Abstract: For the anionic polymerization of lactams: (a) (i) a catalyst capable of creating a lactamate and (ii) a regulator chosen from amides of formula R1-NH—CO-R2, in which R1 can be substituted by an R3-CO—NH— or R3-0— radical and in which R1, R2 and R3 denote an aryl, alkyl or cycloalkyl radical, are dissolved in the molten lactam, (a1) the solution from stage (a) is cooled, optionally to the solid state in a form which can be divided, (a2) the product from stage (a1) is optionally reheated to a temperature below the polymerization temperature of the lactam, (a3) optionally, the product from stage (a1) is reheated and is maintained at a temperature between the melting temperature of the lactam and 15° C. above, and (b) the produce from any one of stages (a1), (a2) or (a3) is introduced into a mixing device or mold and is then heated to a temperature sufficient to obtain the bulk polymerization of the lactam.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device (1) for the condensation of water from an aqueous liquid by means of a temperature gradient, which device comprises, (a) a vapor chamber (5) that can be brought in contact with a condensation compartment (4) wherein at least part of the water vapor from the aqueous liquid condenses, and wherein inside of said vapor chamber is located, (b) an evaporation compartment (2) having a least a wall with an outer surface and comprising a closed, hollow and water permeable membrane, and which vapor chamber has an outer surface that comprises a substantially water-impermeable insulation skirt (3) with an inner and an outer surface, such that there is a gap between the inner surface of the insulation skirt and the outer surface of the evaporation compartment, and wherein the vapor chamber has a lower surface of an active width (w) which is at least 10% of the effective diameter (d) of the evaporation compartment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a polyamide comprising macromolecular chains having a star-shaped configuration, a method for making said polyamide and compositions comprising same. More particularly, the invention concerns a method for making a polyamide comprising linear macromolecular chains and star-shaped macromolecular chains with control of the star-shaped chain concentration in the polymer. Said control is obtained by using besides the polyfunctional polymers and amino acids or lactams a polyfunctional comonomer comprising either acid functions or amine functions. The resulting polyamide has optimal mechanical and rheological properties for improving the speed and quality of mould filling and producing mouldable compositions comprising high filler factors.

Abstract: Continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of a polycaprolactam includes forming a reaction mixture by bringing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator into contact with one another, and then subjecting the reaction mixture to anionic polymerization reaction conditions to obtain a molten polycaprolactam. The molten polycaprolactam is the directly (i.e., without intermediate solidification) transferred to, and extruded through, a fiber-forming orifice of a spinneret to form a fiber thereof. One exemplary system to achieve such continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of polycaprolactam includes a mixer for receiving and mixing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator, and a reactor and melt-spinning apparatus downstream of the mixer.

Abstract: Blooming and/or syneresis in gel formulations can be reduced or eliminated by adding to an organic mixture an effective amount of a polyamide gelling agent having a softening point of less than about 105° C. wherein the polyamide is the reaction product of one or more diamines, optionally one or more mono-amines, one or more hydrogenated C36 dimer acids, optionally one or more C2-22 dicarboxylic acids, and optionally one or more C2-22 monocarboxylic acids.

