Abstract: Process for preparing a flexible polyurethane foam by reacting a polyisocyanate and two different polyols under foam forming conditions so as to prepare a rigid foam and by crushing the rigid foam so obtained in a direction perpendicular to the direction of rise of the foam. Flexible foams are obtained which do not show a major glass transition temperature between −100° C. and +25° C. and which have an anisotropy of 1.80 to 4.00.

Abstract: Polyisocyanate composition comprising a Group IVB metal compound, preferably a titanium chelate, optionally in combination with a compatibilizing compound and/or conventional release agents and the use thereof in binding lignocellulosic material.

Abstract: An organometallic composition comprises a complex of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium and hafnium and an acetoacetate ester in which the molar ratio of Ti or Hf to acetoacetate ester is in the range 1:2.5 to 1:10 or the molar ratio of Zr to acetoacetate ester is in the range 1:4.5 to 1:10 and said acetoacetate ester is an ester of an alcohol containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The organometallic composition is useful in polyisocyanate compositions, particularly those used as binders for lignocellulosic materials, and polyisocyanate compositions containing the organometallic compositions of the invention have good stability on storage.

Abstract: Process for the production of an aromatic amine by reacting an aromatic hydrocarbon with ammonia at a temperature of less than 500° C. and a pressure of less than 10 bara in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of the transition elements, lanthanides and actinides, preferably in the presence of an oxidant.

Abstract: A process for the liquid-phase carbonylation of ethylene, according to the equation C2H4+CO+ROH→C2H5CO2R, in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a Group VIII metal or compound thereof, a phosphine ligand and a source of anions, and in the presence of water or a source of organic hydroxyl groups, is carried out in conditions in which the molar ratio of ethylene to carbon monoxide in the gaseous phase of the reactor is greater than 1:1. The higher ratios of ethylene to carbon monoxide are beneficial in increasing the turnover number of the catalyst system.

Abstract: A continuous process is disclosed for preparing a reactive particulate dispersion in a liquid carrier. The process comprises mixing together as a melt a resin and a crosslinker under extrusion condition at a temperature and for a time such that substantial crosslinker potential is retained between the resin and the crosslinker and thereafter dispersing the mixture whilst still molten into the liquid carrier and allowing the molten dispersed mixture to solidify to form particles.

Abstract: A process for separating and recovering hydrogen fluoride from a mixture with an organic compound especially a fluorine-containing compound by extraction with a solution of an alkali metal fluoride in hydrogen fluoride, phase separation and recovery. A process for producing a fluorine-containing organic compound by fluorinating a starting material with hydrogen fluoride and similarly recovering hydrogen fluoride from the product stream. The solution may be anhydrous or aqueous.

Abstract: Dyes of Formula (1) which are useful for the coloration of e.g. cellulosic materials and leathers. wherein: NiPc is a nickel phthalocyanine radical; r has a value from 1 to 3 inclusive; m has a value from 1 to 3 inclusive; p has a value from 0 to 1 inclusive; R1 is H, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl; R2, R3 and R4 are each independently H, C1-6-alkyl or substituted C1-6-alkyl; A is phenylene, substituted phenylene, C1-6-alkylene or substituted C1-6-alkylene; Q is a labile substituent; B is phenylene, phenylene substituted by 1 or 2 sulpho groups or phenylene substituted by an alkyl or alkoxy group; Z is H or alkyl; and X and Y are each independently H, alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, carboxy or sulpho; provided that r+m+p does not exceed 4.

Abstract: Process for preparing a flexible foam by reacting a prepolymer having an NCO value of 3-15% by weight, which is the reaction product obtained by reacting an excessive amount of a polyisocyanate with a polyether polyol or a mixture of such polyols, said polyol or mixture having an average nominal hydroxyl functionality of from 2 to 6, an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of from 500 to 5000 and an oxyethylene content of at least 50% by weight, with water, the amount of water being 15-500 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of prepolymer, at the start of the reaction the temperature of the prepolymer being 10-50° C. and the temperature of the water being 10-50° C. higher than the temperature of the prepolymer and a process for preparing a flexible foam by reacting the above prepolymer with water in the presence of a superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: Shaped units suitable for use as a catalyst, e.g. for the decomposition of hypochlorite, comprise a compacted particulate mixture of at least one oxide of a Group VIII metal M selected from nickel and cobalt, a calcium aluminate cement, and alumina and/or magnesia, the shaped units having (after ignition in air at 900° C.) a content of a Group VIII metal oxide of 10 to 50% by weight (expressed as the divalent oxide, MO), a calcium oxide content of 1 to 10% by weight, an alumina content by weight that is at least four times the weight of calcium oxide, a total content of alumina plus magnesia of at least 40% by weight, a silica content of less than 1% by weight, and the shaped units having a pore volume in the range 0.2 to 0.

