Abstract: A prosthetic device having a polyaryletherketone component with a wettable surface is disclosed. The surface of the polyaryletherketone component has a surface chemistry which enhances the ability of tissues to grow directly thereon. An associated method for enhancing the wettability of a prosthetic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: At the time of preparing polyphenylene ether resin, there can be separated and recovered efficiently an aromatic compound solvent, amines making an azeotrope with water (hereafter, referred to as ‘the amines’ for short.) and methanol.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a polyaniline/high molecular weight polymeric sulfonic acid complex made by oxidative polymerization, and aqueous polyaniline dispersions, where the viscosity of the dispersion has been increased by the presence of the high molecular weight polymeric sulfonic acids during the polymerization process.

Abstract: Provided is a method of purifying a polyarylene sulfide by washing it with a mixture of an aprotic organic solvent and an alkyl halide, or with a mixture prepared by adding a halogenoaromatic compound having an electron-withdrawing group to an aprotic organic solvent. The method makes it possible to reduce the impurities such as alkali metal halides in polyarylene sulfide, thus giving thermally stable polyarylene sulfide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reducing the self-adhesiveness of polytrimethylene terephthalate pellets, which can be carried out in a continuous or batch manner comprising the steps of: a) introducing polytrimethylene terephthalate pellets having an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 0.4 dl/g into a conduit containing a liquid which is moving through the conduit, thereby causing the pellets to move through the conduit with the liquid; b) adjusting the temperature of the pellets and the liquid to a temperature of about 50 to about 95° C. for a time sufficient to induce a degree of crystallinity of at least about 35% in the pellets; and c) separating the pellets from the liquid.

Abstract: A process for using low-molecular weight compounds that are water-extracted from (co)polyamides in the production of polyamide is disclosed. The process entails reacting these compounds with 10 to 15 wt. % water for a period of 3.5 to 6 hours at a temperature of 220° C. to 270° C., and polymerizing the resulting product along with caprolactam.

Abstract: A process for producing polymer pellets is disclosed. The process that is particular suitable for making polycarbonate pellets entails extruding a polymer melt, cooling the extrudate by contacting it with a cooling fluid and pelletizing the solidified polymer. The process is characterized in that the cooling fluid has a solids particle content of at most 10 ppm.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a polyaryletherketone component with a wettable surface is disclosed. The surface of the polyaryletherketone component has a surface chemistry which enhances the ability of tissues to grow directly thereon. An associated method for enhancing the wettability of a prosthetic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for continuous production of copolyamides based on a lactam (I), a diamine (II) and a dicarboxylic acid (III) comprises reacting a mixture (IV) comprising a diamine (II), a dicarboxylic acid (III) and water in a first reaction zone at a pressure in the range from 1.3*105 to 2.5*105 Pa in the entry zone of the reaction zone and at a temperature above the melting point of polymer (V) to a conversion, based on the molar amounts of diamine (II) and dicarboxylic acid (III), of at least 80% to form a polymer (V), reacting a mixture (VI) comprising lactam (I) and water in a second reaction zone at a pressure in the range from 5*105 to 40*105 Pa and at a temperature above the melting point of polymer (VII) to a conversion, based on the molar amount of lactam (I), of at least 80% to form a polymer (VII), then reacting polymer (V) and polymer (VII) with each other in a third reaction zone at a pressure in the range from 1*105 to 1.

Abstract: A process for removing low molecular weight constituents from polyamide 6 or from copolyamides based on caprolactam (herein (co)polyamide) is disclosed. The process comprise subjecting the (co)polyamide to liquid-extraction at a temperature which is above the boiling point of the liquid at atmospheric pressure said liquid containing water in an amount of at least 80 percent relative to its weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for hydrogenating ethylenically unsaturated double bonds in polymers P by reacting an aqueous dispersion of at least one polymer P with hydrogen in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst comprising at least one transition metal selected from rhodium and/or ruthenium and at least one nonionic phosphorus compound capable of forming a coordinative compound with the transition metal, which comprises incorporating the hydrogenation catalyst into the aqueous dispersion of the polymer P without adding a solvent. The present invention also relates to the aqueous dispersions of the hydrogenated polymers P obtainable by this process and to coating compositions comprising such dispersions.

