Abstract: The present invention relates to a process by which a carboxylic acid/diol mixture is obtained from a slurry or cake carboxylic acid product without isolation of a substantially dry carboxylic acid solid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process by which a terephthalic acid/ethylene glycol mixture suitable as a starting material for polyester or co-polyester production is obtained from a slurry or cake terephthalic acid product without isolation of a substantially dry terephthalic acid solid.

Abstract: The method of polymerization includes the steps of a) providing a catalyst system, b) providing at least one monomer or comonomer mixture in a reaction vessel, c) introducing the catalyst into the reaction vessel, and d) polymerizing the at least one monomer or comonomer mixture to produce an isoolefin polymer. The catalyst may be soluble in the diluent used for polymerization. The polymerization contact surfaces of the reaction vessel have an arithmetic average surface roughness of less than 0.3 ?m (12 microinches).

Abstract: The invention is directed to polyester processes that utilizes a pipe reactor in the esterification, polycondensation, or both esterification and polycondensation processes. Pipe reactor processes of the present invention have a multitude of advantages over prior art processes including improved heat transfer, volume control, agitation and disengagement functions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for gas phase polymerization are provided. The method can include polymerizing one or more olefins at gas phase conditions in a reactor comprising one or more process exposed surfaces in the presence of a catalyst system; and treating at least a portion of the one or more process exposed surfaces prior to injecting the catalyst system to reduce the number of surface hydroxyls or access of the catalyst system to the surface hydroxyls on the process exposed surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing crosslinked polyvinyl acetals, according to which a vinyl alcohol copolymer is reacted with at least one polyaldehyde and is partly esterified.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing crosslinked polyvinyl acetals, according to which a polyvinyl alcohol (A1) containing carboxyl groups is crosslinked by (i) reacting the polymer (A1) with at least one polyaldehyde of formula R9(CHO)n, and (ii) at least partly esterifying groups of formula (1) and formula (4a) with each other, said steps being performed in any order. The invention further relates to methods for producing crosslinked polyvinyl acetals, according to which a polyvinyl alcohol (A2) is crosslinked by (i) reacting the polymer (A2) with at least one compound of formula (6), (ii) adding at least one compound of formula (4b), (iii) adding a polyaldehyde of formula (5), and (iv) at least partly esterifying groups of formula (1) and structural units derived from the compound of formula (4b) with each other, the radicals R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11, and the index n being defined as indicated in the description.

Abstract: The method of polymerization includes the steps of a) providing a catalyst system, b) providing at least one monomer or comonomer mixture in a reaction vessel, c) introducing the catalyst into the reaction vessel, and d) polymerizing the at least one monomer or comonomer mixture to produce an isoolefin polymer. The catalyst may be soluble in the diluent used for polymerization. The polymerization contact surfaces of the reaction vessel have an arithmetic average surface roughness of less than 0.3 ?m (12 microinches).

