Abstract: A process for polymerizing lactide and up to 20 mole percent of another lactone is disclosed. The cayalysts used have the formula MZ.sub.3 wherein M is scandium, yttrium, bismuth, a lanthanide series rare earth metal or a mixture thereof and the Zs are independantly the same or different highly coordinating ligands. The preferred metals M are lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium and neodymium with lanthanum being especially preferred. The preferred ligands are betadiketones, betaketoesters and malonate anions with the beta diketones such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionates being especially preferred.

Abstract: Polyethercyclicpolyols are prepared by thermally condensing a polyol having at least three hydroxyl groups of which at least two of the hydroxyl groups are vicinal, precursors of the polyol, cyclic derivatives of the polyol, or mixtures thereof, and controlling process conditions to avoid substantial undesirable degeneration. Lower molecular weight polyethercyclicpolyols are polycondensed with epoxy alcohols to form higher molecular weight polyethercyclicpolyols.

Abstract: A polyarylamine polymer represented by the following formula: ##STR1## wherein: n is between about 5 and about 5,000p is between about 5 and about 5,000X' and X" are independently selected from a group having bifunctional linkages, andQ is a divalent group derived from certain hydroxy terminated arylamine reactants.

Abstract: Polymers of the general formula R--(A-B-A-I)-.sub.x A-B-A-R and their preparation are disclosed. In the general formula, -A- is a polyhydroxy acid residue preferably a polymer of either 98 to 100% L-lactide or 98 to 100% D-lactide having a molecular weight of 500 to 40,000 and preferably 2,000 to 20,000, -B- is an oligomeric diol or diamine residue, having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 20,000 and preferably 2,000 to 8,000. The polymers are prepared by polymerizing a lactone onto the diol or diamine followed by reacting the resulting polymeric H-A-B-A-H with an diisocyanate or diacyl chloride to form the -L- chain extending units in the general formula.

Abstract: Polymer compositions are provided which are capable of being formed into shaped articles and comprise a poly(2-methylpentamethylene terephthalamide), also known as nylon M5T, and a minor amount of an ionomer, e.g., a partially neutralized copolymer of an alpha-olefin and an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid. In particular, the compositions may be melt spun and drawn into filaments having good mechanical properties.

Abstract: Polyethercyclicpolyols are prepared by thermally condensing a polyol having at least three hydroxyl groups of which at least two of the hydroxyl groups are vicinal, precursors of the polyol, cyclic derivatives of the polyol, or mixtures thereof, and controlling process conditions to avoid substantial undesirable degeneration. Lower molecular weight polyethercyclicpolyols are polycondensed with epihalohydrins to form higher molecular weight polyethercyclicpolyols.

Abstract: The imidization temperature of poly(amide-acid) compositions derived from tetracarboxylic acid dianhydrides can be lowered by use of a bis(aminophenoxyphenyl) phosphine oxide in the diamine component which is reacted with the dianhydride. These homo- or copolyimides can be cyclized without use of catalysts or excessive temperature which can product undesired side reactions. Tough film forming materials can be produced which show excellent thermo-oxidative stability and high char yields even at 800.degree. C. in air.

Abstract: The arylene sulfide ketone copolymers according to the present invention have mainly recurring units which are represented by formulas (I) and (II), ##STR1## The arylene sulfide ketone copolymers have a high glass transition point and excellent moldability and can be produced with industrial advantage.

Abstract: A three-step process for the production of solventless polycarbonate is disclosed. Accordingly, a mixture of two different oligocarbonates each prepared by the interfacial method, is prepared in the first process step. In a second step, the mixture is crystallized. The third step entails polycondensation. In an additional embodiment of the invention the first step uses a mixture of one oligocarbonate with a suitable monomer.

Abstract: Polymers and copolymers having high glass transition temperature and which are soluble in organic solvents are produced from highly hindered biphenols, in particular polyetherketones, polyethersulfones, polyesters and polyetherimides, as well as copolymers based on these polymers may be produced for a variety of applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aromatic diamine having the general formula ##STR1## where A is a group containing at least one aromatic ring, each Y is independently selected from ##STR2## R is a group containing at least one olefinically unsaturated group, R' is hydrogen, alkyl to C.sub.25, aryl, or R, n is 1 to 4, and the number of olefinic groups in Y is at least 3 when each Y is ##STR3## and otherwise is at least 2. Photosensitive polyamic acids and polyimides can be prepared from the aromatic diamines which can be crosslinked with light to a mask to form patterns on a substrate.

