Abstract: Ultraviolet curable terpolymers of trioxane, from at least 65 weight percent to about 75 weight percent of 1,3-dioxolane and from about 2 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of a monoethylenically unsaturated aliphatic diol formal having at least 4 carbon atoms in its main chain, e.g., 4,7-dehydro- 1,3-dioxepin, which are non-crystalline at room temperature or above are disclosed. These terpolymers, when admixed with a multifunctional crosslinking monomer, e.g., a multifunctional acrylate such as 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, and a photosensitizer, e.g., a benzoin compound such as benzoin isobutyl ether, can be cured to an insoluble, non-tacky, rubbery state using UV radiation. The thus-cured polymeric materials form useful crosslinked films, and when cryogenically ground to a suitable small particle size can be blended with conventionally prepared crystalline oxymethylene homo-, co- and terpolymers to improve the latters' impact properties.

Abstract: A process for producing an oxymethylene copolymer, comprising the steps of polymerizing trioxane and cyclic ether in the presence of a boron trifluoride catalyst, adding a hindered amine compound to the polymer obtained by said polymerization, and stabilizing instable chain ends of the polymer. The oxymethylene copolymer thus obtained provides excellent heat resistance and superior mechanical properties.

Abstract: A process is provided for reducing black speck formation which occurs during melt processing of oxymethylene polymer compositions containing polyamide stabilizers having a melting or softening point below the melting point of the oxymethylene polymer and for simultaneously removing volatile materials from a molten oxymethylene polymer, according to which from about 0.05 to about 5.0 weight percent based on the weight of the oxymethylene polymer of said polyamide stabilizer and from about 0.05 to about 10.0 weight percent, based on the weight of the oxymethylene polymer, of hindered phenol antioxidant is added while the molten polymer is passed through a rotating disk polymer processor having at least three stages; a first devolatilization stage, then a stabilization stage and then a second devolatilization stage. The molten polymer in the first devolatilization stage is maintained at a temperature above its melting point in the temperature range of from about 160.degree. C. to about 220.degree.

Abstract: Homopolymers or copolymers of organometallic, end-capped polyphthalaldehydes containing the repeating unit of formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each independently of the other hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, carboxyl, hydroxyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkylthio or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxycarbonyl, and at least one of the substituents R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are a group --Q(R.sup.5).sub.3 or --Q(R.sup.6).sub.3, where Q is Si, Sn, Ge, CH.sub.2 --Si or O--Si, R.sup.5 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl and R.sup.6 is C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl, are suitable for producing dry-developed, plasma-resistant photoresists required for the production of structured images, especially for microelectronics.

Abstract: A trioxane polymer is continuously produced with a continuous stirring-mixing apparatus. The apparatus includes two mutually parallel rotational shafts, a large number of paddles mounted on each rotational shaft and a barrel having an inside wall surface along the circular surface traced by the respective paddles, as they rotate. Thus, the barrel has a cross-section in the shape of two circles concentric with the two rotational shafts, which overlap each other. The apparatus is also provided with a temperature controlling jacket.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing volatile materials from a molten oxymethylene polymer, according to which the molten polymer is passed through a rotating disk polymer processor having at least three stages; a first devolatilization stage, then a stabilization stage and then a second devolatilization stage. The molten polymer in the first devolatilization stage is maintained at a temperature above its melting point in the temperature range of from about 160.degree. C. to about 220.degree. C. and at a vapor space pressure of from about 0.1 to about 300 Torr. The polymer in the stabilization stage is maintained in the molten state at a temperature of from 160.degree. C. to about 220.degree. C. The polymer in the second devolatilization stage is maintained in the molten state at a temperature of from about 160.degree. C. to about 190.degree. C. and at a vapor space pressure of from about 0.1 to about 100 Torr.

