Abstract: Novel copolyamides having the recurring unit ##STR1## are disclosed wherein x, in 50 percent to 85 percent of the recurring units, is an integer from 6 to 10 inclusive, and, in 15 percent to 50 percent of the recurring units is 4, and Ar is an arylene radical. The copolyamides are characterized by ease of melt processing such as in molding, extruding, and injection molding, while at the same time possessing good physical properties, and being further characterized by their ease of conversion from the amorphous to the crystalline state which, in turn, gives rise to a high degree of versatility in their fabrication.

Abstract: The use of certain catalysts provide for an improved process for the preparation of soluble polyimides, polyamides, and polyamideimides. The catalysts are alkali metal salts of formula MOR, wherein R represents alkyl or aryl and M represents an akali metal. The improved process comprises reacting organic diisocyanates with polycarboxylic compounds consisting of tetracarboxylic acids or the intramolecular dianhydrides thereof, tricarboxylic acids or the monoanhydrides thereof, dicarboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof, in the presence of said catalysts. The polymers are obtained in solution at low reaction temperatures and short reaction times thereby avoiding side-reactions which otherwise would be detrimental to polymer molecular weight and ultimate polymer properties.

Abstract: Laminated sheet material, having high impact resistance suitable for use in constructional applications requiring high strength and resistance to deformation particularly for military usage such as armor plate, is obtained by sandwiching one or more layers of polyurethane, cellular or non-cellular, between a rigid, high impact resistant sheet of material (especially aluminum armor plate and fiberglass) in the one face and a thin retaining skin on the other. Optionally, a filler (ceramic, particulate refractory, or strip metal) is embedded in the polyurethane layer(s). Said laminates have significantly lower weight than hitherto known materials and additionally are more easily fabricated and shaped.

Abstract: The use of certain catalysts provide for an improved process for the preparation of soluble polyimides, polyamides, and polyamideimides. The catalysts are alkali metal salts of formula MOR, wherein R represents alkyl or aryl and M represents an alkali metal. The improved process comprises reacting organic diisocyanates with polycarboxylic compounds consisting of tetracarboxylic acids or the intramolecular dianhydrides thereof, tricarboxylic acids or the monoanhydrides thereof, dicarboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof, in the presence of said catalysts. The polymers are obtained in solution at low reaction temperatures and short reaction times thereby avoiding side-reactions which otherwise would be detrimental to polymer molecular weight and ultimate polymer properties.

Abstract: A process is described for isomerizing the cis,cis- and cis,trans-isomers of di-(p-aminocyclohexyl)methane to the corresponding trans,trans-isomer. The starting isomer, or mixture of isomers, is converted to the corresponding bis-benzaldimine by reaction with benzaldehyde (or benzaldehyde containing 1 to 3 inert substituents), the bis-benzaldimine is isomerized in the presence of a basic catalyst (potassium t-butoxide, potassium hydroxide preferred) to give predominantly the trans,trans-isomer of the bis-benzaldimine, and the latter is subjected to acid hydrolysis to yield the trans,trans-isomer of the free diamine. The process can be applied to the individual cis,cis- and cis,trans-isomers of the diamine as well as to admixtures of these isomers with the trans,trans-isomer, such as the mixtures of these stereo-isomers obtained by catalytic hydrogenation of di-(p-aminophenyl)methane.

Abstract: A novel liquid isocyanate prepolymer composition is disclosed. The prepolymer is obtained by reacting a polymethylene polyphenylisocyanate containing from about 65 to about 85 percent by weight of methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) the remainder of said polymethylene polyphenylisocyanates having a functionality greater than 2, with from about 0.0185 to about 0.15 equivalent per equivalent of said polyphenylisocyanate of a polyoxyethyleneglycol having an average molecular weight of from about 200 to about 600. The liquid isocyanates so produced are characterized as storage stable liquids of relatively low viscosity which when used as the isocyanate component in polyurethane formulations, particularly molded polyurethanes, give rise to highly resilient and useful molded products.

