Abstract: Disclosed are amorphous copolyesters having an inherent viscosity (IV) of about 0.5 to 1.1 dL/g measured at a temperature of 25° C. at 0.5 g/dL concentration in a solvent mixture of symmetric tetrachloroethane and phenol having a weight ratio of symmetric tetrachloroethane to phenol of 2:3 comprising (1) a diacid component comprising about 90 to 100 mole percent terephthalic acid residues and 0 to about 10 mole percent isophthalic acid residues; and (2) a diol component comprising about 10 to 70 mole percent 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and about 90 to 30 mole percent neopentyl glycol residues; wherein the amorphous copolyesters comprises 100 mole percent diacid component and 100 mole percent diol component. The amorphous copolyesters are useful in the manufacture or fabrication of medical devices which have improved resistance to degradation upon exposure to lipids, as a profile produced by profile extrusion and as an injection molded article.

Abstract: A horizontal trayed reactor operable to facilitate a chemical reaction in a reaction medium flowing therethrough. The reactor can include a plurality of vertically spaced trays disposed within the horizontally elongated vessel shell. The reaction medium can flow in generally opposite directions on vertically adjacent trays so that the reaction medium flows generally back-and-forth through the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystalline polyester comprising (a) a repeating unit derived from aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, (b) a repeating unit derived from aromatic dicarboxylic acid and (c) a repeating unit represented by —X—Ar1-O—Ar1-Y—, wherein Ar1 represents 1,4-phenylene which may be substituted by a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and X and Y independently represent O or NH. The polyester in the preset invention has a sufficiently low dielectric constant and/or is a sufficiently high resistance in hydrolysis.

Abstract: A resin composition includes an aliphatic polyester resin. The resin has carboxyl groups at the end termini of the molecular chain and at least one compound represented by the general formula (I), the compound being added to the resin to cap a part or all of the carboxyl groups at the end termini of the molecular chain of the resin. A process for producing a fiber includes mixing a pellet comprising an aliphatic polyester resin having carboxyl groups at the end termini of the molecular chain with a compound represented by the general formula (I) so that the content of the compound becomes 0.1 to 8% by weight and then melt-spinning the resulting mixture under the conditions of a spinning temperature of 200 to 250 C.°, a melt residence time of 180 to 1800 sec and a spinning rate of 500 to 10000 m/min.

Abstract: The present invention provides wound dressings, optionally surgically implantable, containing biodegradable, polymers and hydrogels having allogenic or autologous precursor cells, such as stem cells and progenitor cells dispersed within. Alternatively, the wound dressings can have conditioned medium obtained from the precursor cells dispersed within. The wound dressings promote tissue restoration processes at a site of application or implantation. Additional bioactive agents can also be dispersed within the polymer/hydrogel matrix, which can be formulated to biodegrade at a controlled rate by adjusting the composition. Methods are also provided for using such biodegradable wound dressings as a delivery device or carrier for the precursor cells, conditioned medium and bioactive agents, or as coatings on implantable medical devices, to promote tissue restoration at a lesion site.

Abstract: Thermoformed diaphragms made of cast polyarylate films, at least comprising one polyarylate (PAR) having a structural unit of the formula (I): where each of R1, R2, R3, and R4, independently of the others, is hydrogen, C1-4-alkyl, C1-4-alkoxy, or halogen, and each of R5 and R6 independently of the other, is hydrogen, C1-4-alkyl, C1-4-alkoxy, phenyl, or halogen. The thermoformed diaphragms made of cast PAR films can be used as acoustic transducers, preferably as microphone diaphragms or loudspeaker diaphragms. The cast PAR films can be used for producing these diaphragms, and the PAR casting solutions can be used for producing the cast PAR films. There are processes for producing thermoformed diaphragms made of cast PAR films.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for the use of an oligomer recyclate from a depolymerization product stream. The oligomer byproduct of a polyester depolymerization reaction can be used as a reactant in the formation of a polyester. For example, linear oligomer byproduct can be used as a reactant in a solution polymerization to form a low-acid polyalkylene terephthalate.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastic article having one or more decorative materials embedded therein which is obtained by applying heat and pressure to one or more laminates wherein at least one of said laminates comprises, in order, (1) an upper sheet material; (2) one or more decorative materials; and (3) a lower sheet material; wherein the upper and lower sheet materials are formed from a polyester/aromatic polycarbonate blend wherein the thermoplastic article comprises at least one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester which comprises terephthalic acid and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing polyarylate, and more specifically, to a process for preparing polyarylate by interfacial polymerization of a bivalent phenol compound and an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or a halide thereof, which comprises mixing a cationic catalyst for the phase transition and a nonionic surfactant in a predetermined ratio, to further increase the yield of polyarylate, as compared with the case of using each of the nonionic surfactant and the cationic catalyst for the phase transition alone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a production apparatus of a polycarbonate resin in which generation of adherents or foreign matters in a polymerization tank is reduced, and a production method of a polycarbonate resin in which crystallized foreign matters or burned foreign matters are reduced, by melt method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polyphenolic polymers formed from dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) derivatives or from resorcinol derivatives, monomers which form such polymers, blends of the polymers with drugs and/or additional polymers, as well as medical devices formed from, coated with, impregnated by or coverings made with any of the foregoing polymers (with or without drugs) or blends (with or without drugs).

