Abstract: In the preparation of bisphenol-A by condensation of phenol with acetone in the presence of an acidic ion-exchange resin catalyst, pretreatment of the catalyst to render it anhydrous comprises two steps to minimize resin degradation. In the first step, from 25 to 90 percent by weight of the resin associated water is removed by vaporization, and in the second step dehydration is completed by saturating the partially dehydrated catalyst with phenol. The advantage of the improvement in the process resides in a more efficient drying, requiring less time and minimal degradation of the resin structure.

Abstract: A four-component blend of an aromatic carbonate polymer, a styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, a methacrylate-diene-styrene shell-core copolymer and polybutylene terephthalate exhibits good shear thinning characteristics and weldline strength, as well as other favorable mechanical properties.

Abstract: Polymers of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl and alkoxy and n is an integer such that the polymer has a weight average molecular weight within the range of from 5,000 to 30,000 are useful to prepare a wide variety of block copolymer resins such as polycarbonate - polyisobutylene block copolymer.

Abstract: Polycarbonate resins containing at least one divalent chain unit of the formula: ##STR1## wherein E represents a trivalent hydrocarbon radical, or a trivalent halogen-substituted hydrocarbon radical, are transitory cross-linkers prepared by thermal degradation of the corresponding acid esters (the ester group being removable under conditions of the degradation by a beta-elimination mechanism). Cross-linked polycarbonate resins exhibit enhanced fire-resistance, especially non-dripping. The cross-linkers are useful to cross-link any resin having a group reactive with a carboxyl group.

Abstract: Polycarbonate resins containing at least one divalent chain unit of the formula: ##STR1## wherein E represents a trivalent hydrocarbon radical, or a trivalent halogen-substituted hydrocarbon radical, are transitory cross-linkers prepared by thermal degradation of the corresponding acid esters (the ester group being removable under conditions of the degradation by a beta-elimination mechanism). Cross-linked polycarbonate resins exhibit enhanced fire-resistance, especially non-dripping. The cross-linkers are useful to cross-link any resin having a group reactive with a carboxyl group.

Abstract: Polyamide-carbonate block copolymers are made by admixture of polyamides with carbonate polymers containing carboxyl groups or an ester groups capable of elimination to form carboxyl groups, in the presence of a polyepoxy linking agent, such as triglycidyl isocyanurate. Such block copolymers may be used as thermoplastics or as blending agents for polyamides and carbonate polymers.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of aromatic polycarbonate resins bearing terminal hydroxy groups comprises the interfacial polymerization of a dihydric phenol with a carbonyl halide in the presence of a molecular weight controlling proportion of a compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R' each independently represent hydrogen and hydrocarbyl of 1 to about 12 carbons; or R and R' when taken together with the carbon atom between them represent cycloalkyl of 3 to 8 carbon atoms, inclusive. The novel product resins are useful as intermediates in the preparation of copolymers with, for example, polyesteramides and as cross-linking agents, to cross-link polycarbonates and like resins.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the pultrusion of polymeric resins reinforced with continuous lengths of multifilaments and/or fibers comprises wetting the lengths of multifilaments and/or fibers with a polymerization initiator, passing the wet length through an impregnating bath of a resin prepolymer and activating the polymerization in-situ.

Abstract: A low gloss thermoplastic blend is produced by blending an aromatic polycarbonate with a very high rubber ABS made by emulsion polymerization.

Abstract: Apparatus for the thermoplastic processing of polymeric resins is improved by the use of thin-film resistance heaters as the means of applying thermal energy to the resin. The heaters are mounted within the resin processing chamber and in particular the resin flow channels of, for example, an injection molding machine.

Abstract: A low gloss thermoplastic with good physical properties consists of a blend of ASA and a gloss-reducing amount of a glycidyl (meth)acrylate copolymer.