Abstract: This invention is a process for preparing a polymer which comprises contacting pure dicyclopentadiene with a pure tungsten catalyst complex, such as WCl.sub.3 (2,6-diisopropylphenoxy).sub.3, when tributyl tin hydride or triphenyl tin hydride is used as the activator for the polymerization. This process affords a method of polymerization of dicyclopentadiene in which the mixture gels slowly without the use of a rate moderator at 80.degree. C. (in from about 15 seconds to as much as two minutes or more) and furthermore cures quite slowly (in about 3-6 minutes). This delay makes these compositions particularly applicable to reaction injection molding processes. Moreover, both the tungsten complexes and the tin activator compounds employed in this invention are relatively insensitive to oxygen and water.

Abstract: A novel polyfunctional maleimide-based thermosettable resin composition comprising: (a) at least one polyfunctional maleimide compound selected from the group consisting of bismaleimide and polymaleimide, and (b) at least one ether derivative of an alkenylphenol.

Abstract: Described are novel thermosetting maleimide compositions suitable for making cured resins, prepregs and tough thermoset composites. The thermosetting compositions comprise a multifunctional maleimide and terminally unsaturated polyamide, polyimide, or polyamideimide oligomer which is soluble in the composition. The cured resins have a fracture toughness, K.sub.ic, of at least 1.0 MPam.sup.1/2 and a glass transition temperature of at least 200.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of delaying the metathesis polymerization of strained ring cycloolefins by addition of certain phosphorus-containing compounds including various aryl phosphates, aliphatic phosphates, aliphatic phosphites, aryl phosphites, aryl phosphines and alkyl phosphines.

Abstract: A metathesis polymerization catalyst composition comprising a binuclear catalyst, wherein said binuclear catalyst is a mixture of at least two transition metal components, wherein a first transition metal component is a halide complex of tungsten, an oxyhalide complex of tungsten or a mixture thereof and a second transition metal component is a halide complex of a transition metal selected from the group consisting of high valent transition metals belonging to Groups IV or V of the Periodic Table, from about 1 to about 3 moles of phenolic compound per mole of tungsten component, activated by a metathesis catalyst activator and containing a rate moderator.

Abstract: It has been found that the properties of polycyclic cycloolefins, in particular poly(dicyclopentadiene), can be substantially improved by halogenation of the surface. Both aqueous and gaseous treatments of the polymer have been found to significantly improve the resistance to various acids and solvents. Chlorine, fluorine and bromine, in particular, when incorporated into the surface of the polymer increase chemical resistance, improve retention of properties upon aging, reduce emission of residual monomer, and encourage better adhesion of paint.Among the substances found to provide the desired chemical resistance on the polymer surface were dry chlorine gas, aqueous chlorine, immersion in liquid bromine, aqueous bromine, and fluorine gas. Similar improvement in chemical resistance can be obtained through treatment with pseudohalogen compounds or interhalogen compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing the activation rate of an alkyl aluminum activator in the metathesis polymerization of polycyclic cycloolefins. Activation rate is reduced by use of a bidentate Lewis base as the reaction rate moderator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of delaying the metathesis polymerization of strained ring cycloolefins by addition of certain nitrogen-containing compounds including various aromatic amines or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for preparing molded objects wherein a liquid reaction mass comprised of a metathesis polymerizable cycloolefin, a metathesis polymerization catalyst, a catalyst activator and a reaction rate moderator are charged to a mold wherein polymerization will take place, the improvement wherein said catalyst activator comprises a dialkylzinc compound. Significantly increased gel and cure times are obtained with the dialkylzinc compounds as compared to the use of aluminum alkyl activator compounds. The gel and cure times may be further controlled by the addition of a phenolic compound to the tungsten or molybdenum compound or by the addition of a Lewis base.

Abstract: Novel thermoset polymers are prepared by reacting an allyl or vinyl aryl or aryloxy substituted cyclophosphazene with a bis-maleimide.

Abstract: The invention is a continuous polymerization process for producing high molecular weight linear poly(dichlorophosphazene) polymers in dilute solution. Substantially pure cyclic oligomers represented by the formula (NPCl.sub.2).sub.n are polymerized in dilute solution in an inert solvent at a temperature in the range from 150 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius for a period of time sufficient to convert a predetermined percentage of oligomer to polymer. The polymer solution may be added to a fresh solution of oligomer, solvent and catalyst to obtain polymers of greater molecular weight. This step may be repeated as many times as necessary to obtain a particular molecular weight. This invention provides a significant improvement in the attainable molecular weight in dilute solution polymerization, with a very high conversion rate of oligomer. The viscosity of the solution during the continuous reaction process is maintained at a level which may be easily handled.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved photopolymerizable compositions which can be developed using aqueous media. The improved compositions contain cellulosic ethers which impart an unexpected improvement in tent strength and optionally contain a plasticizer and a photochemically polymerizable carboxylic acid monomer or both which aid adhesion and stripping.

Abstract: Novel sulfur containing polyarylene polyether oligomers are disclosed. The oligomers are prepared through condensing salts of hydroxy and/or thio aromatic compounds, halobenzenoid compounds bearing two replaceable halogens and metal or ammonium sulfides following by end capping the resultant oligomer intermediate with a salt of a hydroxy and/or thio aromatic compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing the activation rate of an alkyl aluminum activator in the metathesis polymerization of polycyclic cycloolefins. Activation rate is reduced by use of a bidentate Lewis base as the reaction rate moderator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for producing dispersions of vermiculite ore particles by intercalating organo-cation salts into the vermiculite structure under shearing conditions to delaminate the ore and reduce particle size in one step.

Abstract: A reefing buffer, attached to one of a parachute's suspension lines, encies all of the suspension lines. There is a pocket sewn onto the buffer which holds a cutter in place. A reefing line passes through the cutter and around the reefing buffer to be tied in place.

Abstract: An annular ring parachute intended for low altitude deployment with a low te of descent. This parachute comprises an annular ring parachute canopy having a central vent. Suspension lines are connected at one end to the outer edge of the canopy and at the other end to risers attached to a load-bearing harness. A restraining device is connected to the canopy which slows the opening of the central vent while the canopy inflates during deployment of the parachute. A pilot chute connected to the restraining means is adapted when inflated to apply a force to the restraining means to slow the opneing of the central vent.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of high elastic modulus, high strength, corrosion-resistant oxynitride glass fibers for improved fiber-reinforced composites. The incorporation of nitrogen into silicon-yttrium-aluminum oxide glasses enhances the properties of bulk glass. This invention is the first demonstration that such glasses can be made into fibers. The addition of nitrogen to practically any oxide glass fiber composition will produce improvements in properties similar to those shown for the silicon-yttrium-aluminum system.

Abstract: A connector as disclosed for connecting fluid passages through a flexible eet material. The connector is appropriate for use in connecting the coolant lines of a personal cooling garment through a waterproof immersion suit or a chemical proof outer garment. The connector includes inside and outside connector blocks with matching faces that sandwich the sheet material between them. Fluid passages through the two blocks meet at respective ports in the matching faces and are joined by coupling sleeves extending through holes in the sheet material. O-rings around the ports seal the holes through the sheet material. A cap screw or the like secures the two blocks to one another. The connector is equipped with valve male fittings and male lock components of a standard connector system that is now used for personal cooling garments. This allows the use of the connector in conjunction with an existing and satisfactory "zero leak" connect and disconnect system.