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 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: Stable, concentrated solutions of high molecular weight polyaniline. In order to process high quality fibers and other articles possessing good mechanical properties, it is known that solution concentrations of the chosen polymer should be in the range from 15-30% (w/w). Moreover, it is desirable to use the highest molecular weight consistent with the solubility properties of the polymer. However, such solutions are inherently unstable, forming gels before processing can be achieved. The present invention describes the addition gel inhibitors (GIs) to the polymer solution, thereby permitting high concentrations (>15% (w/w)) of high molecular weight ((M.sub.w)>120,000, and (M.sub.n)>30,000) emeraldine base (EB) polyaniline to be dissolved. Secondary amines have been used for this purpose in concentrations which are small compared to those which might otherwise be used in a cosolvent role therefor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing molded, shaped or extruded articles comprising the steps of:a) melt reacting, in the presence of a catalyst which is substantially free of Co compounds, at least one glycol and at least one dicarboxylic acid to form a polyester having an I.V. of at least about 0.5 dL/g, wherein said at least one glycol is selected from the group consisting of glycols having up to 10 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof and said dicarboxylic is selected from the group consisting of alkyl dicarboxylic acids having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, aryl dicarboxylic acids having 8 to 16 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof;b) adding an acetaldehyde reducing additive to said polyester to form a reduced acetaldehyde polyester; andc) forming said reduced acetaldehyde polyester into articles directly from step b.Thus, the present invention provides a process for directly producing from the melt article having extremely low acetaldehyde content.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing the surface of a cyanate ester resin composite for metal plating. More particularly, a layer consisting essentially of cyanate ester resin is applied to the surface of the composite. Thereafter, the surface of the resin layer is etched, preferably by treatment with an etching solution containing either a quaternary ammonium hydroxide or a primary amine. Upon completion of the etching process, the cyanate ester resin layer may be successfully plated with metal. The method of the invention operates to improve adhesion between the cyanate ester resin composite and a subsequently-plated metal by providing the composite with a homogenous distribution of mechanical anchoring sites for a subsequently-plated metal, such that uniformity of adhesion is achieved.

Abstract: A process for the improvement of the drawing ability of polyester, pellets of which are thermally post-treated in the solid phase in an inert atmosphere, containing a precise concentration of water vapor. The water vapor concentration is equal to the amount of water, plus 15%/minus 50%, which could theoretically be formed, at the polyester end viscosity, from the --COOH end groups and the excess --OH end groups of the polyester. An equimolar quantity of the vapor of the alkanediol, which serves as the diol reactant for the polyester, may be substituted for all or part of the water vapor.

Abstract: Polymers having recurring succinyl units are obtained by an improved process by reaction of A, an unsaturated C.sub.4 -dicarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, with B, a nitrogen-donating compound, in a first reaction step to give a reaction mixture comprising at least one low molecular weight reaction product, and subsequent continuous feeding of the reaction mixture into a continuously operated reactor to give the polymer in a second reaction step. In a further embodiment the invention refers to polymers having recurring succinyl units prepared by reaction of an unsaturated C.sub.4 -dicarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof with a nitrogen-donating compound in a first reaction step and subsequent feeding of the reaction mixture, without intermediate isolation, into an optionally continuously operated reactor, with removal of water, and treatment of the reaction mixture at a temperature of 140 to 350.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a thermoplastic elastomer comprising preparing a blend of a rubber and a thermoplastic resin, in which the rubber is at least partially vulcanized by using a phenolic curative. The invention is that, to overcome problems with surface quality, an effective amount of a Lewis base is added after the desired degree of vulcanization of the rubber is obtained.The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of an UV-stable thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polyester is extracted from biomass by dissolving the PHA in a non-halogenated solvent which comprises a PHA-good solvent or a mixture thereof. Suitable PHA-good solvents can be selected from the disclosed alcohols, esters, amides and ketones. The PHA can be recovered, for example, by cooling, by solvent evaporation, or by addition of a PHA-poor solvent, wherein the PHA-poor solvent preferably dissolves less than about 1% (w/v) of the PHA at a temperature below the solvent boiling point. Preferred PHA types for use in the invention are poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate), and polymers/copolymers of hydroxyterminated polyhydroxybutyrate.

