Abstract: An oxymethylene polymer which is modified with 1,2-polybutadiene is provided which exhibits enhanced physical properties, including tensile impact, elongation, and work to break. The oxymethylene polymer may be a homopolymer, consisting essentially of recurring oxymethylene groups, or a copolymer (as described).

Abstract: An improved process for the relatively rapid thermal stabilization of a multifilamentary acrylic fibrous material in the substantial absence of filament coalescence is provided. The fibrous material is initially contacted with a solution of hydroxylamine (as described), and subsequently with a solution of ammonium permanganate, calcium permanganate, magnesium permanganate, or mixtures thereof (as described). The resulting fibrous material which possesses a chemically altered structure is heated in an oxygen-containing atmosphere until a thermally stabilized acrylic fibrous material is formed which is capable of undergoing carbonization and is non-burning when subjected to an ordinary match flame.

Abstract: An improved overall process is provided for producing carbon filaments beginning with a multifilament acrylic precursor. The process facilitates the thermal transformation of the acrylic fibrous material in the absence of undesirable coalescence between adjoining filaments. An extremely thin deposition of colloidal silica initially is provided upon the surface of the multifilament acrylic precursor (as described), the fibrous material thermally stabilized in the absence of coalescence (as described), the colloidal silica substantially removed, and the thermally stabilized fibrous material carbonized (as described). The resulting carbon filaments exhibit improved physical properties and particularly are suited for use as fibrous reinforcement in a resinous matrix.