Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing relatively insoluble bisimides under conditions which afford high imidization reaction rates and which permit the monitoring and adjustment of reactant stoichiometry at any stage of the reaction. The bisimides provided by the present invention are prepared either by reaction of a diamine such as 4,4?-diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) with an anhydride, for example 3-chlorophthalic anhydride (3-ClPA) in the presence of a solvent at a pressure greater than one atmosphere and at a temperature above the normal boiling point of the solvent, or by reaction of a monoamine with a dianhydride under the same conditions. In one embodiment, the relatively insoluble product bisimides provided by the present invention have a solubility in ortho-dichlorobenzene of less than about 10 percent by weight at a temperature of about 180° C.

Abstract: High heat polyethersulfone compositions are provided which possess unexpectedly high glass transition temperatures. The polyethersulfone compositions comprise structural units derived from phthalimide bisphenols such as 3,3-bis(4 -hydroxyphenyl)-N-phenylphthalimide, and structural units derived from at least one biphenyl-bissulfone such as 4,4?-bis((4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl)-1,1?-biphenyl. The novel polyethersulfone compositions may further comprise structural units derived from one or more biphenols such as 4,4?-biphenol, bisphenols such as BPA, or other electrophilic sulfone monomers, such as bis(4-chlorophenyl)sulfone. In one embodiment, the polyethersulfone composition of the present invention comprises structural groups derived exclusively from 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-N-phenylphthalimide, and 4,4?-bis((4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl)-1,1?-biphenyl and exhibits a single glass transition of greater than 300° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing an alkali metal salt of a hydroxy-substituted hydrocarbon which comprises the steps of (i) contacting in solvent media at least one hydroxy-substituted hydrocarbon with a base comprising an alkali metal cation; and (ii) devolatilizing the solvent media comprising alkali metal salt by adding or spraying the solvent media into a substantially water-immiscible organic solvent, said solvent being at a temperature greater than the boiling point of solvent media at the prevailing pressure. In one embodiment the solvent media comprises water, and optionally at least one water-soluble protic organic solvent.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polyimide includes introducing a mixture of an oligomer and a solvent to an extruder, removing solvent via at least one extruder vent, and melt kneading the oligomer to form a polyimide. The polyimide has a low residual solvent content. The method is faster than solution polymerization of polyimides, and it avoids the stoichiometric inaccuracies associated with reactive extrusion processes that use monomers as starting materials.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the amount of undesirable cyclic oligomer by-products in the production of polyetherimides are disclosed. The resulting polyetherimides have enhanced thermomechanical properties.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the amount of undesirable by-products in the production of polymers are disclosed. The resulting polyetherimides have lower polydispersivity and enhanced thermomechanical properties. In some embodiments, cyclic and low molecular weight linear oligomers are also obtained.

Abstract: Copolyetherimides comprise phthalimide structural units comprising both 3- and 4-linkages, wherein the designations 3-linkage and 4-linkage refer to the isomeric positions on the phthalimide ring in the totality of phthalimide-comprising structural units in the copolymer. The products have excellent properties, including high glass transition and heat distortion temperatures, high ductility and good melt flow properties, and low polydispersity.

Abstract: Resinous compositions are disclosed which comprise at least one ionomeric polyester and at least one organoclay. Also a method is disclosed for improving the modulus properties of a resinous composition comprising at least one organoclay, the method comprising the steps of combining the resinous composition with at least one ionomeric polyester, and intimately mixing the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing impurities from products derived from oxidation of an ortho-dialkylaromatic compound which comprises at least one step selected from the group consisting of extraction of an aqueous solution comprising aromatic dicarboxylic acid product with an organic solvent and extraction of an organic solution comprising aromatic anhydride product with an aqueous bicarbonate solution for a time period insufficient to allow hydrolysis of anhydride to acid.