Abstract: Oxymethylene polymers are prepared by the continuous polymerization of trioxane using as a catalyst a blend of boron trifluoride gas and nitrogen gas. Oxymethylene polymers are used in the manufacture of plumbing fixtures, pipes, automobile body parts and a variety of other articles.

Abstract: A process for producing an oxymethylene copolymer by copolymerizing trioxane with at least one cyclic comonomer selected from the group consisting of cyclic ethers and cyclic formals, said process comprising(1) polymerizing trioxane alone or with a cyclic comonomer in the presence of a polymerization catalyst until the conversion of trioxane reaches 10 to 95%, and(2) thereafter adding a cyclic comonomer and a polymerization catalyst to the reaction system and continuing the polymerization.

Abstract: A high modulus polymer material is produced by subjecting a crystallizable polymer to a thermal treatment under conditions such that the possibility that a given molecular chain is incorporated in more than one crystal lamella is substantially reduced and then attenuating the polymer at an imposed rate and temperature whereby substantially complete alignment of its molecules may be obtained.

Abstract: Thermosettable prepolymers or resins are prepared by reacting a pyrazine containing at least two substituent groups which have a hydrogen atom attached to a carbon atom which is attached to the ring with a material containing at least two aromatic aldehyde groups. These prepolymers or resins are curable to thermoset products having good mechanical and thermal properties. Thermoset polymers having good mechanical and thermal properties are also prepared by homopolymerization in the presence of N,N'-bis-imides or copolymerization of these prepolymers with N,N'-bis-imides. The prepolymers are suitable for preparing composites.

Abstract: A copolymer of formaldehyde with a cyclic formal is continuously prepared by feeding formaldehyde, the cyclic formal and 0.1-20 weight parts, per 100 weight parts of formaldehyde, of an inert organic solvent to a biaxial mixer where the formaldehyde is copolymerized with the cyclic formal in the presence of boron trifluoride or an ether complex thereof.

Abstract: Aliphatic aldehyde polymer containing at least one Si atom in its molecular chain is a positive type resist having a very high sensitivity to radiation such as electron beams, X-rays, ion beams, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method for stabilizing acetal copolymers by hydrolyzing the copolymer product in a low energy reaction process wherein undesirable side products are continuously and efficiently removed by melting and extruding the unhydrolyzed oxymethylene copolymer into a hydrolysis reaction zone in which the necessary reactants are intimately contacted with the copolymer, preferably by means of flow division and rearrangement mixing technique. Subsequently, the hydrolyzed copolymer product is devolatilized to remove the unwanted side products by passing it through a devolatilization zone preferably having more than one devolatilization port and a vacuum source from which negative pressure is available for application to the devolatilization ports so that the undesired products may be effectively removed.

Abstract: Oxymethylene polymers are prepared by a continuous process, by mass polymerization of the monomers with the aid of conventional, preferably cationic, initiators, wherein the monomers as well as the resulting polymer are present substantially in molten form during the polymerization.

Abstract: Trioxane homo-or copolymerizate is produced by continuously feeding the liquid starting material to be polymerized into a mixer in which there is present a powdered to granular oxymethylene homopolymer or copolymer which is fluidized to form a fluidized bed, the speed of feeding, catalyst concentration and polymerization temperature are coordinated to each other in suitable manner and after a polymerization reaction of at least 70 percent polymerizate is continuously or cyclically discharged from the mixer serving as reactor.

Abstract: A continuous polymerization method to obtain polymer production in the form of fine particles from a liquid polymerization medium; the reaction being conducted in a polymerization reactor wherein mixing is effected by the action of a plurality of elliptical paddles mounted on each of dual rotating shafts, characterised in that the dual shafts are rotated in reverse directions to each other, and the paddles being enclosed by walls of the reactor with the inside surface of the walls closely defining the surface generated by the rotation of the ends of both sets of paddles; and with the ends of major axes of the elliptical paddles on one rotating shaft periodically approaching the ends of minor axes of the corresponding elliptical paddles on the other rotating shaft to effect a mixing action as well as a longitudinal shearing action across a notional interface between the two shafts. The method is particularly useful for the polymerization of trioxane.