Abstract: Processes for preparing polyestercarbonates are disclosed. The processes allow for the consistent incorporation of adipic acid into a polymer generated from a dihydroxy compound, such as bisphenol-A, at levels greater than 99%. The polyestercarbonates so produced, as well as articles formed from the polyestercarbonates, are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastic article having one or more decorative materials embedded therein which is obtained by applying heat and pressure to one or more laminates wherein at least one of said laminates comprises, in order, (1) an upper sheet material; (2) one or more decorative materials; and (3) a lower sheet material; wherein the upper and lower sheet materials are formed from a polyester/aromatic polycarbonate blend wherein the thermoplastic article comprises at least one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester which comprises terephthalic acid and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.

Abstract: There are provided an optical element that comprises a polymer which has a structural unit derived from a specific dihydroxy compound typified by 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro propane (bisphenol AF) and in which the relationship between a refractive index nD and an Abbe number ?D satisfies the following formula (I): nD+0.0076×?D?1.78??(I) and that is used for correction of chromatic aberration, and an achromatic lens using the optical element.

Abstract: A method for producing a PC copolymer with improved productivity is provided. The PC copolymer has a specific structure and the method uses a diester diol-containing monomer as a raw material. The polycarbonate copolymer is produced by reacting a diester diol-containing monomer, a divalent phenol, and a carbonate precursor by interfacial polymerization, wherein the diester diol-containing monomer is a product of reaction between a hydroxybenzoic acid or an esterified product thereof and a polyalkylene glycol, wherein the esterification degree of hydroxyl groups of the polyalkylene glycol is 50 to 90 mol %.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a non-adhering granulate above the glass-transition temperature comprising a polyester material, in which the polyester material is introduced into a cooling water flow as a melt and is separated from the cooling water after passing through a cooling stretch. The dwell time of the polyester material in the cooling stretch is 0.2-5 sec, and the cooling water has a pressure of at least 2 bar along the cooling stretch. For the thus obtained granulate, post-crystallization is not required, at least not in every case. It has been shown that the granulate does not adhere, even without post-crystallization and mechanical movement if no additional external input of energy takes place. Even during heating under pressure, no adhesion could be observed.

Abstract: A method of making a polycarbonate is described. The method comprises melt reacting an ester-substituted diaryl carbonate and a multifunctional compound of the formula: in the presence of catalyst to form an oligomer comprising less than 2,000 ppm of an ester-linked terminal group, and melt polymerizing the oligomer to form a polycarbonate. Use of specific reaction conditions produces a polycarbonate having an Mw of greater than or equal to 25,000 g/mol as determined by gel-permeation chromatography relative to polystyrene standards. Polycarbonates comprising units derived from the multifunctional compound, including homopolycarbonates, aliphatic copolycarbonates further comprising units derived from an aromatic dihydroxy compound, and aliphatic polycarbonate-polyesters, are also disclosed, as are a thermoplastic composition and an article including the disclosed polycarbonates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polycarbonate copolymer comprising A) a structure derived from a dihydroxy alkylene oxide compound selected from the group consisting of formula (1a) and formula (1b): H-(E-X)l—OH??(1a) H-(E-X-E)l-OH??(1b) wherein E and X are different and each and independently are selected from the group consisting of formula (2a) and formula (2b): —(OCH2CH2)m—??(2a) —(OCHRCH2)n—??(2b) wherein R is a C1-8 alkyl group; l, m, and n are integers greater than or equal to 1; and wherein the weight average molecular weight of the total amount of the structures corresponding to formula (2b) in the copolymer is between 100 and 2,000 g/mol; and B) a structure derived from a dihydroxy aromatic compound, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the structures of A) and B).

