Abstract: A process is provided for producing a high molecular weight poly(arylene sulfide) polymer employing at least one dihaloaromatic compound, a sulfur source, a polar organic compound, a lithium salt which is soluble in the polar organic compound, and water in an amount less than about 1.75 moles of water per mole of sulfur under polymerization conditions. The pressure and temperature are chosen to allow the volatile reactants to be maintained in liquid form in the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming poly(arylene sulfide) fibrids by flashing a solution which is comprised of a poly(arylene sulfide) polymer in a polar organic compound and which is essentially free of solids under suitable conditions to form a solidified product comprising poly(arylene sulfide) fibrids.

Abstract: A process for preparing poly(arylene sulfide) with reduced metal contamination is produced by contacting a dihaloaromatic compound, a sulfur source, a polar organic compound, and an alkali metal carboxylate in a reaction vessel wherein at least the liquid contacting parts of the vessel are constructed of titanium. In another aspect of the invention a polymer produced by the above described process is provided.

Abstract: Poly(arylene sulfide) with reduced metal contamination is produced in a two step process by contacting a dihaloaromatic compound, a sulphur source, an organic amide, alkali metal carboxylate and water in a reaction vessel wherein at least the liquid contacting parts of the vessel are constructed of titanium.

Abstract: A phenylene sulfide/sulfone polymer with relatively good melt stability and a method of producing such a polymer are provided. A previously produced phenylene sulfide/sulfone polymer is redissolved in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone to form a solution. This solution is combined with an alcohol to precipitate highly melt stable phenylene sulfide/sulfone polymer in a particulate form. The alcohol has one to four carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, and the like and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides a process to produce aromatic sulfide/sulfone polymers exhibiting high molecular weight, and having a light or "whitish" coloration. This process employs a dihaloaromatic sulfone, a sulfur-containing compound and a 1,3-dialkyl-2-imidazolidinone. These lighter colored polymers are more preferable commercially and may be useful in the production of coatings, films, molded objects, and glass or carbon fiber composites.

Abstract: A phenylene sulfide/sulfone polymer with relatively good melt stability and a method of producing such a polymer are provided. A previously produced phenylene sulfide/sulfone polymer is redissolved in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone to form a solution. This solution is combined with an alcohol to precipitate highly melt stable phenylene sulfide/sulfone polymer in a particulate form. The alcohol has one to four carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, and the like and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An improved process for producing biphenylene sulfide comprising reacting difluorobiphenyl with an alkali metal sulfide in a polar organic compound. The resulting polymer has a high melting point and fiber composites formed therefrom have excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: Improved poly(arylene sulfide sulfone)s are prepared by contacting these polymers with a zinc source, optionally first with an alkali metal base, for a period of time sufficient to incorporate enough zinc cations to improve the melt stability of the polymers. The polymer can be subsequently cured to increase molecular weight.

Abstract: P-Phenylene sulfide polymers are produced by reacting a mixture of p-dihalobenzene, at least one organic amide, lithium sulfide and additional alkali metal sulfide chosen from among sodium sulfide, potassium sulfide, rubidium sulfide, cesium sulfide, and mixtures thereof at conditions suitable for producing a polymer. The use of additional alkali metal sulfide along with lithium sulfide produces polymers of higher molecular weight than can be prepared using a single alkali metal sulfide. The higher molecular weight polymer can be molded into films which, upon quenching, are tough, creasible, and opaque as contrasted with the brittle, transparent character of quenched, molded films produced from polymer prepared using a single alkali metal sulfide.