Abstract: An initiator for cationic polymerization comprises a salt of a protic acid as well as a protic acid. The molar ratio of protic acid to salt is in the range from 1:0.01 to 1:2000. The initiator is used for example for cationic homo- or copolymerization of trioxane, and permits stable and flexible operation of the polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing ?-olefin polymer, comprising polymerizing ?-olefins in the presence of a halogen atom-containing acid catalyst by use of an aliphatic hydrocarbon having 3-12 carbon atoms, which contains 5 to 95 mass % of ?-olefin, as a raw material; removing catalyst residue and halogen-containing compounds by bringing a product in the polymerization step into contact with an aluminum atom-containing inorganic solid treatment agent with or without deactivating the catalyst; and separating the ?-olefin polymer. According to this method, the catalyst residue and other halogen-containing compounds can be removed, without relying on aqueous deactivation and separation steps using an alkaline aqueous solution or the like, from a polymerization reaction product obtained by polymerization in the presence of a halogen-containing acid catalyst by use of an ?-olefin-containing liquid hydrocarbon as a raw material.

Abstract: A method for preparing multi-arm poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) amines from multi-arm PEG polyols is described. The method comprises a two step process, wherein the multi-arm PEG polyol is first reacted with thionyl chloride to form a multi-arm PEG chloride, which is subsequently reacted with aqueous or anhydrous ammonia to yield the multi-arm PEG amine.

Abstract: A composition of matter consisting of a stable solution containing a polymer derived from a solution of a polymer containing trace metals, the derived method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a polymer solution containing a polymer, a first solvent and trace metals; (b) passing said polymer solution through an acidic cation ion exchange material to remove said trace metals therefrom and thereby forming a polymer solution containing free acid radicals; (c) precipitating said polymer from said polymer solution of step b by contacting with a second solvent wherein the polymer is substantially insoluble therein; (d) filtering said solution and said second solvent to thereby form a solid polymer cake; and (e) contacting said cake from step d with sufficient quantities of additional said second solvent in order to remove free acid radicals therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of isolating, purifying, analyzing and/or detecting, functionalized macromolecules, e.g., peptides, phosphopeptides, polypeptides, proteins, oligonucleotides, or phospholipids in a sample, e.g., a biological mixture, using solid phase extraction with an alumina sorbent packed in a micro-elution plate.

Abstract: A purification method in which, from a specific polyoxyalkylene derivative having a molecular weight of 8,800 to 100,000, an impurity differing in the number of hydroxyl groups is separated, the method including steps (A), (B), (C), and (D). Step (A): a step in which an aprotic organic solvent is used in an amount at least 5 times by weight the amount of the polyoxyalkylene derivative to dissolve the polyoxyalkylene derivative therein and give a solution; step (B): a step in which an adsorbent comprising an oxide containing at least one of aluminum and silicon is added to the solution in an amount 0.5 to 5 times by weight the amount of the polyoxyalkylene derivative to thereby yield a slurry; step (C): a step in which the slurry is stirred at 25° C. or higher; step (D): a step in which the polyoxyalkylene derivative is recovered from the slurry.

Abstract: Processes of synthesizing aromatic amine-based benzoxazine resins are disclosed. The processes provide new routes for synthesizing benzoxazine from aromatic diamines or multifunctional aromatic amines that may solve the problem of insoluble products resulted from the condensation of hydroxymethylamine with amine by using aromatic diamine, phenol and formaldehyde as a raw materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparing method of methoxypolyethyleneglycol (mPEG) with high purity and derivatives thereof. More precisely, the method of the present invention to prepare high purity mPEG with at least 99% of purity, up to 1.05 of molecular weight distribution and 350˜100,000 of molecular weight includes the process of reacting commercial mPEG having low purity to give highly purified intermediates, mPEG-acetic acid of formula 1 and mPEG-phthalate of formula 2.

