Abstract: The invention concerns a flocculation formulation. The invention also concerns the treatment of mine tailings in the form of aqueous effluents comprising solid particles. With the method of the invention, it is possible to separate all or part of the water from an aqueous effluent comprising solid particles.

Abstract: Cellulose acetate films having excellent optical properties are disclosed. The films are made from cellulose acetate and a plasticizer. A solvent cast precursor film is initially formed and then subjected to high temperatures and pressures for improving at least one optical property.

Abstract: Use of polyisobutylene in a weight average molecular weight of greater than 1000 daltons can increase processing efficiency when making liquid color concentrates and can improve coloration of polymers used in a variety of final shaped polymer articles.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for preparing a treated cellulosic material comprising: providing a cellulosic material; a first treatment protocol comprising impregnating the cellulosic material with an aqueous dispersion comprising a polymer, the polymer comprising an olefin-carboxylic acid copolymer neutralized at least in part by ammonia or an amine; and a second treatment protocol comprising heating the cellulosic material, wherein at least a portion of the ammonia or the amine is liberated from the cellulosic material.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a treated cellulosic material comprising: a cellulosic material having a porous structure defining a plurality of pores, at least a portion of the pores containing a treating agent comprising: a polymer comprising an olefin-carboxylic acid copolymer; and a modifying agent comprising a hydrophobic amine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an efficient process for the preparation and isolation of rubber particles formed in aqueous media having a tunable level of metal containing anti-agglomerants and rubber particles obtained thereby. The invention further relates to copolymer products comprising the same or derived therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing level of titanium in an aqueous solution of polyester in a safe and effective way, while avoiding hydrolysis of the polyester.

Abstract: Embodiments may include a method for reducing a solvent concentration in a plurality of microparticles. The method may involve contacting a mixture including the plurality of microparticles and the solvent with water to form an aqueous suspension. A first portion of the solvent may dissolve into the water of the aqueous suspension to reduce the solvent concentration in the plurality of microparticles from a first solvent concentration in the mixture to a second solvent concentration in the aqueous suspension. The method may also include transferring the aqueous suspension to a concentration unit that may further reduce the solvent concentration from the second solvent concentration to a third solvent concentration. The method may further include transferring a microparticle concentrate with the third solvent concentration to a washing unit to form an amalgam of washed microparticles with a fourth solvent concentration. The method may also include drying the amalgam of washed microparticles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of processing natural rubber latex using an extruder including a plurality of process zones by processing coagulant with latex to produce a coagulum and serum. In some embodiments, the coagulant can include an acid, a metal salt, or a mixture of both. Some embodiments can include a coagulum wash stage, and a deresination step. In some embodiments, the extruder can be operated to move coagulum through the extruder to remove at least some fraction of water to form a substantially dewatered coagulum, and a drying step to form a dried coagulum. In some embodiments, a stabilizer such as an antioxidant can be introduced into the extruder, and processed to remain in some fraction in the dried coagulum. Some alternative embodiments include a latex processing method of providing a flow of coagulant, and combining latex with the flowing using an emulsion dispensing bar.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation and purification of high-X (“chi”) diblock copolymers. Such copolymers contain two segments (“blocks”) of polymers with significantly different interaction parameters and can be used in directed self-assembly applications.

Abstract: Long term stable, oil-in-water emulsions that have a high concentration of plasticized MQ-type resin and/or its derivatives in an internal phase. Also, novel compositions for topical use that comprise our MQ resin emulsions. These compositions include, hair care products, especially for treating split ends, skin care products, such as sunscreens, and systems for delivering actives to skin and hair. In some preferred embodiments, the MQ emulsion is stabilized in such a way that the surface tension of the emulsion is sufficiently close to the surface tension of a target surface, such as damaged hair or skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing level of titanium in an aqueous solution of polyester in a safe and effective way, while avoiding hydrolysis of the polyester.