Abstract: An apparatus for treating polymeric materials comprises a treatment chamber adapted to maintain a selected atmosphere at a selected temperature; a means for supporting the polymeric material within the chamber; and, a source of ozone-containing gas, which decomposes at the selected temperature yielding at least one reactive oxidative species whereby the polymer is stabilized and cross linked through exposure to the oxidative species in the chamber at the selected temperature. The ozone may be generated by a plasma discharge or by various chemical processes. The apparatus may be configured for either batch-type or continuous-type processing. The apparatus and method are especially useful for preparing polymer fibers, particularly PAN fibers, for later carbonization treatments as well as to make flame-retardant fabrics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polycarbonate copolymer comprising A) a structure derived from a dihydroxy alkylene oxide compound selected from the group consisting of formula (1a) and formula (1b): H-(E-X)l—OH??(1a) H-(E-X-E)l-OH??(1b) wherein E and X are different and each and independently are selected from the group consisting of formula (2a) and formula (2b): —(OCH2CH2)m—??(2a) —(OCHRCH2)n—??(2b) wherein R is a C1-8 alkyl group; l, m, and n are integers greater than or equal to 1; and wherein the weight average molecular weight of the total amount of the structures corresponding to formula (2b) in the copolymer is between 100 and 2,000 g/mol; and B) a structure derived from a dihydroxy aromatic compound, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the structures of A) and B).

Abstract: Copolyetherimides compositions having high glass transition temperatures and outstanding ductility are presented. The copolyetherimides having Mw of at least 40,000 comprising isomeric bis(phthalimide) structural units within a relatively narrow range of isomer proportions exhibited Tgs of at least 240° C. and outstanding Notched Izod values. The copolyetherimides comprise oxydianiline residues and structural units of the formulas (I) and (II) (III).

Abstract: Described are pacifiers comprising polyester compositions comprising polyesters which comprise (a) a dicarboxylic acid component having terephthalic acid residues; optionally, aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues or ester residues thereof; 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues.

Abstract: A process comprising the steps of dissolving a dihydric phenol in a solvent to form a solution A, contacting the solution A with an adsorbent material selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, modified metal oxides, activated carbons, and clays, filtering the adsorbent material to form a solution B, adding an anti-solvent to the solution B to form a solution C, and distilling the solution C, wherein the dihydric phenol is represented by Formula (I): wherein R is a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic functionality having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and n is an integer having a value of 1 to 4.

Abstract: Processes for making elastomeric polyether esters from polyesters and polyols are provided. The processes can offer a reduction in manufacturing cost, energy use and a lower environmental footprint than conventional processes, particularly when the processes utilize post-consumer polyesters as starting materials.

Abstract: A polycarbonate such as aliphatic/aromatic polycarbonate comprises repeating structural carbonate units of the formula (H-1): in which Rh is a radical having the formula (H-2): wherein each of R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19, R20, R21, R22, R23, R24, R25, R26, R27, and R28 is independently a hydrogen, a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a halogen substituted C1-C6 alkyl group. The polycarbonate, and a thermoplastic composition thereof, have improved thermal stability, cost-effectiveness, and exhibit improved manufacturability such as, for example, minimum cyclic carbonate formation and minimum amine acceptor requirement.

Abstract: A process comprising the steps of dissolving a dihydric phenol in a solvent to form a solution A; contacting the solution A with a zeolite; filtering the zeolite to form a solution B; adding an anti-solvent to the solution B to form a solution C; and distilling the solution C; wherein the dihydric phenol is represented by Formula (I): wherein R is a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic functionality having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and n is an integer having a value 1 to 4.