Abstract: A PBI compound that includes imidazole nitrogens, at least a portion of which are substituted with an organic-inorganic hybrid moiety. At least 85% of the imidazole nitrogens may be substituted. The organic-inorganic hybrid moiety may be an organosilane moiety, for example, (R)Me2SiCH2—, where R is selected from among methyl, phenyl, vinyl, and allyl. The PBI compound may exhibit similar thermal properties in comparison to the unsubstituted PBI. The PBI compound may exhibit a solubility in an organic solvent greater than the solubility of the unsubstituted PBI. The PBI compound may be included in separatory media. A substituted PBI synthesis method may include providing a parent PBI in a less than 5 wt % solvent solution. Substituting may occur at about room temperature and/or at about atmospheric pressure. Substituting may use at least five equivalents in relation to the imidazole nitrogens to be substituted or, preferably, about fifteen equivalents.

Abstract: A method of making a stable photoresist solution containing a polymer from a solution of a polymer containing trace metals, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a polymer solution containing a polymer, a first solvent and trace metals; (b) passing said polymer solution through an acidic cation ion exchange material to remove said trace metals therefrom and thereby forming a polymer solution containing free acid radicals; (c) precipitating said polymer from said polymer solution of step b by contacting with a second solvent wherein the polymer is substantially insoluble therein; (d) filtering said solution and said second solvent to thereby form a solid polymer cake; (e) contacting said cake from step d with sufficient quantities of additional said second solvent in order to remove free acid radicals therefrom; (f) adding a compatible photoresist solvent to said solid polymer cake from step e and mixing the two in order to dissolve said polymer in said photoresist solvent and thereby forming a

Abstract: A method of neutralizing a polysiloxane having acidic residuals is disclosed. The method involves contacting a polysiloxane having acidic residuals with a carbon solid, and separating the carbon solid from the polysiloxane. This invention is particularly useful to neutralize residual acid polymerization catalysts in organopolysiloxanes.

Abstract: An absorbent material formed at least in part of a cross-linked polymer. The absorbent material has a centrifuge retention capacity as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 20 g/g and a gel bed permeability under load as determined by a Gel Bed Permeability Under Load Test of at least about 300×10?9 cm2 or a free swell gel bed permeability as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least about 2,500×10?9 cm2. The cross-linked polymer may comprise either at least about 75 weight percent anionic polymer or at least about 75 weight percent cationic polymer. In one embodiment, the cross-linked polymer is surface treated with a water soluble non-cross-linked polymer having a potential for becoming charged opposite that of the cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous gas phase process comprising passing a recycle stream through a fluidized bed in a gas phase fluidized bed reactor, wherein the recycle stream comprises a low molecular weight dew point increasing component and a high molecular weight component, polymerizing an alpha-olefin monomer in the presence of a catalyst, and controlling an amount of the low molecular weight dew point increasing component in the recycle stream such that a dew point approach temperature of the recycle stream is less than the dew point approach temperature when operating with the higher molecular weight dew point increasing component alone.

Abstract: Conductive polymers are purified using a solid scavenger. The solid scavengers include metal-scavenging functional groups linked to the surface of a particle support material. To improve the functionalization of the support material, the support materials are first treated with sulfuric acid or nitric acid before attaching the molecules containing the metal-scavenging functional groups. The solid scavengers used in the purification methods are more efficient at removing impurities in conductive polymers than existing scavengers.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of producing a polyvinyl acetal resin by which a polyvinyl acetal resin having a high acetalization degree can be produced even in a solid catalyst system, a polyvinyl butyral resin produced by the above-mentioned production method of a polyvinyl acetal resin, and a method of producing an esterified polyvinyl alcohol resin by which the esterification can be performed at high efficiency even in a solid catalyst system. The present invention is a method of producing a polyvinyl acetal resin, wherein a solution or a suspension containing a polyvinyl alcohol resin and a carbonyl compound is pressurized in the presence of a solid catalyst.