Abstract: A process for making 6-aminocaproic acid by hydroformylating 3-pentenenitrile to produce 3-, 4-, and 5-formylvaleronitrile (FVN mixture), oxidizing the FVN mixture to produce 3-, 4-, and 5-cyanovaleric acid; hydrogenating the resulting product to produce 6-aminocaproic acid, 5-amino-4-methylvaleric acid, and 4-amino-3-ethylbutyric acid; and isolating 6-aminocaproic acid from the reaction product. The resulting 6-aminocaproic acid can be cyclized to produce caprolactam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the hydrolytic polymerisation of &egr;-caprolactam to polyamide-6, comprising a step (a) in which ring opening of part of the &egr;-caprolactam to the corresponding amino caproic acid is effected in the presence of water and a step (b) in which polyaddition and polycondensation are effected under preferably anhydrous reaction conditions, in which at least one of the steps (a) and (b) is carried out in a reactor in which a self-renewing interface between the molten phase and the gas phase with a large surface/volume ratio of the molten phase is effected. The method is preferably effected in an horizontal scraped-surface reactor, since relatively strong mixing of the molten phase can be achieved in these and the molten phase is present in a thin layer, a large gas volume is present having a relatively high partial pressure of the water vapour and the thin layer is constantly renewed by shear forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a high-molecular polyamide or polyester by melt-mixing polyamide or polyester having a lower molecular weight with a carbonyl bislactam having formula 1, in which n=an integer of between 3 and 15.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antistatic monomer-cast nylon (MC nylon) polymer. The MC nylon polymer includes graphite particles nonuniformly distributed in an MC nylon polymer structure. The graphite particles are partially agglomerated and form a micro-domain phase. The antistatic MC nylon has volume specific resistance of about 105 &OHgr;·cm to about 109&OHgr;·cm. Also disclosed is a method of producing antistatic MC nylon. A mixture comprising a monomer of the nylon and graphite is prepared and cast in a mold. The mixture is stirred to disperse the graphite and the monomer polymerizes to form an antistatic MC polymer.

Abstract: An ester-terminated dimer acid-based polyamide may be blended with a solvent to form a gel. The solvent may be flammable, and a wick may be added to the resulting gel so as to form a candle. Depending on the composition, the candle may be formed into a free standing pillar, or may be better suited to being placed in a container. The solvent may be mineral oil. A solid coating may be placed around the candle, for advantages including to enhance the clarity and/or mechanical stability of the gelled body, and to eliminate the tendency of a gel to have an oily feel and to accept noticeable fingerprints. The ester-terminated dimer acid-based polyamide may also be combined with an active ingredient, such as a fragrance, colorant, insect-repellant, insecticide, bioactive ingredient or the like, to afford a delivery vehicle for the active ingredient.

Abstract: Proposed is a process for sealing the seams of a water vapour permeable lining comprising a laminate of a textile material and a waterproof, but water vapour permeable film in which sections of said laminate with the textile sides facing one another are bonded together along the contours of the material to be lined, after which the lining is dipped in a solution of a hydrophilic polymer in an organic solvent which acts as a swelling agent for the waterproof film of the laminate, followed by evaporation of the solvent. The water vapour permeable film in the laminate preferably is made of a hydrophilic copolyetherester or copolyetheramide, while the hydrophilic polymer soluble in an organic solvent preferably is a copolyetherester.

Abstract: Nylon 6 chip is obtainable by hydrolytic polymerization of caprolactam in the presence of dicarboxylic acids as chain regulators, subsequent processing of the polymer melt into chip, extraction of the low molecular weight portions from the chip with water and subsequent drying of the chip.

Abstract: Substrates that are moisture-sensitive and/or corrosion-sensitive, such as electrical components found in fiber optic cables, copper wires, terminal blocks, connections and junctions, are protected from moisture and/or corrosion with a protectant composition that includes a polyamide gelling agent, a gelled solvent, and optionally a bleeding agent. The electrical components are typically contacted with the protective composition to protect the sensitive component from moisture and/or corrosion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyamide, a method for its manufacture and compounds containing it. It involves, specifically, a polyamide obtained through polymerization of an aminoacid or lactam such as caprolactam in the presence of a compound having at least three functions capable of generating an amide function by reacting either with an amine function or with an acid fonction. The polyamide obtained in this way has at least part of these molecular chains in a star formation, the other part being in linear form. This polymer is useful, inter alia, in the manufacture of compounds that are to be molded, since it has minimal viscosity in a melted medium while still retaining the mechanical properties of a linear polymer.

