Abstract: A method for making 2,6-xylenol is described. One embodiment of the method comprises: preparing a magnesium-based solid catalyst composition by dry-blending basic magnesium carbonate with at least one filler; forming the catalyst composition into a suitable catalyst-shape; calcining the shaped catalyst at a temperature in the range of about 350° C. to about 550° C.; and reacting phenol and methanol in the presence of the catalyst, to form 2,6-xylenol. The level of chlorides in the magnesium carbonate is less than about 250 ppm, and the level of calcium in the magnesium carbonate is less than about 2,500 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for eliminating contaminants from epihalohydrin-derived epoxy resins. Another embodiment of the present invention is an epoxy product formed using said process. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is an epoxy derived in part from epihalohydrin wherein said epoxy is has a hydrolyzable halogen content of less than 10 ppm and an epoxide equivalent weight within 2 percent of the theoretical epoxide equivalent weight.

Abstract: The invention is a novel method for the late introduction of additives into a continuous process for making polyethylene terephthalate. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the polyethylene terephthalate, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polyethylene terephthalate resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier and additives from the polyethylene terephthalate during subsequent thermal processing.

Abstract: Thermally stable polymers comprising resorcinol arylate chain members are prepared using an interfacial method comprising the steps of: interfacial method for preparing polymers comprising resorcinol arylate polyester chain members substantially free of anhydride linkages linking at least two mers of the polymer chain, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing an aqueous solution comprising at least one resorcinol moiety, said solution having a pH less than or equal to about 5; (b) after step (a), preparing a mixture comprising the resorcinol moiety, at least one catalyst and at least one organic solvent substantially immiscible with water; and (c) adding to the mixture from (b) at least one dicarboxylic acid dichloride while maintaining the pH between 3 and 8.5 through the presence of an acid acceptor, wherein the total molar amount of acid chloride groups is stoichiometrically deficient relative to the total molar amount of phenolic groups.

Abstract: Described is the use of metal oxides as heterogeneous catalysts in a process for producing polyamides by polymerization of lactams and optionally further polyamide-forming monomers wherein the metal oxides are used in a form which permits mechanical removal from the reaction mixture and are removed from the reaction mixture during or after the polymerization, to reduce the extractables content of the polyamide obtained.

Abstract: The invention is a novel method for the late introduction of additives into condensation polymers. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the condensation polymers, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polymer resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier from the polymer resin during subsequent thermal processing.

Abstract: An water based adhesive useful for bottle labeling applications. The adhesive contains styrene maleic anhydride and rosin, and provides a formulation with alkali sensitivity at moderate temperature together with cold water resistance.

Abstract: The invention is a novel method for the late introduction of additives into a process for making condensation polymers. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the condensation polymers, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polymer resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier from the polymer resin during subsequent thermal processing.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of superabsorbers is disclosed. The process entails subjecting a polyacrylonitrile precipitation polymer alkaline hydrolysis to obtain a hydrolysis product. The hydrolysate that may optionally be neutralized is dried and ground and optionally modified by crosslinking of its surface. The inventive superabsorber is suitable for the preparation of nappies, incontinence articles, water-storage materials and electric cable coverings.

Abstract: The invention is a novel method for the late introduction of additives into polyethylene terephthalate. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the polyethylene terephthalate, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polyethylene terephthalate resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier and additives from the polyethylene terephthalate during subsequent thermal processing.

Abstract: To produce meta aramid filaments having a good quality from a polymer solution of a meta aramid produced by a solution polymerization method, with high efficiency, (1) a meta aramid is prepared by polymerization-reacting a aromatic meta-diamine with a aromatic meta-dicarboxylic acid chloride in a polar organic solvent; (2) hydrogen chloride contained in the resultant polymer solution is neutralized with a neutralizing agent containing an alkali metal hydroxide which can react with hydrogen chloride to produce a salt thereof insoluble in the polymerization solvent; (3) the salt deposited from the polymer solution is removed by filtration; (4) the resultant polymer solution is mixed with water and a polar organic amide solvent to prepare a spinning solution; (5) the resultant meta aramid spinning solution is directly extruded in the form of filamentary streams into an aqueous coagulation liquid, to coagulate the extruded filamentary streams of the polymer solution into the form of filaments; (6) the coagulated

Abstract: The present invention provides a curable polyphenylene ether (PPE) resin, a composition made therefrom, and a process for preparing the resin. The process involves introducing a vinyl group-containing functional group to the terminal end of PPE by modifying the hydroxy and ester groups on the terminal end. Thus, a curable thermosetting PPE resin including a vinyl group on the terminal end can be obtained. Since the dehydrogenation of side chain methyl using n-BuLi is not conducted in the process of the present invention, the process is much easier, and the cost can be decreased.