Abstract: A poor solvent is used for removing low molecular weight components from a binder, which has weight average molecular weight within the range of 10,000 to 60,000, said poor solvent has a solubility parameter being different from solubility parameter of the binder by more than 1.3 and less than 2.3 and is a solvent such as acetonitrile having no active hydrogen, and a difference between solubility parameter of the solvent in the solution after mixing and solubility parameter of the binder is more than 1.0 and less than 2.0, said poor solvent is used for fractional precipitation, and the poor solvent being by 0.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved solid state polymer devolatilization process which comprises heating a wet feed mixture comprising polymer, residual monomer(s), process solvents and active catalyst residues in the presence of an inert gas, wherein the improvement comprises replacing the inert gas with a catalyst deactivating gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for increasing the molecular weight of polycondensates and at the same time stabilizing them, essentially without crosslinking, which comprises heating a polyamide, a polyester, a polycarbonate or a copolymer or blend of these polymers with addition of at least one diepoxide comprising terminal epoxide groups and as a further structural element a tetramethylpiperidine radical located centrally between the epoxide groups to a temperature which is above the melting point of the polymer in the case of crystalline polycondensates or above the glass point in the case of amorphous polycondensates. The invention additionally relates to mixtures comprising the corresponding diepoxides, to their use, and to polycondensates prepared from them.

Abstract: By heating at above the melting point or glass transition point of the polyamide and adding a secondary aromatic amine and a difunctional epoxide it is possible to bring about an increase in the molecular weight and/or viscosity of virgin polyamide and recycled polyamide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of a porous polymer comprising the steps of: i) forming a mixture comprising a polymerizable component and an organic solvent wherein the polymerizable component comprises at least one macromonomer having at least one perfluoropolyether unit; ii) polymerizing said mixture wherein immediately after the polymerization of said mixture at least a substantial proportion of said organic solvent is in the form of a discrete phase and wherein said discrete organic solvent phase forms an interpenetrating network throughout the mixture or is dispersed throughout the mixture; and iii) removing the discrete organic solvent phase.

Abstract: A cross-linked polymer containing, in its molecule, recurring units represented by the following formula (1), and having biodegradability and high water-absorbency: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a pendant group having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of acidic groups and salts thereof, a glycino group and salts thereof, cationic groups and betaine groups; X.sub.1 is NH, NR.sub.1 ', R.sub.1 ' being an alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group, O or S; and n.sub.1 is 1 or 2.

Abstract: Polyimide precursor solutions comprise an organic liquid and the reaction product of an aromatic dianhydride and an aromatic diaminobenzoxazole capped, on at least one terminal end, with a bifunctional chain extender. The bifunctional chain extender has one functional group reactive with the amine of the aromatic diaminobenzoxazole or the anhydride of the aromatic dianhydride and another functional group which does not form amic acid linkages, but which is capable of further reaction to increase the molecular weight of the polyimide precursor under conditions other than those used to react the aromatic diamine and aromatic dianhydride to form the polyimide precursor. These polyimide precursors can be converted into polyimidebenzoxazole polymers.

Abstract: Stable, concentrated solutions of high molecular weight polyaniline. In order to process high quality fibers and other articles possessing good mechanical properties, it is known that solution concentrations of the chosen polymer should be in the range from 15-30% (w/w). Moreover, it is desirable to use the highest molecular weight consistent with the solubility properties of the polymer. However, such solutions are inherently unstable, forming gels before processing can be achieved. The present invention describes the addition gel inhibitors (GIs) to the polymer solution, thereby permitting high concentrations (between 15% and 30% (w/w)) of high molecular weight ((M.sub.w)>120,000, and (M.sub.n)>30,000) emeraldine base (EB) polyaniline to be dissolved. Secondary amines have been used for this purpose in concentrations which are small compared to those which might otherwise be used in a cosolvent role therefor.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a granular polycarbonate prepolymer for solid-phase polymerization, comprising dissolving a polycarbonate prepolymer in a solvent under heat, then crystallizing it by cooling, and shaping it. The grains of the granular prepolymer hardly fuse together in polymerization, and the granular prepolymer is suitable for high-speed solid-phase polymerization to give polycarbonate.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for molding of polyester articles having low acetaldehyde content directly from a melt without intermediate solidification of the molten polyester. A melt to mold process is used wherein an acetaldehyde stripping agent is mixed into a polyester melt before devolatilization in a flash tank. The devolatilized polyester is pumped out of the flash tank and injected into a mold, thus forming a shaped article. The apparatus may include one or more flash tanks in one devolatilization line, or multiple devolatilization lines may be used stemming from one main polymerization reactor. The final shaped article should contain less than 10 ppm of acetaldehyde.