Abstract: The invention pertain to a process for purifying a fluoropolymer dispersion, said process comprising: (i) providing an aqueous dispersion (D) of at least one fluoropolymer [polymer (F)]comprising at least one fluorinated surfactant [surfactant (FS)], having a solids content (SC) of 15% by weight or more; (ii) adding to said aqueous dispersion (D) at least one non-ionic non-fluorinated surfactant [surfactant (NS)]; (iii) adjusting said solid content (SC) to less than 10% by weight, to obtain a diluted aqueous dispersion (dD); (iv) contacting said diluted aqueous dispersion (dD) with at least one adsorbing material, so as to obtain an aqueous dispersion of polymer (F) having a content of the fluorinated surfactant (FS) of less than 1 ppm based on the total weight of solids. Still an object of the invention is an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising less than 1 ppm of fluorinated surfactant.

Abstract: A method of purifying a poly(phenylene ether) is described. The method includes mixing a poly(phenylene ether) solution comprising a poly(phenylene ether) and a poly(phenylene ether) solvent with first washing solvents including a C1-C4 alkanol and water to form a first liquid phase including poly(phenylene ether) and poly(phenylene ether) solvent, and a second liquid phase comprising C1-C4 alkanol and water, and separating the first liquid phase from the second liquid phase. The first and second liquid phases combined comprise about 60 to about 95 weight percent poly(phenylene ether) solvent, about 4 to about 32 weight percent C1-C4 alkanol, and about 1 to about 36 weight percent water. When optionally combined with evaporative removal of the poly(phenylene ether) solvent, the method reduces C1-C4 alkanol usage compared to the antisolvent precipitation method, and it produces poly(phenylene ether) having reduced catalyst metal ion residue and reduced color.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and efficient toxicity and/or odor reducing method for ethyl acrylate and/or acrylonitrile contained aqueous polymer dispersion.

Abstract: A method is provided that produces nanocomposite materials containing well-dispersed, nanoparticles encapsulated in a polymer matrix. A feedstock comprising a colloidal dispersion of nanoparticles in a solvent and a polymer dissolved in the same solvent is passed through an ultrasonic nozzle using a flow control device, producing an aerosol of drops having diameters less than about 100 micrometers. The aerosol of drops is then mixed with a fluid that is miscible with the solvent, is a nonsolvent for the polymer, and destabilizes the colloidal dispersion. As a result, well-dispersed polymer-encapsulated nanoparticles precipitate. The method operates at atmospheric temperature and pressure and allows for independent control of the precipitation of the particle and of the polymer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes for preparing microparticles using a solvent extraction technique, including controlled addition and/or removal of the extraction phase.

Abstract: A method of making a fluoropolymer dispersion by first providing a fluoropolymer dispersion comprising fluoropolymer particles and one or more fluorinated surfactants selected from fluorinated carboxylic acids or salts thereof having the general formula: [Rf—O-L-COO?]iXi+??(I) wherein L represents a linear fully fluorinated alkylene group, Rf represents a linear fully fluorinated aliphatic group or a linear fully fluorinated aliphatic group interrupted with one oxygen atom, Xi+ represents a cation having the valence i and i is 1, 2 or 3; then adding one or more non-fluorinated surfactants selected from anionic and non-ionic surfactants followed by reducing the total amount of the one or more fluorinated surfactants to an amount of not more than 500 ppm, for example not more than 250 ppm based on the total weight of the dispersion while maintaining or increasing the amount of solids in the dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluoropolymer dispersion comprising fluoropolymer particles having an average particle size of 10 to 400 nm dispersed in water whereby the dispersion is free of fluorinated surfactant having a molecular weight of less than 1000 g/mol or contains the fluorinated surfactant having a molecular weight of less than 1000 g/mol in an amount of not more than 0.025% by weight based on the total weight of solids in the dispersion. The dispersion further comprises a non-ionic surfactant and an anionic surfactant selected from fluorinated anionic surfactants having a molecular weight of at least 1000 g/mol, non-fluorinated anionic surfactants and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An organic polymer is transferred from one solvent to another. In a first step, a solution of the polymer in a first solvent is divided into droplets, dispersed into a liquid phase such as water bath, and the first solvent is removed from the droplets to produce a slurry in the liquid phase. Then, the second solvent is contacted with the slurry to dissolve the organic polymer and produce a second solution. The second solution is removed from the liquid phase. The process is especially suitable for transferring a butadiene polymer from a hydrocarbon solvent into a halogenated solvent for bromination.