Abstract: This invention relates to "comb" polymers having high molecular weight and related structurally to polyoxymethylene, but having improved thermal stability. In addition, this invention relates to a method for preparing these high molecular weight "comb" polymers and teaches a process which exhibits reduced reactor fouling and produces a free-flowing powder. Generally the improved polymer is made by copolymerizing trioxane with polyanhydride or copolymerizing trioxane with copolymers of olefins and anhydrides. The improved polymer can optionally be reacted with agents known to react with terminal hydroxy groups to end-cap the polymer.

Abstract: A polyacetal suitable for moldings which are excellent in lubricity, wear and antistatic properties, which has at least one terminal of its linear polymer molecule capped with an alkylene oxide adduct of an alcohol or a carboxylic acid, which adduct is of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.o is a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, substituted alkyl group, aryl group, or substituted aryl group, R.sub.o 's may be the same or different, R.sub.1 is an alkyl group, substituted alkyl group, aryl group, or substituted aryl group, R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, substituted alkyl group, aryl group, or substituted aryl group, m is from 2 to 6, and n is from 1 to 1,000; the number average molecular weight of said polyacetal being in the range from 10,000 to 500,000 excluding the terminal group.

Abstract: In a process for producing a stabilized oxymethylene copolymer by heat-melting, at a temperature ranging between the melting point of the copolymer and a temperature 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A method is provided by which thermally stable polyoxymethylene containing polymers are produced. These polymers are prepared by polymerizing trioxane or formaldehyde which has been first treated with micro-wave radiation. Trioxane or formaldehyde treated in this manner is then suitable for homopolymerization or copolymerization with any of the variety of comonomers known to copolymerize with these materials. The resultant polyoxymethylene containing polymers are of exceptional thermal stability without the necessity of added stabilizers.

Abstract: Polyformaldehyde is prepared by polymerizing anhydrous monomeric formaldehyde in an organic, liquid and inert diluent which is a non-solvent for polyformaldehyde, in the presence of a catalyst of the formula: ##STR1## wherein A.sup.(-) is a lactamate group: ##STR2## in which PM is a linear polymethylene chain with from 3 to 13 carbon atoms, possibly substituted with one or more alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl radicals, and wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 independently are an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl radical.

Abstract: Undesirable deposition of polyoxymethylene onto the inner wall of a polymerization reactor and onto a stirrer, which deposition is observed in the slurry polymerization of formaldehyde carried out in an inert organic liquid medium, can be minimized by carrying out the slurry polymerization in the presence of a polymerization catalyst prepared by bringing a metal chelate compound into contact with polyoxymethylene in an inert organic liquid medium in the presence of formaldehyde. Preferably, the slurry polymerization is carried out in the presence of, in addition to the above-mentioned polymerization catalyst, at least one polyvalent metal salt of an alkylsalicylic acid or of a dialkyl ester of sulfosuccinic acid. It is also preferable to use a tubular closed loop reactor equipped with an impeller wherein gaseous formaldehyde is blown into the reactor in a position located downstream from the impeller, while the catalyst-containing slurry is circulated therethrough.

Abstract: A polymer having the average structure: ##STR1## wherein Y is a moiety containing 1 to about 20 carbon atoms randomly distributed along the polymer chain derived from a comonomer selected from the group consisting of aldehydes and epoxy compounds; p is 0 or 1; the product of q and n averages at least 4; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are individually any chemically stable group which stabilizes the polymer against rapid depolymerization in alkaline solution; and Z is a mixture of H and members selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, ammonium and alkanol amine groups having from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, is useful for the reversible deflocculation of clay slurries. In the preferred embodiments, p is 0 to provide a homopolymer, the product of q and n averages between about 10 and about 200, and Z is a mixture containing at least 1 percent H, the remainder being alkali metal, e.g., sodium.