Abstract: A method of making a polycarbonate is described. The method comprises melt reacting an ester-substituted diaryl carbonate and a multifunctional compound of the formula: in the presence of catalyst to form an oligomer comprising less than 2,000 ppm of an ester-linked terminal group, and melt polymerizing the oligomer to form a polycarbonate. Use of specific reaction conditions produces a polycarbonate having an Mw of greater than or equal to 25,000 g/mol as determined by gel-permeation chromatography relative to polystyrene standards. Polycarbonates comprising units derived from the multifunctional compound, including homopolycarbonates, aliphatic copolycarbonates further comprising units derived from an aromatic dihydroxy compound, and aliphatic polycarbonate-polyesters, are also disclosed, as are a thermoplastic composition and an article including the disclosed polycarbonates.

Abstract: A method for producing a polycarbonate copolymer having structural repeating units represented by formulas (I) and (II): wherein each of R1 and R2, X, R3, R4, Y, a to d and n are defined in the application by reacting (A) a dihydric phenol, (B) a phenol-modified diol and (C) a carbonate precursor, wherein the phenol-modified diol is contains 500 ppm by mass or less of a hydroxybenzoic acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastic article having one or more decorative materials embedded therein which is obtained by applying heat and pressure to one or more laminates wherein at least one of said laminates comprises, in order, (1) an upper sheet material; (2) one or more decorative materials; and (3) a lower sheet material; wherein the upper and lower sheet materials are formed from a polyester/aromatic polycarbonate blend wherein the thermoplastic article comprises at least one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester which comprises terephthalic acid and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.

Abstract: Colored aromatic polycarbonate resin compositions are prepared by dispersing a colorant (b) selected from phthalocyanine-based compounds, anthraquinone-based compounds and ultramarine blue in a polyalkyleneglycol compound (c) having a number-average molecular weight of 62 to 4000 of formula (2): HO—[—CHR1—CHR2—]m—OH??(2) where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen atoms or alkyl groups, and m is not less than 1. The dispersion is added to an aromatic polycarbonate resin (a) kept in a molten state which has a viscosity-average molecular weight of not less than 16000 and contains a branched constitutional unit of formula (1): in an amount of 0.3 to 0.95 mol % where X is a single bond, an alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkylidene group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, a cycloalkylene group having 5 to 15 carbon atoms, a cycloalkylidene group having 5 to 15 carbon atoms, or a divalent connecting group —O—, —S—, —CO—, —SO— and —SO2—.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recycling method of a mixed waste of polyester and polyamide (hereinafter, referred to as “mixed waste”) in which polyesters including polyethylene terephthalate and polyamides are inseparable from one another. In accordance with the recycling method of the present invention, it is possible to prepare a solid block polymer having an acid value of 1 to 150 mgKOH/g, a weight average molecular weight of 3,000 to 50,000 and a softening point of 10 to 150° C., or a liquid polyester-amide block polymer composition having good compatibility, solubility and dispersibility. In addition, the polymer having an acid value of more than 20 mgKOH/g is reacted with a basic compound to form a neutralized salt which is then used to prepare a water-soluble polyester-amide block polymer composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing polyarylate, and more specifically, to a process for preparing polyarylate by interfacial polymerization of a bivalent phenol compound and an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or a halide thereof, which comprises mixing a cationic catalyst for the phase transition and a nonionic surfactant in a predetermined ratio, to further increase the yield of polyarylate, as compared with the case of using each of the nonionic surfactant and the cationic catalyst for the phase transition alone.

Abstract: The present invention describes a polyhydroxycarboxylic acid having bimodal or multimodal molar mass distribution, a process for the preparation thereof, the use of an aromatic diol having a single benzene ring for the preparation of polyhydroxycarboxylic acid, in particular polyhydroxycarboxylic acid having bimodal or multimodal molar mass distribution, as well as a method of preparing injection-molded goods or blown film, polymer blends, composite materials or nanocomposite materials using said polyhdroxycarboxylic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polycarbonate copolymer comprising A) a structure derived from a dihydroxy alkylene oxide compound selected from the group consisting of formula (1a) and formula (1b): H-(E-X)l—OH ??(1a) H-(E-X-E)l-OH ??(1b) wherein E and X are different and each and independently are selected from the group consisting of formula (2a) and formula (2b): —(OCH2CH2)m— ??(2a) —(OCHRCH2)n— ??(2b) wherein R is a C1-8 alkyl group; l, m, and n are integers greater than or equal to 1; and wherein the weight average molecular weight of the total amount of the structures corresponding to formula (2b) in the copolymer is between 100 and 2,000 g/mol; and B) a structure derived from a dihydroxy aromatic compound, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the structures of A) and B).

