Abstract: A process for obtaining aminopolyamide-epichlorohydrin resins with a 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol content which is undetectable by ordinary means of vapor-phase chromatography. The process consists of passing the products resulting from the successive condensation of aminopolyamides and epichlorohydrin through two columns of activated carbon. In this way, aqueous resins are obtained which are free of toxic products, and which are particularly valuable as wet strength additives in the manufacture of papers for medical, cosmetic or food contact uses.

Abstract: A method for depositing an electrically conducting film on an electrode and the film resulting from that method. An electrically conducting film according to the present invention is deposited by immersing the electrode in a solution of a precursor polymer in a predetermined solvent. The precursor polymer includes a plurality of electrochemical polymerizable monomers. Each monomer has first and second polymer-forming active sites that can be joined by electrochemical polymerization and third and fourth polymer-forming active sites that can be joined chemically in solution. The precursor polymer is constructed from the monomers joined by the third and fourth polymer-forming active sites. The precursor polymer is soluble in the solvent whereas a polymer formed by electrochemical polymerization of the first and second polymer-forming active sites is insoluble in the solvent.

Abstract: Superabsorbent fiber and film compositions comprising partially acidified, hydrolyzed, internally plasticized, crosslinked, superabsorbing fibers or film derived from polysuccinimide and processes for preparing same.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a cycloolefin-based polymer with very low content of foreign matters, a molded article obtained by using the cycloolefin-based polymer, and a process for producing the cycloolefin-based polymer. The present invention relates to a cycloolefin-based polymer which has an intrinsic viscosity [&eegr;] of 0.01-20 dl/g as determined in decalin at 80° C. and has a content of foreign matters having a particle diameter of 0.5 &mgr;m or more of 3×104 particles/g or less, a process for producing the cycloolefin-based polymer, and a molded material comprising the cycloolefin-based polymer and a molded article obtained therefrom.

Abstract: A method for separating specific hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon mixture of hydrocarbons using a membrane made of a fluorine-containing polyimide resin having high separation ability with regard to certain hydrocarbons, and a high resistance to hydrocarbon is disclosed. The method is of high practicability with regard to performance and cost. Certain hydrocarbons permeate selectively and are separated by bringing a hydrocarbon mixture into contact with a membrane having a fluorine-containing polyimide resin as its main component, whose main component is the minimum repeating unit expressed by The mixture is passed through the membrane, thereby selectively permeating, for example, unsaturated hydrocarbons. The main component of the membrane is a fluorine-containing polyimide resin with a fractional free volume in the range of 0.130-0.175.

Abstract: Anion-exchange compositions are provided comprising anion-exchange functional groups comprising at least a first and a second nitrogen group, wherein the first nitrogen group is a quaternary amine and the second nitrogen group is selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary amines. Methods of making and using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming germanium-containing silicones in which germanium is incorporated into the siloxane backbone with Ge—O—Si bond or onto a carboxylated siloxane in a form such as the germanium ester form, which has a COOGe bond. The germanium mole content ranges from 1 mol % to 50 mol %. The groups attached to silicon and/or germanium include alkyl, alkenyl, and carboxyalkyl and their derivatives. In the materials with pendant carboxylic acid groups, the protons can be replaced by metal ions such as an alkali, alkaline earth, transition metal, or rare earth metal ions. The materials can be crossinked, with the crosslinking being initiated by ultraviolet light or other means with or without a photoinitiator.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting plasticizer from polymer structures includes, in one embodiment, a evacuation chamber, a heat source and a cooling chamber are all coupled to a conduit having a motorized fan for cycling gases through the components. The plasticizer is evaporated within the evacuation chamber by the heat source and entrained in a gaseous stream passing through the evacuation chamber. The plasticizer enriched gases are then passed through the cooling chamber wherein the plasticizer is condensed prior to being cycled back to the evacuation chamber. A gas heater aid in maintaining a constant gas flow temperature within the evacuation chamber.

Abstract: This invention is a process comprising the steps of contacting a Group VIII metal hydrogenation catalyst residue-containing polymer solution with an aqueous solution of ammonia and carbon dioxide, separating the residue from the solution, and recovering a polymer solution preferably comprising less than 15 ppm by weight based on polymer, of the Group VIII metal. The concentration of the ammonia in the aqueous solution is from 2 to 7% by weight, preferably 3 to 6% by weight. The concentration of the carbon dioxide in the solution is from 1 to 7% by weight, preferably 2 to 6% by weight.