Abstract: The alkali metal, ammonium and alkanol amine salts of acetal carboxylate polymers are known to be stable detergent builders and chelating agents which depolymerize in acid media making the polymer fragments more readily biodegradable in waste streams. Now, according to the present invention, the hydrolytic stability of an acetal carboxylate polymer can be controlled by bringing together under polymerization conditions an ester of glyoxylic acid and a polymerization initiator and adding to the termini of the resulting polymer end groups having substituents which are selected to be more electron withdrawing as the desired hydrolytic stability increases.

Abstract: Poly(aldehyde aminosilicon acid) resinous products are produced by reacting an aminosilicon acid compound with an aldehyde compound.

Abstract: In a process for producing a stabilized oxymethylene copolymer which comprises heat-melting an oxymethylene copolymer having unstable, unblocked terminals obtained by the copolymerization of trioxane with a cyclic acetal and/or a cyclic ether to heat decompose it in the presence of available heat stabilizers; the improvement which comprises heating said oxymethylene copolymer having unblocked terminals in a mixer at a temperature between the melting point of said oxymethylene copolymer and a point 100.degree. C. higher than said melting point under a pressure of 0.

Abstract: Polyglutaraldehyde (PGL) is polymerized in aqueous base or in aqueous highly polar solvent basic media to prepare powders, castable films or coatings for substrates such as amine substituted microbeads. PGL microspheres can be prepared by suspension polymerization in presence of a surfactant or by precipitating PGL from solution containing surfactant. Magnetic PGL microspheres are formed by suspension polymerization in the presence of magnetic particles such as iron oxide. Polyglutaraldehyde can be converted to a fluorescent polymer by reaction with m-aminophenol or other reagent. Proteins can be readily covalently bound to the polyglutaraldehyde.

Abstract: Suspension polymerization of aqueous glutaraldehyde in basic conditions in presence of surfactants such as isobutoxy acrylamide copolymers and/or cross-linking agents yield cross-linked, water insoluble glutaraldehyde polymer microspheres ranging in size from 200 A to 10.mu.. Addition of fluorochromes, e.g., FITC, during polymerization yields microspheres of high fluorescent intensity and addition of a suspension of metal containing particles such as Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4 during polymerization yields magnetic microspheres. Immunopolyglutaraldehyde microspheres can be obtained by interacting the polyglutaraldehyde microspheres with antibodies. The immunomicrospheres were used to label and separate cell subpopulations. The labeling specificity is considerably improved by increasing the amount of isobutoxy polyacrylamide incorporated in the microspheres.

Abstract: Poly(aldehyde aminosilicon acid) resinous products are produced by reacting an aminosilicon acid compound with an aldehyde compound.

Abstract: Copolymers of acetal carboxylates are provided which have the following empirical formula ##STR1## where Y is one or more comonomers randomly distributed in the copolymer; the product of n and q averages at least 4; p is at least 1; and M is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, ammonium, alkyl groups having 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, and alkanol ammonium groups having 1 to about 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. Such copolymers are useful as detergent builders to replace sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) in detergent formulations. The copolymers are stable under laundry use conditions, but depolymerize in acid media, making the fragments more readily biodegradable in waste streams.

Abstract: A polymeric material which comprises an amorphous solid solution formed between a metallic compound and a polymer by virtue of ether, thioether or urethane linkages contained therein, the metal of the metallic compound being selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Sr, Ba, Sc, Y, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Al, La and the other lanthanides.