Abstract: Provided are a polyarylene sulfide having a chloroform soluble content of at most 0.5% by weight and having an inherent viscosity &eegr;inh of from 0.05 to 0.4; a polyarylene sulfide resin composition comprising a polyarylene sulfide and an inorganic filler, of which the chloroform soluble content is at most 0.5% by weight relative to the polyarylene sulfide in the composition; car parts produced through injection molding of the composition; and a method for producing a polyarylene sulfide. The polyarylene sulfide has a reduced content of low-molecular components, and has well balanced properties of fluidity, flexural strength and impact resistance.

Abstract: An optical nanocomposite material has a nanoparticulate filler dispersed in a host plastic material. According to the method of making the nanocomposite material, a predetermined temperature sensitive optical vector, such as refractive index, of the plastic host material and nanoparticulate filler are directionally opposed resulting in a nanocomposite material having significantly improved stability of the refractive index with respect to temperature.

Abstract: A method is provided for the rapid formation of a biocompatible gel, and may be carried out in situ, i.e., at a selected site within a patient's body. The method involves admixing a biocompatible crosslinking component A having m sulfhydryl groups wherein m≧2 and a biocompatible crosslinking component B having n sulfhydryl-reactive groups wherein n≧2 and m+n>4, wherein the sulfhydryl-reactive groups are capable of covalent reaction with the sulfhydryl groups upon admixture of the components under effective crosslinking conditions to form a gel in less than one minute. Suitable reaction conditions for carrying out the crosslinking reaction will depend on the particular components and the type of reaction involved; that is, the “effective crosslinking conditions” may involve reaction in bulk or in a solvent, addition of a base, and/or irradiation of the admixture in the presence of a free radical initiator.

Abstract: Thermally stable polymers comprising chain members derived from at least one 1,3-dihydroxybenzene moiety and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid moiety, said polymer being substantially free of anhydride linkages linking at least two mers of the polymer chain, are prepared using an interfacial method comprising the steps of: (a) combining at least one 1,3-dihydroxybenzene moiety and at least one catalyst in a mixture of water and at least one organic solvent substantially immiscible with water; (b) adding to the mixture from (a) a controlled stoichiometric ratio of at least one acid chloride and at least one base while maintaining the pH between about 4 and about 8.5, and (c) adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to a value in the range of about 7 and about 9 following complete addition of acid chloride, and stirring the reaction mixture for a time sufficient to destroy any anhydride linkages in the polymer chain.

Abstract: A process for preparing recyclable fiber composites, comprising bonding fibers with a polymeric bonding agent applied as an aqueous polymer dispersion to said fibers, the polymeric bonding agent comprising at least one addition polymer which, in the state of an aqueous dispersion, has a film forming capability at the temperature at which the addition polymer is combined with said fibers, and said aqueous polymer dispersion, when subjected to a change in pH, is converted into an aqueous solution of the addition polymer. The aqueous addition polymer of the addition polymer dispersion can contain protic acid groups, and the state of the dispersion can be converted to an aqueous addition polymer solution by raising the pH of the aqueous medium. Alternatively, the addition polymer may contain basic groups, in particular, amino groups, and its state as a dispersion can be converted into an aqueous addition polymer resolution by lowering the pH of the aqueous medium.

Abstract: A method of drying saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers which includes melting and kneading a mixture including one or more saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer species and having a water content of 5 to 60% by weight until the mixture has a water content of less then 5% by weight.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polyphenylene ether resin is described. In one embodiment the method comprises: preparing a magnesium-based alkylation catalyst, by dry-blending at least one filler with a magnesium reagent which yields magnesium oxide upon calcination; calcining the alkylation catalyst; reacting a phenolic compound and an alkyl alcohol in the presence of the alkylation catalyst, to form a 2,6-alkyl-disubstituted phenolic compound; and oxidatively coupling the 2,6-alkyl-disubstituted phenolic compound in the presence of a suitable polymerization catalyst, to form the polyphenylene ether resin.

Abstract: A method for making 2,6-xylenol is described. One embodiment of the method comprises: preparing a magnesium-based solid catalyst composition by dry-blending basic magnesium carbonate with at least one filler; forming the catalyst composition into a suitable catalyst-shape; calcining the shaped catalyst at a temperature in the range of about 350° C. to about 550° C.; and reacting phenol and methanol in the presence of the catalyst, to form 2,6-xylenol. The level of chlorides in the magnesium carbonate is less than about 250 ppm, and the level of calcium in the magnesium carbonate is less than about 2,500 ppm.

