Abstract: Cationic polymerization of mono and polyfunctional benzoxazine monomers is described. The chemical structure of the polymers from cationic polymerization of benzoxazine monomers has been identified and distinguished from thermally polymerized products from the same monomers. The controllable microstructure of the polymers from benzoxazines prepared by cationic polymerization offers opportunities to prepare and optimize the polymer structure for specific applications.

Abstract: Low viscosity ternary mixtures of benzoxazine, epoxy and phenolic resins have been developed. The blends render homogeneous and void free cured specimen with a wide range of properties. Melt viscosity values as low as 0.3 Pa.s at 100° C. can be achieved. The phenolic resin acts as a cure accelerator to the system, besides its typical function as a hardener of epoxy resin. Glass transition temperatures Tg as high as 170° C. can also be obtained.

Abstract: Arylamines with electron donating groups such as alkyl and alkoxy groups in the meta position on the aromatic ring change the polymerization temperature of the benzoxazine prepared therefrom and offer an opportunity for an additional crosslinking site (the para position on the aromatic amine can couple to a Mannich base generated by the opening of the oxazine ring of the benzoxazine or a methylene bridge generated by a degradation reaction). Naphthenic amines with an alkyl or alkoxy substituent on the 5.sup.th through the 8.sup.th carbon atom on the naphthalene ring can function similarly. The polymers for benzoxazines prepared from at least 10% substituted aromatic or naphthenic amines are useful due to low polymerization temperatures and higher Tg (glass transition temperature).

Abstract: A low viscosity high thermal conductivity polymer-based boron nitride composition and a surface-treated boron nitride material for use as a filler in this composition, and methods of preparation is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for forming a high thermal conductivity polybenzoxazine-based material. The composition comprises at least one benzoxazine resin and a filler material which includes particles of boron nitride in an amount sufficient to establish a thermal conductivity of between about 3 W/mK and 37 W/mK in the polybenzoxazine-based material.

Abstract: A self-supporting structure protects individuals from solar ultraviolet radiation without obstructing their views. The structure is formed from a substantially transparent substrate to which is applied an ultraviolet radiation absorbing material. A photochromic component can also be added to the substrate. The structure can be used as a golf cart or marine vessel canopy, as a building awning or canopy, as a window blind, or for any other application where a substantially transparent self-supporting structure that absorbs ultraviolet radiation is needed.

Abstract: A method for preparing a desired benzoxazine compound comprises preparing a substantially homogeneous reaction mixture that includes a phenolic compound; a primary amine; and an aldehyde, but no solvent other than for the solvency which the reactants may have for each other. Following its preparation, the reaction mixture is maintained at a temperature, and for a period sufficient to cause the reactants to combine chemically to form the desired compound.

Abstract: Polyimides serve as reinforcing rigid-backbone segments in nylon 6 copolymers. In a first embodiment, the copolymers are prepared from polyimides containing acylated caprolactam moieties pendant therefrom which provide sites for polycaprolactam grafts. In a second embodiment, polyimide oligomers end-capped with acyl-activated caprolactam rings permit the formation of block caprolactam copolymers that include polyimide reinforcing segments. The polyimide/nylon 6 copolymers have properties superior to those of nylon 6 and can also serve as compatibilizing agents.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyimide fibers involves the preparation of a polymer in p-chlorophenol from reactants comprising 2,2'-dimethyl-4,4'-diaminobiphenyl and a tetracarboxylic anhydride. Following its preparation, the polyimide fibers can be spun directly from the reaction mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the dianhydride comprises 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride.

Abstract: Monomers containing two diacetylene segments each of which is connected on one end through a spacer segment to a central mesogen segment, and on the other end to an additional spacer segment, are topochemically polymerized in a molecularly ordered phase to produce homogeneous molecular composites. A preferred monomer embodiment comprises a compound of the formulaH--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --C.tbd.C--C.tbd.C--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --CO--O--R.sub.1 --O--CO--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --C.tbd.C--C.tbd.C--(CH.sub.2).sub.m Hwhere m and n are the number of repeating units, and R.sub.1 is a biphenylene mesogen.

Abstract: An improved pultrusion process for preparing composites comprises combining polymer precursors in a mixer and continuously introducing the resulting mixture, together with reinforcing fibers, into an impregnation chamber maintained under conditions such that the mixture remains in liquid form of low viscosity. The impregnated fibers are continuously withdrawn from the chamber through a die in which polymerization of the precursors takes place to form the desired composite.

