Abstract: A latex composition for hair care containing a spray-dried hybrid-graft copolymer of a sulfopolyester and an acid-functional polymer segment. The acid-functional polymer segment is formed from at least one acid-functional monomer, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and at least one amide-containing monomer. Such compositions exhibit superior curl retention even at high humidity.

Abstract: This invention provides stable waterborne polymer compositions, which are stabilized against gelling, comprising a stable waterborne polymer composition having a Tg of greater than about 0° C. and comprising an acetoacetoxy-type functional polymer, a poly(alkylenimine), and a nonionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of at least about 17.5. The waterborne polymer compositions of the invention are particularly useful in a variety of adhesive formulations such as pressure sensitive adhesives, laminating adhesives, and the like. Methods of making stable waterborne polymer compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A latex composition for hair care containing a spray-dried hybrid-graft copolymer of a sulfopolyester and an acid-functional polymer segment. The acid-functional polymer segment is formed from at least one acid-functional monomer, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and at least one amide-containing monomer. Such compositions exhibit superior curl retention even at high humidity.

Abstract: The invention relates to fibers, particularly binder fibers, made from polyesters and the polyesters themselves. The polyesters are the product of a reaction between a glycol component and a dicarboxylic acid component where the glycol component contains at least 50 mole % of a four carbon diol, such as 1,4-butanediol, or a six carbon diol, such as 1,6-hexanediol or a mixture of a four carbon and six carbon diol. Typically, the polyesters of the invention are semicrystalline and/or crystalline and have a specific melting point ranging from about 140 to about 185° C. The polyesters of the invention may be formed into a variety of products, especially binder fibers for nonwoven fabrics, textile/industrial yarns and fabrics, composites and other molded articles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water-dispersible acrylic-modified polyester resin containing sulfonate groups prepared by addition copolymerization of ethylenically unsaturated vinyl monomers and a polyester. The polyester is prepared from a polycondensation reaction with dicarboxylic acids, glycols, ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and a minor amount of a sulfomonomer. The acrylic-modified polyester is prepared by first producing the polyester under polycondensation conditions followed by the addition polymerization of the ethylenically unsaturated vinyl monomers. The acrylic-modified polyesters can be formed into a coating composition that has zero or very little organic solvent and is very useful to produce crosslinked cured enamels having excellent gloss, hardness, impact resistance, and water resistance such as those used in automotive finishes, appliance, and coil coatings.

Abstract: This invention relates to binary blends of cellulose esters and aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters, cellulose esters and aliphatic polyesters as well as ternary blends of cellulose esters and/or aliphatic polyesters and/or aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters and/or polymeric compounds as well as fibers, nonwovens, molded objects, and films prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A process for hydrolyzing an alkyl ester to produce a carboxylic acid product and an ether product, the process includes the steps of introducing into a reaction zone of a reactive distillation column a feed containing the alkyl ester wherein the reaction zone is at a temperature and pressure to preferentially produce an ether from the ester; and recovering the ether and the carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A method for producing esters, carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof includes contacting, under carbonylation conditions, lower alkyl alcohols, ethers, lower alkyl alcohol derivatives and mixtures thereof and carbon monoxide with a catalyst having a catalytically effective amount a metal selected from iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, tin and mixtures thereof associated with a carbonized polysulfonated divinylbenzene-styrene copolymer matrix. In a preferred aspect of the invention the method is called out under vapor-phase conditions.

Abstract: A two-dimensional display having a three-dimensional visual appearance has printed on a substantially flat or planar surface a predetermined message or information. Superposed over the message is a lenticular lens. Adjacent to the message are a series of spaced apart lines which may either be coplanar or non-coplanar relative to the message. The spaced apart lines are arranged so that they are in a non-registration relationship with the spacing of individual lenticules forming the lenticular lens. The display produces an appearance of having the lines float or move as a viewer's focal angle or perspective of the display changes. A method for making such a display is also provided.

Abstract: A copolyester blend resistant to ultraviolet radiation includes a polyethylene terephthalate based copolyester having 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; an effective amount of an ultraviolet radiation absorber selected from the group consisting of benzoxazinones, dimeric benzotriazoles, triazines and mixtures thereof; and from 5 mol % to about 40 mol % isophthalic acid residues present in the copolyester wherein the mole percent is based on 100 mole percent of dicarboxylic acid or equivalents. The copolyester blend is useful in making UV radiation resistant thermoformed articles.

Abstract: A burner nozzle assembly for the production of synthesis gas in a synthesis gas generation chamber has a cooling water jacket face that is protected from hot gas corrosion by an annular shield fabricated from a high melting point material. The heat shield is affixed to the cooling water jacket face by means of a threaded retaining member that engages in one of the surfaces an aligned channel having correspondingly mating threads.

Abstract: A solid supported catalyst suitable for the vapor phase carbonylation of lower aliphatic alcohols, ethers, ester, and ester-alcohol mixtures, and desirably, methanol, to produce acetic acid, methyl acetate and mixtures thereof. The solid supported catalyst includes an effective amount of iridium and at least one second metal selected from group metals of the periodic table of elements, their respective salts and mixtures thereof associated with a solid support material. Desirably, the support material is selected from carbon, activated carbon, pumice, alumina, silica, silica-alumina, magnesia, diatomaceous earth, bauxite, titania, zirconia, clay, magnesium silicate, silicon carbide, zeolites, ceramics and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A copolyester blend resistant to ultraviolet radiation consists essentially of a polyethylene terephthalate based copolyester having 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; an effective amount of an ultraviolet radiation absorber selected from the group consisting of benzoxazinones, dimeric benzotriazoles, triazines and mixtures thereof; and from about 2 to about 25 mole percent of 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid residues present in the copolyester wherein the mole percent is based on 100 mole percent of dicarboxylic acid or equivalents. The copolyester blend is useful in making UV radiation resistant thermoformed articles.

Abstract: A method for producing esters and carboxylic acids from lower alkyl alcohols, ethers, esters and ester-alcohol reactant mixtures and includes the step of contacting a vaporous mixture of the reactants, carbon monoxide and a halide with a supported catalyst under vapor-phase carbonylation conditions. The catalyst includes iridium and a second metal selected from group 5 (vanadium, niobium, tantalum) metals of the periodic table of elements. Desirably, the iridium and secondary metal are deposited on activated carbon as a support material. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the vapor phase carbonylation process is useful for preparing acetic acid, methyl acetate or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Provided are novel black azo dyes which are useful in ink compositions, especially ink jet ink compositions. The dyes and ink compositions of the present invention exhibit a good balance of optical density, print reliability, water fastness and light fastness.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for improving the toughness of a polymer composition comprising blending: (A) a polyester comprising: (1) terephthalic acid in the amount of 85 to 100 mole % based on the mole percentages of the dicarboxylic acid component equaling a total of 100 mole %. (2) a glycol component comprising from about 60 to 100 mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol based on the total percentages of the glycol component equaling a total of 100 mole %; (B) one or more rubber impact modifiers; (C) one or more halogenated organic compounds containing at least one imide group having a melting point of greater than 240° C.; and (D) reinforcing fiber.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a water dispersed polymer blend, comprising the steps of: (I) mixing (a) water; (b) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer; (c) at least one branched water-dispersible sulfopolymer; and (II) polymerizing the ethylenically unsaturated monomer within the mixture to provide the water dispersed polymer blend.