Abstract: Described is a liquid, partially alkoxymethylated melamine crosslinker composition having from about 2.6 to about 4.6 moles of combined formaldehyde per mole of melamine, from about 1.4 to about 4.4 moles of alkyl per mole of melamine, from about 1.3 to about 3.4 moles of NH per mole of melamine, a free formaldehyde level of less than about 0.5 weight percent based on 100 percent solids, and an N-methylol level of less than about 6.0 weight percent; processes for its preparation; a low formaldehyde emitting curable composition containing the crosslinker; as well as a method of coating a substrate and substrates so coated.

Abstract: A method for devolatilization of a thermoplastic polymer containing at least one volatile component which includes the following three steps: heating the thermoplastic polymer so that the thermoplastic polymer is a heated liquid or molten thermoplastic polymer, flowing the heated liquid thermoplastic polymer through a packed bed liquid-gas contactor by centrifugal force, and flowing a stripping gas through the packed bed countercurrent to the flow of the heated liquid thermoplastic polymer so that the volatile component volatilizes into the stripping gas from the heated liquid thermoplastic polymer by gas-liquid contacting in the packed bed; and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: Disclosed are reduced salt polyallylamine polymer compositions, a process for producing a cross-linked polyallylamine polymer from a reduced salt, aqueous solution of a polyallylamine polymer and a multifunctional cross-linking agent and to cross-linked polyallylamine polymer compositions produced thereby.

Abstract: Described is a liquid, partially alkoxymethylated melamine crosslinker composition having from about 2.6 to about 4.6 moles of combined formaldehyde per mole of melamine, from about 1.4 to about 4.4 moles of alkyl per mole of melamine, from about 1.3 to about 3.4 moles of NH per mole of melamine, a free formaldehyde level of less than about 0.5 weight percent based on 100 percent solids, and an N-methylol level of less than about 6.0 weight percent; processes for its preparation; a low formaldehyde emitting curable composition containing the crosslinker; as well as a method of coating a substrate and substrates so coated.

Abstract: Organically functionalized metal nanoparticles are produced by mixing a metal precursor with an organic surface passivant and reacting the resulting mixture with a reducing agent to generate free metal while binding the passivant to the surface of the free metal to produce organically functionalized metal particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting plasticizer from polymer structures includes, in one embodiment, a vacuum chamber, a heating member and a condenser, the plasticizer being vaporized from the polymer structure by a combination of low temperature and heat, and in another embodiment, an evaporation chamber, a conveyer belt, and a plasticizer removal system, the plasticizer removal system including a duct having mounted therein a heating member, a fan and a condenser so that plasticizer may be extracted by forced air convection.

Abstract: A process for lowering the amount of epichlorohydrin and related hydrolysis compounds contained in paper strength enhancing resins by treating an aqueous solution of the resin with an adsorbent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing hydroxyl-containing polymers, in particular for preparing polytetrahydrofuran with terminal hydroxyl groups, from the corresponding acyloxy-containing polymers by transesterification with alcohols in the presence of a sodium-containing catalyst. In this process the polytetrahydrofuiran solution is passed in the presence of a catalytic amount of water directly through at least one ion exchanger following the transesterification in order to remove the sodium cations.The novel process makes it possible to remove the sodium cations from the sodium-containing catalyst in an economic manner and with little complexity. The residual sodium content can be reduced to values of less than 0.5 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a radiation-sensitive composition, comprising the steps of (1) passing a solution of a crude polymer comprising a mixture of polymer chains having different molecular weights through a porous polymeric media having a predetermined molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) value, thereby separating the crude polymeric mixture into a first fraction comprising polymer chains having molecular weights above the MWCO value and a second fraction comprising polymer chains having molecular weights below the MWCO value; and (2) adding at least one fraction produced in the first step to at least one radiation-sensitive compound and at least one solvent to produce a radiation-sensitive composition.

Abstract: Super-absorbing polymeric networks of crosslinked polyaspartates are produced from crosslinked polysuccinimide. Super-absorbing polymeric networks are produced in a single reaction vessel by crosslinking polysuccinimide with at least one organic polyamine crosslinking agent in the presence of at least one nitrogenous base. The reaction is carried out in an aqueous reaction mixture to produce a polymeric network of crosslinked polyaspartate.

