Abstract: An actinically curable composition containing (1) an oligomer having a molecular weight within the range of from about 200 to about 3000 and which is end capped with reactive functional groups to provide sites for free radical polymerization by actinic radiation and (2) as a reactive diluent, an N-vinyl-2-oxazolidinone in which the number 4 and 5 carbon atoms each have two constituents which are all independently selected from hydrogen and alkyl radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and process for measuring the temperature of a fluid environment within a vessel. The apparatus features a chamber which opens into the vessel and thus contains a portion of the fluid environment. Structure is provided for preventing substantial convective movement between the portion of the fluid environment within the chamber and the remainder of the fluid environment. A temperature sensing device is also provided which is movable from a position within the chamber to a position into the remainder of the fluid environment for obtaining a temperature measurement. The chamber is maintained at a temperature cooler than that of the fluid environment. This invention also relates to a process for the periodic measuring of the temperature of a fluid environment in a vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved liquid phase chlorination process for the chlorination of methyl chloride to preferentially produce methylene chloride. The chlorine is provided to the reaction mixture in a mole percent, based upon the total moles of chlorine and methyl chloride in the mix, which ranges from about 16 mole percent to about 2 mole percent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and electrochemical cell useful for the selective electrochemical oxidation of aryl-compounds including aromatic and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, naphthalene and anthracene or their derivatives such as phenols and naphthols. The anodic electrode of the cell includes a first foraminous or porous layer of a hydrophobic material; a second foraminous or porous layer which includes an oxidation catalyst; and an electrical current collector in contact with the second layer. As a result of the special chemical properties and porosity of the first and second layers of the anode, and because of careful control of the pressure differential between the electrolyte solution and the aryl-compound, an active interface is formed by the electrolyte solution and aryl-compound between the first and second layers or in the second layer of the anode thereby providing for very selective controlled oxidation of the aryl-compound with excellent current efficiencies.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the chlorination of polyolefins in aqueous suspension. The method includes subjecting the suspension of the polyolefin to a submerged jet of chlorine gas at a velocity sufficient to atomize the chlorine; i.e., at least about sixty feet per second. By this method a very intimate mixture of chlorine and aqueous suspension is formed, whereby the chlorination proceeds more efficiently and at a lower chlorine pressure. Further advantages include a more uniformly-substituted product.

Abstract: A method for reducing surface-area decay of fluoride-containing fumed silica which comprises the step of providing an atmosphere of inert gas in which the fumed silica is disposed. The method, which can be used at ambient temperature, is particularly effective for the storage of a fluoride-containing fumed silica product prepared by a fluoride process, which fumed silica contains between about 2 and about 4 percent fluoride by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and electrochemical cell useful for the selective electrochemical oxidation of aryl-compounds including aromatic and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, naphthalene and anthracene or their derivatives such as phenols and naphthols. The anodic electrode of the cell includes a first foraminous or porous layer of a hydrophobic material; a second foraminous or porous layer which includes an oxidation catalyst; and an electrical current collector in contact with the second layer. As a result of the special chemical properties and porosity of the first and second layers of the anode, and because of careful control of the pressure differential between the electrolyte solution and the aryl-compound, an active interface is formed by the electrolyte solution and aryl-compound between the first and second layers or in the second layer of the anode thereby providing for very selective controlled oxidation of the aryl-compound with excellent current efficiencies.

Abstract: This invention provides a calibration unit for generating known concentrations of an oxidizing or a reducing gas in an inert carrier gas. THe gas-generating electrode is sandwiched between an ion-exchange membrane and a porous diffusion membrane for minimizing the liquid layer thickness around the electrode and for regularizing the rate of diffusion of the gas generated. The present invention is especially useful for calibrating gas sensors which detect, measure, and monitor the concentration of a gas in the atmosphere, and for providing an accurate low concentration of gas for use wherever desired.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for predicting the extrusion performance of a thermoplastic resinous polymer, which includes at least three and preferably four capillaries arranged in series with each successive capillary having a larger passageway than that of the immediately preceding capillary and with each capillary having substantially the same ratio of passageway length to cross-sectional area. The apparatus also includes a pump for forcing a heated polymer melt through the capillaries at a constant volumetric flow rate, a sensor for measuring the temperature of the polymer melt, a sensor for measuring the pressure drop of the polymer across each capillary, and a combination recorder and processor for determining the polymer viscosity in each capillary (different shear rates), whereby the extrusion performance of the polymer can be predicted. A method for predicting extrusion performance of a thermoplastic resinous utilizing these polymer capillaries is also provided.