Abstract: A process for reducing fluorosurfactant content of a stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising contacting the stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion with an anion exchange resin comprising a polymer and quaternary ammonium functional groups to reduce fluorosurfactant content, the functional groups being resistant to degradation which releases trialkylamines. The anion exchange resin is separated from the dispersion after the fluorosurfactant content has been reduced.

Abstract: A process for reducing fluorosurfactant content of a stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising contacting the stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion with an anion exchange resin comprising a polymer and quaternary ammonium functional groups to reduce fluorosurfactant content, the functional groups being resistant to degradation which releases trialkylamines. The anion exchange resin is separated from the dispersion after the fluorosurfactant content has been reduced.

Abstract: A method of making a fluoropolymer dispersion by first providing a fluoropolymer dispersion comprising fluoropolymer particles and one or more fluorinated surfactants selected from fluorinated carboxylic acids or salts thereof having the general formula: [Rf—O-L-COO?]iXi+??(I) wherein L represents a linear fully fluorinated alkylene group, Rf represents a linear partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group or a linear partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group interrupted with one oxygen atom, Xi+ represents a cation having the valence i and i is 1, 2 or 3; then adding one or more non-fluorinated surfactants selected from anionic and non-ionic surfactants followed by reducing the total amount of the one or more fluorinated surfactants to an amount of not more than 500 ppm, for example not more than 250 ppm based on the total weight of the dispersion while maintaining or increasing the amount of solids in the dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (1) a process for producing a water dispersion for ink-jet printing containing colorant-containing polymer particles which includes a step I of obtaining a dispersion of colorant-containing polymer particles; a step II of obtaining a water dispersion of the colorant-containing polymer particles from the dispersion obtained in the step I; a step III of mixing the water dispersion obtained in the step II with an organic solvent (B) to suitably control a relative dielectric constant of a mixed solvent in the resultant dispersion, thereby precipitating the colorant-containing polymer particles; and a step IV of separating precipitates obtained in the step III from the dispersion and re-dispersing the precipitates in a water-based solvent; (2) a water-based ink for ink-jet printing which is excellent in ejection stability and optical density; (3) a process for purifying a water dispersion for ink-jet printing; and (4) a process for producing a dispersion containing groups of fine p

Abstract: Methods relating to polymer-bioceramic composite implantable medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided for herein is a process to produce an essentially homogeneous single liquid phase hydrocarbon-rubber cement from a polymer slurry comprising a hydrocarbon-rubber, a diluent, and unreacted monomer(s), the process comprising: (a) contacting the polymer slurry with a hydrocarbon solvent; and (b) removing the diluent in amounts not sufficiently more than is necessary to produce the essentially homogeneous single liquid phase hydrocarbon-rubber cement wherein the mass fraction of monomer(s) in the hydrocarbon-rubber cement, based on the total amount of hydrocarbon-rubber present in the hydrocarbon-rubber cement, is less than the mass fraction of monomer(s) in the hydrocarbon-rubber slurry, based on the total amount of hydrocarbon-rubber present in the hydrocarbon-rubber slurry, wherein the diluent comprises a hydrofluorocarbon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating composition comprising a polyurethane polyol composition comprising the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a polyol, and modified nanoparticles of silica and/or alumina, and to a process for preparing such coating composition.