Abstract: An optical nanocomposite material has a nanoparticulate filler dispersed in a host plastic material. According to the method of making the nanocomposite material, a predetermined temperature sensitive optical vector, such as refractive index, of the plastic host material and nanoparticulate filler are directionally opposed resulting in a nanocomposite material having significantly improved stability of the refractive index with respect to temperature.

Abstract: Process for reducing the AOX content of wet-strength resins, such as polyaminopolyamide-epi or polyalkylene polyamine-epi resins, by treatment with base, e.g. sodium hydroxide, while maintaining the wet-strength effectiveness of the resin.

Abstract: The present invention describes an improved method for the polymerization of &agr;,&agr;-dihalo-p-xylene's such as the &agr;,&agr;′-dihalo-2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-xylene's. The procedure for synthesis is based on the specific order of addition of reagents and the use of an anionic initiator that allows control of the molecular weight of the polymer. The molecular weight control allows processability of the polymer which is important for its utility in applications including in light-emitting-diodes, field effect transistors and photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a curable polyphenylene ether (PPE) resin, a composition made therefrom, and a process for preparing the resin. The process involves introducing a vinyl group-containing functional group to the terminal end of PPE by modifying the hydroxy and ester groups on the terminal end. Thus, a curable thermosetting PPE resin including a vinyl group on the terminal end can be obtained. Since the dehydrogenation of side chain methyl using n-BuLi is not conducted in the process of the present invention, the process is much easier, and the cost can be decreased.

Abstract: This invention relates to a partially or exhaustively derivatized PPE. The partially derivatized PPE comprises vinylated phenylene ether repeating unit, and at least one another repeating unit, which is selected from a phenylene ether repeating unit and a hydroxylated phenylene ether repeating unit. A resin composition having a low curing temperature is also disclosed, which comprises: (a) a partially or exhaustively derivatized PPE; and (b) a free radical initiator.

Abstract: A method for preparing a solid catalyst composition is described. A magnesium reagent which yields magnesium oxide upon calcination, and which includes reduced levels of chlorides and calcium, is dry-blended with at least one filler. Dry-blending is usually carried out in the absence of a promoter. A method for selectively alkylating at least one hydroxyaromatic compound by using the catalyst is also described. A typical product is 2,6-xylenol. Related processes for preparing polyphenylene ethers are described.

Abstract: A polyacetal resin composition comprising 30-90% by weight of polyacetal copolymer (A) having a melt index of less than 1.0 g/10 min. and 70-10% by weight of polyacetal copolymer (B) having a melt index of 1.0-100 g/10 min., both melting points of (A) and (B) being 155°-162° C., or a difference in melting point between (A) and (B) being not less than 6° C., has distinguished toughness and creep resistance.

Abstract: Glycerol is nitrated with at least one nitrating source in a solvent to form a nitrated glycerol solution containing dinitroglycerin. The nitrated glycerol solution is treated with at least one cyclizing agent to convert the dinitroglycerin into glycidyl nitrate, which is polymerized into poly(glycidyl nitrate) (PGN). Distillation or other vaporization techniques are not required to remove nitroglycerin from the glycidyl nitrate prior to polymerization of the glycidyl nitrate. Rather, the nitroglycerin can be carried along with the dinitroglycerin during polymerization. As a consequence, the glycidyl nitrate is not exposed to elevated temperatures sufficient to cause accidental explosion or deflagration of the nitrate ester. Still more preferably, the glycidyl nitrate is not heated above room temperature at any time prior to polymerization. Moreover, given the high energy performance of nitroglycerin, the nitroglycerin can optionally be retained with the PGN, i.e.

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: The present invention is related to a method for preparing polyether polyol or copolymerized polyether polyol, which uses an acid catalyst consisting of heteropoly acidic salts and oxides and/or binders. It allows tetrahydrofuran and/or cyclic ether compounds to carry out the ring-opening polymerization or ring-opening copolymerization with/without telogen, and obtains polyether polyol or copolymerized polyether polyol. An acid catalyst is used in the present invention because of its low solubility in organic solvent, so its process is simpler and the catalyst is easy to recycle for repeated use. As well, its preparation process is highly advantageous.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for coating wax or resin particles with metallic soap, wherein (a) a water dispersion of wax or resin particles, the dispersion containing water-soluble fatty acid soap, and (b) an aqueous solution or a water dispersion of a polyvalent metal compound are mixed in such a manner that an equivalent ratio of the polyvalent metal compound to the water-soluble fatty acid soap is 0.5 to 1.5.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition suitable for use as a binder in making wool and board products including fiberglass insulation comprising a phenolic resole resin binder made from phenol and formaldehyde by using an excess amount of a basic catalyst.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition suitable for use as a binder in making wool and board products including fiberglass insulation comprising a phenolic resole resin binder made from phenol and formaldehyde by using an excess amount of a basic catalyst.