Abstract: This invention discloses the use in the production of a polyolefin of a slurry loop reactor wherein all internal parts in contact with the slurry are polished first by a mechanical process to a level of at most 70 RMS roughness value and are subsequently polished by a chemical or electrochemical process, to a final level of at most 40 RMS roughness value.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing electrically conductive macromolecules of the present invention is provided by reacting at least a monomer and an oxidizing agent to obtain electrically conductive macromolecules by a chemical polymerization method, the method including reacting the monomer and the oxidizing agent at least in a polymerizing vessel that contains a steam atmosphere. With this method, it is possible to obtain flat, electrically conductive macromolecules (10). Thus, it is possible to provide a method and an apparatus for manufacturing electrically conductive macromolecules in which it is possible to combine both low ESR and high capacity in a solid state electrolytic capacitor, realize low losses, and have low current leakage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a catalyst system that comprises several bridged pseudo-bisindenyl components that are structurally different in order to prepare polymers having a broad molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: An olefin polymerisation process carried out in the presence of an anti-fouling agent and a chromium-type catalyst or Ziegler Natta catalyst; characterised in that the anti-fouling agent comprises an anti-fouling polymer having an average molecular weight (Mw) of greater than 1000 daltons and containing: (1) one or more blocks —(CH2—CH2—O)k— where each k is in the range from 1 to 50; and (2) one or more blocks —(CH2—CH(R)—(O)n where R comprises an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and each n is in the range from 1 to 50, and terminated by a R? and a R? end groups, wherein R? is OH or an alkoxy having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and R? is H or an alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing conjugated polymer by plasma polymerization, which comprises the steps of introducing at least one monomer at a high concentration into a vacuum chamber; and igniting plasma, wherein the monomer is shattered into preferable-size fragments and is activated, and the activated monomers polymerize or copolymerize with one another to form the conjugated polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process by which a carboxylic acid/diol mixture is obtained from a slurry or cake carboxylic acid product without isolation of a substantially dry carboxylic acid solid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process by which a terephthalic acid/ethylene glycol mixture suitable as a starting material for polyester or co-polyester production is obtained from a slurry or cake terephthalic acid product without isolation of a substantially dry terephthalic acid solid.

Abstract: The device of the present invention delivers reactants to a reaction zone in a plug flow reactor. The feedblock encircles the reaction zone. Reactants enter the feedblock through an inlet port leading to a manifold for the delivery of reactants into a plurality of feed ports that are in connection with the reaction zone of a plug flow reactor. The invention additionally encompasses plug flow reactors including one or more feedblocks and the method of utilizing the feedblock for the reduction of radial variation in concentration upon entry of a reactant into the reaction zone.

Abstract: A method of preparing a polymer under predetermined temperature conditions comprises conducting the polymerization within a closed reaction chamber configured such that most or all of an inner surface has heat exchange capability. The chamber's dimensions are such that the polymerization mixture contacts the effective heat exchange surface sufficiently to ensure that the temperature throughout the polymerization mixture does not vary more than a few degrees from a desired temperature. In one embodiment the chamber is formed of two adjacent, parallel heat exchange plates, wherein at least one plate has a peripheral lip which, in contact with the opposing plate, forms the closed chamber. Multiple plates can be arrayed to form multiple chambers, and each chamber's polymerization temperature, as well as resident polymerization mixture, can be individually predetermined.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to prepare a supported catalyst system comprising preparing a combination comprising 1) a first supported catalyst system comprising a support, an activator and a metal catalyst compound, and 2) a second supported catalyst system comprising a support, an activator and a metal catalyst compound and thereafter spray-drying the combination.

Abstract: The device of the present invention delivers reactants to a reaction zone in a plug flow reactor. The feedblock encircles the reaction zone. Reactants enter the feedblock through an inlet port leading to a manifold for the delivery of reactants into a plurality of feed ports that are in connection with the reaction zone of a plug flow reactor. The invention additionally encompasses plug flow reactors including one or more feedblocks and the method of utilizing the feedblock for the reduction of radial variation in concentration upon entry of a reactant into the reaction zone.

Abstract: To provide a method of reducing contents of metal components of a fluorine-containing elastomer through preparation thereof and a molded article obtained from the fluorine-containing elastomer having sufficiently reduced contents of metal components. The method of reducing a metal content of the fluorine-containing elastomer through preparation thereof without using a metal oxide, in which among materials excluding a gaseous monomer which are used for polymerization of a fluorine-containing monomer, coagulation and drying, at least one of them contains substantially no metal component, and the fluorine-containing elastomer which has a metal content of not more than 50 ppm and is obtained by that method.

Abstract: In polymerizing biodegradable polymer material, a compressed gas is used as a reaction solvent for a solution-polymerization, in order to prepare biodegradable polyester homopolymer and copolymer with a high molecular weight in a fine powder form with a particle size of 0.01˜1000 ?m.