Abstract: A flexible or semi-flexible polyurethane foam composition prepared from a formulation comprising a catalytic amount of an additive containing (1) a urea compound, and (2) a transition metal salt of a carboxylic acid wherein the metal is selected from Groups I-B, II-B, V-A, IV-B, V-B, VI-B, VII-B or VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements; the additive containing a sufficient quantity of at least one amine group-containing material such that the transition metal salt is soluble in the additive; and water as a blowing agent. In preferred embodiments water is the sole blowing agent. The polyurethanes exhibit relatively short demolding times and improved mold release properties. They also show a reduced tendency to cause discoloration or staining of vinyl-based polymeric calddings such as polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: The invention is a polyester and a method for producing a polyester fiber which has a combination of flame resistance and low pilling properties. The method comprises forming a polyester fiber made from a blend of two polyester polymers, one polyester polymer containing an oxysilicon compound and the second polyester polymer containing pentaerythritol and a phosphinic acid in the amount between 0.5 and 20 mole percent of the terephthalate acid and monomer. In particular, the invention also comprises the enhanced fiber formed by the process, as well as the fabrics having a pilling of about 3 to less than 5 as measured in accordance with ASTM D-3512-82.

Abstract: Mixtures of salts of organic dicarboxylic acids and organic compounds of non-salt character, dissolved in a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkanol, can be concentrated or separated with a semipermeable membrane made from a copolyimide which contains a first aromatic diamine radical (1) and a second aromatic diamine radical (2) which carries --SO.sub.3 M groups, wherein M is H.sym., a mono- to trivalent metal cation or an ammonium cation. The first amine radical (1) and/or the second diamine radical (2) contains C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl groups in both o-positions to at least one amino group. These copolyamides are also radiation-sensitive (self-crosslinking) and can be used for the production of protective layers or relief images, development being carried out in an aqueous alkaline medium.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of polylactide polymers from lactic acid which incorporates removal of water or a solvent carrier to concentrate the lactic acid feed followed by polymerization to a low-molecular-weight prepolymer. This prepolymer is fed to a reactor in which a catalyst is added to facilitate generation of lactide, the depolymerization product of polylactic acid. The lactide generated is continuously fed to a distillation system as a liquid or vapor wherein water and other impurities are removed. The resultant purified liquid lactide is fed directly to a polymerization process.

Abstract: Thermosettable polyol resins for coating compositions are prepared by reacting a polyglycidyl ester of an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid and a di- to hexa-hydric aliphatic alcohol with an adduct of a di- to hexa-hydric aliphatic alcohol and a glycidyl ester of a branched aliphatic monocarboxylic acid with 5 to 15 C-atoms, said adduct having an epoxy group content of less than 0.2 meq/g.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polyether impression material containing(a) a polyether,(b) a catalyst, and(c) a mixing additive,in which the components (a) and (b) are spatially separate from each other, and in which the mixing additive (c) is polyalkylene oxide derivative with a molecular weight above 300, which is chemically inert with the other components present and in particular, does not contain hydroxyl groups, acid groups, primary amino groups, ionic groups, halogen groups or groups capable of polymerization. The composition can be mixed easily, has outstanding storage stability and does not dissociate even under increased pressure.

Abstract: A high solids coating composition suitable for use, for example, as a high performance automotive coating is provided, which comprises (1) a particular polyurethane polyol which is the reaction product of an symmetric 1,3-diol component and an isocyanate component, and (2) an hydroxyl group-reactive crosslinking agent. When formulated as a one-pack coating preferably with an aminoplast crosslinking agent, these coating compositions possess a number of desirable properties including excellent acid etch resistance.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to novel branched chain hydroxy-terminated aliphatic azido polymers and copolymers with variable molecular weight (MW) and a single step method for the preparation thereof which involves respectively reacting a high (MW) 0.5-5.0.times.10.sup.6) solid rubbery polyepichlorohydrin (PECH) homopolymer and epichlorohydrin/alkylene oxide copolymer (PEEC), with an alkali metal azide in a suitable organic solvent, in the presence of an initiator at elevated temperature. The MW of the azido product may be controlled by including the reaction mixture a basic degradation catalyst (such as LiOCH.sub.3 or NaOH) and varying the amount of catalyst. When the reaction is catalyzed, the MW of the product varies within the range 1,000-40,000 and the hydroxyl functionality is 2-10. Uncatalyzed reactions yield products with MW between 40,000 and 200,000 and a functionality of about 10.

Abstract: A process for preparing a dispersion of a filler e.g., melamine, urea or borax in a dispersion or graft polymer polyol is provided. The process comprises (1) dispersing the filler in a suitable basestock (e.g., a polyether polyol) and (2) thereafter using this as the basestock for preparing the dispersion or graft polymer polyol.The polymer which is prepared in dispersed form in the second step may be for example (1) the reaction product of a polyamine, hydrazine or hydrazide and an isocyanate (PHD polymer) or (2) the reaction product of an olamine and an isocyanate (PIPA polymer). Alternatively styrene and acrylonitrile can be graft polymerised in the basestock in step (2). The new dispersion or graft polymer polyols containing dispersed filler are useful in the manufacture of fire resistant polyurethane foam for e.g., furniture applications.