Abstract: A photorefractive (PR) device comprises of a layer of a novel photorefractive polymer composite sandwiched inbetween two transparent electrodes. The PR polymer composite comprises a photoconducting polymer, a photosensitizer, a novel second-order, non-linear optical chromophore, and a plasticizer in an amount sufficient to provide the PR polymer composite with a glass transition temperature below about 45.degree. C. The PR polymer composite is capable of internally storing image patterns generated by interfering two coherent light beams inside the material. The PR polymer composite shows high diffraction efficiencies (near 100%) and high net two-coupling gain (>200 cm.sup.-1). The writing of information is reversible. Consequently, the device is suitable for read/write holographic storage and real-time image processing applications, and is capable of being poled at essentially room temperature.

Abstract: This invention provides novel polymers containing alkyl vinylidene cyanide moieties that exhibit nonlinear optical and piezoelectric properties. The polymers have utility as media in optical devices.

Abstract: The synthesis of novel strained bicyclic lactones and their ring-opening polymerization to high molecular weight polyester polymers is disclosed.

Abstract: Linear, melt processable, crosslinkable, thermotropic wholly aromatic ("liquid crystal") polyesters are prepared by polymerizing difunctional stilbene or tolan derivatives as comonomers with non-ethylenically and non-acetylenically unsaturated aromatic diols, dicarboxylic acids, hydroxy acids or reactive derivatives thereof. Shaped structures made from these polyesters are crosslinked using electron-poor monomers, such as maleic anhydride.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved type of high molecular weight polybenzimidazole, which involves the use of a phosphorus-containing polymerization catalyst.The process provides poly-2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5'-bibenzimidazole of improved color and plugging value, and is further characterized by an inherent viscosity of at least about 0.7 dl/g, and a weight average molecular weight of at least about 100,000.

Abstract: This invention provides a single stage melt polymerization process for the production of an improved type of high molecular weight polybenzimidazole, which involves the use of a phosphorus-containing polymerization catalyst.The process provides poly-2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5'-bibenzimidazole of improved color and plugging value, and is further characterized by an inherent viscosity of at least about 0.7 dl/g, and a weight average molecular weight of at least about 100,000.

Abstract: In the two stage reaction of terephthalic acid with 1,4-butanediol to produce polybutylene terephthalate in which acid and diol are first subjected to catalytic esterification/oligomerization and the resulting products are thereafter subjected to catalytic polycondensation, the co-production of tetrahydrofuran is significantly reduced by conducting the polycondensation reaction prior to completion of the esterification/oligomerization reaction.

Abstract: This invention provides a single stage melt polymerization process for the production of an improved type of high molecular weight polybenzimidazole, which involves the use of a phosphorus-containing polymerization catalyst.The process provides poly-2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5'-bibenzimidazole of improved color and plugging value, and is further characterized by an inherent viscosity of at least about 0.7 dl/g, and a weight average molecular weight of at least about 100,000.

Abstract: In the two stage reaction of terephthalic acid with 1,4-butanediol to produce polybutylene terephthalate in which acid and diol are first subjected to catalytic esterification/oligomerization and the resulting products are thereafter subjected to catalytic polycondensation, the co-production of tetrahydrofuran is significantly reduced by conducting the polycondensation reaction prior to completion of the esterification/oligomerization reaction.