Abstract: Oxymethylene polymers (POM) are obtained in a granular form, by cooling a POM solution or dispersion, whose temperature is above the sintering temperature of the POM, to a temperature slightly below the sintering temperature of the POM, and extracting from the suspension obtained only those POM particles which show a grain diameter of more than 70 .mu.m. As solvent or dispersing agent as well as precipitating and cooling agent there is used a mixture of methanol and water with a methanol content of at least 75% by weight. The POM obtained is suitable as engineering plastic material for the manufacture of shaped articles having improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing trioxane made from an aqueous solution of methanol-containing formaldehyde by a conventional method or copolymerizing the trioxane with another monomer, characterized bycooling the trioxane to crystallize it,allowing the trioxane in a crystalline state to stand in an open system in an atmosphere of air or an inert gas to remove polyoxymethylene dimethoxide from the trioxane,melting the trioxane, andpolymerizing the trioxane or copolymerizing the trioxane and the another monomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of an improved ureaform fertilizer. The method consists in the condensation of urea and formaldehyde carried out in a controlled system having a pH between 3.5 and 4.2 wherein the overall concentration of the reagents is in the range of 20 to 40% by weight. The ratio between the reagents is between 1.2 to 1.5 moles of urea to 1 mole of formaldehyde and the temperature of the reaction is kept between 15.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. Examples of preferred controlled systems are H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 -KH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 and H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 -NH.sub.4 H.sub.2 PO.sub.4. The method can also be performed in a continuous manner giving rise to an overall quantitative yield, and being temperature self-regulating.The ureaform obtained by the method has an activity index of over 75 and excellent physical properties.

Abstract: This invention is directed to gels which are stable in storage, comprising a polymer matrix, a liquid dispersing agent embedded therein and optionally fillers or additives, characterized in that said polymer matrix is a polycondensation product of aldehydes and aminoplast-formers, at least 30% by weight of the aminoplast-formers having a molecular weight of between 200 and 10,000 and containing at least one ether, thioether, acetal, ester, urethane and/or carbonate group.

Abstract: Ether and acetal carboxylates useful as detergent builders to replace sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) in detergent formulations are known to the art. Certain polymeric polycarboxylates are also known to the art but all of these products suffer from either having poor builder properties or they are not readily biodegradable. According to the present invention, new and novel polyacetal carboxylates are provided which are stable under laundry use conditions, but depolymerize in acid media, making the fragments more readily biodegradable in waste streams.

Abstract: Alkali metal salts of polymeric acetal carboxylate are stable detergent builders under laundry use conditions but depolymerize in acid media, making the polymer fragments more readily biodegradable in waste streams. According to the improved process of the present invention, an ester of a polymeric acetal carboxylate is brought together in a reaction zone with a sufficient amount of an alkali metal base having a normality of at least 5 normal, and preferably at least 10 normal, to saponify at least 50 percent of the ester groups. In the preferred embodiment, the ester is contacted with a solvent to remove color-producing impurities.

Abstract: High strength fibers and films are prepared from melt extrudable (co)polyazomethines.

Abstract: Granular oxymethylene polymers are prepared by cooling a solution or dispersion of an oxymethylene polymer, the temperature of the said solution or dispersion being above the sintering temperature of the oxymethylene polymer, to a temperature just below the said sintering temperature. As dissolving or dispersing agent there is used a mixture of methanol and water. The cooling of the said solution or dispersion is effected in two stages while using a liquid cooling agent or a cooling device. After precipitation the coarse-granular polymer is separated from the fine-granular portion. It is suitable as engineering plastic for preparing molded articles.

Abstract: Photosensitive polyaldehydes are provided which have the formula: ##STR1## WHEREIN R is a photosensitive end group selected from ##STR2## R.sup.1 is H or n-alkyl of 1-5 carbon atoms, preferably H, R.sup.2 is (a) n-alkanoyl of 1-4 carbon atoms or (b) n-alkanoyl of 1-4 carbon atoms or ##STR3## when R.sup.1 is H, and n is a positive integer of about 10-4000. The polyaldehydes are prepared by the anionic polymerization of the appropriate aldehyde with an initiating amount of an alkali metal or tetraalkylammonium alkoxide of RO in the above formula.The polyaldehydes are useful in articles and methods of relief imaging and in lithographic plates.