Abstract: A process for the formation of a purified anhydrosugar alcohol is disclosed, whereby the resultant purified anhydrosugar alcohol has a purity of at least 99.8% and is substantially colorless. The anhydrosugar alcohol is purified by distillation, recrystallization from methanol, ethanol or ethylene glycol, melt recrystallization, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the purification is by distillation followed by recrystallization from methanol, ethanol or ethylene glycol. A test for determining the purity of the anhydrosugar alcohol is disclosed, wherein the color of the anhydrosugar alcohol after annealing at a temperature of at least 260° C. for at least four hours is examined. Alternatively, purity can be determined by examination of ultraviolet (UV) transmittance of the purified anhydrosugar alcohol at various wavelengths.

Abstract: A polyester resin is prepared by polycondensing a dicarboxylic acid component containing terephthalic acid or its ester-forming derivative as the main component, and a diol component containing ethylene glycol as the main component in the presence of (1) a compound of at least one member selected from the group consisting of titanium group elements in Group 4A of the Periodic Table, via an esterification reaction or an ester exchange reaction, wherein the content of copolymerized components other than the terephthalic acid component and the ethylene glycol component, is not more than 4 mole % based on the total dicarboxylic acid component, and in a molded product with a thickness of 3.5 mm injection-molded at 280° C., the difference between the absorbance at a wavelength of 395 nm and the absorbance at a wavelength of 800 nm is at least 0.08, and the difference between the absorbance at a wavelength of 500 nm and the absorbance at a wavelength of 800 nm is at most 0.05.

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 composite type conductive polymer having a phenylene vinylene backbone with a condensed hydrocarbon ring system introduced into the backbone to form a bend in a linear structure of the phenylene vinylene backbone.

Abstract: Aromatic polyethers are prepared by displacement polymerization reaction in the presence of a water-immiscible solvent with density ratio to water in a range of between about 0.9:1 and about 1.1:1 measured at a temperature in a range of between about 20° C. and about 25° C. The polyethers are purified by processes comprising aqueous extraction, or filtration, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing electrically conductive polyaniline salts in various organic solvents using cost-effective protonic acids and where the solution is optically transparent.

Abstract: Porous films for medical use are provided comprising linear block polymers of polyurethane and urea containing hydrolyzable ester groups which are spaced along the carbon chain backbone of the film predetermined distances, so that upon hydrolysis of the ester groups fragments of the polymer are formed which have a size which can be secreted from the body of a mammal, the porous film including pores having an average pore size of up to 600 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polycarbonate having a low particle content, a process for producing high-purity polycarbonate and polycarbonate of maximum purity and molded products made from such polycarbonate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the polymer content in the wastewater from dewatering of two-phase liquid mixtures comprising a thermoplastic plastic melt and an aqueous phase by coagulating the plastic melt and pressing the water out of the melt cake in an extruder system, characterized in that superheated steam with a temperature of at least 280° C. is injected immediately after introduction of the two-phase liquid mixture into the extruder system.

Abstract: The friability of crystallized PTT and solid stated PTT can be effectively reduced by lowering the temperature of the quenching water used in the pelletizing of the melt polycondensation polymer to between 32° F. (0° C.) and 65° F. (18° C.). In addition, the robustness of solid stated PTT pellets is effectively increased by using a prepolymer with a lower intrinsic viscosity (IV) or by increasing the IV of the solid stated product.

Abstract: A process for producing amino resin particles includes: a reaction process for obtaining a reaction solution containing an amino resin precursor which is obtained by a reaction of an amino compound with formaldehyde, and having a viscosity in a range of from 2×10−2 Pa·s to 5.8×10−2 Pa·s at a temperature in a range of from 95° C. to 98° C.; an emulsion process for obtaining an emulsion by emulsifying the reaction solution; and a curing process for curing the amino resin precursor in the emulsion state by adding a catalyst to the emulsion. With this producing process, it is possible to readily produce amino resin particles with an essentially uniform particle size (narrow particle size distribution).

