Abstract: A method of producing a thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester having an extremely small amount of out-gases comprising the steps of: (1) charging in a reactor 5-100 mol % of aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, 0-47.5 mol % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid and 0-47.5 mol % of aromatic diol, so that the sum of mol % of each material is 100 mol % and the molt of aromatic dicarboxylic acid and that of aromatic diol are substantially equal; (2) adding acetic anhydride of an amount which satisfies the formula, (B-C)/A≧1.04, “A” representing the total molar number of the hydroxy group in a reaction system, “B” representing the molar number of acetic anhydride to be added, and “C” representing the molar number of water present in the reaction system prior to addition of acetic anhydride; (3) acetylation; (4) melt polymerization; and (5) solid-phase polymerization.

Abstract: A method of producing a thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester having an extremely small amount of out-gases comprising the steps of: (1) charging in a reactor 5-100 mol % of aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, 0-47.5 mol % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid and 0-47.5 mol % of aromatic diol, so that the sum of mol % of each material is 100 mol % and the mol % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid and that of aromatic diol are substantially equal; (2) adding acetic anhydride of an amount which satisfies the formula, (B−C)/A≧1.04, “A” representing the total molar number of the hydroxy group in a reaction system, “B” representing the molar number of acetic anhydride to be added, and “C” representing the molar number of water present in the reaction system prior to addition of acetic anhydride; (3) acetylation; (4) melt polymerization; and (5) solid-phase polymerization.

Abstract: Carboxy-functionalized polyphenylene ethers containing structural units with a carboxyalkyl group in the 2-position are prepared by redistribution of a polyphenylene ether with a 2-carboxyalkylphenol such as 2-(3-carboxypropyl)phenol (melilotic acid), or by oxidative coupling of a suitable phenol with such a 2-carboxyalkylphenol. The products form compatibilizing copolymers with polymers containing carboxylic acid-reactive functional groups, such as polyesters, polyamides and epoxy resins.

Abstract: A 1,3-propanediol-based aromatic polyester such as polytrimethylene terephthalate is modified by reaction with a hindered phenolic acid or ester to provide an endcapped polyester which has improved resistance to generation of acrolein when heated in air.

Abstract: A method for producing a copolymerized polyester resin, which comprises subjecting a dicarboxylic acid component containing terephthalic acid or its ester derivative as the main component and a phenylene dioxydiacetic acid as a copolymerizable component, and a diol component containing ethylene glycol as the main component, to polycondensation through an esterification reaction or a transesterification reaction, wherein the phenylene dioxydiacetic acid is added to the reaction system in the form of a solution dissolved in the diol component.

Abstract: Process for producing highly stretchable, amorphous anisotropic melt-forming polymers having recurring units derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, at least one aromatic diacid and at least one aromatic diol and/or hydroxyamine component, at least a portion of which is 4,4′-biphenol, which process comprises incorporating into such polymers recurring units derived from one or more aromatic monomers that provide the polymers with selected meta-linkages wherein each of said recurring units is present in the polymer in specific amounts.

Abstract: Process for producing highly stretchable, amorphous anisotropic melt-forming polymers consisting essentially of recurring units derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, an aromatic diacid, at least a portion of which comprises 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, and an aromatic diol and/or hydroxyamine component, at least a portion of which is 4,4′-biphenol; which comprises incorporating into such polymers recurring units derived from resorcinol, wherein each of said recurring units is present in the polymer in specified amounts.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel polymeric coating materials for direct digital imaging by laser. More specifically the novel coating materials are thermally reactive near infrared absorption polymers designed for use with near infrared laser imaging devices. This invention further extends to the preparation and methods of use of the novel materials. The invention is particularly useful in the preparation of lithographic printing plates for computer-to-plate and digital-offset-press technologies. The invention extends to photoresist applications, to rapid prototyping of printed circuit boards and to chemical sensor development.