Abstract: Colpolyamides resulting from the polycondensation of a mixture of (a) dodecanelactam (L12) or of 12-aminododecanoic acid (A12) and of (b) 11-aminoundecanoic acid (A11) are characterized in that the monomer L12 or A12 represents 1 to 15% or 85 to 99% by weight of the mixture, and the copolyamides have melting points (mp) as a function of the composition, the units originating from the monomer A12 and L12 being in a majority or minority respectively:(1) A12 or L12 is a majority: mp (.degree. C.).gtoreq.176-0.567.times.(% A11)(2) A12 or L12 is a majority: mp (.degree.).gtoreq.187-0.5.times.(% A12 or L12),the melting points being determined by taking the peaks of the exotherm signals obtained in differential thermal analysis with a rate of heating of 10.degree. C./minute for the second heating run. Such copolyamides have a property of resilience at low temperature and a property of improved suppleness, especially when plasticizer is added to them.

Abstract: An ester-terminated dimer acid-based polyamide may be blended with a solvent to form a gel. The solvent may be flammable, and a wick may be added to the resulting gel so as to form a candle. Depending on the composition, the candle may be formed into a free standing pillar, or may be better suited to being placed in a container. The solvent may be mineral oil. A solid coating may be placed around the candle, for advantages including to enhance the mechanical stability of the gelled body, and to eliminate the tendency of a gel to have an oily feel and to accept noticeable fingerprints. The solvent which, in combination with the ester-terminated dimer acid-based polymer forms a gel, may be or include a fragrance material, an insecticide or an insect repellent. A wick may or may not be present in this gel, but in any event, the composition provides for the release of the fragrance, insecticide or insect-repellent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of polyamide polymers via prepolymer formation in a reactor system comprising a reactor, flasher and separator, crystallization of the prepolymer under controlled temperature conditions and the subsequent conversion of these crystallized prepolymers to high molecular weight polymer.

Abstract: The presently claimed process for the production of a solid pigment/resin dispersion comprises the steps of mixing together a particulate pigment, a solid resin carrier, a water-immiscible organic solvent in which the carrier is at least partially soluble, water, and, optionally, a water miscible solvent until the mixture separates into an aqueous phase and a coherent phase comprising resin, pigment and organic solvent; separating water from the coherent phase; and continuing to mix the coherent phase while removing the organic solvent under the action of heat and/or reduced pressure until a dry particulate material comprising a pigment and resin is formed.

Abstract: A low molecular weight, ester-terminated polyamide may be blended with a liquid hydrocarbon to form a transparent composition having gel consistency. The ester-terminated polyamide is prepared by reacting "x" equivalents of dicarboxylic acid wherein at least 50% of those equivalents are from polymerized fatty acid, "y" equivalents of diamine such as ethylene diamine, and "z" equivalents of monoalcohol having at least 4 carbon atoms. The stoichiometry of the reaction mixture is such that 0.9.ltoreq.{x/(y+z)}.ltoreq.1.1 and 0.1.ltoreq.{z/(y+z)}.ltoreq.0.7. The reactants are heated until they reach reaction equilibrium. The gel contains about 5-50% ester-terminated polyamide with the remainder preferably being pure hydrocarbon. The gels are useful in formulating personal care products and other articles wherein some degree of gel-like or self-supporting consistency is desired.

Abstract: Claimed is a copolyether amide having a melting point in the range of 180.degree. to 260.degree. C., incorporating at least 10 wt. % and not more than 30 wt. % of ethylene oxide groups, and composed of 30 to 60 wt. % of polyamide segments and 70 to 40 wt. % of segments derived from a (cyclo)aliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acid or a dimeric fatty acid and a polyoxyalkylene diamine derived from a polyoxyalkylene group having a molecular weight of 600 to 6000 and an atomic ratio of carbon to oxygen of 2.0 to 4.3. Also claimed is a non-porous, waterproof film having a water vapor permeability of at least 1000 g/m.sup.2 day determined at 30.degree. C. and 50% RH in accordance with ASTM E96-66 which is based on a the use of these films in rainwear, shoes, tents, chairs, as mattress covers and underslating, for medical purpose garments, and for the manufacture of dressings.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of caprolactam to nylon-6 polymer, comprising the use of a polymerization accelerator having the structural formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are alkyl, aryl and aralkyl radicals and mixtures thereof, and X is a halogen ion other than iodide and the temperature of said polymerization process is carried out at between about room temperature and about 115.degree. C.