Abstract: Disclosed are stabilized polymeric blends wherein two components having different viscosities are stabilized by the use of a filler material. Also disclosed are methods for the formation of such stabilized blends.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymer-organoclay composite compositions comprising an thermoplastic organic polymer bearing amine groups, an organoclay containing quaternary ammonium ions incorporating at least two alkyl or cycloalkyl groups; and optionally one or more additional thermoplastic polymers, impact modifying agents and compatibilizing agents. The performance characteristics of the polymer-organoclay composite compositions are found to be closely linked to the structure of the ammonium cation present in the organoclay used. The compositions are suitable for use in the manufacture of molded articles.

Abstract: Impact modified, compatibilized poly(phenylene ether)-polyamide compositions containing either a polybutene or an organosiloxane mixture give molded parts with good surface appearance, improved flow at high shear rate, and improved low temperature impact strength in comparison to control blends without added organosiloxane mixture or polybutene.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising an organoclay and polyphenylene ether resin and blends containing polyphenylene ether resin. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions exhibit physical properties that are enhanced over compositions containing clay of the prior art. The invention also relates to methods to enhance the ductility of thermoplastic compositions as compared to compositions containing clay of the prior art. The invention also relates to articles made from the compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising an organo clay and polyphenylene ether resin and blends containing polyphenylene ether resin

Abstract: Bis(halophthalimides) such as, 3-bis[N-(4-chlorophthalimido)]benzene are prepared in slurry in an organic liquid such as o-dichlorobenzene or anisole, by a reaction at a temperature of at least 150° C. between at least one diamino compound, preferably an aromatic diamine such as m- or p-phenylenediamine, and at least one halophthalic anhydride such as 4-chlorophthalic anhydride, in the presence of an imidization catalyst such as sodium phenylphosphinate. The solids content of the reaction mixture is at least about 5% and preferably at least about 12% by weight. The product slurry may be employed directly in the preparation of polyetherimides, and similar slurries may be employed to prepare other polyether polymers.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a substantially flame retardant composition comprising: (a) a thermoplastic polyester and copolyester material, a halogenated organic fire retardant, antimony oxide, organo clay, and a fluorocarbon polymer. Also provided are compositions comprising glass fibers and stabilizers. The combination of the organo clay and the fluorocarbon polymer exhibits a synergistic effect on the fire retardant properties of the instantly claimed composition. This synergistic effect helps reduce the amount of the halogenated organic fire retardant in the instantly claimed flame retardant composition.

Abstract: Compatibilized blends of poly(phenylene ether) resins and polyester resins are provided from nucleophile containing poly(phenylene ether) resins and polyester resins and compatibilizer compounds to afford articles having good impact, ductility and tensile properties. The compositions may further comprise impact modifiers, metal salts, reinforcing agents, flame retardants and flow promoters. Articles made from the compositions are useful for automotive components. Polymers chain extended with multifunctional orthoesters are claimed.

Abstract: Compatibilized blends of poly(phenylene ether) resins and polyester resins are provided from nucleophile containing poly(phenylene ether) resins and polyester resins and compatibilizer compounds to afford articles having good impact, ductility and tensile properties. The compositions may further comprise impact modifiers, metal salts, reinforcing agents, flame retardants and flow promoters. Articles made from the compositions are useful for automotive components.

Abstract: Novel silicate minerals that have undergone a cation exhange with at least one heteroaromatic cation comprising a positively charged organo-substituted heteroatom and/or at least one positively charged heteroatom not part of an aromatic ring with at least one bond having a bond order greater than one and compositions comprising the same are described.

Abstract: Compatibilized blends of poly(phenylene ether) resins and polyester resins are provided from nucleophile containing poly(phenylene ether) resins and polyester resins and compatibilizer compounds to afford articles having good impact, ductility and tensile properties. The compositions may further comprise impact modifiers, metal salts, reinforcing agents, flame retardants and flow promoters. Articles made from the compositions are useful for automotive components.