Abstract: The present invention is a class of semi-permeable polymeric membranes and processes for using such membranes to separate one or more components of a gas mixture. The membranes are formed from aromatic polyimides derived from reaction of a 9,9-bis-(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)-fluorene dianhydride and at least one aromatic diamine. These polyimide membranes exhibit high gas perm-selectivities and are especially useful in effecting the separation of oxygen and nitrogen from air.

Abstract: Compounds corresponding to the formula: ##STR1## wherein: each R.sub.1 is independently selected from H, a straight chain or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkoxy, C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkenyl or C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 cycloalkenyl group;each R.sub.2 is independently selected from--CH.sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.m O(CH.sub.2).sub.n CH.sub.3 and ##STR2## wherein m and n are independently selected integers from 0 to 4, inclusive;each R.sub.3 is independently selected from a straight chain or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkylene; andeach X is independently selected from F, Cl, Br or I.These compounds demonstrate utility as herbicidal and fungicidal compositions for controlling weeds and grasses in agricultrual crops.

Abstract: A circulating fluidized bed combustion reactor and a process for combusting a solid hydrocarbon fuel in the same wherein fly ash recycling is utilized to regulate heat transfer and to minimize erosion of reactor operating components.

Abstract: Aqueous emulsions containing an ethylene-vinyl chloride (EVCl) copolymer and tetramethylol glycoluril are described for use as binder compositions suitable for application onto nonbonded filter paper. The emulsions are prepared by incorporating 4 to 10 wt % tetramethylol glycoluril, based on the total weight of the emulsion copolymer, into an aqueous disperson of a copolymer consisting essentially of 65 to 90 wt % vinyl chloride 5 to 35 wt % ethylene and optionally, up to 10 wt % of a hydroxyalkyl- or carboxylic acid-containing functional comonomer. The polymerization is conducted in the presence of a stabilizing system consisting essentially of 3 to 15 wt % polyvinyl alcohol. Filter paper impregnated with these emulsions maintain tensile strength and flexibility upon being subjected to hot oil.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for selectively aminating alcohols wherein a mixture of an amine and a primary or secondary alcohol or diol is contacted with a catalytically effective amount of a phosphorus-containing catalyst which has been impregnated or titrated with a metal cation salt composition represented by the formula:M.sub.a.sup.m.spsp.+ X.sub.b.sup.n.spsp.-wherein M.sup.m+ is a cation selected from Group Ia and IIa of the Periodic Table of the elements having a valence m, X.sup.n- is an organic or inorganic anionic species having a valence n, and a and b are integers such that the ratio of a to b provides a neutral salt. A typical reaction includes the amination of ethanol with piperidine to form N-ethylpiperidine.

Abstract: A process for producing cellular foamed articles from high temperature engineering polymers wherein polymeric blowing agents are utilized to expand the polymers. The process comprises mixing a first polymer capable of being foamed with a second polymer comprising at least one poly(alkylene carbonate) to provide a polymer blend; heating the polymer blend to a temperature sufficient to melt the polymer to be foamed and to decompose the second polymer to form gas inclusions within the first polymer; expanding the melted first polymer containing the gas inclusions to form a foamed article; and cooling the foamed article to a temperature below the melting or softening point of the foamed article. Polymers which may be foamed according to the process include those polymers which can tolerate processing temperatures in excess of 260.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyurethanes wherein a tertiary amine functionality is incorporated into the side chain of an aromatic diamine, preferably a diaminobenzamide, to form a catalytic polyurethane chain extender. These chain extenders are polyurethane catalysts that provide adequate cure without residual odor and safety hazards associated with the more traditional tertiary amine catalysts. When reacted with the isocyanate reactive group the non-tertiary amine portion of the chain extender is bound to the polymeric network. Diffusion of the catalyst species from the polyurethane has been prevented, thus negating odor and toxicity as problems. The aromatic diamine provides enhanced polyurethane physical properties.

Abstract: Alkylated aromatic primary amines undergo disproportionation and transalkylation in the presence of a catalyst comprising activated carbon or unmodified graphite and a Group VIIIA metal at a temperature between 200.degree. C. and 500.degree. C. Suitable Group VIIIA metals are selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, nickel, cobalt or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving reactor volumetric productivity in the production of methanol wherein a synthesis feed gas stream containing hydrogen and carbon oxides is contacted with a catalyst slurry containing greater than about 25 wt % of a powdered copper-containing catalyst having a porosity of from about 30% to 70%. Volumetric productivity is maximized in the process by controlling a single parameter, gas holdup, wherein holdup is maintained within the range of about 14% to 26%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyurethanes wherein a tertiary amine functionality is incorporated into the side chain of a diaminobenzoate to form catalytic polyurethane chain extender. These chain extenders are polyurethane catalysts which provide adequate cure without residual odor and safety hazards associated with the more traditional tertiary amine catalysts. When reacted with the isocyanate reactive group the non-tertiary amine portion of the chain extender is bound to the polymeric network thereby preventing diffusion of the catalyst species from the polyurethane and negating odor and toxicity as problems. The diaminobenzoate provides enhanced polyurethane physical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the catalytic amination of 1.degree. and 2.degree. alcohols and diols wherein an amine is reacted with an alcohol or diol in the presence of a non-acidic cationic hydroxyapatite catalyst. A typical reaction includes the amination of ethanol with piperidine to form N-ethylpiperidine. The hydroxyapatite catalyst provides high conversion and selectivity toward the N-alkylated product. Product selectivity can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of cation to phosphorus in the hydroxyapatite catalyst.