Abstract: A (2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzoyl)diphenyl ether compound represented by the formula (I): wherein R stands for a hydroxyl group or a group represented by ether ketone polymer represented by the formula (II): wherein n stands for a degree of polymerization, m is an integer of 0 or 1, and R1 stands for a group represented by the formula (III): wherein p is an integer 0 or 1 and R2 stands for

Abstract: A polymer composition made by combining a polyketone polymer and a phenolic alkylene dicarboxylate of the general formula: ##STR1## each R.sup.1 independently is hydrogen or alkyl with 1-6 carbon atoms, each R.sup.2 independently is alkyl with 1-6 carbon atoms,each m is an integer of 0-4, andn is an integer of 2-12; anda process for preparing these compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid crystalline polyester resin for extrusion molding having a solder heat resistant temperature of 250.degree. C. or more, wherein the ratio ((viscosity 2b)/(viscosity 1b)) of the melt viscosity (viscosity 1b) under a shearing speed of 1000/sec at the flow initiation temperature and the melt viscosity (viscosity 2b) under the same shearing speed at a temperature 20.degree. C. higher than the flow initiation temperature is from 0.10 to 0.70. The extrusion molding material of the above-described liquid crystalline polyester resin has excellent heat resistance, and can provide an extrusion molded article, especially a film having excellent appearance.

Abstract: Process for producing highly stretchable, amorphous anisotropic melt-forming polymers having recurring units derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, at least one aromatic diacid and an aromatic diol and/or hydroxyamine component, at least a portion of which is 4,4'-biphenol, which comprises incorporating into such polymers recurring units derived from resorcinol and at least one additional monomer that provides the resulting polymer with selected meta linkages, wherein each of said recurring units is present in the polymer in specified amounts.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel polymeric coating materials for direct digital imaging by laser. More specifically the novel coating materials are thermally reactive near infrared absorption polymers designed for use with near infrared laser imaging devices. This invention further extends to the preparation and methods of use of the novel materials. The invention is particularly useful in the preparation of lithographic printing plates for computer-to-plate and digital-offset-press technologies. The invention extends to photoresist applications, to rapid prototyping of printed circuit boards and to chemical sensor development.

Abstract: A potassium catalyst is used in combination with a cobalt catalyst to increase the reaction rate and/or reduce the reaction temperature of a melt polymerization process for producing an anisotropic melt-phase forming polymer derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, aromatic diol, at least a portion of which is resorcinol and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid, compared to a like process wherein either catalyst is used alone.

Abstract: Mannich-derivatized polyphenolic compositions prepared by the reaction of a phenolic compound having at least two phenol rings with an aldehyde and an amphoteric compound having both a basic moiety and an acidic moiety are disclosed. Methods for utilizing such compositions in the control of stickie formation in papermaking are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for making a crystallizable aromatic polymer comprises polycondensing difunctional monomers in the presence of a base and adding to the reaction mixture a nucleating agent. The nucleating agent comprises a nucleophilic group and a group of formula --A--X, where X is a metal cation and A is an anion. It is selected to give an increase in the peak crystallization temperature of the nucleated polymer compared to the unnucleated polymer.

Abstract: Carboxy-functionalized polyphenylene ethers containing structural units with a carboxyalkyl group in the 2-position are prepared by redistribution of a polyphenylene ether with a 2-carboxyalkylphenol such as 2-(3-carboxypropyl)phenol (melilotic acid), or by oxidative coupling of a suitable phenol with such a 2-carboxyalkylphenol. The products form compatibilizing copolymers with polymers containing carboxylic acid-reactive functional groups, such as polyesters, polyamides and epoxy resins.

Abstract: Copolycarbonates comprise structural units derived from a bisphenol such as bisphenol A, a spiro(bis)indane bisphenol such as 6,6'-dihdyroxy-3,3,3',3'-tetramethyl-1,1'-spiro(bis)indane and a polyoxyalkylene glycol such as polyethylene glycol. These copolycarbonates have high processability and are expected to have low birefringence. They are useful for the fabrication of optical disks.

Abstract: Disclosed are an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid resin represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## wherein each A group is the same or different and individually represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene or naphthylene group, R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.1-10 alkoxyl, nitro or hydroxyl group, l stands for an integer of 0-100, m stands for an integer of 0-20 and n stands for an integer of 0-3 with the proviso that m stands for an integer other than 0 when all of the A group represent an unsubstituted or substituted phenylene group, a preparation process thereof and use of the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymeric vehicle, the formulated coating composition and a coating binder made from the polymeric vehicle and a method for making the polymeric vehicle where the polymeric vehicle includes a phenolic urethane reactive diluent. The phenolic urethane reactive diluent may be made from a phenolic ester alcohol having at least one aliphatic hydroxyl group.

