Abstract: Novel phenolic compounds are disclosed which bear at least two functional groups, at least one of which is a phenolic moiety. In one of its aspects the invention relates to phenolic compounds which may be derived from naturally occurring essential oils such as citronella oil. Polymers derived from novel phenolic compounds are also disclosed. In one embodiment polycarbonates and polyestercarbonates are made through copolymerization of novel phenolic compounds with at least one dihydric phenol and a carbonate precursor under reactive conditions.

Abstract: 1,1 -Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-alkylcyclohexanes, as illustrated by 1,1-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-pentadecylcyclohexane, are prepared by hydrogenating a composition comprising 3-alkylphenols to the corresponding cyclohexanol, oxidizing the cyclohexanol to a cyclohexanone and contacting the cyclohexanone with phenol in the presence of an acidic catalyst. The preferred 3-alkylphenols are those derived from cashew nut shell liquid. The products can be used to prepare polycarbonates.

Abstract: Resinous compositions, especially synthetic resins and most especially arylate polymers, contain 2,3-dicyano-1,4-diaminoanthraquinone as a blue dye. Said compositions are characterized by improved weatherability in comparison with compositions containing other blue dyes.

Abstract: Curable compositions used in circuit boards, structural composite, encapsulating resins, and the like, comprise at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cyanate esters and cyanate ester prepolymers, a flame retardant which is substantially toluene soluble and substantially free of hydroxy residues in the cured state, and a curing catalyst.

Abstract: Bis(halophthalimides) such as, 3-bis[N-(4-chlorophthalimido)]benzene are prepared in slurry in an organic liquid such as o-dichlorobenzene or anisole, by a reaction at a temperature of at least 150° C. between at least one diamino compound, preferably an aromatic diamine such as m- or p-phenylenediamine, and at least one halophthalic anhydride such as 4-chlorophthalic anhydride, in the presence of an imidization catalyst such as sodium phenylphosphinate. The solids content of the reaction mixture is at least about 5% and preferably at least about 12% by weight. The product slurry may be employed directly in the preparation of polyetherimides, and similar slurries may be employed to prepare other polyether polymers.

Abstract: Hexasubstituted guanidinium chlorides are prepared by a method which affords them in high yield as aqueous solutions, optionally also containing alkali metal chlorides. The solutions may be employed as sources of hexasubstituted guanidinium salts useful as phase transfer catalysts for the reaction of alkali metal salts of dihydroxyaromatic compounds with substituted imides to form polyetherimides or their intermediates.

Abstract: A method and composition are disclosed for the oxidation of aromatic substrates in the presence of oxygen, a catalyst, a proton source, and a non-gaseous reductant. In a preferred embodiment, benzene is oxidized to phenol in the presence of oxygen, a vanadyl catalyst, trifluoroacetic acid as a proton source, and ferrocene as a reductant. The method is economical, safe, and amenable to commercial scale-up.

Abstract: Color stability of resinous compositions containing dyes which undergo chemical degradation upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the wavelength range of 300-400 nm is improved by incorporating therein an arylate polymer which is a 1,3-dihydroxybenzene isophthalate/terephthalate, preferably a resorcinol isophthalate/terephthalate. Other resins may also be present.

Abstract: The present invention provides resin compositions comprising a thermoplastic resin and at least one phosphoramide having a glass transition point of at least about 0° C., preferably of at least about 10° C., and most preferably of at least about 20° C., of the formula: wherein Q1 is oxygen or sulfur; R1 is an amine residue, and R2 and R3 are each independently an alkyloxy, alkylthio, aryloxy, or arylthio residue, or an aryloxy or arylthio residue containing at least one alkyl substitution; or an amine residue. The present invention also relates to articles made from the resin compositions. The present invention also provides methods to make the resin compositions having improved heat properties over compositions known in the art.

Abstract: Flame retardant blends comprising at least one polyestercarbonate, at least one addition polymer such as a styrene-acrylonitrile or ABS copolymer, and at least one phosphoryl flame retardant have high temperature stability properties superior to those of similar blends containing polycarbonate in place of polyestercarbonate.

