQ is Al, B or Zn;m, n and p are each 0 or an integer such that (m+n+p)=2 or 3 (depending on the appropriate valency of Q; andX, Y and Z are each independently optionally substituted bulky hydrocarbyl, orX and Y together are optionally substituted hydrocarbadiyl, and Z is optionally substituted bulky hydrocarbyl,all of which groups are inert in the process conditions.

Abstract: A new class of polymerizable surfactants, useful for modifying the surfaces of polymeric objects, which are described by the formula:DC[A.sub.x B.sub.y ]wherein A is at least one ethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic monomer, B is at least one ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer, C is a functional chain transfer agent, D is an ethylenically unsaturated end group, y is within the range from about 0.1 to about 0.9, and x+y=1. Also disclosed are random copolymer precursors of such polymerizable surfactants.

Abstract: A formaldehyde-free latent crosslinking monomer represented by the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl; R.sup.3 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl, or R.sup.4 --C(O)--; and R.sup.4 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 aryl, contains an allyl group capable of undergoing addition copolymerization and a dialkoxy ethyl group capable of crosslinking under acidic conditions. The monomer can be copolymerized with comonomers to form emulsion polymers for use as formaldehyde-free binders in nonwoven textiles. Methods for the preparation of the monomer, the polymers, and the nonwoven fabrics are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the photochemical conversion of tachysterol compounds into previtamin D compounds and of trans-vitamin D compounds into cis-vitamin D compounds under the influence of radiation, by exposing the tachysterol compound and trans-vitamin D compound, respectively, dissolved in a suitable solvent system, in the presence of a polymeric photosensitizer consisting of a polymer chain ("backbone") comprising covalently bound sensitizers suitable for the photochemical conversion, to light with a wavelength of preferably between approx. 300 and approx.

Abstract: Random or block copolymers with (1-hydro-1-R-1-sila-cis-pent-3-ene), poly(1-hydro-1-R-3,4 benzo-1-sila pent-3-ene), and disubstituted 1-silapent-3-ene repeating units of the general formula ##STR1## where R is hydrogen, an alkyl radical containing from one to four carbon atoms or phenyl, R.sup.1 is hydrogen, an alkyl radical containing from one to four carbon atoms, phenyl or a halogen and R.sup.2 is hydrogen, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are combined to form a phenyl ring, are prepared by the anionic ring opening polymerization of silacyclopent-3-enes or 2-silaindans with an organometallic base and cation coordinating ligand catalyst system or a metathesis ring opening catalyst system.

Abstract: In one embodiment this invention provides novel side chain copolymers which exhibit nonlinear optical response, and which have utility as a transparent optical component in all-optical and electrooptical light switch and light modulator devices.