Abstract: Temperature control and efficient heat transfer are important to producing high quality polymer drag reducing agents from alpha-olefin and/or other monomers. Many polymerization reactions are exothermic, and controlling or minimizing the exotherm combined with low reaction temperatures yields high molecular weight and, for poly(alpha-olefins), high quality drag reducing agent polymers. It has been found that a shell and tube heat exchanger-type reactor, with the inner tubes hosting the reaction mixture and a coolant circulating through the shell side gives good temperature control. The use of appropriate release agents helps to keep the inner reaction chambers from building up any polymer residue. These reactors can be operated in a continuous filling and harvesting mode to facilitate the continuous production of polymer drag reducing agent and related formulations.

Abstract: Provided is a polymer scale deposition-preventive agent. It includes (A) a condensation reaction product of an aldehyde compound and a hydroxynaphthalene compound and (B) a soluble methoxyl group-substituted cellulose ether. The agent is formed into a film having an adequate polymer scale deposition-preventive property in a single-step application. The time for the application process is shortened to improve productivity. Polymer scales can be prevented from adhering to the inner wall surfaces of the polymerization vessel even if a plenty number of batches for polymerization are repeated.

Abstract: A scale adhesion preventing agent for use in a polymerization reactor, consisting essentially of a condensate of a phenol represented by the following formula (1), a 1-naphthol and an aldehyde, which is soluble in an alkaline aqueous solution: wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and each a hydroxyl group, alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogen atom, hydrogen atom, alkoxycarbonyl group whose alkyl moiety has 1 to 8 carbon atoms or phenyl group, with the proviso that a hydrogen atom is existent at at least two of ortho-positions and para-positions with respect to the hydroxyl group. When a vinyl-based monomer is to be polymerized using a polymerization reactor having a film of this scale adhesion preventing agent on the inner wall, the vinyl-based polymer can be produced by preventing the adhesion of a scale.

Abstract: In a process for the polymerization of ethylene and optionally further monomers in a high-pressure reactor at from 120 to 350° C. and pressures of from 1000 to 4000 bar, hydrogen is intermittently introduced into the reactor.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyester production process by bulk polymerization in a reactor, wherein the volume of the resulting polyester is shrunk for a release from the inner surface of the reactor, so that the polyester can be recovered in the form of a bulky mass. The invention also provides a reactor for bulk polymerization for polyester, which comprises an inner surface that enabling the resulting polyester to be released therefrom upon its volume shrinkage.

Abstract: The device of the present invention delivers reactants to a reaction zone in a plug flow reactor. The feedblock encircles the reaction zone. Reactants enter the feedblock through an inlet port leading to a manifold for the delivery of reactants into a plurality of feed ports that are in connection with the reaction zone of a plug flow reactor. The invention additionally encompasses plug flow reactors including one or more feedblocks and the method of utilizing the feedblock for the reduction of radial variation in concentration upon entry of a reactant into the reaction zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer-containing catalysts (e.g., polymer-containing organo-metal catalysts) that may be useful in various applications (e.g., polymerization of macrocyclic oligoesters). Advantages of these catalysts include the improved ability to prepare, store, and handle the catalyst in open air; higher molar volume and molecular weight; and the ability to produce a blend of reactants and a catalyst (e.g., a macrocyclic oligoester and a polymerization catalyst) for subsequent one-step reaction (e.g., polymerization of macrocyclic oligoesters).

Abstract: A method of conducting polymerisation reactions on a rotating surface reactor which allows substantially increased conversions (up to around 99%) to be achieved without a corresponding increase in polydispersity as would be expected as a result of the Trommsdorff-Norrish effect. The rotating surface reactor serves to disentangle and/or stretch growing polymer chains so as to result in better control over polymerisation kinetics.

