Abstract: Compounds of the formula I wherein Q denotes a n-valent residue of an aliphatic polyol having a weight average molecular weight mw of 100 to 25000, n is an integer from 2 to 512, R1 is hydrogen or methyl, A denotes a m-valent aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic or araliphatic radical, m is an integer from 2 to 4, and Y is Z—CO—R2 or R3 wherein Z is a direct bond, C2-C10alkyleneoxy, phenyleneoxy, —(CH2CH2O)k— or (CHCH3CH2O)k— and k is an integer from 1 to 20, R2 denotes C2-C10alkenyl and R3 is C2-C10alkenyl or C1-C12alkyl having at least one halogen or nitro substituent at the &agr;-C-atom, phenyl having at least one halogen, nitro, alkyl, haloalkyl or alkoxy substituent or naphthyl having at least one halogen, nitro, alkyl, haloalkyo or alkoxy substituent, T is hydrogen or has the same meaning as Y can be used as toughening agents for adhesive compositions and yield products of high fracture and impact toughness.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) wherein Q denotes a n-valent residue of an aliphatic polyol having a weight average molecular weight mw of 100 to 25000, n is an integer from 2 to 512, R1 is hydrogen or methyl, A denotes a m-valent aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic or araliphatic radical, m is an integer from 2 to 4, and Y is a radical of formula (II) or (III) wherein E is a k-valent aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic or araliphatic radical and k is an integer from 2 to 4, can be used as curing agents for epoxy resins and yields products of high fracture and impact toughness.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is an alkali metal-ion secondary cell having a carbonaceous anode and an electrolyte, comprising an alkali metal salt dissolved in an organic electrolyte solvent. Intercalation and de-intercalation during repeated charge/discharge cycle of the secondary cell using a conventional electrolyte solvent causes continual exposure of bare surfaces of the carbonaceous material to the electrolyte, resulting in continual consumption of electrolyte in the formation of new passivation films on the bared or partially covered surfaces, adversely affecting the performance and capacity of the cell. An improvement on the conventional electrolyte involves the addition of fluorinated organic solvent to the conventional electrolyte and results in a more stable passivation film, much less consumption of electrolyte and better performance and cell capacity.