Abstract: Crosslinked vinylidene chloride polymer microgel powders are recovered from a latex obtained by emulsion polymerizing in sequence (a) a first monomer mixture comprising a predominant amount of vinylidene chloride, an ethylenically unsaturated comonomer, and a crosslinking polyfunctional monomer; (b) a minor amount of a polyfunctional monomer for providing graft sites on the product of (a); and (c) a second monomer mixture which is predominantly acrylonitrile, the amount of the second monomer mixture being in the range of about 10 to 25 percent of the weight of the first monomer mixture. The so-formed microgels, having a particle size less than about 1 micron, are admixed with an acrylic polymer and a suitable solvent and then spun into fibers having improved flame-retardancy.

Abstract: Normally crystalline vinylidene halide polymers are prepared by an improved limited coalescence suspension polymerization reaction wherein colloidal silica is used as a solid particle emulsifier, and a low molecular weight, non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether, having a viscosity grade less than about 35 centipoise, is used as the stabilizing agent. Spheroidal polymer particles are obtained having a generally uniform, small size and superior flow properties.

Abstract: Continuous method and apparatus for treatment of a solid material submerged in a body of liquid wherein the material is sticky and/or has weak tensile strength. The material is supported, while it is so submerged, by a dynamic layer of the liquid lying between the material and a moving surface. The method is illustrated by heating and thereby foaming a strip of heat foamable thermoplastic resin while it is held submerged in a denser heat transfer liquid by a dynamic layer of that liquid generated by a moving belt above the foaming material. In an example, expandable high density polyethylene strip is foamed continuously while it is so held submerged in molten salt.

Abstract: Volatile organic materials are continuously removed from aqueous dispersions of synthetic polymers by flowing a dispersion stream into a zone having a vapor space above the liquid level of the stream while maintaining the pressure within the zone at about the vapor pressure of water at the temperature of the stream, and while maintaining the liquid level of the stream at a depth sufficiently shallow to promote substantially uniform and complete boiling throughout. The process is especially useful for removing residual monomers, such as vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride, from a latex obtained from an emulsion polymerization reaction.

Abstract: A continuous method for foaming foamable thermoplastic resin by floating the resin upon a heated liquid bath while heating it from above by flooding the upper surface of the floating resin material with a blanket of a liquid at substantially the same temperature as the heated bath. In an example, the flooding liquid is pumped from the heated bath and sprayed over the upper surface of the floating resin material.

Abstract: Combustible fuel slurries are prepared by admixing solid particulate carbonaceous material, liquid hydrocarbon fuel such as gasoline, fuel oil, and the like, a polar liquid flocculating third phase, and a wetting agent having an HLB value in the range of about 6.5 to about 10 and which is soluble in the third phase. Such slurries are mobile and readily processible in conventional fuel oil transporting, storage, and burning equipment.

Abstract: Combustible fuel slurries are prepared by admixing solid particulate carbonaceous material, liquid hydrocarbon fuel such as gasoline, fuel oil, and the like, and a particulate cross-linked organic liquid-swellable, organic liquid-insoluble polymer composed of at least 50 mole percent of at least one alkylstyrene. Such slurries are mobile and readily processable in conventional fuel oil transporting, storage, and burning equipment.