Abstract: An aromatic heterocyclic compound and an aromatic diamino compound are allowed to separately react with a dicarboxylic acid derivative in an organic solvent, thereby synthesizing two kinds of oligomers, and these two kinds of oligomers are allowed to react with each other in an organic solvent to synthesize a block copolymer precursor, or an aromatic heterocyclic compound, an aromatic diamino compound and a dicarboxylic acid derivative are allowed to react in an organic solvent, thereby synthesizing a random copolymer precursor. The block or random copolymer precursor and a matrix polymer are dissolved in an organic solvent, then, the solvent is removed from the solution, and the resulting coagulum is heated to induce a ring-closing reaction, thereby obtaining a molecular composite material in which the copolymer is dispersed finely and homogeneously in the matrix polymer.

Abstract: A polyketone is provided wherein the polyketone is water soluble and curable. A method to make a such a polymer is also disclosed, the method including the steps of: providing a polyketone, the polyketone comprising 1,4-diketone units; contacting the polyketone with a diamine wherein the diamine comprises one nitrogen which is more reactive than another of the nitrogens under conditions effective to incorporate the more reactive nitrogen in the polyketone; contacting the polyketone having the diamine incorporated into the polyketone with maleic anhydride under conditions effective to react the less reactive nitrogen with the maleic anhydride; contacting the polyketone having maleic anhydride incorporated thereto with a strong base; and recovering a functionalized polyketone wherein the functionalized polyketone is water soluble and curable.

Abstract: An improved method for increasing the relative viscosity and molecular weight of a polyamide polymer (such as nylon 6,6, nylon 6, and the like) while in the solid state involving the use of a phosphorus-containing catalyst (such as 2(2'-pyridyl) ethyl phosphonic acid or the like) in combination with an oxygen free gas characterized by a low dew point (typically below 30.degree. C. and preferably below -30.degree. C.). The combination of affording commercial operation at greater through put at lower temperature. Such a process is of particular value during the production of terpolyamide and multipolyamide polymer intended for use in colored nylon fiber manufacture.

Abstract: Polyarylene sulfide (PAS) is disclosed, of which extract with methylene chloride is in an amount of not more than 0.7% by weight, a melt viscosity V.sub.6 is 20 to 15,000 poises and a content of --SX groups is at least 15 micro moles/g, wherein X represents an alkali metal or a hydrogen atom. The PAS is prepared as follows: an alkali metal sulfide is reacted with a dihaloaromatic compound in an organic amide solvent, while a part of a gaseous phase in a reactor is condensed by cooling a gaseous phase part of the reactor to return the condensed liquid to a liquid phase; and the polyarylene sulfide thus prepared is washed with an organic solvent and then with water. The present invention also provides a composition comprising 100 parts by weight of (A) the aforesaid PAS and 0.01 to 5.0 parts by weight of (B) at least a silane compound selected from the group consisting of methacryloxysilane compounds, ureidosilane compounds and epoxy silane compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating polyhydroxyalkanoate from a biomass, the process comprising extracting the polyhydroxyalkanoate with at least one PHA solvent selected from the group consisting of acetone, acetonitrile, benzene, butyl acetate, butyl propionate, .beta.-butyrolactone, .gamma.-butyrolactone, diethyl carbonate, diethylformamide, dimethyl carbonate, dimethyl succinate, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide, ethyl acetate, ethylene glycol diacetate, methyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, 1,4-dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, xylene, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Perfluoroalkyleneethertriazine oligomer obtained by reacting a dinitrile compound NC-Rf.sup.0 --CN, where Rf.sup.0 is --(CFXOCF.sub.2).sub.a (CF.sub.2).sub.b (CF.sub.2 OCFX).sub.c --, where X is a fluorine atom or a CF.sub.3 group, a is an integer of 1 to 5, b is an integer of 1 to 2 and c is an integer of 1 to 5, or Rf.sup.0 is --CF.sub.2 O(CF.sub.2 O).sub.d CF.sub.2 --, where d is an integer of 1 to 8 with ammonia, further reacting the resulting diamizine compound with a dinitrile compound NC-Rf.sup.1 --CN, where Rf.sup.1 has the same meaning as that for Rf.sup.0 or Rf.sup.1 is a perfluoroalkylene group having 4 to 8 carbon atoms thereby obtaining a perfluoroalkyleneetherpolyimidoylamizine oligomer, then reacting the resulting oligomer with a perfluoronitrile compound Rf.sup.2 CN, where Rf.sup.2 is CF.sub.3 (OCF.sub.2).sub.e --, where e is an integer of 3 to 10, and then subjecting the resulting terminal-treated oligomer to a ring-closing reaction with a perfluoroacylating agent Rf.sup.3 COY, where Rf.sup.

