Abstract: Norbornadiene [bicyclo(2.2.1)heptadiene-2,5] is dimerized to the exo-exo stereoisomer of the hexacyclic dimer of norbornadiene at both an excellent selectivity and conversion using an effective amount of a three component catalytic system of diethylaluminum chloride, ferric or ferrous or cobaltic or cobaltous acetylacetonate and bis(1,2-diphenylphosphino)ethane. The reaction rate is rapid. After hydrogenation the exo-exo hexacyclic dimer can be used as a component of high energy fuel for either jet or rocket propulsion.

Abstract: Novel codimer (I) of norbornadiene and 1,3-cyclohexadiene and its hydrogenated derivative (II), having the following structures: ##STR1## and processes for preparing both are disclosed. Product (II) can be used as a high energy fuel. Process for codimer I involves use of three component homogeneous catalytic system of cobaltic or cobaltous acetylacetonate, 1,2-bisdiphenylphosphino ethane and one of three alkyl aluminum chlorides.

Abstract: Norbornadiene and 1,3-pentadiene are catalytically codimerized to an olefinic codimer using a three-component homogeneous catalytic system of cobaltic or cobaltous acetylacetonate, triphenylphosphine and an alkyl aluminum chloride. The codimer, after hydrogenation, has utility as a high energy missile fuel or a diluent for a higher viscous missile fuel.

Abstract: Norbornadiene and nobornene are catalytically codimerized to the saturated exo-exo hexacyclic dimer of norbornadiene. Used is a three-component homogeneous catalytic system consisting of cobaltic or cobaltous acetylacetonate, 1,2-bisdiphenylphosphino ethane and an alkyl aluminum chloride. Resulting dimer can be used as a component of high energy fuel.

Abstract: Catalytic codimerization of norbornadiene and 1,3-pentadiene yields an olefinic codimer which, after hydrogenation, has utility as a high energy missile fuel or a diluent for a higher viscous missile fuel. Used is a three-component homogeneous catalytic system, consisting of cobaltic or cobaltous acetylacetonate, 1,2-bisdiphenylphosphina ethane and an alkyl aluminum chloride.

Abstract: Dimethyldicyclopentadiene is continuously hydrogenated to tetrahydrodimethyldicyclopentadiene and then the latter is continuously isomerized to a missile fuel. Both the hydrogenation and the isomerization steps use a nickel on silica-alumina catalyst. The temperature of the hydrogenation is in the range of about 70.degree.-260.degree. C., and the temperature of the isomerization is in the range of about 200.degree.-280.degree. C. The space velocity of the hydrogenation is about 0.1 to about 2.0 volumes of the diene charged per volume of catalyst per hour and the space velocity of the isomerization is about 0.1 to about 3.0 volumes of the hydrocarbon charged per volume of catalyst per hour. The pressure range for hydrogenation is between about 200 psig to about 3000 psig and for isomerization between from about 10 psig to about 1500 psig. Hydrogen is present during the isomerization.

Abstract: Semipermeable membranes useful in membrane separation processes are formed from a hydrophilic polyamide which is a block copolymer of nylon and a poly(dioxa-amide) such as poly(4,7-dioxadecamethylene adipamide).

Abstract: An improvement in the cyanoethylation process using a bed of basic ion exchange resin catalyst wherein the conversion of the acrylonitrile is limited to the range between from about 60% to about 96%. A monoadduct intermediate can be recycled. As a result of the limitation to the conversion selectivity as to the desired product is in excess of 95%. The improved process, e.g., has a selectivity of 98% when the conversion is about 82% and the reactants are acrylonitrile and ethylene glycol.

Abstract: Novel codimers (I) of norbornadiene and phenylacetylenes and their hydrogenated derivatives (II), having the following structures ##STR1## wherein R is a hydrogen, a phenyl, or a phenyl having alkyl substitutents and R.sub.1 is a phenyl or a phenyl having alkyl substituents and processes for preparing both are disclosed. Codimer (II) can be used as a high energy fuel or a diluent for such a fuel. Process for making codimer (I) involves reacting norbornadiene and phenylacetylene or diphenylacetylene with a catalyst system of cobaltic or cobaltous acetylacetonate, 1,2-bisdiphenylphosphino ethane and an alkyl aluminum chloride.

Abstract: Norbornadiene and an alkyne are catalytically codimerized in the presence of a homogeneous catalytic system of cobaltic or cobaltous acetylacetonate, 1,2-bisdiphenylphosphino ethane and an alkyl alluminum chloride. Also, novel codimers of norbornadiene and an alkyne containing at least three carbons are disclosed. After hydrogenation, resulting codimers can be used as high energy fuels or diluents for such fuels.