Abstract: A resist polymer solution comprising a resist polymer containing a repeating unit decomposed by the action of an acid so as to be soluble in alkali and a repeating unit having a polar group, the resist polymer dissolved in a solvent for coating film formation, wherein the amount of impurities whose boiling point is not higher than that of the solvent for coating film formation is 1 mass % or less based on the resist polymer. Further, there is provided a process for producing a resist polymer solution, comprising the step (1) of redissolving a solid matter containing a resist polymer in a solvent for coating film formation (a) and/or a solvent (b) whose boiling point at atmospheric pressure is not higher than that of the solvent (a); and the impurity removing step (2) of distilling off the solvent (b) and/or any excess amount of solvent (a) in vacuum from the redissolution solution obtained in the step (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides energetically and economically efficient methods for separating polyamide polymer(s) from commingled materials. The methods generally involve precipitating a polyamide polymer dissolved in a solvent (e.g., formic acid) using dimethyl ether (DME) as an antisolvent. The methods comprise dissolving the polyamide polymer in a solvent that (i) selectively dissolves the polyamide polymer relative to the other materials and (ii) has a higher solubility for DME relative to the polyamide polymer; and then contacting the mixture of the solvent with the dissolved polyamide polymer with DME, thereby precipitating the polyamide polymer.

Abstract: A process for making a latex emulsion suitable for use in a toner composition includes contacting at least one amorphous polyester resin with an organic solvent to form a resin mixture, adding a neutralizing agent, and deionized water to the resin mixture, removing the solvent from the formed latex, separating the solvent from water, and recycling the solvent from the resin mixture for utilization in a subsequent phase inversion emulsion process.

Abstract: A process for producing an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion which includes adding a specific compound to a to-be-treated aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion containing a particle of fluoropolymer dispersed therein, the to-be-treated aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion containing a fluorinated surfactant (A) with a molecular weight lower than 1000 in an amount of 100 ppm or less of the fluoropolymer and the specific compound being (1) a sulfosuccinic acid alkyl ester or a salt thereof, or a sulfosuccinic acid fluoroalkyl ester or a salt thereof, (2) the fluorinated surfactant (A), (3) a fluorinated surfactant (B) with a molecular weight lower than 1000, differing from the fluorinated surfactant (A) and/or (4) an aliphatic carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, which compound is added in total amount of 10 to 5000 ppm of said fluoropolymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for recovery of a fluorinated anionic surfactant from a basic anion exchange resin having quaternary ammonium groups, the method comprising eluting the anion exchange resin with a composition comprising an ammonium salt and a water miscible organic solvent. The method according to the invention may provide one or more of the following advantages. For example, the method can be designed to allow for recovery of substantially all of the fluorinated surfactant from a basic anion exchange resin having quaternary ammonium groups. Also, the liquid used for recovering the surfactant from the anion exchange resin is a simple liquid that can be readily and cost effectively manufactured. Further the process may be carried out in a convenient and easy manner. Furthermore, the method generally does not require large amounts of the eluting composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of dispersing discrete fillers in a polymer matrix to form a composite. Also disclosed are composites having discrete fillers dispersed in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes for preparing microparticles using a solvent extraction technique, including controlled addition and/or removal of the extraction phase.

Abstract: A method of making a fluoropolymer dispersion by first providing a fluoropolymer dispersion comprising fluoropolymer particles and one or more fluorinated surfactants selected from fluorinated carboxylic acids or salts thereof having the general formula: [Rf—O-L-COO?]iXi+??(I) wherein L represents a linear partially or fully fluorinated alkylene group or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, Rf represents a linear partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group or a linear partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group interrupted with one or more oxygen atoms, Xi+ represents a cation having the valence i and i is 1, 2 or 3; then adding one or more non-fluorinated surfactants selected from anionic and non-ionic surfactants followed by reducing the total amount of the one or more fluorinated surfactants to an amount of not more than 500 ppm, for example not more than 250 ppm based on the total weight of the dispersion while maintaining or increasing the amount of solids in the dispersion.