Abstract: Superabsorbent fiber and film compositions comprising partially acidified, hydrolyzed, internally plasticized, crosslinked, superabsorbing fibers or film derived from polysuccinimide and processes for preparing same.

Abstract: A process for polymer deformulation by solvent solution filtration begins by including formulated polymers and/or polymer products in a recycle stream. The formulated polymer products include a quantity of soluble polymers and/or insoluble polymers, soluble and/or insoluble colorants, formulations and additives. The recycle stream is placed in a solvent, taking the polymer and formulations into a solvent/polymer solution. Next, the solution is processed through a filtration stage. A quantity of mineral filter aid particles are then added to the solution to adsorb formulations contained in the solution. One of the mineral filter aids must be some form of carbon, preferably activated carbon. Other mineral filter aids may include diatomaceous earth. The solvent/polymer solution is then subjected to an additional polish filtration stage to remove substantially all of the mineral filter agents and associated formulations.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing a photoresist having a very low level of metal ions, utilizing a treated chelating ion exchange resins to make the neutral ammonium salt or acid form. A method is also provided for producing semiconductor devices using such photoresist compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for solutions having a very low level of metal ions, utilizing a specially designed Ion Exchange Pack. A method is also provided for producing photoresist composition having a very low level of metal ions from novolak resins purified in a process using such an Ion Exchange Pack.

Abstract: Vinylphenol-type polymers are useful materials and are used in many fields such as photoresist, packaging material for IC, printed circuit board, lense, etc. When the polymers are used in an electronic field such as photoresist and packaging material for IC, it is desired to reduce metal concentration in the polymer in the order of ppb units. A simple and effective process for removing metals from vinylphenol-type polymers is disclosed. The process comprises passing an organic solvent solution of a vinylphenol-type polymer either through (a) a filter containing an ion exchange material and/or a chelate-forming material and generating a zeta (.zeta.) potential by a cationic charge modifying agent or through (b) (i) a filter containing an ion exchange material and/or a chelate-forming material and (ii) a filter generating a zeta (.zeta.) potential by a cationic charge modifying agent.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a process for the hydrogenation of conjugated diene polymer in an inert organic solvent, said polymer being obtained by polymerization or copolymerization of a conjugated diene, which comprise effecting selective hydrogenation of unsaturated double bonds in the conjugated diene units of said conjugated diene polymer in the presence of catalyst represented by the following formula (I) ##STR1## wherein Cp is cyclopentadienyl (C.sub.5 H.sub. --);X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are each independently a hologen atom, such as, chlorine or bromine;Y is carbon or nitrogen atom; andR.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each independently hydrogen atom or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 lower alkyls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-soluble self-acid-doped polyaniline derivatives and in particular, to a water-soluble self-acid-doped polyaniline derivatives obtained by reacting polyaniline derivatives with 2-sulfobenzoic anhydride derivatives, which is composed of structural unit having following formula (I): ##STR1## wherein, M may be H, Na, K or NH.sub.4 ;R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 may be --H, --R.sub.o, --F, --Cl, --Br, --OR.sub.o, --COR.sub.o, --OCOR.sub.o, --NHCOR.sub.o, --NO.sub.2, --COOR.sub.o, --CN, --COOH;Q may be --H, --Ro, --F, --Cl, --Br, --OR.sub.o, --COR.sub.o, --OCOR.sub.o, --NHCOR.sub.o, --NO.sub.2, --COOR.sub.o, --CN, --COOH;R.sub.o is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl;n is an integer of 0 to 4; andx+y+2z.ltoreq.1.0, and x.gtoreq.0.1;and a process for preparing the same.The water-soluble self-acid-doped polyaniline derivatives exhibits some characteristics as follows:(1) a high water solubility;(2) a self-acid-doped property;(3) a high conductivity which may be up to 10.sup.-3 -10.sup.

Abstract: A process for preparing low-salt preparations of condensation products based onA) sulphonated aromatics,B) aldehydes and/or ketones and optionallyC) one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of nonsulphonated aromatics, urea and urea derivatives,characterized in that inorganic acid present after the condensation is separated off in whole or in part from the condensation product, optionally in the form of its salts after neutralization, until the inorganic salt content is less than 10% by weight, relative to the preparation, leads to preparations which are outstandingly suitable as tanning agents, dispersants and liquefiers.