Abstract: The use of certain dihydric phenols, alkyl ethers thereof, and alkyl-substituted monohydric phenols, as promoters in the acid catalyzed condensation of phenol and acetone to form Bisphenol-A enables said reaction to be carried out more rapidly, at significantly lower temperatures in some instances, with greater selectivity, i.e. reduction in proportion of undesired by-product, and most significantly, with the use of only catalytic amounts of mineral acid (instead of the large quantity in the conventional process) or the use of the inexpensive solid catalysts, such as acidic clays, which due to their low catalytic ability, are not useful as sole catalyst for this condensation if the promoter is not present. The promoters are readily recoverable for re-use.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is described by means of which the pollution of the surrounding atmosphere by the fumes of isocyanate, liberated during the continuous formation of isocyanate-based polymer foam bunstock, is minimized. The bunstock, after the foam rise and gelation is completed, is passed through a zone, installed on the bunstock conveyor, in which the foam is subjected to the action of a fine mist of water sprayed on to the top and sides of the foam bunstock. The application of water in this manner does not affect the properties or appearance of the foam and any excess water coating the surface of the foam evaporates during the remainder of the passage of the bunstock down the conveyor. The above procedure is particularly applicable to the production of foam bunstock which is based on the highly volatile toluene diisocyanate.

Abstract: Novel araliphatic diisocyanates having the formulaOCN(CH.sub.2).sub.3 OArX(CH.sub.2).sub.3 NCOare disclosed wherein X is oxygen or a single bond and Ar is an arylene radical. The araliphatic diisocyanates are prepared from well known and readily obtainable starting materials. When X represents a single bond, the starting material is a monohydric phenol wherein a C-alkylation reaction followed by an O-alkylation reaction with acrylonitrile provides an intermediate dipropionitrile which is converted to the diisocyanate via phosgenation of the corresponding diamine. When X represents oxygen, the starting material is a dihydric phenol wherein O-alkylation with acrylonitrile provides the dipropionitrile which in turn is converted to the diisocyanate via the phosgenation of the corresponding diamine. The diisocyanates find particular utility in the preparation of color and light stable polyurethane products.

Abstract: Aniline and formaldehyde are condensed (2-10 moles aniline per mole of formaldehyde) at ambient temperature in the absence of acid catalysts to give a mixture of aminals (anilinoacetals) and aniline from which the water is removed. The anhydrous aminals are contacted with a solid catalyst (clays, zeolites, diatomaceous earth) using either batch or continuous operation initially at 20.degree. C to 55.degree. C until benzylamine formation is substantially complete, then at 50.degree. C to 65.degree. C until benzylamine conversion to methylene polyphenyl polyamines is 75 - 90% complete and finally at 80.degree. C to 100.degree. C. A polyamine mixture is obtained in which diaminodiphenylmethane is the major (order of 90 percent by weight or higher) component, the bulk of the higher oligomeric polyamines being triamine. The diaminodiphenylmethane component contains of the order of 85 percent of 4,4'-isomer, the rest being 2,4'-isomer except for very small amounts (order of 2 percent or less) of 2,2'-isomer.

Abstract: Polyisocyanurate foams are disclosed which are characterized by low Flame Spread Ratings and low smoke generation values, as determined by the Underwriter's Laboratory Tunnel Test in accordance with the ASTM E-84 test procedure. The smoke and flame resistant properties are achieved, not through the use of flame retardants or additives, but rather by the use of a minor amount of a hydroxyl terminated aromatic polyester having a hydroxyl equivalent weight from about 150 to about 500 and which is the product of the reaction of an excess of a polyethyleneglycol having an equivalent weight from about 75 to about 225, with an aromatic polycarboxylic compound.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of polymethylene polyphenyl polyamines containing from 40 to 60 percent by weight of diamine and also containing markedly less high molecular weight polyamines than products hitherto available. Phosgenation of the polyamines gives the corresponding mixture of polymethylene polyphenyl polyisocyanates of markedly lower viscosity and lighter color than products hitherto available, and yielding polymer foams which are substantially white in color.The process comprises condensing aniline and formaldehyde (molar ratio 4-10:1) in the absence of catalyst, separating water from the resulting aminal mixture, contacting the aminals at 20.degree. C to 60.degree. C with a solid catalyst (diatomaceous earths, clays, zeolites) until formation of benzylamines is substantially complete, distilling aniline from the resulting benzylamines under reduced pressure and below 150.degree.

Abstract: A process is described for the isolation of 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane in substantially pure form (of the order of purity of at least 95%) from admixtures thereof with the corresponding 2,4'-isomer and 2,2'-isomer. The isomeric mixture of diamines is heated, optionally in the presence of an inert organic solvent, with at least two equivalents, per mole of said diamine mixture, of a phenol or bisalkylidenephenol. The 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane forms a complex with said phenol and the 4,4'-isomer of the diamine is isolated therefrom in substantially pure form by treatment with alkali or by heating to dissociate. The isomeric mixture of diamines used as starting material can be employed in the form of a mixture of polymethylene polyphenyl polyamines containing a major portion of said diamines.