Abstract: Self-reinforced polymer composites of about 98-2% by weight of a mixture of polystyrene and poly(phenylene oxide) and about 2%-98% by weight of a melt processable wholly aromatic polyester which exhibit anisotropic properties in the melt phase. This wholly aromatic polyester is a liquid crystal polymer, or LCP. The composite contains predominantly unidirectionally oriented fibers primarily in the range of about 1 to 10 micrometers in diameter formed in situ, from the wholly aromatic polyester, distributed in a polymer matrix of the mixture. The polymer composites of this invention have high tensile strength, high modulus, satisfactory elongation, good impact strength, and good high temperature properties, especially at LCP amounts of 40% by weight and upwards.

Abstract: Compounds are disclosed which comprise parallel, multiring, porphyrin-related compounds, particularly two-ring phthalocyanine compounds, which have a coordinating atom, either a metal or a metalloid, located at their center. The coordinating atoms in adjacent rings are connected by an oxygen bridge along an axial backbone disposed at right angles to the rings, and the coordinating atom and the ring on one end of the axis has a hydrophilic group attached thereto, while the coordinating atom in the ring at the other end of the axis has a hydrophobic group attached to it. Semiconducting films made from such compounds and devices made from such films, especially gas sensors, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shaped reinforced thermoplastic composite, such as composite laminate (10 or 10A), comprises a thermoplastic matrix polymer (22) and a plurality of fibers (20) of a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) which are formed in situ in the matrix polymer. This composite is formed by forming a prepreg as a plurality of individual sheets or layers (50), each of which comprises essentially unidirectionally oriented fibers (20) of said LCP in a thermoplastic polymer matrix (22). A lay-up is formed by cutting each individual sheet or layer into pieces so that the direction of fiber orientation in each such piece is either parallel to one pair of edges or at angles of 45.degree. to all of the edges. The lay-up is shaped under heat and pressure to form the composite.

Abstract: The compounds are of the class of multi-functional benzoxazine compounds, useful in forming carbon-carbon composites by means of the pyrolysis of carbon fibers impregnated with such compounds.

Abstract: Compatibilizing agents suitable for blending otherwise immiscible polymers comprise a block or graft copolymer in which at least one of the block segments is formed by a living anionic polymerization and thereafter chemically converted to provide a polymer having at least one functional end group. The functional groups of the polymer blocks thus formed are reacted with a functionalized monomer, or an oligomer to provide a second block polymer segment. Compatibilizing agents containing more than two blocks may be formed in similar fashion. The compatibilizing agents are used to provide uniform blends of polar and non-polar polymers having superior uniformity and other physical properties.

Abstract: Block copolymers possessing good gas impermeability, solvent resistance, and physical properties are prepared by forming a prepolymer through the reaction of a diisocyanate compound with a diamine compound, and thereafter reacting the prepolymer with an amine-terminated butadiene-acrylonitrile oligomer.

Abstract: A bone cement is prepared by synthesizing a polymeric composition comprising poly(methyl methacrylate) cross-linked by copolymerization with tris(.omega.-methacryloyl) polyisobutylene. A powder is formed from the composition, and the final cement is prepared by mixing the powder with additional methyl methacrylate in the presence of a catalyst to form a dough-like material that is polymerized in situ to yield a cement useful for orthopedic purposes. Preferred embodiments employ tris(.omega.-methacryloyl) compounds within a particular molecular weight range, and which are present in the powder in particular amounts relative to the poly(methyl methacrylate) component therein.

Abstract: A process for preparing poly(p-phenylene)s comprises reacting dihydroxy aromatic compounds such as orthoquinone and bisphenols with halogen-substituted aliphatic sulfonic acids, halogen sulfonic acid, or their anhydrides. The monomers thus formed are subsequently polymerized with Ni(0) catalysts to yield the desired polymers. The monomers or polymers may be functionalized with reactive groups.

Abstract: A process for preparing solid polymer blends and composites of controlled porosity in microemulsions containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases. The microemulsions are prepared with surfactant systems that may include a cosolvent as a part thereof, together with a hydrophilic monomer, or monomers, dissolved in the hydrophilic phase of the microemulsion, and a hydrophobic monomer, or monomers, dissolved in the hydrophobic phase. Polymerization of the monomers thus present is carried out to provide highly uniform dispersions of the resulting polymers in each other. The invention allows for the control of the morphology of the blends, the improvement in compatability of otherwise incompatible polymers, and improvements in the processability of the polymers due to enhanced thermal and mechanical properties.