Abstract: A process for reducing fluorosurfactant content of a stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising contacting the stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion with an anion exchange resin comprising a polymer and quaternary ammonium functional groups to reduce fluorosurfactant content, the functional groups being resistant to degradation which releases trialkylamines. The anion exchange resin is separated from the dispersion after the fluorosurfactant content has been reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of water-soluble polymers, consisting of a) monoethylenically unsaturated monomers consisting of acidic groups in an acidic, partially or fully neutralized form and b) other monomers which can be copolymerized with monomers a) as a drying agent for the production of redispersion power and/or powdery polymer dispersing agents. The water-soluble polymers contain at least 20 wt. % monomers (a) and a maximum of 8O wt. % monomers (b) and are supplied to the production process in the form of aqueous solutions in amounts of up to 50 wt. % maximum, enabling powder, polymer products with a residual moisture of <2 wt. % to be obtained, particularly in spray drying processes, and which are added to mineral systems as dispersing agents in amounts of 0.05-5 wt. % or are used as building materials for the mineral binding of redispersion powder in adhesives or as a binders in their own right.

Abstract: Provided for herein is a process for separating a hydrocarbon-rubber from a hydrofluorocarbon diluent comprising contacting a polymer slurry comprising the hydrocarbon-rubber dispersed within the hydrofluorocarbon diluent with a hydrocarbon solvent capable of dissolving the hydrocarbon-rubber, to produce a first liquid phase and a second liquid phase, and separating the first liquid phase from the second liquid phase.

Abstract: A process for producing an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion which includes adding a specific compound to a to-be-treated aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion containing a particle of fluoropolymer dispersed therein, the to-be-treated aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion containing a fluorinated surfactant (A) with a molecular weight lower than 1000 in an amount of 100 ppm or less of the fluoropolymer and the specific compound being (1) a sulfosuccinic acid alkyl ester or a salt thereof, or a sulfosuccinic acid fluoroalkyl ester or a salt thereof, (2) the fluorinated surfactant (A), (3) a fluorinated surfactant (B) with a molecular weight lower than 1000, differing from the fluorinated surfactant (A) and/or (4) an aliphatic carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, which compound is added in total amount of 10 to 5000 ppm of said fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A process for stripping chemically bonded spinning solvent from a solution-spun nonwoven web comprising the steps of providing a nonwoven web comprising solvent-laden polymeric fibers having average fiber diameters of less than about 1 micrometer, and transporting the nonwoven web through a solvent stripping zone wherein infrared radiation irradiates the nonwoven web and a solvent stripping fluid impinges on the nonwoven web in order to reduce the solvent concentration of the fibers to less than about 10,000 ppmw.

Abstract: Provided for herein is a process for separating a hydrocarbon-rubber from a hydrofluorocarbon diluent comprising contacting a polymer slurry comprising the hydrocarbon-rubber dispersed within the hydrofluorocarbon diluent with a hydrocarbon solvent capable of dissolving the hydrocarbon-rubber, to produce a first liquid phase and a second liquid phase, and separating the first liquid phase from the second liquid phase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a powdery coating material by using: a curable polyester resin (A) having a hydroxyl group and/or a carboxyl group at the terminals thereof, and further having a number average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 30,000, a glass transition temperature of from 30 to 100° C.; a curing agent (B) which is solid at normal temperature and is capable of being reacted with the hydroxyl group or the carboxyl group of the curable polyester resin (A); and a solvent (C) having a boiling point under normal pressure of from 50 to 130° C.; and comprising a step of kneading the curable polyester resin (A), the curing agent (B) and the solvent (C) under condition in which at 50 to 130° C., not less than 20% by weight of the curing agent (B) is dissolved in the solvent and, then, vapor-removing the solvent (C) under a reduced pressure.

