Abstract: Microporous films having improved morphological structure are prepared by the "solvent stretch" method from an olefinic precursor film having a controlled crystalline structure. The crystalline structure of the precursor film is controlled by preparing said film from an olefinic crystalline homopolymer characterized as having a melt index of about 3 to about 20 in the absence of a nucleating agent and a molecular weight distribution ratio of about 3.8 to about 13. In another embodiment the crystalline structure of the precursor film is controlled by incorporating a nucleating agent into the crystalline polymer resin from which the precursor film is prepared which thereby permits a reduction in the melt index of the polymer to about 0.3.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved catalyst for vapor phase oxidation of propylene or isobutylene to the corresponding acrolein or methacrolein product. In a preferred embodiment, the oxidation catalyst corresponds to the formula:Mo.sub.12 Ni.sub.6 Bi.sub.1.5-2.5 Co.sub.2 Fe.sub.2 Sb.sub.2 Zn.sub.0.3-0.8 K.sub.0.4-2 O.sub.xThis invention further provides a method of preparing the improved oxidation catalyst which in one important aspect of the preparation involves controlling the pH of an aqueous slurry admixture of catalyst components within the range of about 1-5.

Abstract: Thermotropic, wholly aromatic polythiolesters exhibit an anisotropic melt. The polythiolesters may be prepared from monomers selected such that all or substantially all of the repeating groups are thiolester groups. Alternatively, the monomers can be selected such that sufficient thiolester groups are present to impart processability to a normally non-tractable polyester. Preparation of the polythiolesters is typically accomplished by melt polymerization of an esterified aromatic mercaptan compound, either alone or with other copolymerizable monomers. The polythiolesters may be melt processed into fibers, films or other types of shaped articles.

Abstract: A tubular fiber reinforced composite shaft is formed (as described) which integrally incorporates a metal sleeve or connection at the end thereof. Initially a metal sleeve having longitudinal grooves is positioned upon a segment of a mandrel. The grooves are inclined in a direction extending longitudinally inwardly and radially outwardly. Fibrous material bearing a non-solidified resinous material is applied around the mandrel and around the grooves in the sleeve. An annular lock ring having radially inwardly projecting ridges is inserted axially over the fibrous material whereby the ridges press the fibrous material into the grooves in the sleeve. The resinous material is then solidified to form a tubular composite shaft whereby a torsion-transmitting connection is made with the sleeve.

Abstract: A tubular fiber reinforced composite shaft is formed (as described) which integrally incorporates a metal sleeve or connection at the end thereof. Initially a metal sleeve having knurls on its outer surface is positioned upon a segment of a mandrel. Fibrous material bearing a non-solidified resinous material is applied around the mandrel and around the knurls and is locked between spaced knurl projections. Additional fibrous material bearing the non-solidified resinous material is applied to the previously applied material. The resinous material next is solidified to form a tubular composite shaft whereby a secure torsion-transmitting connection is made with the sleeve, and the mandrel is removed. Alternatively, an outer sleeve can be inserted after the additional fibrous material has been applied to the first-named sleeve. The outer sleeve has knurls on an inner surface thereof and is pressed against the fibrous material as by swagging.

Abstract: A tubular fiber reinforced composite shaft is formed by providing a metal sleeve having a plurality of circumferentially straight surface segments on the outer periphery thereof. The sleeve is positioned upon a segment of a mandrel. Fibrous material bearing a non-solidified resinous material is applied to the mandrel and the circumferentially straight surface segments of the sleeve. The resinous material is solidified with portions thereof lying flush against the circumferentially straight surface segments to create a torsion-transmitting connection with the metal sleeve.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a modified polyethylene iso-terephthalate copolymer which may be processed into plastic containers using conventional extrusion blow molding equipment. The copolymer is modified by the incorporation into a polyethylene iso/terephthalate prepolymer of a chain branching agent and a chain terminating agent. The prepolymer is subsequently solid-state polymerized to form a polyethylene iso/terephthalate copolymer having high zero shear rate melt viscosity and shear sensitivity. This modified copolymer is transparent when extrusion blow molded into a shaped article. The modified copolymer may be extrusion blow molded in intermittent and continuous processes.

Abstract: Thermotropic polyesters derived from ferulic acid exhibit an anisotropic melt. The polyesters may be comprised of all ferulic acid, but they preferably include one or more additional monomers. Preparation of the polyesters is typically accomplished by melt polymerization of the esterified monomer or monomers. The polymers may be melt processed into fibers, films or other molded articles which may include conventional fillers and/or reinforcing agents.

Abstract: Enhancement of biological effectiveness of carbamate insecticide compositions with alkanediols.

