Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a polymer which comprises poly(lactic acid) and an additive which comprises dipentaerythritol, wherein the weight percentage of the polymer is from 80 to 99.5%, and the weight percentage of the additive is from 0.5 to 20%. It also relates to the use of dipentaerythritol as a nucleating agent for polymers comprising poly(lactic acid); to a process for the preparation of moulded article from the composition comprising the polymer which comprises poly(lactic acid) and an additive which comprises dipentaerythritol; and to an injection moulded article made therefrom.

Abstract: It is provided a process for the preparation of an essentially homogeneous random copolymer from a vinyl halide monomer and an acrylate monomer, the process comprising polymerizing by a reversible-deactivation radical polymerization a vinyl halide monomer and an acrylate monomer in aqueous medium in the presence of an amphiphilic substance, a buffer, a reversible-deactivation radical initiator, a non-metallic catalyst and, optionally, a phase transfer catalyst, wherein an excess of the vinyl halide monomer together with a certain amount of the acrylate monomer are loaded in the reactor, and thereafter the rest of the acrylate monomer is added at a decreasing flow rate such that the composition of the copolymer obtained remains constant throughout the process. It is also provided a copolymer obtainable by this process and an article comprising such a copolymer.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a hydroxy-ended glycidyl azide polymer (GAP). The process consists in reacting polyepichlorohydrin (PECH) with a metallic azide in the presence of an organic solvent having a parameter of solubility comprised between 21 and 23.5 (MPa).sup.1/2 such as DMA or NMP. The use of any of the solvents mentioned sharply reduces the reaction time needed for substituting azide groups for the chlorine present in the PECH. Said reaction times can be less than 4 hours when NMP is used or less than 6 hours when DMA is used. The GAP thus obtained having a functionality equal to or above 2 can be used as energetic bonding agent in the formulation of solid propellants for rockets.

Abstract: Procedure for obtaining acetic acid derivatives (I) where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are H or groups --CH.sub.2 --COOH by oxidation of (II) where R and R' are H or groups of --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 OH with O.sub.2 or a gas that contains it, in the presence of an metal hydroxide, demineralized water and Cu-Raney. The reaction is carried out keeping constant a partial pressure of oxygen below 20 Kg/cm.sup.2, inside the reactor. The acids (I) obtained as soluble salts, can be isolated and purified by chemical or electrochemical means.Examples of acids (I) are glycine, iminediacetic acid and nitricetriacetic acid, useful as nutrients and in the synthesis of herbicides.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of chloroform by catalytic hydrogenolysis of carbon tetrachloride in liquid phase, wherein liquid phase carbon tetrachloride is reacted with hydrogen gas or a gas containing molecular hydrogen, at a pressure below 8,000 kPa and at a temperature below 250.degree. C., in the presence of a catalyst formed by a metal selected from the group consisting of palladium, rhodium, ruthenium and platinum, deposited on a substrate and held in suspension in the liquid.

Abstract: Improvements to a method for preparing N-phosphonomethylglycyne by oxidation of N-phosphonomethyliminodiacetic acid. N-phosphonomethylglycine may be obtained by oxidation of N-phosphonomethyliminodiacetic acid with O.sub.2 or with an oxygen-containing gas, in the presence of a noble metal catalyst on activated carbon. To avoid the catalyst losses, the improvements of the invention consist in a pressure scavaging with N.sub.2, after completion of the oxidation reaction. Owing to such treatment, the catalyst losses are reduced from 30% to 1%, making the processing economically viable on a large industrial scale. The recovered catalyst holds its catalytic activity and may be reused at least 20 consecutive times. N-phosphonomethylglycine is a herbicide of extended application.