Abstract: A low molecular weight, ester-terminated polyamide may be blended with a liquid hydrocarbon to form a transparent composition having gel consistency. The ester-terminated polyamide is prepared by reacting "x" equivalents of dicarboxylic acid wherein at least 50% of those equivalents are from polymerized fatty acid, "y" equivalents of diamine such as ethylene diamine, and "z" equivalents of monoalcohol having at least 4 carbon atoms. The stoichiometry of the reaction mixture is such that 0.9.ltoreq.{x/(y+z)}.ltoreq.1.1 and 0.1.ltoreq.{z/(y+z)}.ltoreq.0.7. The reactants are heated until they reach reaction equilibrium. The gel contains about 5-50% ester-terminated polyamide, with the remainder preferably being pure hydrocarbon. The gels are useful in formulating personal care products and other articles wherein some degree of gel-like or self-supporting consistency is desired.

Abstract: An acrylic/lactam monomer based polymeric resin is provided which has excellent weatherability, outstanding transparency and optical clarity, improved heath and solvent resistance, as well as improved impact strength. The acrylic/lactam monomer based polymeric resin is formulated by the catalytic activation at ambient temperature of a polymerization syrup which contains from about 300 to about 2970 parts by volume of an acrylic monomer, from about 30 to about 2700 parts by volume of a lactam monomer, from about 0.3 parts to about 40 parts by volume of a mercaptan chain transfer agent and from about 0.3 to about 40 parts by volume of a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the acrylic monomer and the lactam monomer. To prevent further polymerization of the polymeric constituents of the polymerization syrup, as well as to enhance the shelf life of the polymerization syrup, an effective amount of a polymerization inhibitor and an ultraviolet light stabilizer are incorporated into the polymerization syrup.

Abstract: A continuous process for activated anionic lactam polymerization is proposed, wherein a liquid system is employed, which simultaneously contains activator and anionic catalyst for the polymerization of lactam.

Abstract: A method for the anionic polymerization of a lactam which produces an nylon having a surface resistivity of between about 10.sup.6 to about 10.sup.12 .OMEGA./.quadrature.. Miscible antistatic agents are mixed with the lactam and the moisture concentration in the lactam is adjusted to about 0.4 wt %. When required to complete the polymerization, the initiator concentration in the lactam is adjusted to about 1 wt %.

Abstract: Claimed is a copolyether amide having a melting point in the range of 180.degree. to 260.degree. C., incorporating at least 10 wt. % and not more than 30 wt. % of ethylene oxide groups, and composed of 30 to 60 wt. % of polyamide segments and 70 to 40 wt. % of segments derived from a (cyclo)aliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acid or a dimeric fatty acid and a polyoxyalkylene diamine derived from a polyoxyalkylene group having a molecular weight of 600 to 6000 and an atomic ratio of carbon to oxygen of 2.0 to 4.3. Also claimed is a non-porous, waterproof film having a water vapour permeability of at least 1000 g/m.sup.2 day determined at 30.degree. C. and 50% RH in accordance with ASTM E96-66 which is based on a the use of these films in rainwear, shoes, tents, chairs, as mattress covers and understating, for medical purpose garments, and for the manufacture of dressings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel ternary polyamide for the production of monofilaments, films and injection moulded articles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coprecipitated binder composition used for the compression of pharmaceutically and agriculturally active components to provide a non-friable pill or tablet of increased hardness with remarkably improved rate of dissolution and improved stability in aqueous solution. The invention also relates to the process for preparing the binder and to its incorporation in a formulation with the active ingredient.