Abstract: Metal complexing agents are used to purify polymers including conducting polymers to provide very low metal content. The process comprises precipitating the polymer in solution into a solvent system comprising the metal complexing agent. Very low levels including undetectable levels of metals such as nickel and magnesium can be achieved. High purity polymers are used in electronics and photovoltaic applications.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing aryl polymers, and uses for such polymers, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-agglomerating, readily separable mixed bed ion exchange system comprising: (a) a strong base quaternary ammonium anion exchange resin wherein said anion exchange resin has been pretreated with 10 to 800 milligrams of water-soluble sulfonated poly(vinylaromatic)polyelectrolyte per liter of anion exchange resin; wherein the number average molecular weight of the sulfonated poly(vinylaromatic)polyelectrolyte is from 5,000 to 1,000,000; and (b) a strong acid sulfonated cation exchange resin wherein said cation exchange resin has been pretreated with 10 to 800 milligrams of a water soluble cationic polyelectrolyte selected from the group of polymers consisting of poly(vinylaromatic)quaternary amine salts, poly(vinylaromatic)tertiary amine acid salts, or poly(vinylpyridines) acid salts, wherein the number average molecular weight of said polymers is from 5,000 to 1,000,000.

Abstract: Methods of producing decolorized homo- and co-polymers through polymerization of monomers in presence of cobalt-complexed tetraphenyl porphyrin derivatives and decolorization of the produced polymer by exposing the polymer to a sorbent and, optionally, a solvent are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An process of forming a chiral conducting polymer, e.g., polyaniline, is provided including reacting a monomer, e.g., an aniline monomer, in the presence of a chiral dopant acid to produce a first reaction mixture by addition of a solution including a first portion of an oxidizing agent, the first portion of oxidizing agent characterized as insufficient to allow complete reaction of the monomer, and further reacting the first reaction mixture in the presence of the chiral dopant acid by addition of a solution including a second portion of the oxidizing agent, the second portion of oxidizing agent characterized as insufficient to allow complete reaction of the monomer, and repeating the reaction by addition of further portions of the oxidizing agent until the monomer reaction is complete to produce a chiral conducting polymer, e.g., polyaniline.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of formaldehyde, comprising contacting formaldehyde in a hydrocarbon solution with an aliphatic anhydride and a quaternary ammonium salt polymerization initiator of the formula: R1R2R3R4N+X? where R1 is an aliphatic or olefinic hydrocarbon group containing about 18 to about 25 carbon atoms; R2, R3, and R4 are each methyl, ethyl, and/or propyl, such that the total number of carbon atoms in R2, R3, and R4 combined is between 3 and 7; and X? is an organic anion.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a polyimide, which has high ionic conductivity and good structural stability, does not decompose even under low humidity, and is inexpensive, and a polymer electrolyte and a fuel cell using the same.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process to produce a film comprising poly(vinyl alcohol), wherein the poly (vinyl alcohol) solution has been purified utilizing an ion exchange resin. An approximate 50 micrometer thick film produced from the purified aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) solution has an APHA color value of 50 or less after the film has been heated at 150° C. for 60 minutes.

Abstract: A method for reducing the content of fluorescent particles in polycarbonate is disclosed. The method entails bringing into contact polycarbonate, in the melt or in solution, with aluminosilicate at a temperature and for a time calculated to obtain polycarbonate having fluorescent particles content of 0 to 5 counts/g of polycarbonate. In a preferred embodiment the polycarbonate is passed through a column packed with zeolite.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process to increase the amount of polymer solute in a polymerization medium or effluent comprising introducing a fluorocarbon into the polymerization medium or effluent in an amount effective to increase the amount of polymer solute in the polymerization medium or effluent by at least 3% without causing precipitation of polymer solute from the polymerization medium or effluent, as compared to the same polymerization medium or effluent without the fluorocarbon present. This invention also relates to a process to reduce the viscosity of a polymerization medium or effluent comprising introducing a fluorocarbon into the polymerization medium or effluent in an amount effective to reduce the viscosity of the polymerization medium or effluent by at least 3% without causing precipitation of polymer solute from the polymerization medium or effluent, as compared to the same polymerization medium or effluent without the fluorocarbon present.