Abstract: Provided is a method for washing an impurities-containing polycarbonate/organic solvent solution with an aqueous washing solution, which comprises monitoring the viscosity of the mixture dispersion of the polycarbonate/organic solvent solution and the aqueous washing solution, and controlling the blend ratio of the aqueous washing solution in the system on the basis of the relation between the phase condition and the viscosity of the mixture dispersion. In the method of washing a polycarbonate/organic solvent solution with an aqueous washing solution, the amount of the washing solution to be used is reduced, and the mixture dispersion of the two solutions is stabilized at a high level of washing efficiency. The washing method is economical in practical use.

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: The present invention relates to a fiber which comprises at least one partly crystalline cycloolefin copolymer which can be prepared by polymerization of a symmetrical polycyclic olefin, an acyclic olefin and, if desired, a monocyclic olefin in the presence of a catalyst system comprising an aluminoxane and a metallocene compound of the formula

Abstract: A process for producing a polyphenylene ether, which comprises contacting, with an aqueous solution of a chelating agent, a polyphenylene ether solution and adding a water-soluble poor solvent for the polyphenylene ether to precipitate the polyphenylene ether; and recovering the thus precipitated polyphenylene ether. A mixture remaining after the recovery of the polyphenylene ether is brought into contact with water to extract the water-soluble poor solvent, and a water phase containing the thus extracted water-soluble poor solvent is recovered by separation. The water-soluble poor solvent is separated and removed from the water phase by distillation, and the whole or a part of the remaining water phase is recycled as water to be brought into contact with the mixture, the remaining water phase having a content of a high-boiling-point organic substance of 1 wt. % or less.

Abstract: An absorbent composition comprising an uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer, wherein the uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer is treated by a means to effectively insolubilize the uncrosslinked, relatively high molecular weight polymer such that the absorbent composition exhibits desirable absorbent properties. In particular, the absorbent composition has the ability to absorb a large quantity of liquid. The absorbent composition is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb bodily liquids. Suitable polymers include polyethylene oxide, poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) wherein the polymer has a weight average molecular weight that is greater than about 1,000,000.

Abstract: A process for removal of a catalyst from a polymerization reaction mixture, comprises adding at least one polar solution to the reaction mixture to form a first at least two phase mixture, wherein one phase of the first at least two phase mixture is a first polymer phase; liquid/liquid centrifuging the first at least two phase mixture to separate the phases; removing the first polymer phase from the first at least two phase mixture; adding water to the first polymer phase to form a second at least two phase mixture, where one phase of the second at least two phase mixture is a second polymer phase; and separating the second polymer phase from the second at least two phase mixture.

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: A melt processible Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) polymer with novel end-group structure is synthesized electrophilically using Methane Sulfonic Acid containing Methane Sulfonic Anhydride or Phosphorous Pentoxide. The product so obtained shows controlled structure with elimination of reactive end group like —COOH and is therefore melt processible by conventional techniques and exhibits high thermal and mechanical properties making it useful high temperature engineering and specialty plastics. It can be extruded into a rod, film and can also be molded into commercially useful products.