Abstract: Novel block copolymer formed by melt blending a melt spinnable polyamide, such as nylon-6, and a poly(dioxa-arylamide), such as poly(4,7-dioxadecamethylene terephthalamide) (also known as N-30203-T), is disclosed. Said copolymer has utility as a fiber. The fiber of a block copolymer, for example of nylon-6 and said poly(dioxa-arylamide) which is also known as N-30203-T/6, has superior moisture absorption and initial modulus characteristics than that of nylon-6. Furthermore, resulting fiber still substantially maintains the other desirable properties of the major constituent, for example, nylon-6.

Abstract: A process for producing a mixture of shale oils containing spherulites which comprises adding an effective amount of an about 1050.degree. F. plus fraction of a raw shale oil containing spherulites, e.g. prepared by a solid-upflow fluid-downflow oil shale retorting process, to a waxy shale oil not containing spherulites, e.g. prepared by a solid-downflow fluid-upflow oil shale retorting process. The formation of spherulites in the mixture is accompanied by a lowered reduction in the pour point of the resulting shale oil mixture.

Abstract: Fibers of block copolymer of poly (4,7-dioxadecamethylene adipamide) - polycaprolactam, i.e. N-30203-6//6, have a tendency to fuse when scoured in boiling water. By replacing a minor amount of the adipic acid present in the N-30203-6 portion of the block copolymer with terephthalic acid the fusion is eliminated. The resulting novel composition consists of blocks of random N-30203-6 and N-30203-T with nylon-6 blocks. The composition maintains its good hydrophilic properties.

Abstract: Method is disclosed for preparing a honeycomb insulation structure having its cells partially filled with a low density foam and a high density integral skin completely covering one edge of the honeycomb. Method comprises placing one edge of a honeycomb in an inert material; introducing a foamable or foaming substance into the cells and allowing it to rise from the surface of the inert material until it overflows slightly. The overflowing foam comes into contact with a pressure platen just above the honeycomb thereby forming the high density integral skin. The level of the material in the cell determines the thickness of the void on one edge. Structure has utility in cryogenic storage.

Abstract: Catalytic codimerization of norbornadiene and 1,3-butadiene, using a three-component homogeneous catalytic system consisting of cobaltic or cobaltous acetylacetonate, 1,2-bisdiphenylphosphino ethane and an alkyl aluminum chloride, yields a codimer having the following structure: ##STR1## Upon hydrogenation, codimer I forms tetramethylene nortricyclane having utility as a high energy fuel.

Abstract: Norbornadiene and an acrylic acid ester, e.g., methyl acrylate, are catalytically codimerized in the presence of a two-component homogeneous catalytic system consisting of nickel acetylacetonate and an alkyl aluminum chloride. The resulting codimer can be used as a precursor for a missile fuel. The ester portion of the acrylic acid ester is the radical RCH.sub.2 O-- wherein the R is an H or an alkyl containing up to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An insulator having a universal configuration can be placed around many different types of steam traps. The insulator comprises a housing having suitable openings for water drainage and testing of the trap by an ultrasonic probe, and thermal insulation. Use of the insulator results in more efficient operation of the trap and saves energy. One of the outstanding features of the insulator is its ease of installation.

Abstract: Norbornadiene and an acrylic acid ester, e.g. methyl acrylate, are catalytically codimerized in the presence of a three-component homogeneous catalytic system consisting of nickel acetylacetonate, an alkyl aluminum chloride and 1,2-bisdiphenylphosphino ethane. The resulting codimer can be used as a precursor for missile fuel. The ester portion of the acrylic acid ester is the radical RCH.sub.2 O-- wherein the R is an H or an alkyl containing up to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Norbornadiene and an acrylic acid ester, e.g. methyl acrylate, are catalytically codimerized in the presence of a three-component homogeneous catalytic system consisting of nickel acetylacetonate, an alkyl aluminum chloride and triphenylphosphine. The resulting codimer can be used as a precursor for missile fuel. The ester portion of the acrylic acid ester is the radical RCH.sub.2 O- wherein the R is an H or an alkyl containing up to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Novel block copolymer formed by melting blending a melt spinnable polyamide such as nylon-6 and a poly(oxa-amide) such as poly(4-oxaheptamethylene adipamide) (also known as N-303-6) is disclosed. Said copolymer has utility as a fiber. The fiber of copolymer, for example of nylon-6 and said poly-(oxa-amide) has superior absorption characteristics than that of nylon-6. Furthermore, resulting fiber (N-303-6//6) still substantially maintains the other desirable properties of the major constituent, for example nylon-6.