Abstract: P-type zeolite having the oxide formula M2/nAl2O3 (1.8-2.66) SiO2 y H2O and having a Calcium Binding Capacity of between 100 and 145 mg/g, preferably between 110 and 140 and a Calcium uptake rate of between 12 and 100 seconds, preferably below 50 seconds can be prepared from metakaolin.

Abstract: Process for making rigid polyurethane or urethane-modified polyisocyanurate foams comprising the step of reacting an organic polyisocyanate composition with an isocyanate-reactive composition comprising a polyester polyol in the presence of an amine catalyst characterized in that the pKa of the conjugated ammonium salt of said amine is less than 12.

Abstract: A process for the production of methanol comprises converting a hydrocarbon feedstock at a pressure above the desired synthesis pressure into a synthesis gas mixture containing hydrogen, carbon oxides and steam at an elevated temperature and pressure, cooling said mixture to condense water from the mixture, separating the condensed water, and passing the resultant gas mixture, with no further compression and no recycle of unreacted gas, at an elevated temperature through a series of at least two methanol synthesis stages with separation of synthesised methanol from the gas mixture after each stage is disclosed. The hydrocarbon feedstock is converted into the synthesis gas mixture by a catalytic steam reforming process wherein the heat required for reforming is supplied by the products of combustion of the unreacted gas remaining after separation of synthesised methanol, and, preferably also by the reformed gas after it has left the reforming catalyst.

Abstract: A new re-transfer intermediate sheet comprising a supporting substrate having on one side an imageable layer and on the other a backcoat, is provided for thermal transfer printing of an article having a dye-receptive surface, by thermal retransfer. This method of printing comprise the steps of pressing together a dye-donor sheet and the imageable layer of the retransfer intermediate sheet, forming an image in the imageable layer by thermal transfer printing, pressing the thus-formed image-containing layer against the dye-receptive surface of the article, and applying heat to the intermediate sheet to effect retransfer of the image to the dye-receptive layer of the article. To improve protection against the physical conditions experienced in such retransfer process, the backcoat of the new intermediate sheet comprises a polymeric binder and a high loading of protective filler, preferably in amount of 100% to about 250% by weight of the binder.

Abstract: A working fluid composition comprising: (A) a heat transfer fluid comprising a mixture of at least two compounds selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoroalkanes and fluoroalkanes; and (B) sufficient to provide lubrication of a lubricant which is at least partially soluble in each component of the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: Process for preparing a flexible foam by reacting a polyisocyanate having a high 4,4′-MDI content and a polyol having a high EO content in the presence of a foaming agent.

Abstract: A process for extracting a compound or composition of matter from a raw material containing that compound or composition as a constituent part is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of (1) contacting a sample of the raw material with an extraction solvent comprising 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and a co-solvent selected from an alkane and a hydrocarbon ether, (2) forming a solvent liquor comprising the extraction solvent and an extract from the raw material, and (3) separating the solvent liquor containing the extract from the raw material.

Abstract: A process for the purification of a fluid stream containing a sulphur contaminant, such as hydrogen sulphide, and mercury, phosphine, stibine, and/or arsenic compounds as a second contaminant wherein said fluid stream is passed through a bed of a particulate absorbent containing a sulphide of a variable valency metal, especially copper, that is more electropositive than mercury, to remove said second contaminant and then the sulphur contaminant is removed from at least part of the effluent from that bed by passing that part of the effluent through a bed of a particulate sulphur absorbent comprising a compound selected from oxides, hydroxides, carbonates and basic carbonates of said variable valency metal is disclosed. The removal of the sulphur contaminant converts said variable valency metal compound to the corresponding sulphide. The resulting bed of variable valency metal sulphide is subsequently used for the removal of the second contaminant.

Abstract: An azeotrope-like composition comprising: (A) 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and (B) n-pentane: also described is a heat transfer device comprising the azeotrope-like composition.

Abstract: An inkable sheet comprises a substrate having on at least one surface thereof an ink absorbent layer comprising a cellulose material and an acid functional resin which is insoluble in water of neutral or acidic pH at room temperature. The acid functional resin may comprise an acid functional polyurethane resin or an acid functional acrylic resin such as a polyacrylate/acrylic acid copolymer. The ink absorbent layer preferably further comprises a weak organic acid or salt thereof and/or at least one crosslinking agent.