Abstract: The present 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 an alkali metal- or alkaline earth metal-containing catalyst, which entails the appropriate acyloxy-containing polymer being introduced together with the alcohol and the catalyst into a first prereactor (I) and converted therein at least partly to the hydroxyl-containing polymer, and the reaction solution being fed into the upper zone (IIa) of a distillation column (II) into whose lower zone (IIb) alcohol in vapor phase is additionally fed. This involves a phase exchange at the coherent and the disperse phase at the transition from the prereactor to the distillation column. Preferably, in addition to the first prereactor, a further 3 prereactors are used which serve as holdup reactors.

Abstract: A method for preparing a solid catalyst composition is described. A magnesium reagent which yields magnesium oxide upon calcination, and which includes reduced levels of chlorides and calcium, is dry-blended with at least one filler. Dry-blending is usually carried out in the absence of a promoter. A method for selectively alkylating at least one hydroxyaromatic compound by using the catalyst is also described. A typical product is 2,6-xylenol. Related processes for preparing polyphenylene ethers are described.

Abstract: Thermally stable polymers comprising resorcinol arylate chain members are prepared using an interfacial method comprising the steps of: (a) combining at least one resorcinol moiety and at least one catalyst in a mixture of water and at least one organic solvent substantially immiscible with water; and (b) adding to the mixture from (a) at least one dicarboxylic acid dichloride while maintaining the pH between 3 and 8.5 through the presence of an acid acceptor, wherein the total molar amount of acid chloride groups is stoichiometrically deficient relative to the total molar amount of phenolic groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supramolecular structure produced by the process comprising reacting a multi-generation dendrimer with a monomer, where the dendrimer comprises a core molecule, a plurality of interior generations spherically disposed around the core molecule and an outermost generation comprising a plurality of dendritic branches having terminal groups sufficiently reactive to undergo addition or substitution reactions, where the monomer introduces a labile bond and at least one cross-linkable moiety to the terminal groups of each dendritic branch, and where the cross-linkable moiety is bonded to the terminal group via the labile bond; crosslinking the cross-linkable moieties of adjacent dendritic branches; and cleaving the labile bonds, thereby freeing the dendrimer and forming a molecule encapsulated within a cross-linked shell molecule. The present invention further provides a process for the production of the supramolecular structures.

Abstract: Polymer powders redispersible in aqueous solution, their use in cosmetic, pharmaceutical or crop protection formulations and a process for preparing polymer powders redispersible in aqueous solution comprising copolymers carrying free acid or base groups and, if appropriate, auxiliaries, which comprises adjusting the pH of the dispersion prior to drying by the addition of at least one buffer system to a pH of from 2.0 to 6.5 in the case of copolymers carrying free acid groups or a pH of from pH 7.5 to 12 in the case of copolymers carrying free base groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable aqueous polymer dispersions and a process for their preparation. The aqueous dispersions of the invention have less than about 2 weight percent organic solvent, at least about 30 weight percent solids, a mean particle size of not more than about 300 nm, and a viscosity of less than about 20.0 poise at about ambient temperature.

Abstract: This invention concerns the preparation of polymers of low polydispersity and/or controlled molecular weight and architecture employing living free radical polymerization initiated by an alkoxyamine initiator or nitroxide plus, optionally a free radical initiator, the polymer produced thereby; selected nitroxide and alkoxyamine initiators; and a process for making the initiators; the polymeric products being useful in protective coatings.

Abstract: A method for preparing a solid catalyst composition is described. A magnesium reagent which yields magnesium oxide upon calcination, and which includes reduced levels of chlorides and calcium, is dry-blended with at least one filler. Dry-blending is usually carried out in the absence of a promoter. A method for selectively alkylating at least one hydroxyaromatic compound by using the catalyst is also described. A typical product is 2,6-xylenol. Related processes for preparing polyphenylene ethers are described.