Abstract: To provide metal-containing fine particles having good dispersion stability, which have their surface coated with dispersants vaporizable even during firing at low temperatures, a fine particle dispersion having the above metal-containing fine particles dispersed therein, and an electroconductive metal-containing material having an excellent volume resistivity formed by using the fine particle dispersion. Metal-containing fine particles with their surface coated with at least two dispersants having different vaporization temperatures.

Abstract: A polymer treating method has the steps of: reacting a polymer compound with a reaction agent in a reaction vessel to generate a polymer treatment product; discharging the polymer treatment product containing the reaction agent from the reaction vessel; depressurizing the polymer treatment product; introducing the polymer treatment product into a degassing extruder; separating the reaction agent from the polymer treatment product through a vent box that is connected to upstream of the degassing extruder and that has a volume of equal to or more than that of the reaction vessel; and extruding the polymer treatment product from the degassing extruder.

Abstract: Substituted polyphenylenes and methods for producing such substituted polyphenylenes using supported transition metal catalysis are provided.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing polyisobutene having a low halogen content, in which isobutene is polymerized in the presence of a catalyst which comprises a halogenated Lewis acid, the catalyst is removed and/or deactivated, and the resulting polyisobutene is contacted with a zeolite of an average pore size of from 5 to 15 ?.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing one or more monomers is provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the process includes preparing a mixture comprising the one or more monomers, a catalyst system and a fluorinated hydrocarbon, preferably a hydrofluorocarbon. A fluorinated hydrocarbon containing stream, a polymer product stream and a waste stream are recovered from the mixture. At least a portion of the waste stream is sent to a non-flare decomposition system to produce a destructed waste stream, and the destructed waste stream is released to atmosphere.

Abstract: This invention is directed to processes for making polymer in the presence of a hydrofluorocarbon, and for the recovery of polymer substantially free of dissolved hydrocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons. The processes provided enables polymerization processes to be practiced with minimal fouling in the reaction system, and with the recovery of the hydrofluorocarbon and monomers for reuse in the reactor. The process of the invention utilizes a reactor system, a recovery system and a flare system that minimize environmental emissions of hydrocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons and associated decomposition products.

Abstract: This invention presents polymers and copolymers comprising repeating units of thieno[3,4-b]thiophene. Water-borne dispersions of such polymers and copolymers can be cast by conventional methods to provide uniform, thin films which possess utility in numerous electroactive applications including electrochromic displays, optically transparent electrodes and antistatic coatings. The compositions of this invention can be doped with conventional p-dopants or n-dopants. The invention also presents an aqueous process for preparing such compositions of matter.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a process for preparing a vinyl polymer containing a halogen in an amount of 1,000 mg or less per kilogram, in which a vinyl polymer containing the halogen produced by atom transfer radical polymerization of a vinyl monomer is heated at a temperature in the range of 140 to 250° C. to dehalogenate the vinyl polymer; a vinyl polymer obtained by the process; and a hydrosilylation-reactive curable composition containing the vinyl polymer.

Abstract: A PBI compound includes imidazole nitrogens at least a portion of which are substituted with a moiety containing a carbonyl group, the substituted imidazole nitrogens being bonded to carbon of the carbonyl group. At least 85% of the nitrogens may be substituted. The carbonyl-containing moiety may include RCO—, where R is alkoxy or haloalkyl. The PBI compound may exhibit a first temperature marking an onset of weight loss corresponding to reversion of the substituted PBI that is less than a second temperature marking an onset of decomposition of an otherwise identical PBI compound without the substituted moiety. The PBI compound may be included in separatory media. A substituted PBI synthesis method may include providing a parent PBI in a less than 5 wt % solvent solution. Substituting may use more than 5 equivalents in relation to the imidazole nitrogens to be substituted.

