Abstract: The prior art discloses a number of polymerization inhibitors for acrylic acid, acrylates and derivatives thereof, but such polymerization inhibitors have low vapor pressures. Consequently, when acrylic acid is vaporized, it tends to polymerize on cooling surfaces causing undesirable deposits on storage vessels and the like. However, when a polymerization inhibiting amount of 2,4-pentanedione is added to the monomer, the polymerization of acrylic acid on cooling surfaces is inhibited.

Abstract: A process which comprises contacting alkyl esters of .alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine with an aqueous solution containing barium ions, at a reaction pH greater than 7, to form .alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preparing fire retardant styrenic polymer molding compositions with improved impact strength which compositions contain a metal oxide and a halogenated fire retardant additive. The method comprises dispersing the metal oxide into a minor portion of the styrene polymer component using high intensity mixing and temperatures at or above the fusion temperature of the styrene polymer in order to obtain a uniform dispersion. The metal oxide-polystyrene dispersion is then blended with the other ingredients of the polyblend. The resulting blend is compounded at temperatures greater than 255.degree. C. and then comminuted to form a molding composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polyblend molding compositions which comprise (A) a polymethylmethacrylate matrix polymer; (B) polychloroprene rubber which is grafted with methylmethacrylate; and (C) a metal oxide. Specimens molded from these polyblends have a UL-94 rating of at least V-1 and a smoke level of less than 300 D.sub.m Flaming using the NBS smoke test.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fire retardant polymer compositions based on interpolymers of styrene, maleic anhydride and a brominated monomer such as tribromophenyl acrylate, which have been formulated with various additives. These compositions, which have a UL-94 rating of at least V-1, are especially useful for use in radio and T.V. cabinets, furniture, appliance housings and other similar applications.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for texturing thermoplastic continuous filament yarn wherein the distance that the yarn in compacted form moves forward in a texturizer is controlled by a particular device. The device comprises a plurality of stationary elongated juxtaposed yarn guide members arranged generally parallel with respect to the path taken by the compacted yarn and having a cumulative yarn frictional engaging length diminishing in the direction of the movement taken by the yarn in compacted form.

Abstract: A novel biconstituent filament, such as multifilament or monofilament yarn or staple fiber, useful for dissipating static electricity from normally static prone textile articles comprising a first constituent substantially adhered lengthwise to a second constituent is provided. The first constituent is made of a synthetic thermoplastic fiber-forming polymer that is virtually non-conductive to electricity. The second constituent is a normally non-conductive synthetic thermoplastic fiber-forming polymer rendered electrically conductive by having dispersed uniformly throughout a sufficient quantity of electrically conductive carbon black to provide an electrical resistance of less than 1 .times. 10.sup.10 ohms per centimeter for each filament at a direct current potential of 0.1 volt as measured at 20% relative humidity and 21.degree.C. The cross sectional area of the second constituent comprises from about 1 to 30 percent of the cross sectional area of the whole filament.