Abstract: A process for producing polyamides by reacting at least one lactam and optionally further polyamide-forming monomers with aqueous monomer and oligomer extracts obtained during the extraction with water of the polymer product obtained in the production of polyamides, the water content of the reaction mixture being in the range from 0.5 to 13% by weight comprises conducting the reaction in the presence of metal oxides, beta-zeolites, sheet-silicates or silica gels, which may be doped, as heterogeneous catalysts, the heterogeneous catalysts being used in the form which permits mechanical removal from the reaction mixture and are removed from the reaction mixture in the course of the polymerization or after it has ended.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate which comprises the step of carrying out a reaction between (meth)acrylic acid and an alkylene oxide, wherein the process provides enablement for economically and efficiently recovering and recycling the unreacted residue of the alkylene oxide. The process for producing a hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate comprises the steps of, carrying out a reaction between (meth)acrylic acid and an alkylene oxide; stripping the unreacted residue of the alkylene oxide from the resultant reaction liquid; and causing a solvent to absorb the stripped alkylene oxide; wherein: water is used as the absorbing solvent; and an absorbing liquid resultant from the absorption of the unreacted residue of the alkylene oxide is used for production of an alkylene glycol.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multistep process for evaporating polymer solutions of thermoplastic polymers and for removing volatile constituents from thermoplastic polymers by indirect heat exchange. The invention relates in particular to a process for evaporating volatile constituents out of polymer solutions using shell-and-tube heat exchangers having a special geometry, coiled-tube evaporators and extrusion evaporators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of polyamide-6 by polymerization of &egr;-caprolactam with full re-use of extracted caprolactam and oligomers. The extract is not subjected to a pretreatment for reduction of the cyclic dimer content. By carrying out the polymerization in two steps, the first at an elevated pressure, but lower than the vapor pressure of the reaction mixture supplied, and the second at approximately atmospheric or reduced pressure, the cyclic dimer content of the polymerizate leaving the second polymerization step is kept at a constant level. The process offers a high degree of flexibility in terms of production capacity and composition and proportion of recycled lactam in the lactam feed for the polymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the drying of coagulated water-containing rubber particles. These are treated with an aqueous solution of any desired substances in monodisperse solution in water in such a way that, at least for some period, the surface of the rubber particles is completely covered by the aqueous solution. It is preferable to use an aqueous solution of substances selected from the group consisting of salts, alcohols, acids and sugars. This method can reduce the internal water content between the particles resulting from coagulation, without major usage of energy or time.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of odor-lean polyether polyols from polyether polyol product stream obtained by reacting a starting compound having a plurality of active hydrogen atoms with one or more alkylene oxides, which process comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the polyether polyol product with an excess of acid having a pKa of less than 5 under hydrolysis conditions, (b) contacting the reaction mixture with excessive amount of water to form a two-phase system under hydrolysis conditions by adding an amount of water to form an organic phase and a water phase to reduce the amount of cyclic-ether compounds present in the polyether polyol product, and (c) recovering the odor-lean polyether polyol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyester resin produced by polymerizing a dicarboxylic acid component comprising mainly an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or its ester forming derivative, and a diol component comprising mainly ethylene glycol in the presence of a catalyst containing a titanium compound, which polyester resin contains titanium atoms (Ti) in an amount of 0.002 to 1.0 mole based on one ton of the polyester resin and has the following properties: Intrinsic viscosity ([&eegr;], dl/g)≧0.70 Hunter's “b” value≦4 Acetaldehyde content (AA0, ppm)≦5.0.

Abstract: A process for using low-molecular weight compounds that are water-extracted from (co)polyamides in the production of polyamide is disclosed. The process entails reacting these compounds with 10 to 15 wt. % water for a period of 3.5 to 6 hours at a temperature of 220° C. to 270° C., and polymerizing the resulting product along with caprolactam.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of odour-lean polyether polyols from a polyether polyol starting product which is obtained by reacting a starting compound having a plurality of active hydrogen atoms with one or more alkylene oxides, which process comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the neutralised or unneutralised polyether polyol product with an excess of an acid having a pKa of less than 5 under hydrolysis conditions, (b) contacting the reaction mixture with water under hydrolysis conditions, and (c) recovering the odour-lean polyether polyol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of recovering a polyamine compound and/or a polyol compound useful for starting materials of polyurethane resin in an industrially advantageous manner by first dissolving the polyurethane resin such as polyurethane foams discharged in a large amount as industrial wastes in a solubilizing agent containing a polyamine compound, a low molecular glycol or an amino alcohol, hydrolyzing the resulting solution with liquid water at 200 to 320° C., then recovering the polyamino compound and/or polyol compound thus formed.