Abstract: A process for the devolatilization of a thermoplastic polymer containing gaseous impurities in an apparatus having a melting zone, a mixing zone, and a reduced pressure zone, comprising:(a) (i) adding a granular blowing agent directly or via a masterbatch to the polymer prior to the introduction of the polymer into the melting zone, said blowing agent being added in an amount of about 1 to about 4 percent by weight based on the weight of the polymer or (ii) adding a gaseous blowing agent to the mixing zone;(b) melting the polymer in the melting zone;(c) mixing the molten polymer and blowing agent in the mixing zone under sufficient pressure to maintain the blowing agent in the mixture;(d) at a temperature sufficient for decomposition or expansion, (i) decomposing the granular blowing agent in the mixing zone and/or in the reduced pressure zone or (ii) expanding the gaseous blowing agent in the reduced pressure zone wherein the blowing agent in its decomposed or expanded state develops froth cells in the molte

Abstract: A method of dissolving a rubber continuously to form a raw material for the production of rubber-modified polymer, by dissolving a rubber in a monomer liquid dissolving the rubber and capable of reacting with the rubber in the presence or absence of a solvent. Pieces of rubber are fed continuously to a dissolution tank to allow the dissolved rubber and the undissolved rubber to coexist in the dissolution tank, wherein the concentration of the dissolved rubber is the concentration at which the feeding to the reactor is made, and the quantity of the undissolved rubber present in the dissolution tank is at most the quantity that prevents pieces of the undissolved rubber from sticking to one another to form larger rubber masses. The time required for dissolution can be shortened, and the size of a dissolution tank can be made smaller, compared with the conventional methods.

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: A method of treating paint sludge containing uncured polymer resin, water and/or solvent is provided in which a paint sludge putty is formed which may be used as a replacement for polymeric components used to form compounded polymeric compositions. The treated paint sludge putty or powder comprises from about 5 to 90% by weight of the total compounded polymeric composition and may be used in a variety of compositions including pressure sensitive sealants, caulking sealants, automotive sealants, polyvinyl chloride plastics, rubbers and asphalt cement coatings, and waterbased sealers and coatings.

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 present invention provides a method for producing a methyl methacrylate polymer, wherein monomers containing methyl methacrylate as a main component are bulk-polymerized or solution-polymerized in the presence of a polymerization initiator and mercaptan compound as a chain transfer agent to form a liquid polymer composition containing unreacted monomers and then a volatile content is separated from the liquid polymer composition, the method comprising the steps of: distilling the volatile content to recover unreacted monomers, (1) subjecting the residue to a contact treatment with hydrazine compound or (2) subjecting the residue to an azeotropic distillation with water to remove impurities, distilling the resultant to recover the mercaptan compound and reusing the mercaptan compound as the chain transfer agent of raw materials.

Abstract: A low-sediment, low-tar, chlorine-free thermal process for preparing oil-soluble polyalkenyl derivatives of monounsaturated C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 monocarboxylic acid producing compounds and monounsaturated C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 dicarboxylic acid producing compounds is disclosed. The process involves reacting the mono- or dicarboxylic acid producing compound with a polyalkene at high temperature and under high inert gas partial pressure in the presence of a sediment-inhibiting amount of hydrocarbyl substituted sulfonic acid. The polyalkenyl derivatives are useful per se as additives in lubricating oils, functional fluids, and fuels and are also useful as intermediates in the preparation of other products (e.g., succinimides) useful as additives in lubricating oils, functional fluids, and fuels.

Abstract: A crosslinkable polylactone-based composition comprising formulating 100 parts by weight of a polylactone (A) whose number average molecular weight is in the range of 10,000 to 300,000 and 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of a crosslinkable monomer (B) which can confine the molecular chain of the polylactone (A) by irradiating active energy radiation or by heating, a production method of a polylactone-based crosslinked molded article prepared by irradiating active energy radiation or by heating after melting and molding the above-mentioned crosslinkable polylactone-based composition at the temperature where crosslinking does not occur, and a polylactone-based crosslinked molded article obtained by the above method are offered. A cured polylactone-based molded article having similar properties is also obtained from the curable polylactone-based composition composed of a polylactone or polylactone composition (X) comprising a prescribed polylactone (C) and polyvalent alcohol (D), and a prescribed curing agent (Y).