Abstract: A process for the batch preparation of polylaurolactam in the melt, involving introducing molten, anhydrous laurolactam at a temperature of up to 280.degree. C. into a pressure-resistant reactor heated externally to a maximum of 290.degree. C.; introducing steam having a temperature in the range from 170.degree. to 280.degree. C. and a pressure in the range from 8 to 64 bar into the laurolactam until the laurolactam is heated under pressure to a temperature in a range from 280.degree. to 290.degree. C., to give a ring opened precondensed product; and, if desired, after release of pressure, polycondensing the ring opened precondensed product.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of polyamides from a mixture of at least one lactam and water and, if required, other monomer units and/or conventional additives and fillers under polyamide-forming conditions, where the mixture of the starting materials is heated in liquid phase in a first reaction zone until a conversion of at least 70% is reached, and undergoes adiabatic decompression and further polymerization in another reaction zone, wherein, in the first reaction zone, 0.5-7% by weight of water are employed, the temperature is increased to the range from 220.degree. to 310.degree. C., and polymerization is carried out until a conversion of at least 85% is reached and, in the second reaction zone, after the decompression further polymerization is carried out in the range from 215.degree. to 300.degree. C. without heat input.

Abstract: Acrylate monomers such as methyl methacrylate, or other suitable monomers such as lactams, lactones, or acrylamides, are polymerized by reaction injection molding (RIM) utilizing a combination of organo group-4 catalysts, e.g., a neutral organo catalyst and a cationic organo catalyst. Preferably a Lewis acid is utilized which reacts with the neutral organo catalyst and forms in situ the cationic organo catalyst. Significant exotherms are rapidly generated and result in short cure times and typically in high conversions of at least 95 percent by weight of the monomer. The catalysts of the present invention give good control of tacticity and thus high Tg polymers such as syndiotactic methyl methacrylate can be produced.

Abstract: Polyetheresteramides, characterized in that they comprise both of the following repeating entities: ##STR1## in which X represents the residue of a polyamide-diacid oligomer with an Mn of between 300 and 8000, Y represents the residue of a polyetherdiol with an Mn of between 200 and 5000, and Z represents the residue of a polyetherdiamine with an Mn of between 200 and 5000, wherein the proportion by mass of the entities Z resulting from the condensation of the polyetherdiamine with respect to the total amount of the entities resulting from the polyetherdiol and polyetherdiamine, i.e. Z/(Z+Y), is between 1 and 50%. The polyetheresteramides according to the invention can be used as is and are suitable for the production of mouldings, extrudates, films, sheaths, or composite materials such as multi-layer film. They can also be mixed with other polymers and in particular with polyamides.

Abstract: The present invention provides an economical process for the continuous hydrolytic polymerization of laurolactam.

Abstract: An acrylic/lactam monomer based polymeric resin is provided which has excellent weatherability, outstanding transparency and optical clarity, improved heath and solvent resistance, as well as improved impact strength. The acrylic/lactam monomer based polymeric resin is formulated by the catalytic activation at ambient temperature of a polymerization syrup which contains from about 300 to about 2970 parts by volume of an acrylic monomer, from about 30 to about 2700 parts by volume of a lactam monomer, from about 0.3 parts to about 40 parts by volume of a mercaptan chain transfer agent and from about 0.3 to about 40 parts by volume of a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the acrylic monomer and the lactam monomer. To prevent further polymerization of the polymeric constituents of the polymerization syrup, as well as to enhance the shelf life of the polymerization syrup, an effective amount of a polymerization inhibitor and an ultraviolet light stabilizer are incorporated into the polymerization syrup.

Abstract: An acrylic/lactam monomer based polymeric resin is provided which has excellent weatherability, outstanding transparency and optical clarity, improved heath and solvent resistance, as well as improved impact strength. The acrylic/lactam monomer based polymeric resin is formulated by the catalytic activation at ambient temperature of a polymerization syrup which contains from about 300 to about 2970 parts by volume of an acrylic monomer, from about 30 to about 2700 parts by volume of a lactam monomer, from about 0.3 parts to about 40 parts by volume of a mercaptan chain transfer agent and from about 0.3 to about 40 parts by volume of a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the acrylic monomer and the lactam monomer. To prevent further polymerization of the polymeric constituents of the polymerization syrup, as well as to enhance the shelf life of the polymerization syrup, an effective amount of a polymerization inhibitor and an ultraviolet light stabilizer are incorporated into the polymerization syrup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new polyamides comprising, on a mass basis:(a) 45 to 75% of an x,T unit, x being between 4 and 12 inclusive, the x,T unit being the condensation product of a diamine having x carbon atoms and of terephthalic acid, and(b) 55 to 25% of an aliphatic unit -HN-(CH.sub.2).sub.n -CO, n being between 6 and 14 inclusive. and the terpolyamides obtained by including a monomeric unit (c) such as the unit 6 or 6,I as a replacement for part of the aliphatic unit (b).The polyamide compositions thus obtained exhibit a Tg lower than 130.degree. C., a Tm higher than 230.degree. C. and a good crystallizability.

