Abstract: A blend of discrete polyester and cotton fibers comprising a substantial proportion of polyester fibers (i.e., about 50 to 70 percent by weight polyester fibers based upon the total weight of polyester and cotton fibers) effectively is rendered non-burning while retaining the desirable textile properties (e.g., hand and aesthetic appeal) normally associated with this blend. The polyester and cotton fibers are physically admixed with discrete additive fibers formed from a synthetic aromatic polymer containing chlorine, bromine, or mixtures thereof chemically bound to an aromatic ring which is substantially free of an oxide of antimony (as described), and an organophosphorus flame retardant is topically applied to the resulting blend in a minor concentration (i.e., about 2 to 20 percent by weight based upon the total weight of the fibers of polyester, cotton, and synthetic aromatic polymer).

Abstract: An improved process and product for use in ultraviolet curable pressure-sensitive adhesives is disclosed. The product, a standard ultraviolet curable pressure-sensitive adhesive to which has been added a benzoin C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 hydrocarbon alkyl ether and a triplet state sensitizer, exhibits adhesive strength properties which are substantially greater than those of prior art systems.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved process for converting methanol into ethanol and ethanol precursors with higher efficiency than prior art methods. This invention further provides a novel heterogeneous co-catalyst system adapted for alkanol homologation which consists essentially of cobalt carbonyl and rhenium metal.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel dry blend composition adapted for application as a thickening agent in aqueous solutions. The composition consists essentially of an admixture of a polygalactomannan gum and a copolymer containing carboxylate groups.The invention composition contributes exceptionally high viscosity to an aqueous solution due to a synergistic viscosity effect derived from the interaction of the polygalactomannan and copolymer components.

Abstract: A process for preparing certain halogenated aromatic polyesters having a predetermined molecular weight is provided. Such polyesters are prepared by solution polymerization of an appropriate bisphenol and diacid halide wherein the diacid halide is added to a solution containing the bisphenol until the viscosity of the resulting polymer containing solution reaches a predetermined solution viscosity limit at which time the further addition of diacid halide is terminated. The solution viscosity limit is indicative of the attainment of said predetermined molecular weight. The identification of said solution viscosity limit is achieved by a feedback mechanism wherein the viscosity of the polymer containing solution is monitored or sensed during or after the addition of the diacid halide to the bisphenol containing solution.

Abstract: A wholly aromatic polyester is provided which unlike the aromatic polyesters normally encountered in the prior art is not intractable or difficultly tractable and readily undergoes melt processing with ease. The aromatic polyester of the present invention consists essentially of the recurring units (a) p-oxybenzoyl moiety, (b) m-oxybenzoyl moiety, (c) 2,6-dicarboxynaphthalene moiety, and (d) symmetrical dioxy aryl moiety (as defined), and is free of units which possess ring substitution. The resulting polyester exhibits a melting point below approximately 310.degree. C., and preferably below 300.degree. C. The ability of the wholly aromatic polyester readily to undergo melt processing can be attributed to its atypical inherent propensity to form a thermotropic melt phase at relatively low temperatures. The wholly aromatic polyester may be formed by a variety of procedures including a slurry polymerization technique (as defined) or a melt polymerization technique.

Abstract: The mold deposit problem commonly associated with polyoxymethylene molding compositions which creates a non-uniform surface on a molded article effectively is minimized. The polyoxymethylene polymer initially is heated (as described) while in admixture with about 1 to about 4 percent by weight based upon the weight of the oxymethylene polymer of an aromatic polycarbonate (as defined). In a preferred embodiment a minor quantity of malonamide also is admixed with polyoxymethylene polymer and the aromatic polycarbonate during heating.

Abstract: An improved splice is provided which is useful in joining segments of a substantially flat band (e.g., a flat tow) of an acrylic fibrous material in an end to end relationship. A fabric surrounds and is sewn to an end of each band segment and extends beyond the end of the band to form a fabric extension. A pair of fabric extensions are sewn in an overlapping opposing relationship in the absence of any substantial overlap of the acrylic fibrous material of each band segment within the splice. The resulting splice is substantially flat in configuration and the band may be continuously passed in the direction of its length through the thermal stabilization zone without impairment of movement resulting from the presence of the splice. The usual exothermic heat of reaction which is evolved during the cyclization portion of the thermal stabilization reaction effectively is dissipated from within the splice without harm.