Abstract: The use of polyvinyloctadecyl ethers as a processing modifier in the extrusion of polyolefin resins leads to a smoother surface of the extruded resin. Other beneficial effects include improved values of such important resin characteristics as tensile strength at break, percentage elongation at break, tearing resistance, and impact resistance.

Abstract: Polycarbonate type nonionic surfactant compositions comprising monohydroxy alcohols capped with polycarbonate groups. More specifically, the surfactant compositions comprise aliphatic, nonaromatic cycloaliphatic or aromatic alcohols which have been capped with block polycarbonate groups formed by the reaction of the alcohols with ethylene carbonate in the presence of an alkali metal salt catalyst. The surfactant properties of the compositions may be varied by first reacting the alcohols with ethylene oxide to form a block polyether group cap on the alcohols before the reaction with ethylene carbonate or by further reacting the polycarbonate capped alcohols with ethylene oxide to form a terminal polyether block group. The surfactants formed are a random distribution mixture of compositions wherein 2 to 20 moles of ethylene carbonate and 3 to 50 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of the alcohols are reacted together.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the tendency to and degree which a synthetic resinous particulate solid will block or agglomerate. The method comprises the steps of (a) forming a cake of a synthetic resinous particulate solid by compressing the particulate solid between substantially parallel surfaces at an elevated temperature, and (b) measuring the force required to break the cake by an elongated triangular-shaped wedge which is forced into the cake at a constant rate of speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reacting urea and beta-hydroxyethylcarbamate to make 2-oxazolidinone and ethyleneurea in a good yield and high selectivity, whereby the reaction method can be controlled to provide either the 2-oxazolidinone or the ethyleneurea as the major reaction product.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of carbonate salts in solutions containing other inorganic salts. The method includes converting the carbonate salts to carbon dioxide by acidifying the sample, sweeping the acidified solution with an inert gas to strip the carbon dioxide from the solution and contacting an ion-selective gas-sensing electrode with the gas stream. The electrode includes a buffered solution which changes in pH depending on the concentration of carbon dioxide in the gas stream thereby providing a measure of the carbonate salt concentration in the sample.

Abstract: A safety device for that portion of an elevated platform, including a horizontal guard railing, to which an open access ladder is attached. The safety device comprises an elongated, rigid member adapted to form an extension of the horizontal portion of the guard railing; and means for securely connecting the elongated member to the guard railing on both sides of the ladder access opening to the platform, thereby providing an extension of the horizontal portion of the guard railing which includes the portion of the platform above the platform access opening of the ladder.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for the preparation of trimethylsilyl cellulose ethers. The method comprises reacting cellulose with hexamethyldisilazane in the presence of a small amount of catalyst, wherein the catalyst is acetamide, acetamide and an ammonium halide, N,N-dimethylformamide and an ammonium halide, N,N-dimethylformamide and trimethylsilyl chloride, 2-oxazolidinone and an ammonium halide, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a selective process for the manufacture of diethylenetriamine from ethylenediamine, ethanolamine, and urea. The process comprises a reaction cycle in which ethylenediamine, ethanolamine, and urea are first reacted in step (a) to form aminoethylethyleneurea and ethyleneurea, which in turn are hydrolyzed in a second reaction step (b) to diethylenetriamine and ethylenediamine. The ethylenediamine made in the second reaction step (b) may be recycled to the first reaction step (a).

Abstract: A process for defluorination of a fluoride-containing fumed silica, which comprises entraining the silica in a high velocity stream of steam at an elevated temperature for a few seconds and then separating the defluorinated silica from the steam, thereby obtaining a fumed silica product with a substantially reduced fluoride content.

Abstract: A method of concentrating a solution of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate in diphenyl oxide, which includes cooling the solution until part of the solution crystallizes, thereby forming a solid phase having a lower concentration of the methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, and a liquid phase having a higher concentration of the methylene diphenyl diisocyanate than in the original solution, and then separating the solid and liquid phases. The method is particularly applicable to the concentration of solutions of 4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate in diphenyl oxide.

Abstract: Corrosion-inhibitor compositions and protective covers for the protection of metal surfaces against corrosion, particularly at elevated temperatures. A preferred method is the dispositon of the corrosion-inhibitor compositions in or on the metal-contacting surface of the thermal insulation. The composition of the corrosion inhibitor comprises borate, nitrite, and molybdate salts; and may further include an epoxy resin binder, an epoxy resin hardener, and a thinning agent.