Abstract: Disclosed are weatherable polyester soft block copolymer compositions comprising copolymers of resorcinol or alternatively phenol, aromatic dicarboxylic acid, and a aliphatic dicarboxylic acid based structural units. These polyester soft block copolymers comprise a substantial proportion of direct linkages between the resorcinol or alternatively the phenol, and the aromatic dicarboxylic acid based structural units, the balance of the linkages being between resorcinol and the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid based structural units.

Abstract: A new class of polyarylene co-polymers include repeating units comprising one or more arylene units having the general formula (--Ar--/--Y--).sub.n, where Y is a divalent group chosen from nil, --Z--, --Z--Ph--, and --Ph--Z--Ph--, where Z is a divalent group chosen from the group consisting of --O--, --S--, --NR--, --O(CO)--, --O(CO.sub.2)--,--(CO)NH(CO)--, --NR(CO)--, phthalimide, pyromellitimide, --CO--, --SO--, --SO.sub.2 --, --P(O)R--, --CH.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 --, and --CRR'--; Ph is phenylene (ortho, meta or para); and n is greater than 4. The co-polymers are useful as molding resins, and composite matrix resins, and where Ar is heteroarylene as ion exchange resins.

Abstract: Copolycarbonates having low intrinsic birefringence comprise structural units derived from hydroxyphenylindanol, from resorcinol, alkylenedioic acid or eugenolsiloxane, and, optionally, from a bisphenol, preferably bisphenol A. The copolycarbonates are useful for the fabrication of optical data recording media such as compact disks.

Abstract: Phenols are reacted with hydrogen peroxide in a solution comprising an organic solvent compatible with water, water, a peroxidase and a dispersing agent to obtain spherical polyphenol particles.

Abstract: Disclosed are an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid resin represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## wherein each A group is the same or different and individually represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene or naphthylene group, R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.1-10 alkoxyl, nitro or hydroxyl group, l stands for an integer of 0-100, m stands for an integer of 0-20 and n stands for an integer of 0-3 with the proviso that m stands for an integer other than 0 when all of the A group represent an unsubstituted or substituted a group, a preparation process thereof and use of the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amino curable polyester oligomer composition having low viscosity and a narrow molecular weight distribution comprising one or a mixture of oligomers (a) and (b): ##STR1## wherein R is the residue of at least one aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or mixed aliphatic/aromatic polycarboxylic-acid having from 2 to about 20 carbon atoms, R.sub.1 is the residue of at least one aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or mixed aliphatic/cycloaliphatic polyol having from 2 to about 20 carbon atoms, A is a radical of the formula: ##STR2## B is a radical of the formula: ##STR3## wherein R.sub.4 is H, OH, halogen or an organic radical containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sub.5 is a direct bond or an organic radical containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms and R.sub.6 is an organic radical containing 2 to 20 carbon atoms, n is a number averaging from greater than 0 up to less than 2 and p is a number averaging from about 0.

Abstract: A thermotropic liquid crystal polyester and a sealing material used for electric and electronic parts prepared from the thermotropic liquid crystal polyester, which polyester can be molded at low temperatures, while which polyester has heat resistance capable of well withstanding the process such as soldering. The thermotropic liquid crystal polyester is characterized in that it contains five kinds of specified repeating structural units in the respective ratios and it meets specific conditions of an intrinsic viscosity or the temperature of complete melting and storage elastic modulus.

Abstract: Liquid-crystalline polymer blends comprising two or more cholesteric liquid-crystalline polymers or at least one nematic liquid-crystalline polymer and at least one cholesteric liquid-crystalline polymer.All hues can be produced specifically and in a reproducible manner by variation in the blend components and in the mixing ratio. The polymer blends are suitable as materials or as effect pigments.

Abstract: Disclosed are cosmetic melanins of different colors produced by procedures involving oxidative polymerization of monomeric precursors of melanin and/or co-monomers that enhance substantivity or adherence of the melanins to the skin and hair. Also disclosed are methods for preparing cosmetic melanins and methods for using these compositions topically to produce a natural-appearing tan and to prevent damage to skin caused by UV exposure.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline polyesters made from hydroquinone, terephthalic acid, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and having a selected composition range, have melting points of about 350.degree. C. or less, good physical properties, and are readily manufactured. The polymers are useful as molding resins.