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a production method of a high molecular weight aromatic polycarbonate containing a reduced amount of a high melting point product, and having less thermal history received and excellent hue by a melt process. The present invention relates to a production method of an aromatic polycarbonate, characterized in that in producing an aromatic polycarbonate using an aromatic dihydroxy compound and a carbonic diester as raw materials and using plural reactors, a molten reactant temperature T1 (° C.) in at least one reactor A and a molten reactant temperature T2 (° C.) in a reactor B subsequent to the reactor A are satisfied with the relationship of T2<T1, and an evaporation surface area per unit treatment amount of a molten reactant in the reactor to which a molten reactant having a limiting viscosity of 0.1 dl/g or more is supplied is 1.0 m2·hr/m3 or more.

Abstract: A polymer comprising structural units derived from a polycyclic dihydroxy compound of Formula (I) wherein R1, R2 and R3 are independently at each occurrence selected from the group consisting of a cyano functionality, a halogen, an aliphatic functionality having 1 to 10 carbons, a cycloaliphatic functionality having 3 to 10 carbons, and an aromatic functionality having 6 to 10 carbons; wherein each occurrence of “n”, “m”, and “p” independently has a value of 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; and wherein the polymer is substantially linear.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a PC copolymer having a specific structure from a diester diol serving as a starting material, which method attains enhanced productivity. The method for producing a polycarbonate copolymer through interfacial polymerization, the copolymer having structural repeating units represented by formulas (I) and (II), wherein a phenol-modified diol having a hydroxybenzoic acid content of 500 ppm by mass or less is employed as a starting material. In formulas (I) and (II), each of R1 and R2 represents a C1 to C6 alkyl group; X represents a single bond, a C1 to C8 alkylene group, a C2 to C8 alkylidene group, a C5 to C15 cycloalkylene group, a C5 to C15 cycloalkylidene group, —S—, —SO—, —SO2—, —O—, —CO—, etc. Each of R3 and R4 represents a C1 to C3 alkyl group; Y represents a C2 to C15 linear-chain or branched alkylene group; a to d are integers of 0 to 4; and n is an integer of 2 to 450.

Abstract: The invention provides elastomeric copolyester amides, elastomeric copolyester urethanes, and methods for making the same. The polymers are based on ?-amino acids and possess physical, chemical and biodegradation properties that render them suitable for use in the human body. The polymers are useful as carriers of drugs or other bioactive substances. The polymers can also be linked, intermixed, or a combination thereof, to one or more drugs. Additionally, the polymers can be used to coat stents, for example, to suppress restenosis. Furthermore, the biodegradation of the copolyester amides and copolyester urethanes allows for the delivery of essential ?-amino acids to sites in the body, for example, to facilitate wound repair of injured tissues.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyarylate wherein a bivalent phenol compound having the structure of Formula 1 and an aromatic dicarboxylic acid halogen compound react to prepare a polyarylate, and wherein a nonionic surface-active agent is added. This decreases residual salts and improves the transmittance and the heat-resistance. In Formula 1, R1, R2, R3 and R4 denote the same as illustrated in the description.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flame-retardant polyester polymer dyeable with a cationic dye, a method of producing the same, a copolyester fiber using the same, and fiber products using the copolyester fiber. In the method, after a dimethyl isophthalate component containing metal sulfonate of Formula 2 separately reacts with ethylene glycol so that an extent of the ester interchange reaction is 95% or more to synthesize bis(hydroxyethyl terephthalate) containing metal sulfonate of Formula 3, bis(hydroxyethyl terephthalate) is fed so that a content of bis(hydroxyethyl terephthalate) is 0.01-5 mol % based on a diacid component in a polymer in a course of producing polyester, a phosphorus-based flame retardant of Formula 1 is fed so that a content of a phosphorus atom is 500-40000 ppm based on the polymer, and the mixture is copolymerized. The polyester polymer is dyeable with cationic dye while having excellent flame retardancy, and can be melt-spun like other polymers capable of being melt-spun.