Abstract: Preparation of highly monodispersed polymeric hydrophilic nanoparticles having a size of up to 100 nm (in which may have drug substances encapsulated therein. The process comprises subjecting a mixture of an aqueous solution of a monomer or preformed polymer reverse micelles, a cross linking agent, initiator, and optionally, a drug or target substance to polymerization. The polymerized reaction product is dried for removal of solvent to obtain dried nanoparticles and surfactant employed in the process of preparing reverse micelles. The dry mass is dispersed in aqueous buffer and the surfactant and other toxic material are removed therefrom.

Abstract: Polymer powders which are redispersible in an aqueous medium are prepared by drying an aqueous polymer dispersion whose polymer particles dispersed in the aqueous medium have a positive or a negative electric surface charge, with the addition of a water-soluble polyelectrolyte as a drying assistant, the electric charge of the polyion being opposite to the electric surface charge of the disperse polymer particles.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for synthesizing polyethylene terephthalate from waste polyethylene terephthalate by cleavage with ethylene glycol and separation of bis(hydroxyethylene) terephthalate from the cleavage mixture with a specific temperature program, recrystallization from water, and esterification and polycondensation with the addition of terephthalic acid.The invention further comprises a method for synthesis of polyethylene naphthalate from waste polyethylene naphthalate in a similar manner.

Abstract: The selectivity of ion exchange processes for the removal of lithium from acids is improved when weak acids such as citric and acetic, are used in the wash step. An added improvement is realized by a two stage process of contacting the acid solution first with an ion exchange resin functional to remove the nickel and aluminum compounds from the acid solution; and then contacting the acid solution with an ion exchange resin which is more selective to remove the alkali metal compound from the acid solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing top anti-reflective coating compositions having a very low level of metal ions, utilizing a specially washed and modified ion exchange resin. A method is also provided for producing semiconductor devices using such ion exchange treated top anti-reflective coating compositions.

Abstract: A process is described for removing heteropoly compounds from heteropoly compound-contaminated polyethers, polyesters and/or polyether esters, which comprises admixing the polymer or a solution of the same with a compound which contains at least one heteroatom which is selected from the group consisting of central atoms of heteropolyacids, is non-protic and is of a polarity so low that its addition leads to the heteropoly compounds separating out in a separate phase, and separating off the precipitated heteropoly compound phase. The remaining polymer phase is preferably further purified using a solid adsorbent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating natural rubber latex with protease and peptidase enzymes whereby protein allergens contained within the latex are degraded so as to be rendered non-allergenic to humans. The protein allergen-free natural rubber latex produced by the method and articles fabricated from the protein allergen-free product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a condensation resin of low catalyst content from a ketone and an aldehyde comprising reacting the ketone and aldehyde in a polycondensation reaction in an aqueous medium in the presence of a basic catalyst to form the resin, which is contaminated with alkali ions from the basic catalyst, and then exposing the resin to an electrical field in a cell demarcated by ion-selective membranes permeable to the alkali ions whereby alkali ions are caused to migrate out of the resin through the membranes. Also, a process for the removal of alkali from condensation resins as described above.

Abstract: A process of producing a cyclic polyester oligomer mixture using a solid support system is described. A preferred cyclic polyester mixture contains at least one cyclic polyester oligomer containing 15 or more repeat units. Cyclic ethylene terephthalate oligomers are particularly preferred. The cyclic polyester oligomers may be converted to high molecular weight linear polyesters by heating in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: Process for removing an alkali metal compound from an acid solution also containing nickel and aluminum compounds, which requires contacting the acid solution first with an ion exchange resin functional to remove the nickel and aluminum compounds from the acid solution; and then contacting the acid solution with an ion exchange resin which is more selective to remove the alkali metal compound from the acid solution.

Abstract: A method of removing heteropoly compounds from polyethers, polyesters and/or polyether esters, which are contaminated with heteropoly compounds is described, which comprises adding, to the polymers or a solution thereof, an ether whose polarity is so low that its addition leads to the deposition of the heteropoly compound in a separate phase, and separating off the precipitated heteropoly compound phase. The polymer phase which remains is preferably purified further using a solid adsorbent.

Abstract: A process for producing a water insoluble, aqueous alkali soluble, film forming novolak resin having low metal ions, made by the fractionation of a phenol formaldehyde condensation product, a process for producing a resin a photoresist composition of superior quality containing such novolak resin, and a method for producing a semiconductor device using such photoresist composition.

