Abstract: The invention relates to a process for reducing the monomer content in expandable thermoplastic beads which are produced by polymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or a mixture of such monomers in aqueous suspension in the presence of a blowing agent. The residual monomers in both the beads and the process water are reduced by treatment of the slurry of beads and water obtained after polymerization in a vessel at a temperature above 65.degree. C. in the presence of at least one water-soluble initiator. In order to avoid the expansion of the beads during the course of monomer reduction the vessel is kept completely filled with a liquid, preferably water, during the temperature treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for sizing cellulose fibres or cellulose fibre containing materials and to a composition for carrying out the process. More particularly the invention relates to a process for sizing according to which cellulose fibres in a manner known per se are brought into contact with compounds having the general formula ##STR1## WHERE X is the group ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 is an organic, hydrophobic group having 8 to 40 carbon atoms and R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 independent of each other are alkyl groups having 1 to 7 carbon atoms or have the same meaning as R.sub.1.

Abstract: An improved device for distributing and stirring the contents of a furnace having a plurality of vertically disposed electrodes, said improved device including a circular track disposed adjacent the upper periphery of said furnace, a first transport carriage, motor means for moving said first transport carriage, an elongated non-circular trackway supported by said first transport carriage, a second transport carriage, a non-circular trackway, means to move said second transport carriage back and forth, a furnace contents working device connected to said second transport carriage, and means to vary the angular disposition of said furnace contents working device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for production of expandable thermoplastic beads with improved yield and with improved expandability. The process involves maintaining the polymerization vessel full of liquid at a certain pressure or with a gradually increased outside pressure on the reaction media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of a dispersion of solid dialkyl-peroxydicarbonates in an aqueous medium. More particularly the invention relates to the preparation of such dispersions from a slurry of water, dispersing agent and dialkyl-peroxydicarbonate which is converted to a stable dispersion in an ultrasonic homogenizer.