Abstract: A vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer binder emulsion prepared by the copolymerization of vinyl acetate and ethylene in the presence of a polyvinyl alcohol which is 50 to 99 mole % hydrolyzed and has a 100 to 375 degree of polymerization such that it demonstrates a viscosity of about 2.4 to 4 as a 4% aqueous solution at 20.degree. C. Nonwoven fabrics bond with such copolymers possess surprisingly improved softness while maintaining toughness.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the manufacture of polyurethane-urea elastomers formed by reacting a prepolymer of an organic polyisocyanate and a compound having at least two Zerewitenoff active hydrogen atoms with a chain extender comprising t-butylbenzenediamine. The utilization of t-butylbenzenediamine as an aromatic diamine chain extender imparts flexibility in the handling of reactable compositions due to an increase in pot life and imparts excellent tensile modulus to the resulting polymer.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of maleimides and dimaleimides in high yield, wherein in the first step maleic anhydride and a suitable primary amine or diamine are contacted at about 30.degree.-60.degree. C. in the presence of a simple, cheap organic solvent; and in the second step the thus-formed intermediate is cyclized, without prior isolation, at 45.degree.-60.degree. C. in the presence of a lower fatty acid anhydride, a tertiary amine having a pK.sub.a of at least 10 and of a salt of magnesium, lithium, manganese(II), or cobalt(II) soluble in the liquid reaction medium to the extent of at least 0.2 weight percent. Alternatively, the tertiary amine can be added in the first step. The product maleimide or dimaleimide normally can be isolated by filtration after cooling to room temperature. Water-miscible solvents may be diluted with water prior to product isolation. Certain N,N'-arylene-dimaleimides, which can be prepared by this process, are vulcanization adjuvants for elastomers.