Abstract: Processes for the isolation of a telechelic isobutylene polymer in a non-aqueous system to prevent the generation of waste water having a solvent dissolved therein and processes for the preparation of a telechelic isobutylene polymer having more advantageous unsaturated groups. A process for the isolation of an isobutylene polymer includes a cationic polymerization reaction in a non-aqueous system in the presence of a catalyst MX.sub.n wherein M represents a metallic atom and X may be the same or different and represents a halogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group. The process comprises conducting the cationic polymerization reaction, conducting a ligand exchange reaction of said catalyst, and then removing a component containing M.

Abstract: A process for producing a water insoluble, aqueous alkali soluble, film forming novolak resin fraction having a low metal ion content, made by the fractionation of a phenol formaldehyde condensation product, a process for producing a photoresist compositions containing such a novolak resin, and a method for producing a semiconductor device using such a photoresist composition.

Abstract: Methods for producing solutions of polybenzoxazol precursors that are soluble in alkali and resist solutions based on such precursors. A dicarboxylic acid halogenide is reacted with a bis-(o-aminophenol) in an organic solvent and in the presence of a polymer with a tertiary N atom, which is insoluble in the solvent. Excess polymer and hydrohalogenide are separated from the reaction solution. The reaction solution is optionally mixed with a photoactive component.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing water insoluble, aqueous alkali soluble novolak resins having a very low level of metal ions, utilizing a specially treated anion exchange resin. A method is also provided for producing photoresist composition having a very low level of metal ions from such novolak resins and for producing semiconductor devices using such photoresist compositions.

Abstract: The invention is for a process of removal of dissolved cation contaminants from a resin solution. The process of the invention involves providing a chelating ion exchange resin modified by treatment with an acid and contact of said solution with said modified exchange resin for a time sufficient to remove ionic metal impurities. The invention is useful for removal of ionic contaminants from resin solutions used in the preparation of photoresists.

Abstract: A composition comprising an aqueous-based solvent and a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer that is characterized by having a backbone with at least one pendant weak acid group and at least one pendant strong cationic group associated with a bicarbonate counterion is described. A water-resistant, fast dry-to-the-touch coating that does not release noxious gases can be prepared by applying the composition to a substrate. The coating can be designed to be either permanent, or removable by the addition of mild acids such as aqueous solutions of vinegar or citric acid.

Abstract: The invention is a process of removing metal ion contaminants from an organic solution, especially one having acid labile components. The process comprises modifying a cationic exchange resin by treatment with ammonia or amine and contacting said modified ion exchange resin with an organic solution containing metal ion contaminants. The process is especially useful for treating photoresist compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing water insoluble, aqueous alkali soluble novolak resins having consistent molecular weight and a very low level of metal ions, utilizing a solid acid condensation catalyst. A method is also provided for producing photoresist composition having a very low level of metal ions from such novolak resins and for producing semiconductor devices using such photoresist compositions.

Abstract: A process for preparing a degradable copolymer of aliphatic polyester comprising the steps of reacting two or more kinds of aliphatic polyester homopolymer in the presence of a catalyst in a reaction mixture containing an organic solvent, and a degradable copolymer of aliphatic polyester obtained by said preparation process. The copolymers exhibits high transparency in addition to excellent strength and elongation, can be processed into various molded articles and formed items such as films and filaments, and can provide heat resistance by heat treatment of said molded articles and formed items. The copolymer can be suitably utilized for processed articles such as a film, breathable film, sheet, textile, monofilament, multifilament, yarn, non-woven fabric, flat yarn, staple, crimped fiber, ribbed tape, split yarn, conjugate fiber, laminate, blow-bottle, sheet, stretched sheet, foam and net.

Abstract: Thermoplastic cycloolefin copolymers (COCs) having low melt viscosity and low optical attenuation, a process for their preparation, and their use as optical waveguides (optical fibers).

Abstract: A process for producing a cycloolefin random copolymer, which comprises(1) copolymerizing (a) ethylene or both ethylene and an alpha-olefin having at least 3 carbon atoms with (b) a cycloolefin such as octahydronaphthalenes and bicyclo[2,2,1]hept-2-ene in the presence of (c) a catalyst formed from a soluble vanadium compound and an organoaluminum compound at least one of which has halogen, in (d) a liquid phase composed of a hydrocarbon medium to form a solution of a cycloolefin random copolymer, and(2) contacting the resulting copolymer solution with (e) an adsorbent containing a metal cation.