Abstract: 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid is produced in high yields and high purity from 2,5-dihaloterephthalic acid by contact with a copper source and a ligand that coordinates to copper under basic conditions.

Abstract: High refractive index, melt processable polyphosphonates and methods for preparing the same are provided. These polymers are particularly useful for optical and ophthalmic parts, such as lenses. A method of preparing optical and ophthalmic lenses by injection molding the polymers of the present invention into the form of the optical or ophthalmic lenses is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polyhydroxyalkanoate, containing in a polymer molecule thereof a monomer unit represented by the following general formula (1): (wherein R1 represents a substituent to a cyclohexyl group, where R1 is a H atom, a CN group, a NO2 group, a halogen atom, a CH3 group, a C2H5 group, a C3H7 group, a CF3 group, a C2F5 group, or a C3F7 group; and if there are two or more monomer units, R1 may be different from every monomer unit), and a binder resin using the polyhydroxyalkanoate. The binder resin is biodegradable, so that the binder resin is more responsible for the conservation of natural environment or the like. Also, the binder resin facilitates deinking in the deinking process using an alkali, so that the binder resin accelerates recycling of used copying paper. Furthermore, the binder resin satisfies the desired characteristics of a toner for developing an electrostatic charge image.

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: Liquid crystalline polymers containing specified ratios of repeat units derived from hydroquinone, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and optionally terephthalic acid have exceptionally high heat distortion temperatures, making especially useful for service at high temperatures. Compositions containing reinforcing agents, especially fibrous or platy reinforcing agents are particularly useful. These polymers and compositions are useful for electrical and electronic connectors, and as films for the electronics industry, and for other uses.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a lactic acid ester composition based on a lactic acid composition involving a step of transforming the composition into a lactic acid oligomeric composition having a mean degree of polymerisation (DPM) ranging between 2 and 30 approximately; and a step which involves mixing and reacting said oligomeric composition with an alcohol, in the presence of a transesterification catalyst, to esterify all or part of the lactic acid contained in said oligomeric composition. The invention also concerns the use of ethyl lactate as solvent for preparing gelified compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly functional hyperbranched polyester which may be obtained by a process which comprises reacting a reaction solution containing solvent and reactants in the presence of an enzyme at a temperature above 60° C. and a pressure above 500 mbar.

Abstract: Liquid crystal polyester derived from phenylene-naphthalene monomers and one or more comonomers display an improved balance of properties, including low melt viscosity, fast cycle time in molding, very low mold shrinkage, high tensile and/or flexural strength, solvent resistance, excellent barrier properties, low water absorption, low thermal expansion coefficient, excellent thermostability, and/or low flammability. The phenylene-naphthalene monomers are The one or more comonomers include 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-6-naphthoic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and derivatives and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Thermally stable polymers comprising resorcinol arylate chain members are prepared using an interfacial method comprising the steps of: (a) combining at least one resorcinol moiety and at least one catalyst in a mixture of water and at least one organic solvent substantially immiscible with water; and (b) adding to the mixture from (a) at least one dicarboxylic acid dichloride while maintaining the pH between 3 and 8.5 through the presence of an acid acceptor, wherein the total molar amount of acid chloride groups is stoichiometrically deficient relative to the total molar amount of phenolic groups.

Abstract: Methods for roll-to-roll deposition of optically transparent and high conductivity metallic thin films are disclosed. In general, a method according to the present invention comprises: (1) providing a flexible plastic substrate; (2) depositing a multi-layered conductive metallic film on the flexible plastic substrate by a thin-film deposition technique to form a composite film; and (3) collecting the composite film in continuous rolls. Typically, the thin conductive metallic film is an InCeO—Ag—InCeO film. Typically, the thin-film deposition technique is DC magnetron sputtering. Another aspect of the invention is a composite film produced by a method according to the present invention.