Abstract: A sulfonated aromatic polyether ketone of the formula (II) [Ar—O—Ar?—CO—Ar?—O—Ar—CO—Ar?—CO—] ??(II) in which from 1% to 100% of the O-phenylene-CO units are substituted with an SO3M group and sulfonated and unsulfonated O-phenylene-CO units can be in any desired sequence with respect to one another, the radicals Ar, Ar? and Ar? independently of one another are substituted or unsubstituted 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4-phenylene rings, and M, taking into account the ionic valencies, comprises one or more elements selected from the following group: H, NR4+, where R is H or C1-C4-alkyl, or an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal or a metal from subgroup 8, and is preferably H, NR4+, Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe or Pt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a vinyl polymer including the steps of polymerizing a vinyl monomer by atom transfer radical polymerization with a transition metal complex as a polymerization catalyst, and bringing the resultant vinyl polymer into contact with an adsorbent in the presence of an oxidizing agent; the vinyl polymer produced by the method; and a reactive composition susceptible to hydrosilylation containing the vinyl polymer produced by the method and having at least one alkenyl group per molecule.

Abstract: A process for purifying a crude polyether, comprising contacting a crude polyether obtained by addition polymerizing an active hydrogen-containing compound with an alkylene oxide compound in the presence of an alkali metal-containing basic catalyst to an adsorbent comprising a synthesized hydrous magnesium silicate compound which satisfies the following requirements (1) to (5) in order to reduce the alkali metal content of the crude polyether: (1) it is represented by the following formula I: (CaO)x.(MgO)y.(Al2O3)z.SiO2.mH2OI wherein x, y, z and m satisfy the following ranges: x<y, z<y, 0?x?0.1, 0.6?y?0.6, 0?z?0.1 and 0.1?m?1.5, (2) it is amorphous according to the analysis of its powder method X-ray diffraction diagram, (3) it has a BET specific surface area of 100 to 400 m2/g, (4) it has an alkali metal content of 0.1 wt % or less, and (5) it has an average particle diameter of 2 to 60 ?m.

Abstract: An ion conducting membrane comprising dendrimeric polymers covalently linked into a network structure. The dendrimeric polymers have acid functional terminal groups and may be covalently linked via linking compounds, cross-coupling reactions, or copolymerization reactions. The ion conducting membranes may be produced by various methods and used in fuel cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for trapping a free monomer which has not reacted by copolymerization or by grafting comprising at least one epoxide functional group in a thermoplastic composition based on ethylene and/or on propylene and based on at least one monomer comprising at least one epoxide functional group, the said process comprising the following stages: preparation of the said thermoplastic composition, addition of a sufficient amount of a solid trapping additive exhibiting, at its surface, sites with a basic nature within the Lewis or Brönsted meaning. The trapping additive is a porous zeolite, the diameter of the pores of which is between 5 and 15 angströms, preferably between 6 and 13 angströms. The invention also relates to the composition obtained by such a process and to the blends comprising such a composition.

Abstract: A polymer treating method has the steps of: reacting a polymer compound with a reaction agent in a reaction vessel to generate a polymer treatment product; discharging the polymer treatment product containing the reaction agent from the reaction vessel; depressurizing the polymer treatment product; introducing the polymer treatment product into a degassing extruder; separating the reaction agent from the polymer treatment product through a vent box that is connected to upstream of the degassing extruder and that has a volume of equal to or more than that of the reaction vessel; and extruding the polymer treatment product from the degassing extruder.