Abstract: A continuous polymerization method for laurolactam which has three stages. A prepolymerization process include steps of preliminarily heating laurolactam with 1 to 10% weight of water added, thereafter continuously feeding and passing the laurolactam from the upper part of the lower part of the longitudinal-type polymerization reaction zone, arranging a temperature decreasing gradient of 10.degree. C. or more than the upper part to the lower part directions at a polymerization temperature of 250.degree. and 300.degree. C. in the polymerization zone, and polymerizing the laurolactam under vapor pressure up to a conversion rate of 99.5% or more. A intermediate process has a step of releasing pressure from the prepolymerization product from the prepolymerization process for conversion into an intermediate product at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A higher order polyamide monofilament suture exhibits improved properties such as greater resistance to creep, greater knot security and greater chemical stability in aqueous environments.

Abstract: A continuous polymerization method for laurolactam which has three stages. A prepolymerization process include steps of preliminarily heating laurolactam with 1 to 10% weight of water added, thereafter continuously feeding and passing the laurolactam from the upper part of the lower part of the longitudinal-type polymerization reaction zone, arranging a temperature decreasing gradient of 10.degree. C. or more than the upper part to the lower part directions at a polymerization temperature of 250.degree. and 300.degree. C. in the polymerization zone, and polymerizing the laurolactam under vapor pressure up to a conversion rate of 99.5% or more. A intermediate process has a step of releasing pressure from the prepolymerization product from the prepolymerization process for conversion into an intermediate product at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Block copolyetheramides, well adopted for conversion into a wide variety of useful thermoplastic elastomer shaped articles, have the formula: ##STR1## in which D is the residue of a diacid oligamide having an Mn ranging from 300 to 3,000 and/or the residue of the diacid chain limiter, PE is the residue of a polyetherdiol having an Mn ranging from 200 to 5,000,.times.is a straight or branched chain (cyclo)aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon having from 4 to 20 carbon atoms, n is a number ranging from 1 to 4, and m is an average number ranging from 2 to 50; these are prepared by polycondensing a multiblock polymer having the formula: ##STR2## with a diamine H.sub.2 N--X--NH.sub.2.

Abstract: A process for producing large-size formed articles consisting of a modified polyamide, by polymerization of a mixture containing, besides the omega-lactam corresponding to the polyamide, the following reagents:a) a polymerization catalyst selected from the sodium salt and the potassium salt of said omega-lactam;b) a polyoxyalkylene polyamine having a molecular weight ranging from 400 to 5,000 and an amine functionality ranging from 1.9 to 2.5;c) an activator consisting of a polyisocyanate having all the isocyanic groups blocked with a lactam;said reagents being fed, at a temperature of from 105.degree. to 125.degree. C., to a mold heated to 130.degree.-170.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for producing a sliding coupling, w hich comprises injecting a casting material comprising the following components (A) and (B) into a clearance between a bearing and a shaft fitted in and rotatably or reciprocatively supported by the bearing, wherein a primer is preliminarily applied to either the shaft or the bearing and a releasing agent is preliminarily applied to the other; followed by polymerization and curing to form a resin lining on the surface of the shaft or the bearing:(A) a .OMEGA.-lactam liquid containing a polymerization catalyst of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal compound; and(B) a .OMEGA.-lactam liquid containing at least one polymerization initiator.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a modified addition polymer from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer composition that includes at least one monomer having hydroxyl or carboxyl functionality. The ethylenically unsaturated monomer composition, and a free radical initiator therefor, is dissolved in a solvent-free molten composition maintained at an addition polymerization temperature, the molten composition comprising a cyclic compound reactive via ring-opening with the hydroxyl or carboxyl functionality. The resulting material is useful in the manufacture of paints in liquid or powder form.