Abstract: Photoimageable polyquinoline compositions comprise a polyquinoline polymer, a diazonaphthoquinone and optionally a photosensitizer. The composition is prepared by dissolving the polyquinoline polymer, diazonaphthoquinone and photosensitizer in a solvent to form a solution, coating the solution onto a substrate and thereafter removing the solvent to form a film. The film is exposed to light through a photomask and developed by immersion in a selective solvent to yield a photopatterned dielectric film.

Abstract: A polyester resin aqueous dispersion which provides a coating film having excellent processability, water resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, weather resistance and adhesion to various substrates, and which also has markedly excellent storage stability even at a high solids concentration. The polyester resin aqueous dispersion substantially comprises a specific polyester resin, a basic compound, an amphipathic organic solvent capable of plasticizing the polyester resin, and a compound having a protective colloid action. Furthermore, fine particles of the polyester resin are homogeneously dispersed in an aqueous medium and in a specific dispersed state.

Abstract: A conductive composite composition consisting essentially of about 10 to 90 parts of the conducting form of polyaniline, balance an aromatic benzobisthiazole, benzobisoxazole or benzobisimidazole rigid-rod polymer, and a process for making a conductive benzobisazole polymer film.

Abstract: A process for recovering polyamide from composite articles that contain polyamide involves (a) subjecting at substantially nondepolymerizing conditions the composite article to a solvent for polyamide for a time sufficient to dissolve substantially all of the polyamide and leaving an insoluble fraction; (b) separating insoluble fraction of the composite article from the dissolved polyamide; and (c) precipitating the dissolved polyamide with appropriate precipitants.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure process for the continuous production of polyester is disclosed wherein a melt of bis(3-hydroxy propyl) terephthalate, or its low molecular oligomers, obtained by esterifying terephthalic acid or transesterifying dimethyl terephthalate with propylene glycol, is intimately contacted with an inert gas to facilitate polymerization and removal of the reaction by-products. The propylene glycol evolved and the inert gas are recycled.

Abstract: The preparation of alkoxylates of oligoamines or polyamines by a two-stage procedure where, in the first stage, one molecule of alkylene oxide per NH group is added onto the oligoamines or polyamines in the presence of water, alcohols or acids or a mixture thereof in the absence of a neutral or basic catalyst and, in the second stage, after removal of water and acids reaction with further alkylene oxide is carried out in the presence of a conventional neutral or basic catalyst, entails, before the second stage is carried out, an organic solvent or diluent or a mixture thereof from the group of(a) alcohols and phenols and their alkoxylates,(b) polyalcohols based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide or a mixture thereof,(c) N-substituted carboxamides,(d) alkanolmonoamines and alkanolpolyamines and their alkoxylates,(e) other alkoxylates of oligoamines or polyamines,(f) aromatic hydrocarbons,(g) aliphatic hydrocarbons,(h) ethers and(i) sulfones or sulfoxidesbeing added.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a lactic acid-based polyester having an excellent moldability, storage stability and biodegradability which has a less residual lactide left therein and is less susceptible to decomposition of lactic acid-based polyester and attachment of sublimed lactide to the molding apparatus, etc. at the devolatilization step and molding step after the polymerization reaction of lactic acid-based polyester. In the present invention, an organic chelating agent is added to a lactic acid-based polyester to deactivate the esterification catalyst used in the preparation of the lactic acid-based polyester, making it possible to inhibit the decomposition of lactic acid-based polyester at the devolatilizing process and molding process after polymerization reaction.

Abstract: A process for activating double metal cyanide catalysts is disclosed. A polyol starter or starter/catalyst mixture is heated under vacuum under conditions effective to achieve improved stripping compared with that which can be achieved through conventional vacuum stripping. Coupling vacuum stripping with inert gas sparging or stripping in the presence of an organic solvent gives a starter/catalyst mixture that activates rapidly in an epoxide polymerization process. Rapid activation makes process start-ups reliable and reduces cycle time. The process gives polyols with lower viscosity, lower polydispersity, and lower unsaturation for better polyurethanes.