Abstract: A process for preparing ketone-formaldehyde resins, especially acetophenone- and cyclohexanone-formaldehyde resins, having a low water content and high thermal stability and yellowing resistance, and a process for their production and their use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of purifying a vinyl polymer to be used as a component of a composition capable of undergoing hydrosilylation. The present invention provides a vinyl polymers obtainable by atom transfer radical polymerization can be purified economically and efficiently by adsorption treatment using an acidic adsorbent and a basic adsorbent combinedly, with the result that the reactivity in hydrosilylation thereof is improved. Thus, the polymers can be used as components in hydrosilylation reaction-susceptible compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a simple, economical and reliable method for removing catalytic residues from polymer solutions. According to the inventive method, the copper content is reduced to a non-disturbing concentration level.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing a polymer alloy, a polymer alloy as well as a molded article, a transparent molded article and an optical film, which is obtainable by using the polymer alloy. The invention is a method for producing a polymer alloy, which comprises at least: a step 1 of mixing two or more resins incompatible with each other at ambient temperature and pressure with a solvent being in a liquid or gas state at ambient temperature and pressure; a step 2 of heating and applying pressure to said solvent into a high-temperature and high-pressure fluid or a supercritical fluid and mixing the solvent in this state; and, a step 3 of cooling the mixture obtained in said step 2 rapidly to the glass transition temperature or less without releasing the pressure of the mixture.

Abstract: An process of forming a chiral conducting polymer, e.g., polyaniline, is provided including reacting a monomer, e.g., an aniline monomer, in the presence of a chiral dopant acid to produce a first reaction mixture by addition of a solution including a first portion of an oxidizing agent, the first portion of oxidizing agent characterized as insufficient to allow complete reaction of the monomer, and further reacting the first reaction mixture in the presence of the chiral dopant acid by addition of a solution including a second portion of the oxidizing agent, the second portion of oxidizing agent characterized as insufficient to allow complete reaction of the monomer, and repeating the reaction by addition of further portions of the oxidizing agent until the monomer reaction is complete to produce a chiral conducting polymer, e.g., polyaniline.

Abstract: This invention presents polymers and copolymers comprising repeating units of thieno[3,4-b]thiophene. Water-borne dispersions of such polymers and copolymers can be cast by conventional methods to provide uniform, thin films which possess utility in numerous electroactive applications including electrochromic displays, optically transparent electrodes and antistatic coatings. The compositions of this invention can be doped with conventional p-dopants or n-dopants. The invention also presents an aqueous process for preparing such compositions of matter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically conductive polymer, and more particularly to an additive for enhancing electrical conductivity of the polymer and electrically conductive polymer composition containing the additive. The present invention provides a soluble self-orienting material (SOM) and an electrically conductive polymer composition containing the SOM. The SOM can be provided as a form of a monomer having an aromatic ring with various polarity, flexible side chain and hydrophilic dibasic acid, as a form of a complex consisting of the monomers linked by a hydrogen bond or a metal coordinate bond or as a form of a whole aromatic polymer having —NRCO—, —NROSO—(R: side chain including —H, —CO2H, —(CH2)nSO3H, —(CH2)nCO2H or -tert-butyloxycarbonyl) and —OCO—. And also, the composition of the present invention have higher electrical conductivity, in excess of 103 S/cm, than a conventional conductive polymer, and also have improved processability.

Abstract: Optical brighteners (PAB) of formula wherein each n independently signifies 1 or 2, the group SO3M shown with the floating bond is linked to the position 4 or 5, each M independently signifies an equivalent of a non-chromophoric cation, each M? independently signifies hydrogen or M, at least a part of the cations M of (PAB) are cationic groups of a polycationic polyol/epichlorohydrin/amine polymer (PA), which contains quaternary ammonium groups in salt form as heteroatomic ring members or chain members, any others being cations selected from alkali metal cations, unsubstituted ammonium and ammonium substituted with C1-3-alkyl or/and C2-3-hydroxyalkyl, the polycationic polymer (PA) is a polymer which is at least in part crosslinked over one or more of its quaternary ammonium groups, any other counterions to the cationic groups of (PA) being non-chromophoric anions of low molecular acids, and the ratio of the total anionic groups in the anionic optical brightener portion of (PAB) to the total of cationi

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes (SPEMs) which include a porous polymer substrate interpenetrated with an ion-conducting material. SPEMs of the present invention are useful in electrochemical applications, including fuel cells and electrodialysis.