Abstract: Novel bituminous compositions are disclosed which are characterized by elevated Ring and Ball softening points ranging up to about 200.degree. C. They are prepared by the treatment of molten bitumen, in the absence of solvent, with a combination of: (a) an amine selected from the class consisting of an aliphatic amine having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and aromatic polyamines; and (b) an isocyanate selected from the class consisting of aliphatic isocyanates having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and aromatic polyisocyanates; provided that in any instance in which the amine component is aliphatic, then the isocyanate component is aromatic. The combined weight of (a) and (b) present in the bitumen, is from about 1 to about 10 weight percent based on the weight of bitumen. The bituminous compositions are useful in paving, and roofing applications, especially in countries which experience hot climates.

Abstract: A process is described for the selective removal of 2,2'- and 2,4'-diaminodiphenylmethanes from mixtures containing 2,2'-, 2,4'- and 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethanes and polyamines by heating these mixtures in the presence of aqueous hydrochloric acid (55 to 95 percent by equivalents based on the total amine in the starting material) and formaldehyde. The process is particularly useful to facilitate the isolation of substantially pure 4,4'-isomer from aniline-formaldehyde condensation products. The pure 4,4'-isomer is a valuable intermediate for polyamides as well as for the corresponding diisocyanate. The by-products of the reaction are oligomeric polymethylene polyphenyl polyamines which are also useful as curing agents and intermediates for polymethylene polyphenyl polyisocyanates and the like.

Abstract: A process is described for the selective removal of 2,2'- and 2,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane from mixtures thereof with the corresponding 4,4'-isomer by heating the mixture of isomers in the presence of a 1,3,5-tri-arylhexahydro-1,3,5-triazine and a catalyst (aqueous mineral acid). The process is particularly useful in facilitating the isolation of substantially pure 4,4'-isomer from the aniline-formaldehyde condensation. The pure 4,4'-isomer is a valuable intermediate for polyamides as well as for the corresponding diisocyanate. The by-products of the reaction are oligomeric polymethylene polyphenyl polyamines which are also useful as curing agents and intermediates for polymethylene polyphenyl polyisocyanates and the like.

Abstract: The trans-trans-isomer content of a mixture of stereoisomers of di-(p-aminocyclohexyl)methane is enriched by treating the latter mixture, optionally in solution in an organic solvent, with the trans,trans-isomer of a bisbenzaldimine of di-(p-aminocyclohexyl)methane.

Abstract: The use of certain catalysts provide for an improved process for the preparation of soluble polyimides, polyamides, and polyamideimides. The catalysts are compounds of formula ##STR1## wherein M represents an alkali metal, and n is an integer from 2 to 5 inclusive. The improved process comprises reacting organic diisocyanates with polycarboxylic compounds consisting of tetracarboxylic acids or the intramolecular dianhydrides thereof, tricarboxylic acids or the monoanhydrides thereof, dicarboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof, in the presence of said catalysts. The polymers are obtained in solution at low reaction temperatures and short reaction times thereby avoiding side-reactions which otherwise would be detrimental to polymer molecular weight and ultimate polymer properties.

Abstract: A process is described for isomerizing the cis,cis- and cis,trans-isomers of di-(p-aminocyclohexyl)methane to the corresponding trans,trans-isomer. The starting isomer, or mixture of isomers, is converted to the corresponding bis-benzaldimine by reaction with benzaldehyde (or benzaldehyde containing 1 to 3 inert substituents), the bis-benzaldimine is isomerized in the presence of a basic catalyst (potassium t-butoxide, potassium hydroxide preferred) to give predominantly the trans,trans-isomer of the bis-benzaldimine, and the latter is subjected to acid hydrolysis to yield the trans,trans-isomer of the free diamine. The process can be applied to the individual cis,cis- and cis,trans-isomers of the diamine as well as to admixtures of these isomers with the trans,trans-isomer, such as the mixtures of these stereoisomers obtained by catalytic hydrogenation of di-(p-aminophenyl)methane.

Abstract: Cycloalkanones (C.sub.5-12) are converted to the corresponding 1,2-cycloalkanediones by autoxidation in the presence of a base catalyst (potassium t-butoxide preferred) and a polar organic solvent.