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: The present invention provides an effective process for removal of the residual metal catalyst from a polymer solution using water and alcohol containing an inorganic acid after selective hydrogenation of the unsaturated olefinic double bonds in a polymer of a conjugated diene monomer or a copolymer of a conjugated diene monomer and an aromatic vinyl monomer in the presence of a homogeneous organotitanium catalyst, which is an economical and simple process especially for the purpose of an industrial use for effectively removing the residual titanium compounds and lithium salts from the hydrogenated polymer solution.

Abstract: A process is provided to recover at least one modifier compound and at least one polar organic compound from a poly(arylene sulfide) reaction mixture comprising high molecular weight poly(arylene sulfide), low molecular weight poly(arylene sulfide), cyclic and linear poly(arylene sulfide) oligomers, at least one polar organic compound, at least one modifier compound, and an alkali metal halide by-product.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a polymer composition comprising at least one aromatic or a mixture thereof, the process comprising: i) obtaining a reaction mixture comprising polymer precursors in a first fluid boiling in excess of 100 C.; ii) subjecting the reaction mixture to a first elevated temperature in excess of 100 C. to generate the alkali metal salts of polymer precursors and the polymer reaction products thereof; and iii) subjecting the reaction product mixture to at least a second temperature and isolating the reaction product in the form of a polymer composition which is substantially insoluble in a second fluid, form the first fluid which is substantially soluble in the second fluid, by contacting with an amount of second fluid; wherein the process is conducted in substantial absence of an effective amount of an azeotrope; novel intermediates thereof, polymer composition obtained thereby; resin formulation thereof; method for manufacture of composites thereof, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure is a process for preparing polyamides by concentrating the wash water extract from the extraction of polyamide to an extractables content of not more than 85% by weight, adding fresh lactam down to a water content of from 0.5 to 13% by weight, and effecting at least one adiabatic expansion during the polymerization.

Abstract: Polymer emulsion compositions presenting low levels of residue after thermolytic decomposition are provided. The compositions, based on polyhydroxyalkanoates or acrylics, are useful in a variety of applications, including the metallization of cathode ray tube phosphor screens, where use of the compositions provides enhanced luminosity and ease of manufacture. Other applications include use of the emulsion in additives used in powder molding techniques and in the manufacture of ceramic tiles.

Abstract: A method for producing poly(p-t-butoxystyrene), which comprises polymerizing p-t-butoxystyrene in a hydrocarbon type reaction solvent in the presence of a polymerization initiator, and, after termination of the polymerization reaction, conducting a separation of the hydrocarbon type reaction solvent layer containing poly(p-t-butoxystyrene) and the water layer in the presence of 1-50 parts by weight of a polar solvent per 100 parts by weight of the hydrocarbon type reaction solvent layer, wherein the separation efficiency, after termination of the polymerization reaction, of the hydrocarbon type reaction solvent layer containing poly(p-t-butoxystyrene) and the water or acidic water layer conspicuously improves.

Abstract: A water slurry process is used to prepare a prepreg and to manufacture articles from macrocyclic polyester oligomers. In one embodiment, a process for preparing a water suspension of macrocyclic polyester oligomers includes the steps of contacting a macrocyclic polyester oligomer and a polymerization catalyst with water and a surfactant, and mixing the macrocyclic polyester oligomer and polymerization catalyst with water and the surfactant thereby forming a suspension. In another embodiment, a process for impregnating macrocyclic polyester oligomers for polymerization includes the steps of providing a suspension of a macrocyclic polyester oligomer and a polymerization catalyst in water, applying the suspension to a base material, drying to remove water from the suspension, and pressing the dried suspension to a desired form. In yet another embodiment, a composition of macrocyclic polyester oligomer includes a macrocyclic polyester oligomer, a polymerization catalyst, and water.

Abstract: A process for the removal of impurities from a thermoplastic polymer, comprising mixing with the polymer in a molten state a stripping agent comprising a solution of carbon dioxide in water, passing the mixture to a vessel held at a pressure and which is less than atmospheric pressure, allowing impurities to defuse out of the polymer into the volatilised stripping agent, and removing the volatilised stripping agent with the impurities from the mixture. The invention also relates to the stripping agent itself, which is a solution of carbon dioxide in water.