Abstract: A process for treating a liquid crystal polymer film which includes the steps of: heating a film obtained by extrusion molding of a liquid crystal polymer, while contacting at least one surface of the film with a supporting body, to melt the polymer; cooling the melted polymer to form a solidified polymer layer; and separating the solidified polymer layer from the supporting body. The process readily provides liquid crystal polymer films having excellent resistance to intra-layer delamination and high tensile strength and elongation, as well as excellent resistance to abrasion, dimensional stability when heated, and resistance to folding.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymers having non-linear optical properties which polymers include fluorene moieties having at least one electron accepting group and at least one electon donating group substituted to different phenyl rings of the fluorene moiety.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the chemical recycling of polycarbonates by catalyzed reaction with diaryl carbonates to oligocarbonates which are crystallized, purified and then polycondensed back to polycarbonates, insoluble constituents optionally being removed before the crystallization step.

Abstract: Non liquid-crystalline esterphenol-capped liquid polymer and polyol compositions in combination with an amino crosslinking agent endow coating compositions containing them with the ability of providing films having superior properties. The esterphenol-capped polymers and polyols can be prepared by direct esterification of hydroxybenzoic acid without its decarboxylation.

Abstract: A process for producing an anisotropic melt-phase forming polymer involving separate acetylation and polymerization steps, which utilizes controlled vapor phase reflux to reduce reactant loss and assist in maintaining the stoichiometry of the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel one-step processes for preparing highly branched macromolecule polymers that have highly controlled molecular architectures. The process comprises the reaction of a branching monomer such as a substituted phenyl compound having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are defined herein, with a core monomer and an end-capping monomer, such as a phenolic ester, for a sufficient period of time and at a sufficient temperature to directly produce the highly branched polymer, in a single processing step.

Abstract: A self-doped conducting polymer having along its backbone a .pi.-electron conjugated system which comprises a plurality of monomer units, between about 0.01 and 100 mole % of the units having covalently linked thereto at least one Bronsted acid group. The conductive zwitterionic polymer is also provided, as are monomers useful in the preparation of the polymer and electrodes comprising the polymer.

Abstract: A method for preparing diphenol compounds, which method includes the steps of coupling a hydroxyphenyl carboxylic acid with a L-tyrosine ester in a water-miscible organic reaction solvent containing a carbodiimide capable of forming a water-soluble urea by-product, thereby forming a diphenol reaction product; and combining the reaction mixture with an amount of water effective to precipitate the diphenol as a water-immiscible organic phase, so that a water-immiscible organic phase is formed containing the diphenol reaction product. New diphenol monomers and polymers polymerized therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel one-step processes for preparing highly branched macromolecule polymers that have highly controlled molecular architectures. The process comprise the reaction of a branching monomer such as a substituted phenyl compound having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are defined herein, with a second monomer (an end-capping monomer) such as a phenolic ester for a sufficient period of time and at a sufficient temperature to directly produce the highly branched polymer, in a single processing step.

Abstract: Novel difunctionalized cyclobutabenzene monomers of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein Z can be hydrogens or a cyclobutane ring; and X and Y are carboxyl, amino, alcohol, isocyanate, acid halide, or bis-acyl halide groups. Exemplary difunctional bitricyclodecatriene monomers are [2,2'-bidicyclo[2.4.0]octa-1,3,5-triene]-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid (BXTA) and [2,2'-bitricyclo[6.2.0.0]deca-1,3,(6),7-triene]-7,7'-dicarboxylic acid (QXTA). The difunctionalized bitricyclodecatriene monomers can form part of a polymer backbone chain in which the multiple butane ring functionalities can be easily opened to produce strong, three-dimensional covalent bond crosslinking between polymer chains. The crosslinking can be induced simply by heating the polymer to a temperature in excess of 250.degree. C.