Abstract: A particulate, modified chromium oxide catalyst for the polymerisation of ethylene or ethylene with &agr;-olefins, comprising: a) a chromium-oxide catalyst, b) a transition metal compound, and c) a catalyst activator. A method for the preparation of the catalyst comprises the steps of: a) subjecting a chromium oxide catalyst precursor, which comprises a chromium oxide compound combined with an inorganic support, to a temperature in the range of from 400 to 950° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) containing 5 mol % to 60 mol % of ethylene, by copolymerizing ethylene and vinyl acetate with a polymerization initiator, in which an aliphatic alcohol having not more than four carbon atoms is used as the polymerization solvent, the contents of acetaldehyde and a saturated acetic ester with respect to vinyl acetate are not more than 200 ppm, and 10 ppm to 1500 ppm, respectively, and polymerization is carried out at a temperature of 30° C. to 150° C. EVA obtained by the foregoing method may be saponified to obtain a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVOH). According to the present invention, at least one of (i) improved melt-extrusion stability, (ii) improved melt-moldability, (iii) reduced discoloration, and (iv) reduced gelation is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing reabsorbable polyesters by bulk polymerisation, wherein the reaction components are melted and homogenised in a stirred reactor, the reaction mixture is then transferred into a number of smaller-volume containers, the reaction mixture is polymerised in these containers and the polyester obtained is isolated by removing it from the containers, and the use of the reabsorbable polyesters thus produced for preparing reabsorbable implants.

Abstract: A method for end-capping polycarbonate resins, comprising the step of processing a mixture comprising a polycarbonate having free hydroxyl-end groups and an end-capping reagent in a melt transesterification reaction to produce a polycarbonate resin, wherein the end-capping reagent comprises a mixture of: (a) at least one species of a symmetrical activated aromatic carbonate, and (b) at least one species of an optionally-substituted phenol, whereby said end-capping reagent reacts with at least some of the free hydroxyl end-groups of the polycarbonate to produce an end-capped polycarbonate resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recovering a dihydroxy compound from a fluid stream that results from the preparation of a polyester by use of an adsorption system to selectively recover the dihydroxy compound.

Abstract: A process for the production of polycarbonate is disclosed. The process, representing an improvement over the known interfacial polycondensation process entails introducing into the loop of a circulating reactor that additionally contains, a residence tank, an optional mixer, a pump, and a heat exchanger (i) an organic phase that contains a solvent for polycarbonate and phosgene and (ii) an aqueous phase that contains an aqueous lye solution, a dihydroxy compound and an optional monophenol to form an emulsion. Maintaining specified temperature and process conditions results in polycarbonate resin having good properties and in waste water that are characterized by their purity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solution that comprises (A) a solvent; (B) about 0.001 to about 20 wt % of a terpolymer that comprises the condensation reaction product of (1) an aromatic compound that contains a benzene or naphthalene ring substituted with the group OR or SR, where R is hydrogen, alkyl from C1 to C15, or aryl, alkaryl, or aralkyl from C6 to C15; (2) about 0.1 to about 10 moles of a carbonyl compound per mole of said aromatic compound; and (3) about 0.1 to about 10 moles of a thiourea per mole of said aromatic compound (C) about 1 to about 5 wt % of a base; (D) about 0.1 wt % to saturation of a salt; and (E) 0 to about 20 wt % of an alcohol. Also disclosed is a method of making the terpolymer in the absence of an acid catalyst and a method of inhibiting the formation of scale on reactor components in contact with polymerizing vinyl chloride monomer.

Abstract: The present invention teaches the use of particular soluble metallocene catalysts to produce stereoregular polymers in gas phase polymerizations wherein the catalysts are fed into a particle lean zone in the reactor. The metallocenes catalysts are bridged bis-(substituted indenyl) compounds.