Abstract: A non-vinylidene fluororesin powder coating material having blocking resistance and high impact resistance, is provided. A fluororesin powder coating composition comprising a non-vinylidene fluororesin having a Tg higher than 40° C. and a resin having a Tg of from 0 to 40° C.

Abstract: The invention relates phase-separated compositions comprising two miscible solvents. More specifically, the invention relates to compositions comprising liquid droplets of an internal phase comprising a solvent B and further compounds, said droplets being dispersed in an external phase comprising solvent A, wherein solvent A and solvent B are miscible. Such compositions find use in various technical fields, including encapsulation, vectorisation, protection of compounds, separations, and chemical reactions in a dispersed medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an aqueous dispersion of thermoplastic resin microparticles containing considerably less residual solvent remaining in resin particles, and a toner for electrophotography containing considerably less residual solvent. A self-water-dispersible thermoplastic resin is swollen using an organic solvent having a boiling point lower than 100° C., which does not dissolve but can swell the self-water-dispersible thermoplastic resin, to produce a swollen material and the resulting swollen material is dispersed into an aqueous medium in the form of microparticles to produce an initial aqueous dispersion, and then the organic solvent is removed from the initial aqueous dispersion to prepare a dispersion. A toner for electrophotography contains microparticles obtained by separating microparticles of the self-water-dispersible thermoplastic resin from the aqueous dispersion of thermoplastic resin microparticles and drying the microparticles.

Abstract: Fluorine-containing emulsifiers can be removed from fluoropolymer dispersions by adding to the dispersion a nonionic emulsifier, removing the fluorine-containing emulsifier by contact with an anion exchanger and separating the dispersion from the anion exchanger. The resulting dispersions can be concentrated and used for coating applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of reducing the amount of fluorinated emulsifier in an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion by contacting the aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion with an anion exchange resin in a non-fixed resin bed, the process comprising: (a) mixing the aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion with an effective amount of a surfactant so as to stabilize the fluoropolymer dispersion while being contacted with the anion exchange resin; (b) contacting the aqueous fluoropolyrner dispersion with an anion exchange resin by agitating the aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion with an effective amount of anion exchange resin for a time of less than 4 hours to reduce the amount of fluorinated emulsifier in the aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion to a desired level; and (c) separating the anion exchange resin from the aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a powdery coating material by using: a curable polyester resin (A) having a hydroxyl group and/or a carboxyl group at the terminals thereof, and further having a number average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 30,000, a glass transition temperature of from 30 to 100° C.; a curing agent (B) which is solid at normal temperature and is capable of being reacted with the hydroxyl group or the carboxyl group of the curable polyester resin (A); and a solvent (C) having a boiling point under normal pressure of from 50 to 130° C.; and comprising a step of kneading the curable polyester resin (A), the curing agent (B) and the solvent (C) under condition in which at 50 to 130° C., not less than 20% by weight of the curing agent (B) is dissolved in the solvent and, then, vapor-removing the solvent (C) under a reduced pressure.

Abstract: A process for making pigmented PVDF-based powder coatings by coagulation and powder based coatings made by the process. The process involves blending a PVDF latex and a water reducible acrylic polymer and pigment dispersion, adding coagulant to precipitate solid PVDF and pigment associated by ionic interaction with acrylic polymer binder, separating solids and drying the precipitate. Also, methods for coating substrates with the powder coating and coated substrates.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for obtaining solid particles from at least a water soluble product, characterized in that it comprises steps which consist in: forming a solution of said product in an aqueous phase, producing an emulsion, or a micro-emulsion, consisting of said aqueous mixture and a polar organic phase, contacting said emulsion, or said micro-emulsion, with a fluid at supercritical pressure, or a liquefied gas, so that the latter extracts the organic phase and the water, thereby precipitating the formed solid particles of the water soluble product, and collecting the resulting formed particles.