Abstract: A process for the continuous and discontinuous production of polycaprolactam is disclosed which includes the step of polymerizing, by anionic polymerization, .epsilon.-caprolactam to which suitable initiators and activators are added. The process may optionally include the addition of comonomers, pigments, electroconductive fillers, modifying polymers, inorganic fillers, reinforcing fibers, inorganic fillers and/or other additives to a dispersing media in which the polymerization takes place with polycaprolctam, copolymers or composites thereof being obtained in the form of particles. The foregoing additives may, for example, be added to the dispersing media dropwise with mechanical or convective stirring under controlled temperature conditions.

Abstract: A process for preparing arylene sulfide polymers which comprises the steps of contacting at least one alkali metal hydroxide, water and at least one lactam to form a first mixture comprising an alkali metal aminoalkanoate, water and lactam, and subsequently contacting said first mixture with at least one sulfur source selected from the group consisting of alkali metal bisulfides, thiolactams, and hydrogen sulfide under reaction conditions of time and temperature sufficient to produce a second mixture comprising a polymerizable complex of an alkali metal aminolkanoate and the sulfur source, lactam, water and metal impurities; separating at least a portion of the metal impurities from the second mixture to form a third mixture; contacting at least one dihaloaromatic compound with the third mixture to produce a polymerization mixture; subjecting the polymerization mixture to polymerization conditions of time and temperature sufficient to produce the arylene sulfide polymer; and recovering the arylene sulfide pol

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for producing a novel polyol polymer is disclosed. The process comrises combining at an elevated reaction temperature and for a predetermined period of time an (1) addition-polymerizable monomer that is also a free-radical initiator together with an (2) ethylenically-unsaturated monomer that has a nucleophilic or an electrophilic moiety. The elevated temperature is so chosen as to be effective for initiating desired "addition copolymerization" of the addition-polymerizable monomer with the ethylenically-unsaturated monomer. The process further comprises combining with the addition-polymerizable monomers, at a preselected superatmospheric pressure, a polymerizable carbonyl carbon-containing ringed molecule.

Abstract: What is described herein are polymerizable pyrrolidonyl 4,5-unsubstituted oxazoline monomers, homopolymers thereof, and copolymers with other monomers. A preferred polymerizable monomer compound is 2-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidon-4-yl)-2-oxazoline. The polymers herein have excellent hydrotropic properties thus increasing the water solubility of organic compounds previously considered as water insoluble, and exhibit complexation with water soluble cosolutes.

Abstract: Process of preparing modified polyamides endowed with improved mechanical properties, which process resides in polymerizing an .omega.-lactam in the presence of(a) a polyisocyanate having the isocyanate groups blocked by an .omega.-lactam,(b) a poly-oxy-alkylene-amine, and(c) an alkali metal catalyst.A further object of the invention is the products obtained by means of such a process.

Abstract: A polymerization process to produce polyol polymer useful in the formulation of thermoset coatings, including the polymer so produced, is disclosed. The polymers are characterized as having at least one main chain and a plurality of side chains attached thereto. The polymerization process comprises combining in a solvent, at an elevated temperature and for a predetermined period of time, an addition-polymerizable monomer (that is also a free-radical initiator) together with an ethylenically-unsaturated monomer (having a nucleophilic or an electrophilic moiety), to initiate addition copolymerization of the addition-polymerizable monomer with the ethylenically-unsaturated monomer, whereby propagation of the reaction forms the main chain of the polymer.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a prepolymer amide, by hydrolytically polymerizing a lactam/water mixture of a C.sub.12 -aminocarboxylic acid lactam at a temperature in the range from 240-360.degree. C. and a steam pressure in the range of 30-180 bar, and wherein the water content of the lactam/water mixture is in the range of 7.5-30% by weight.