Abstract: This invention involves several ways for improving a coalescing process for purifying a crude polyether. In one aspect, particulate zirconium dioxide is selected as a coalescing medium. In a second aspect, alkali metal catalyst is recovered and recycled to make additional polyether product. In a third aspect, a polyether stream obtained from the coalescing step is purified by stripping water in at least two phases, the first of which involves moderate conditions so that water but not allyl alcohol or higher molecular weight impurities are removed from the polyether, and the second of which involves more stringent stripping conditions. In a fourth aspect, crude polyether that is subjected to a holding period before undergoing a coalescing step is mixed with water to minimize the formation of impurities that are believed to compatibilize the aqueous and polyether phases. In a fifth aspect, the coalescing process is conducted under a non-oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for producing a polymer by polymerizing in a polymerization vessel a monomer having an ethylenic double bond is provided. In this process, the polymerization vessel has a polymer scale preventive coating film on its inner wall surfaces and other surfaces with which the monomer comes into contact during polymerization. The coating film is formed by coating a coating liquid containing (A) a compound selected from the group consisting of an aromatic compound having 5 or more conjugated &pgr; bonds and a heterocyclic compound having 5 or more conjugated &pgr; bonds, and (B) a compound selected from the group consisting of an inorganic colloid, a chelate reagent, a metal compound that produces a metal ion capable of forming a complex having at least two coordination numbers, and an acid; the coating liquid being coated by means of steam as a carrier.

Abstract: The inner wall of a solids reactor for carrying out reactions in the gas phase is coated with an antistatic layer having a thickness of 0.1-800 &mgr;m and consisting essentially of a poly-&agr;-olefin and a nonvolatile antistatic agent.

Abstract: A process for producing a polymer by polymerizing in a polymerization vessel a monomer having an ethylenic double bond is provided. In this process, the polymerization vessel has a polymer scale preventive coating film on its inner wall surfaces and other surfaces with which the monomer comes into contact during polymerization. The coating film is formed by coating a first coating liquid containing a compound selected from the group consisting of an aromatic compound having 5 or more conjugated bonds and a heterocyclic compound having 5 or more conjugated bonds and a second coating liquid containing at least one hydrophilic compound selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble polymeric compound, an inorganic colloid, an inorganic salt and an acid; the first coating liquid and the second coating liquid being simultaneously coated by means of steam as a carrier.

Abstract: Methods and apparati have been developed for producing a suspension of predominately amorphous polymer particles, wherein the method includes thermally treating a suspension that includes crystalline or semi-crystalline polymer particles. The thermal treatment includes (a) heating a suspension of polymer particles of an appropriate size to a temperature effective to cause the polymer to become amorphous, and then (b) cooling the suspension of amorphous polymer particles below the melting point of the polymer at a rate effective to prevent substantial coalescence of the polymer particles. The method and apparati are effective for use with a variety of polymers having suitable crystallization parameters, although polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers are preferred, particularly in an aqueous suspension medium. For PHA polymers, the polymer particles subjected to treatment preferably are of a size of less than 5 &mgr;m, or more preferably less than 1.5 &mgr;m in diameter.

Abstract: A novel process for producing homopolymers and interpolymers of olefins which involves contacting an olefin and/or an olefin and at least one or more other olefin(s) under polymerization conditions with a metallocene catalyst and dinitrogen monoxide in amounts sufficient to reduce the electrostatic charge in the polymerization medium. Also provided is a process for reducing electrostatic charge in the production of polyolefins by introducing dinitrogen monoxide into the polymerization medium.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a polymer by polymerizing a monomer having an ethylenic double bond in a polymerization vessel having a polymer scale preventive coating film on its inner wall surfaces, etc. is provided. The coating film is formed by coating a first coating liquid containing a compound selected from the group consisting of an aromatic compound having 5 or more conjugated &pgr; bonds and a heterocyclic compound having 5 or more conjugated &pgr;bonds, and then coating a second coating liquid a dye and/or pigment on the first layer. The first and second coating liquids are applied by means of steam as a carrier. The second layer has a surface having a contact angle to water of less than 60° after its surface has been kept in contact with a solution of mixture of water and a vinyl chloride monomer in a weight ratio of 1:1 at 50° C. for 1 hour.