Abstract: Polyethersulfones derived from dihydroxybiphenyls or dihydroxybenzenes, especially 4,4′-dihydroxybiphenyl, are isolated by crystallization from a solvent, preferably a water-immiscible aromatic solvent. Crystallization may be achieved by cooling from the reaction temperature to a temperature in the range of about 20-100° C., optionally with the use of a crystallization aid such as preformed polyethersulfone crystals. The crystallized polyethersulfone is then separated by filtration and by-product salts are removed therefrom by extraction with water.

Abstract: Solid blends of rubbery polymers and amorphous or crystalline polymers, said blends being free-flowing at temperatures lower than the glass transition temperature or crystalline melting temperature of the amorphous or crystalline polymer, are prepared by intimate mixing procedures. In general, said mixing conditions include high shear conditions sufficient to convert polymer A to dispersed particles coated with polymer B and produce a free-flowing blend.

Abstract: The present invention relates to curable compositions used in circuit boards, structural composite, encapsulating resins, and the like. These compositions comprise at least one of a cyanate ester and a cyanate ester prepolymer, a cyanate ester-free aryloxytriazine, and a catalyst.

Abstract: Sterically hindered phosphoramidates such as N,N′-bis[di-(2,6-xylenoxy)phosphoryl]piperazine are prepared by the reaction of a sterically hindered diaryl chlorophosphate, such as di-(2,6-xylyl) chlorophosphate, with a basic nitrogen compound containing at least two basic N-H groups, preferably a heterocyclic compound such as piperazine, in the presence of calcium oxide as an acid acceptor. The reaction is conducted in the presence of at least one dipolar aprotic solvent.

Abstract: Flame retardant blends comprising a polycarbonate portion containing spirobiindane units, at least one addition polymer such as a styrene-acrylonitrile or ABS copolymer, and at least one phosphoryl flame retardant have high temperature stability properties superior to those of similar blends not containing the spirobiindane units. Blends in which the polycarbonate portion contains such units in amounts up to 5 mole percent also have excellent ductility.

Abstract: Curable compositions used in circuit boards, structural composite, encapsulating resins, and the like, comprise at least one of a cyanate ester and a cyanate ester prepolymer, a cyanate ester-free aryloxytriazine, and a curing catalyst.

Abstract: A composition and method for promoting improved adhesion between a thermoplastic resinous substrate and polyurethane foam is provided. In one aspect of this invention, the composition comprises a thermoplastic mixture of at least one polyphenylene ether and at least one poly(alkenylaromatic) compound; and at least one primary amine-containing material or secondary amine-containing material.

Abstract: Weatherability of polycarbonates, or of blends of polycarbonates with other polymers such as polyesters, is improved by incorporating therein a thermoplastic arylate polymer comprising units derived from a resorcinol or alkylresorcinol isophthalate-terephthalate. These units may be combined with units derived from a resorcinol or alkylresorcinol ester of a C.sub.4-12 aliphatic, alicyclic or mixed aliphatic-alicyclic dicarboxylic acid, such as sebacic acid.

Abstract: Methods for preparing novel dibenzoylresorcinol-based compounds are disclosed, wherein the dibenzoylresorcinol is bonded to the residue of either an alcohol or a carboxylic acid group, via a methylene carboxylate linking group; and wherein the dibenzoylresorcinol is bonded directly to a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group which does not include a pendent hydroxyl group. The groups attached to the dibenzoylresorcinol may contain a wide variety of functional sites which permit further reaction, e.g., copolymerization. The described compounds are very useful as UV light absorbers and may be used to form improved coating compositions which usually include a transparent, polymeric matrix material. The coating compositions may be applied to various substrates, e.g., thermoplastics, to afford a selection of enhanced properties, such as UV light resistance and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: An improved process for sealing at least one ultracapacitor which includes a multi-layer structure is disclosed. The process includes the step of applying a substantial vacuum to press together an uppermost layer of the structure and a lowermost layer of the structure and to evacuate ambient gasses, wherein a sealant situated in a peripheral area between the facing surfaces of the layers forms a liquid-impermeable seal for the structure under the vacuum. In some embodiments, a press is used to apply pressure to the peripheral area on which the sealant is disposed. Usually, the ultracapacitor would be situated within an enclosable region of the press, and a collapsible membrane would be fastened over the ultracapacitor to fully enclose the region and transmit the vacuum force to the multi-layer structure. The force applied by the press itself causes the sealant to flow, thereby ensuring a complete seal upon curing of the sealant.