Abstract: A thermotropic wholly aromatic polyester is provided which is capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase. This novel polyester displays surprising tractability and may be used as a molding resin or may be melt spun into fibers. The aromatic polyester of the present invention consists essentially of the recurring units (a) 2,6-dioxyanthraquinone moiety, (b) 4-oxybenzoyl moiety, and (c) aromatic diacid moiety. The resulting polyester exhibits a melting point below approximately 375.degree. C., and preferably below approximately 350.degree. C. Fibers which are melt spun from the polyester exhibit unexpectedly good thermal stability. The desirable tractability properties of the polyester are attributed to its anisotropic melt phase, which is due to the inclusion of the 2,6-dioxyanthraquinone moiety in the polymer.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved catalyst for vapor phase oxidation of propylene or isobutylene to the corresponding acrolein or methacrolein product. In a preferred embodiment, the oxidation catalyst corresponds to the formula:Mo.sub.12 Ni.sub.6 Bi.sub.1.5-2.5 Co.sub.2 Fe.sub.2 Sb.sub.2 Zn.sub.0.3 -0.8K.sub.0.4 -2O.sub.xThis invention further provides a method of preparing the improved oxidation catalyst which in one important aspect of the preparation involves controlling the pH of an aqueous slurry admixture of catalyst components within the range of about 1-5.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved catalyst for vapor phase oxidation of propylene or isobutylene to the corresponding acrolein or methacrolein product. In a preferred embodiment, the oxidation catalyst corresponds to the formula:Mo.sub.12 Co.sub.4-5 Fe.sub.2-4 Ni.sub.2-3 Bi.sub.0.5-2 K.sub.0.65-1.3 P.sub.0.35-0.5 O.sub.xThis formula further provides a method of preparing the improved oxidation catalyst which in one important aspect of the preparation involves controlling the pH of an aqueous slurry admixture of catalyst components within the range of about 1-5.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for reducing the acetaldehyde content and the generation rate of acetaldehyde of polyethylene terephthalate chip which has a crystallinity of at least about 30% in order to render the polyethylene terephthalate suitable for making containers which are useful in the carbonated beverage industry. This process comprises stabilizing the polyethylene terephthalate by heating it at an elevated temperature in air and maintaining an air to chip ratio at a predetermined value of at least about 0.8 standard cubic foot of air per minute/pound of resin per hour and at a vapor velocity of at least about 0.5 foot per second. The air used in the stabilization process has a dew point of less than about -30.degree. C.The stabilized polyethylene terephthalate produced by this process has an acetaldehyde level of less than about 2.5 parts per million, a generation rate of acetaldehyde of less than about 3.0 parts per million per minute and an intrinsic viscosity of from about 0.60 to about 0.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing 1,4-butanediol by (1) selectively hydrogenating acrolein to a product mixture of allyl alcohol and residual acrolein in a 2:1 ratio, (2) converting the product mixture to acrolein diallyl acetal under acidic conditions, (3) selectively hydroformylating the acrolein diallyl acetal to a trialdehyde, and (4) reacting the trialdehyde under substantially neutral hydrolysis/hydrogenation conditions to yield 1,4-butanediol.Acrolein is converted into tetrahydrofuran employing the process conditions described above, except that the step (4) hydrolysis/hydrogenation reaction is conducted under acidic conditions.

Abstract: A novel polyester is provided which has been found to exhibit an optically anisotropic melt phase at a temperature which enables it readily to undergo melt processing to form quality fibers, molded articles, etc. The polyester of the present invention contains substantial concentrations of recurring 6-oxy-2-naphthoyl and p-oxybenzoyl moieties in addition to moieties derived from at least one aromatic diol and at least one aromatic diacid in the proportions indicated. The hydrogen atoms present upon the aromatic rings of these moieties optionally may be at least partially substituted (as described). The wholly aromatic polyester is capable of forming the desired anisotropic melt at a temperature below approximately 320.degree. C., and in a particularly preferred embodiment at a temperature below approximately 300.degree. C.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for modifying polyethylene terephthalate so that the polyethylene terephthalate may be processed into plastic containers using conventional extrusion blow molding equipment. The polyethylene terephthalate is modified by the incorporation into a polyethylene terephthalate prepolymer of a chain branching agent and a chain terminating agent. The prepolymer is subsequently solid-state polymerized to form a polyethylene terephthalate polymer having high zero shear rate melt viscosity and shear sensitivity. This modified polyethylene terephthalate polymer may be extrusion blow molded in intermittent and continuous processes.

Abstract: A chemical pruning, and contact composition for the selective inhibition of suckering in plant species subject thereto, particularly tobacco, said composition comprising as an active species 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol.

Abstract: Curable compositions are provided by the interaction of bis(2-hydroxyethyl) tetrachloroterephthalate with acrylic acid derivatives to form flame retardant unsaturated esters of tetrachloroterephthalic acid.

Abstract: A new composition of matter particularly useful as a diluent in ultraviolet coating compositions is disclosed, having the formulae : ##STR1## wherein R is --CH.sub.3 or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, R' is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 halogenated alkyl, R" is hydrogen or methyl, and n is 1-4.

Abstract: A powder composition having good melt flow under zero shear conditions is disclosed. A process for preparing this powder composition is also disclosed. The composition comprises a thermoplastic elastomer such as a block copolymer of styrene and hydrogenated butadiene as well as a melt flow modifier. The melt flow modifier is preferably a partially hydrogenated styrene/alpha methylstyrene random copolymer. The composition may additionally contain adhesion promoters and stabilizers against oxidation and ultraviolet light. A process for coating substrates such as a glass bottle with this composition, as well as the coated glass bottle, is also disclosed.