Abstract: Novel polymers derived from either acryloylaminobenzoic acid or methacryloylaminobenzoic acid are provided. The method of producing these polymers involves a free radical polymerization of the monomer at relatively low temperatures in an aqueous solution which contains an alkali metal hydroxide and a free radical initiator.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for conveniently preparing polymers having pendant ultraviolet polymerizable groups which involves co-reacting a polymer containing the C-X moiety with a monomer having the general formula ##STR1## wherein X is OH or COOH and Y is OH when X is OH, and OR'OH when X is COOH, wherein R is hydrogen or methyl and R' is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl. This process is carried out utilizing a partially solubilized hydrocarbon fraction as the azeotroping medium.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing polycarbodiimide modified tractable polyamides having unique rheological properties which include increased melt strength and relative viscosity. These polycarbodiimide modified tractable polyamides are prepared by reacting the carboxyl end groups and to a lesser degree the amine end groups of tractable polyamides such as nylon 6,6, which are in a molten state with the polycarbodiimide groups of at least one polycarbodiimide such as poly(4,4'-diphenyl-methane carbodiimide) which both (a) is derived from at least one aromatic diisocyanate which is either unsubstituted or contains up to one methyl substituent on each aromatic ring, and (b) contains at least three carbodiimide units per polycarbodiimide molecule.The resulting polycarbodiimide modified tractable polyamide has improved melt strength and relative viscosity and a decreased number of carboxylic acid and amine end groups.

Abstract: This invention provides a silver-cadmium alloy catalyst which is highly selective for hydrogenation of .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to the corresponding .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated alcohol derivatives. Acrolein is hydrogenated to allyl alcohol in 70 percent yield at 100 percent conversion.

Abstract: A melt processable resorcinol phthalate polyester having a terephthalic acid content not greater than about 30 mole percent is prepared by a two-stage process utilizing an alkali or alkaline earth metal acetate catalyst. The first stage yields a non-volatile pre-polymer which is then melt polymerized to the resorcinol phthalate polyester. A process for preparing a melt processable resorcinol phthalate polyester from resorcinol by reacting it with an acetylating agent is also disclosed. The resulting polyester exhibits high char and low flammability in addition to being melt processable.

Abstract: The use of terminal trichlorinated, brominated or iodinated hydrocarbons as co-photoinitiators in combination with standard photoinitiators in ultraviolet curable coating compositions is disclosed.

Abstract: Reinforced high temperature molding compositions are provided by a two step precipitation process wherein a polymer matrix comprising either (a) a nitrogenous intractable high temperature resistant polymer such as poly(bisbenzimidazobenzophenanthroline) or (b) an admixture comprising a major amount of the nitrogenous intractable high temperature resistant polymer of (a) and a minor amount of a cross-linkable polymer such as a polybenzimidazole, is affixed to the surface of a partially plasticized organic fiber derived from polymers selected from the group consisting of (1) a nitrogenous intractable high temperature resistant polymer, (2) polybenzimidazoles (3) high temperature resistant aromatic polyamides, and (4) high temperature resistant aromatic polyesters and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An improved overall process is provided for producing carbon filaments beginning with a multifilament acrylic precursor. The process facilitates the thermal transformation of the acrylic fibrous material in the absence of undesirable coalescence between adjoining filaments. An extremely thin deposition of colloidal silica initially is provided upon the surface of the multifilament acrylic precursor (as described), the fibrous material thermally stabilized in the absence of coalescence (as described), the colloidal silica substantially removed, and the thermally stabilized fibrous material carbonized (as described). The resulting carbon filaments exhibit improved physical properties and particularly are suited for use as fibrous reinforcement in a resinous matrix.

Abstract: Photocurable polyester resin compositions are provided which are adapted for use in coating applications. The polyester resin compositions are air-uninhibited and are low energy photocurable at room temperature as substantially 100% solids systems. The photocurable polyester resin compositions are cured by exposure to activating light, without the necessity of incorporating any additional ingredients in the polyester compositions.Each photocurable polyester resin composition comprises a prepolymer(A) containing maleate and/or fumarate groups, and allyl ether groups; a solvent(B) which is a non-volatile polymerizable ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid derivative; and an organic polymerization initiator(C) which is photosensitive in the presence of oxygen.

Abstract: An ultra-high molecular weight methacryloyloxybenzoic acid polymer is provided which, unlike the lower molecular weight polymers of the prior art, is stable even when undergoing melt processing. The method of producing such a polymer involves a free radical polymerization of the monomer at relatively low temperatures in an aqueous solution which contains an alkali metal hydroxide and a free radical initiator.

Abstract: A spray spinning nozzle for producing a substantially continuous filament from a molten synthetic resinous material includes a nozzle with an orifice from which a filament of molten material is emitted and a gas attenuation assembly which slides axially over the nozzle. The attenuation assembly includes at least three gas jets spaced about and radially close to the nozzle axis for emitting high velocity jets which converge upon and contact the filament at a point along the nozzle axis in front of an orifice. Drag forces produced by the gas stream attenuate the filament to a thin diameter. The nozzle includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses which cooperate with corresponding recesses and projections of the attenuation gas assembly to accommodate heater means and to provide mounting means.

Abstract: Delayed and sustained urea release compositions comprising association products with acrylic acid polymers, for ruminant feed supplementation.