Abstract: In a process for producing a vinyl chloride polymer by suspension polymerization in a polymerization vessel having a coating film of a polymer scale preventive agent on the polymerization vessel inner wall and other inner surfaces, the polymerization is initiated by introducing an oil-soluble polymerization initiator having 10-hour half-life temperature of from 30° C. to 55° C., at a particular position of the interior of the liquid phase of polymerization materials charged. The position satisfys the following expression: H≦0.7H0 wherein H represents a height from the bottom of the polymerization vessel to the position where the polymerization initiator is introduced, and H0 represents a height from the bottom of the polymerization vessel to the liquid surface of the liquid phase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of inhibiting the formation of scale on reactor surfaces in contact with a polymerizing vinyl monomer comprising contacting said monomer with a terpolymer which comprises the condensation reaction product of (A) an aromatic compound that contains the group where Q is OR or SR and R is hydrogen, alkyl from C1 to C15, or aryl, alkaryl, or aralkyl from C6 to C15: (B) about 0.1 to about 10 moles of a carbonyl compound per mole of said aromatic compound; and (C) about 0.1 to about 10 moles of a thiourea per mole of said aromatic compound.

Abstract: A falling film of water is applied around the periphery of a fluid bed olefin polymerization reactor to cool the wall and reduce the temperature in the fluid bed near the inside surface of the wall. Cooling has the effect of reducing static in the reactor, which in turn ameliorates a sheeting problem and can enhance production by facilitating control of the relation of the reactor temperature and the dew point of recycled gas. The process may be used concurrently with a gas cooling and condensing recycle system wherein at least some of the condensed recycle gas is injected in the vicinity of the internal wall surface.

Abstract: In a novel method of homo- or copolymerization of vinyl chloride, a specified coating agent is applied on the surfaces of the portions which will become into contact with the vinyl chloride monomer during the polymerization process. The coating agent is in a form of an aqueous solution of a modified condensation product of phenol and aldehyde, the pH of the solution being adjusted in a range that the product is dissolved at an ambient temperature upon coating of the solution and separates out of the solution upon being heated on the surfaces. The wall surface of the polymerization tank and the like is then coated with a thin film of the coating agent having a uniform thickness and being strongly adhered to the wall surface, thereby providing an excellent effect of preventing adhesion of the product polymer to the wall surface.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a vinyl chloride polymer wherein in a polymerization vessel, vinyl chloride monomer or a vinyl monomer mixture comprised mainly of vinyl chloride monomer is polymerized by the aid of a polymerization initiator in an aqueous medium, comprising previously forming a coating film comprised of a polymer scale deposition preventive agent prior to the polymerization on the inner wall surface of the polymerization vessel and the other areas, to which said monomer contacts during the polymerization, by coating thereon a coating solution containing the polymer scale deposition preventive agent by the aid of steam as a carrier; and carrying out said polymerization in the presence of a chelating agent capable of forming a Fe(II) or Fe(III) complex in said aqueous medium.

Abstract: A vinyl chloride polymer is prepared by charging a reactor with a vinyl chloride monomer, effecting polymerization, removing a slurry of the polymer from the reactor, and washing the reactor interior with water, and repeating the series of steps. The reactor has an internal volume of at least 40 m3. A cylinder-guided lift type washer assembly having a nozzle is secured to the reactor at its top in a sealed manner such that the nozzle can be moved downward and upward in the reactor. Water is fed to the nozzle through the assembly for injecting water from the nozzle into the reactor for cleaning. The large size reactor can be effectively washed with water in the closed state, and vinyl chloride polymers of quality with least fisheyes are produced batchwise, leading to an improved productivity.

Abstract: A polymer dispersion is prepared by free radical polymerization of an aqueous monomer emulsion by a process in which the monomer emulsion is prepared continuously at the rate of consumption.

Abstract: Vinyl monomers are polymerized in the aqueous phase in the presence of at least one N-oxyl compound of a secondary amine, having no hydrogen atoms bonded to the &agr; carbon atoms. This process substantially eliminates deposits on reactor surfaces.