Abstract: A process for enhancing heat transfer between combustion products formed in a fluidized bed combustion (FBC) reactor and the water-containing tubes surrounding the reactor wherein particles of an inert material, e.g., mineral calcium sulfate (gypsum), having a spheroidal shape ranging in size from about 50 to 1000 .mu.m and having a Moh's hardness of between 2.0 and 4.0 are introduced into the reactor in the presence of a solid fuel and an oxygen-containing gas. Introduction of such particles into the FBC reactor increases the particle density within the reactor thereby increasing radiant and convective heat transfer between the circulating bed and the surrounding water cooled walls. The improved process allows more precise control of the operating temperature regime. Erosion of the reactor walls is also substantially reduced.

Abstract: A brazing fixture for use in the electronics industry which resists adherence of brazing compounds and insulative materials during the brazing operation and a method for making and using the same. The fixture is characterized in that it is made from a graphite substrate coated with a composite layer of titanium carbide and titanium nitride.

Abstract: High yields of hydrogen of high purity are obtained from a methane-rich gas stream, such as natural gas, by a particular combination of operations wherein the methane-rich gas undergoes primary steam reforming under less severe operating conditions including lower steam to carbon ratio, supplemented by secondary reforming with oxygen, the obtained hydrogen is separated from accompanying carbon dioxide in the reformer effluent by a special five step pressure swing adsorption sequence having the steps of selective CO.sub.2 adsorption at superatmospheric pressure, rinsing with desorbed carbon dioxide, depressuring and then evacuating without additional rinsing, followed by repressuring the bed with part of the recovered pure hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention is a continuous vacuum swing adsorption process for the fractionation of a multi-component feed gas mixture containing methane as a primary component and predominantly CO.sub.2 as a secondary component. Mulit-component feed gas is passed through a plurality of adsorption columns containing adsorbent beds which selectively retain the secondary components while the primary component is discharged from each column and collected as product. Carbon dioxide is desorbed from the adsorbent beds by a vacuum assisted internal rinse step wherein a pressurized first adsorption column is operatively connected to an evacuated second adsorption column causing CO.sub.2 and other secondary components to be countercurrently swept out of the first column and into the second column. Vacuum assisted internal rinsing of adsorption columns effectively replaces pump-driven rinse steps resulting in a substantial reduction in process power requirements.

Abstract: This present invention is a process for alkylating aromatic amines to form ortho-alkylated products in high selectivity relative to N-alkylated products. Aromatic amines are contacted with an olefin or an alcohol in the presence of an ion exchanged zeolite in which at least a portion of the exchangeable ion sites have been exchanged with Al cations.

Abstract: A crosslinkable anionic binder composition which comprises an emulsion copolymer containing acrylamidoglycolic acid (AGA) and a zirconium III salt of an alpha or beta hydroxycarboxylic acid, the pH of the composition being from about 1.5 to 4.5. Provided are nonwoven binder compositions which are stable for extended periods prior to application of the binder composition onto the nonwoven substrate and initiation of crosslinking by application of heat.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing a high-purity argon stream from a feed gas containing nitrogen, oxygen and at least 85 mole % argon, Nitrogen is absorbed from the stream followed by catalytic hydrogenation to remove oxygen. The absorption column is regenerated at a preset low pressure using the nitrogen-depleted stream from the absorption unit as the purge gas.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved polyurethane systems prepared by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with a hydroxyl containing compound, the improvement comprising utilizing mono tertiary-alkyltoluenediamine where the tertiary-alkyl group is ortho to an amine group as a chain extender or component thereof. The ortho-tertiary-butyltoluenediamine isomer is particular effective for use in reaction injection molding of polyurethanes and can be formulated with polyol as a chain extender mix.

Abstract: Alkylated aromatic primary amines undergo disproportionation and transalkylation in the presence of a carbon-containing catalyst at a temperature between 200.degree. C. and 500.degree. C. The carbon-containing catalyst may have carbon as the only active component, or optionally, may also contain a Group VIIIA metal, such as platimum, palladium, nickel, cobalt or mixtures thereof.