Abstract: Polymers of the class rigid-rod aromatic heterocyclic polymers, having repeating units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of --H, --CH.sub.3, --N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 and --OH, and Q is ##STR2## wherein X is --S-- or --O--, exhibit increased electrical conductivity, as compared to rigid-rod aromatic heterocyclic polymers polymers not containing the triarylamino moiety.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polyvalent metal salt of a salicylic acid resin which comprises the steps of reacting salicylic acid or its derivative with styrene or its derivative at a temperature of -20.degree. C. or higher but lower than 40.degree. C. in the presence of sulfuric acid, and then reacting the resulting reaction product with a polyvalent metal compound; an aqueous dispersion in which the polyvalent metal salt of the resin is dispersed in water; and a developing sheet in which the polyvalent metal salt of the salicylic acid resin is used.

Abstract: Novel thermotropic liquid crystalline polyesters derived from t-butylhydroquinone, terephthalic acid, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid are described. These polymers are useful as molding resins.

Abstract: Oligomeric monomers are produced by reaction of a bisphenol compound with ther a dihalobenzophenone or a (2,2)bis(4-halophenyl)hexafluoropropane and any other activated halogen containing aromatic compounds in the presence of a base and an appropriate solvent. The resulting oligomeric product, a dialkaline bisphenate terminated salt, is then reacted with 4-nitrophthalonitrile to form an oligomer-based phthalonitrile. These oligomers, in the presence or absence of an curing agent, may then be heated to form high temperature thermosetting polymers. These polymers can potentially be used as advanced materials for composites, as adhesives, and for microelectronic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel substituted biphenyl pyrazines or pyrazine derivatives ("BPD") which are functional and have useful application as a monomer for a variety of high performance polymers such as polyester, polyarylate, polycarbonate, polyetherketones, epoxides, polyimides, polyamides, and polyamides-imides; and as pigments for coating compositions such as paints. These BPD have the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 -R.sub.8 and n are defined herein.

Abstract: Described are compositions protected against thermal and oxidative degradation that compriseA) a polyether polyol or mixtures of such polyols,B) at least one benzofuranone derivative of formula I, ##STR1## wherein L, G, m, R.sub.1 to R.sub.5 and R.sub.21 to R.sub.24 are as defined in claim 1,C) at least one compound from the group of the phenolic anti-oxidants, and/orD) at least one compound from the group of the amino anti-oxidants of the secondary amine type. Also polyurethane(s) (foam(s)) prepared therefrom are protected against thermal and oxidative degradation, especially against core scorching.

Abstract: Novel difucntionalized cyclobutabenzene monomers of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein Z can be hydrogens or a cyclobutane ring; and X and Y are carboxyl, amino, alcohol, isocyanate, acid halide, or bis-acyl fluoride groups. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cyclobutabenzene derivative is 1,2-dihydrocyclobutabenzene-3,6-carboxylic acid. The difunctionalized cyclobutabenzene monomer can form part of a polymer backbone chain, but has an additional functionality, the butane ring, which can be easily opened to produce strong, covalent bond crosslinking between polymer chains. The crosslinking can be induced simply by heating the polymer to a temperature in excess of 300.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved process for preparing phenol-functional polyester resins which are useful in thermosetting coating compositions. The process involves a polycondensation reaction comprising a two-step charging procedure and suitable reaction conditions.

Abstract: Epoxy resins containing more than one vicinal epoxide group per molecule and at least one thiadiazole, oxadiazole or both thiadiazole and oxadiazole moiety per molecule are disclosed, as well as curable and cured compositions thereof. Certain of these epoxy resins possess enantiotropic liquid crystallinity. These enantiotropic epoxy resins are useful in preparing copolymers with high glass transition temperatures and liquid crystalline morphology, which can result in enhanced unidirectional mechanical properties. These epoxy resins are useful in coating, casting, encapsulation, electronic or structural laminate or composite, filament winding or molding applications.

Abstract: A method for preparing diphenol compounds, which method includes the steps of coupling a hydroxyphenyl carboxylic acid with a L-tyrosine ester in a water-miscible organic reaction solvent containing a carbodiimide capable of forming a water-solvent urea by-product, thereby forming a diphenol reaction product; and combining the reaction mixture with an amount of water effective to precipitate the diphenol as a water-immiscible organic phase, so that a water-immiscible organic phase is formed containing the diphenol reaction product. New diphenol monomers and polymers polymerized therefrom are also disclosed.