Abstract: A method for making polyarylene ethers comprising the step of melt polymerizing 2,6-disubstituted-4-alkylphenols in the presence of an oxidative coupling catalyst and in the absence of environmentally unfriendly solvents.

Abstract: A method for making polyarylene ethers is described and the method comprises the step of polymerizing hydroxyaromatic monomers or oligomers prepared therefrom in the presence of pyridine catalysts.

Abstract: Novel polymer compositions that comprise high 1,2-enrichment are described herein. Said polymer compositions have up to about 50% by weight of 1,2 units wherein about 25% to about 75% by weight of all 1,2 units are present in the polymer backbone. Additionally a novel process is disclosed for producing polymer compositions by dissolving a polydiene in a monomeric diene during emulsion polymerization conditions.

Abstract: Macrocyclic polyimide oligomers are converted to linear polyimides by heating with a primary amine in the presence of a tertiary amine, tertiary phosphine, quaternary ammonium salt, quaternary phosphonium salt or hexaalkylguanidinium salt or heterocyclic analog thereof as a macrocyclic polyimide polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: A composition and method of making copolymers of salicylic acid and dicarboxylic acid by reacting at least one salicylic acid with at least one dicarboxylic acid and at least one acetic anhydride for every salicylic and dicarboxylic acid present. The composition is useful for functionalizing polyphenylene ethers that are capable of forming copolymers useful for compatibilizing blends of polyphenylene ethers and polyamides.

Abstract: A composition and method of making polyphenylene ethers capped by copolymers of salicylic acid and dicarboxylic acid by reacting at least one polyphenylene ether with at least one of the aforementioned copolymers. The composition is useful to form copolymers capable of compatibilizing blends of polyphenylene ethers and polyetherimides.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymer blends and compolymers of polyphenylene ethers, functionalized by copolymers of dicarboxylic acid and salicylic acid, which react with polyamides and are capable of compatibilizing blends of polyphenylene ethers and polyamides.

Abstract: Disclosed are blends comprising from about 40 to 70 wt. % of a polyetherimide and the remainder one or more polyamides. The blends generally have a tensile strength which is greater than the tensile strength of polyetherimide-polyamide blends which do not contain from about 40 to 70% polyetherimide, while still retaining a good combination of other physical properties such as heat distortion characteristics and impact strength. In addition, the blends of the invention may have a flexural strength which is greater than that of other polyetherimide-polyamide blends which do not contain from about 40 to 70% polyetherimide.

Abstract: An odor free polyphenylene ether is made from polymerization grade phenolic monomer which has been crystallized from a solvent. An amine free catalyst is used to polymerize the monomer. The polyphenylene ether is useful as a packaging material for food which is to be stored at a low temperature and/or cooked in the package at a high temperature.

Abstract: Odor components are removed from polyphenylene ether resins by extracting the resin with a ketone, preferably acetone. Odor components removed by this method include 7-methyldihydrobenzofuran, dihydrobenzofuran, 2,4,6-trimethylanisole, 2,6-dimethylcyclohexanone, and 2-ethylhex-2-enal, as well as dibutylamines and various unsaturated amines.

Abstract: Polymer blends and copolymers made therefrom, of anhydride-functionalized polyphenylene ether and polyetherimide. The components of the blends have improved compatibility, resulting in more homogeneous blends. The blends exhibit good mechanical properties and are suitable for forming films, molded products and other useful articles of manufacture. The copolymers have utility as compatibilizers for blends of polyphenylene ether and polyetherimide.

Abstract: Extrudate of polyphenylene ether-styrene resin blends having effective amounts of an organoamine salt has been found to have improved flame retardance.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ether-polyamide compositions which are compatibilized and have high impact strength and solvent resistance are prepared by melt blending a carboxy-functionalized polyphenylene ether with a polyamide. The carboxy-functionalized polyphenylene ethers contain at most one carbon atom separating the carboxy group from the aromatic ring and may be prepared by such reactions as metalation-carbonation or redistribution (equilibration).

Abstract: Polysalicylates are prepared according to the present invention by the reaction of salicylic acid with a carboxylic acid derivative such as acetic anhydride or acetyl chloride. The reaction is carried out under conditions which yield greater than about 90% by weight linear polysalicylate product.

Abstract: Silicone-polyarylene ether block copolymers are provided which can be made by effecting reaction between amino terminated polydiorganosiloxane and anhydride functionalized polyarylene ether.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ethers are capped by reaction at a temperature in the range of about 175.degree.-350.degree. C. with at least one carboxylic acid anhydride in the presence of a catalytic amount of at least one highly basic and/or nucleophilic amine. The capping reaction advantageously takes place in the melt. Blends of polyphenylene ethers with polystyrenes may also be capped.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ethers are capped by reaction in the melt with an ester of salicylic acid, anthranilic acid or a substituted derivative thereof; esters of salicylic acid, and especially salicylic carbonate and linear polysalicylates, are preferred. The capping reaction typically takes place at a temperature in the range of about 225.degree.-325.degree. C., employing about 5-12% by weight of the ester based on polyphenylene ether.

Abstract: An effective amount of an iron halide has been found to impart improved flame retardant properties to polyphenylene ether styrene resin blends.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ethers containing aminoalkyl-substituted end groups are sometimes undesirably reactive and unstable, especially at high temperatures. This problem is solved by reacting them, at temperatures within the range of about 200.degree.-300.degree. C., with nitrogen compounds containing at least one N--H moiety, such as .epsilon.-caprolactam.

Abstract: Copper-diamine complexes such as copper(II)-di-t-butylethylenediamine dibromide are prepared by the reaction of a dihalide such as 1,2-dibromoethane with an amine such as t-butylamine and a basic copper(II) compound such as cupric oxide in a nitrile solvent. The diamine can be liberated from the complex by reacting it with a complexing agent such as an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid salt.