Abstract: An adhesive is provided for bonding cyanate ester composite parts together which is also plateable with metal once chemically etched. The adhesive comprises a polymeric matrix and a filler of cyanate ester polymer. The polymeric matrix comprises at least one polyepoxide resin and a curing agent, while the cyanate ester polymer filler is present in the adhesive as a powder. In practice, the present adhesive is applied to the surface of cyanate ester composite articles to be bonded and is allowed to cure at room temperature. Thereafter, the surface of the assembly is chemically etched and then plated with metal. The present adhesive enable the complete coverage of the cyanate ester composite assembly with the plated metal, including the adhesive bondlines.

Abstract: Poly(hydroxyaminoether) ammonium salts are prepared by contacting a poly(hydroxy amino ether) with a protonic acid or an alkyl halide in an amount and under reaction conditions sufficient to form a poly(hydroxy amino ether) ammonium salt having an oxygen transmission rate of less than about 0.5 cm.sup.3 -mil/100 in.sup.2 -atm(O.sub.2)-day.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel crystalline form of low molecular weight poly(ethylene terephthalate). This crystalline form may be produced from molten or glassy low molecular weight poly(ethylene terephthalate) material by means of rapid heat transfer to or from the material. The poly(ethylene terephthalate) composition is suitable for use as a starting material for solid-state polymerization in order to produce polymers of higher molecular weight. A higher molecular weight polymer product having a unique physical form can be produced by solid-state polymerization of the low molecular weight poly(ethylene terephthalate).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) from a biomass comprising the PHA, the process comprising: a) treating the biomass with a PHA solvent and a marginal nonsolvent for PHA; b) removing any insoluble biomass, thereby leaving behind a solution of PHA and marginal nonsolvent for PHA; and c) removing the PHA solvent from the solution, thereby resulting in a suspension of precipitated PHA in the marginal nonsolvent for PHA. Optionally, the process further comprises removing the marginal nonsolvent for PHA, thereby leaving behind the PHA. The present invention further relates to the suspension and the PHA produced by the process.

Abstract: Cooling process for polyester and/or polyamide resins downstream of solid-state polycondensation plants in which the cooling is carried out by passing the solid material through two types of equipment in series, of which one is a fluid-bed, the other is a solid/wall cooling equipment. The fluid bed equipment is fed with a stream of inert-gas coming from the solid-state polycondensation reactor, previously subjected to by-products purification, drying and cooling.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved process for producing a polyester oligomer. The process employs a pipeline reactor, having at least two stages, in which the degree of polymerization of an oligomeric feed material is raised from about 2-10 to about 2-40 and the ratio of carboxyl to hydroxyl end groups in the product is reduced. In a first stage of the process, a monomeric diol or polyol, such as ethylene glycol, is added to a melt of the oligomeric feed material. In a second stage of the process, the molecular weight of the oligomer is increased by removal of volatile reaction by-products, including water and polyol. The oligomer produced by the present invention may be used in making higher molecular weight polyesters.

Abstract: Deaggregated substituted and unsubstituted polyparaphenylenes, polyparaphenylevevinyles, polyanilines, polyazines, polythiophenes, poly-p-phenylene sulfides, polyfuranes, polypyrroles, polyselenophene, polyacetylenes formed from soluble precursors and combinations thereof and copolymers thereof and methods of fabrication are described. The deaggregated polymer molecules when subsequently doped show higher electrical conductivity. Agents such as lithium chloride, m-cresol and nonylphenol are used to deaggregate the polymer molecules. The deaggregating agents can be added prior to or during doping the molecules.

Abstract: The synthesis of an aramid by the catalyzed reaction of carbon monoxide, an aromatic dichloride, such as 1,4-dichlorobenzene, and a diamine, such as 1,4-diaminobenzene, is disclosed. The reaction may be catalyzed by palladium (II) and palladium (0)-containing catalysts with chelating trialkyl phosphines, such as bis(diisopropylphosphino)-propane.

Abstract: The purification process comprises removing carboxylic acids and/or carboxylic acid salts contained as impurities in a fluorinated polyether having at at least one end thereof a terminal vinyl group linked thereto through an amide group-containing linkage by heating, in the presence of an amine compound such as triethylamine and dimethylaminotrimethylsilane, the fluorinated polyether containing said impurities or a reaction mixture obtained after the completion of reaction in a process of producing said fluorinated polyether. According to the purification process, the impurities can be easily removed from said fluorinated polyether. When the thus purified fluorinated polyether is used as a starting material for an addition type curable composition together with a SiH group-containing organosilicon compound, a liquid rubber material excellent in curability and storage stability can be obtained.