Abstract: Method for the manufacture of a phenolic resin emulsion and/or dispersion, wherein an aldehyde, a phenolic compound and an alkaline catalyst are allowed to react at a temperature of 40-100° C. until a desired degree of condensation is achieved, and the pH of the resin is adjusted to a value below 9 using an acid in the presence of a surface active agent or a mixture thereof at a temperature below 100° C. and a phenolic resin emulsion and/or dispersion is obtained providing a colorless or light-colored glue line or surface when cured.

Abstract: A process is provided to recover poly(arylene) sulfide from a poly(arylene) sulfide reaction mixture. In particular, a process is provided to recover poly(arylene) sulfide utilizing at least one extraction agent followed by vacuum drying.

Abstract: A process for producing poromeric synthetic leather comprises I. producing an essentially nonporous impregnate by impregnating a textile sheet material with an aqueous polyurethane dispersion and drying, and II. producing a poromeric synthetic leather from the impregnate by subjecting the impregnate to the action of an aqueous solution of a Brønsted base.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of methyl polysiloxane in the form of methyl cyclosiloxane of the general formula (R2SiO)x, wherein R is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, aryl and alkaryl groups and “x” is an integer selected from 3-6, in which: a) liquifying silicone feedstock as herein defined is liquefied in a solvent selected from alcohol or siloxane in presence of a catalyst at a temperature of between 110° C.-180° C. to obtain a liquefied mass consisting of a mixture of methyl polysiloxane, solvent and filler; b) adding a metal hydroxide to the liquefied mass so as to convent the fillers to their corresponding silicates, the said silicates thus obtained are removed and the liquid recovered; and c) cyclyzing methyl polysiloxane in the liquid medium thus obtained in the presence of a cracking catalyst in the temperature range of 115-160° C. so as to crack the liquid methyl polysiloxane to a mixture of volatile methyl cyclosiloxane.

Abstract: A particulate deactivator is used to pacify halogen-containing catalyst residues from a medium pressure solution polymerization process. The deactivator is added post-reactor preferably in the form of a suspension. The particulate deactivator may also be used in conjunction with a secondary, soluble deactivator.

Abstract: A fluorinated oligomer having COOH groups at both end and a &rgr;50° value of 1,000 to 10,000 is produced by swelling a fluorine rubber crosslinking product in an organic solvent, followed by decomposition in the presence of a base and a peroxide. The obtained fluorinated oligomer is soluble in solvent and thus easy to separate from fillers, etc., and can be effectively used as a chain-elongating agent for epoxy resin, isocyanate resin, oxazoline resin, etc.

Abstract: Halofluorinated alkylene monomers are made by a method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting a first polymer which is the reaction product of a fluorinated vinyl monomer and a vinyl comonomer to dehydrohalogenation to form a second polymer; (b) treating the second polymer with an oxidizing agent to form an oxidation product consisting of a .alpha., .omega.-dicarboxylic acid or an ester derivative thereof; and (c) treating said oxidation product with a reducing agent to form a reduction product consisting of a a .alpha., .omega.-diol. Preferably, the first polymer has a structure of --[CH.sub.2 CYZ(CF.sub.2 CFX).sub.n ].sub.m -- wherein X and Y=F, Cl or Br; X and Y may be the same or different; Z=H, F, Cl, Br, alkyl or perfluoroalkyl containing from about 1 to about 10 carbon atoms; n=an integer larger than about 1; and m is an integer between about 2 and about 10.sup.5. The .alpha., .omega.-dicarboxylic acids and .alpha., .omega.-diols produced herein can be directly used as polycondensation monomers.

Abstract: A process of surface activation of a material based on one or more of the copolymers of lactic acid and .epsilon.-caprolactone is carried out on bioabsorbable and biocompatible aliphatic polyesters chosen from the group formed by homo- and copolymers derived from L-lactide, D-lactide, racemic D,L-lactide, meso D,L Lactide, .epsilon.-caprolactone, glycolide, .delta.-valerolactone, p-dioxanone, preferably copolymers of L-lactide, D-lactide, racemic D,L lactide, meso D,L-lactide with .epsilon.-caprolactone; the process consists of performing at least one of the following treatments: acid or base hydrolysis, treatment by means of cold plasma, by chemical reactions or electromagnetic radiations.The process brings about a substantial increase in surface hydrophilicity and, consequently, a significant lowering of the wetting angle measured with water at 23 degrees Celsius in air.

Abstract: A water or aqueous soluble salt of a perfluoro polyether alcohol is applied to form a lubricant topcoat on a magnetic recording medium. Suitable soluble salts include the sodium salt of a perfluoro polyether diol.