Abstract: Polymers containing the phosphine oxide moiety are identified as being particularly useful in applications where resistance to atomic oxygen etching is required and in applications where second order nonlinear optical effects will be utilized. Particularly preferred polymers for these two applications include poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide)s (PEPOS), and novel PEPOS which include phenolphthalein sub-units and derivatives thereof have been prepared.

Abstract: There are disclosed carbonate polymers having ethenyl aryl moieties. Such carbonate polymers are prepared from one or more multi-hydric compounds and have an average degree of polymerization of at least about 1 based on multi-hydric compound. These polymers, including blends thereof, can be easily processed and shaped into various forms and structures according to the known techniques. During or subsequent to the processing, the polymers can be crosslinked, by exposure to heat or radiation, for example, to provide crosslinked polymer compositions. These compositions have a good combination of properties, including for example, processability into shaped articles having unexpectedly good combinations of toughness, solvent resistance, ignition resistance, modulus and resistance to thermal linear expansion.

Abstract: Fine particles of semi-crystalline ketone-containing aromatic polymers (PEEK, PEKK, etc.) are produced by controlling the rate and conditions of hydrolysis of an amorphous polyarylketimine intermediate. The choice of acid and its concentrations affects the rate of ketimine hydrolysis and subsequent particle formation. In addition, zero or reduced amounts of agitation during hydrolysis has been found to promote the formation of smaller (submicron) sized particles which are spherical in shape, while greater amounts of agitation or shear stress applied during hydrolysis results in nonspherical, larger particles. Carbon fiber reinforced composites were made from aqueous suspensions of these particles that were dispersed or stabilized by a water soluble polymer.

Abstract: The imidization temperature of poly(amide-acid) compositions derived from tetracarboxylic acid dianhydrides can be lowered by use of a bis(aminophenoxyphenyl) phosphine oxide in the diamine component which is reacted with the dianhydride. These homo- or copolyimides can be cyclized without use of catalysts or excessive temperature which can product undesired side reactions. Tough film forming materials can be produced which show excellent thermo-oxidative stability and high char yields even at 800.degree. C. in air.

Abstract: Novel diene/methacrylate ester block polymers, especially tertiary butyl methacrylate ester block polymers are uniquely prepared at near ambient temperatures and capable of being hydrolyzed and neutralized to yield the corresponding methacrylic acid and methacrylic acid salt (ionomer) derivatives. The compositions are usefully employed in the preparation of thermoplastic elastomers, adhesives and laminating films.

Abstract: Phosphine oxide-containing polyarylene ethers and sulfides can be reacted with organoamines to form novel graft copolymers (with monofunctional amines) or novel crosslinked thermosetting network compositions (with multifunctional amines). The network materials show desirable resistance to a variety of organic solvents including chloroform.

Abstract: Bis(maleimido) phenoxy phenylphosphine oxide monomers are formed by reacting a bis(aminophenoxyphenyl) phosphine oxide, e.g., bis(3-aminophenoxy) triphenylphosphine oxide, with maleic anhydride forming the intermediate bismaleamic acid species which is cyclodehydrated to the desired bismaleimido compound. The improved properties include: (1) a low melting point (T.sub.m =90.degree. C.); (2) a wide processing temperature range (T.sub.cure =210.degree. C.); and (3) a high T.sub.g value of 400.degree. C.; and (4) a high char yield which suggests flame resistance.

Abstract: Novel methacrylate ester block polymers comprising both a hydrolyzable and a non-hydrolyzable ester functionality are capable of being partially hydrolyzed and neutralized to yield the corresponding methacrylic acid and methacrylic acid salt (ionomer) derivatives. The compositions are usefully employed in the preparation of thermoplastic elastomers, adhesives and laminating films.

Abstract: Epoxy resins can be cured or crosslinked with trihydrocarbyl phosphine oxide compounds having epoxy-reactive (active hydrogen) substituents either alone or in combination with amine-terminated polyarylene ethers (e.g., amine-terminated polysulfone oligomers or high polymers.

Abstract: Amine-terminated poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide) oligomers of the general formula ##STR1## where Ar' is phenyl, biphenyl, bisphenol-A, etc., can be formed by reaction of a bisphenol monomer, a dihalo triphenyl phosphine oxide monomer, and an aminophenol.

Abstract: A blend of a polyolefin and a poly(alkyl vinyl ether) can be blended at elevated temperature to form a copolymer of the polyolefin and poly(alkyl vinyl ether). The resulting composition is useful as a compatibilizer, as a more water permeable substrate than the polyolefin, and as a photo-degradable material.

Abstract: Epoxy resins can be cured or crosslinked with triphenyl phosphine oxide compounds having epoxy-reactive (active hydrogen) substituents either alone or in combination with amine-terminated polyarylene ethers (e.g., amine-terminated polysulfone oligomers or high polymers.

Abstract: Polyether active hydrogen compounds having at least two terminal active hydrogen groups on primary carbon atoms are prepared by (a) forming polyoxyalkylene molecules each having at least one active hydrogen precursor, (b) linking at least two of the polyoxyalkylene molecules, and (c) converting the active hydrogen precursor groups to active hydrogen groups on primary carbon atoms. The polyoxyalkylene molecule is formed by exposing a reaction mixture comprising at least one alkylene oxide and at least one protective initiator to conditions effective for the polymerization of the alkylene oxides. Linking is accomplished at polyether chain ends distal to the protected active hydrogen precursor groups, such that the active hydrogen precursors remain on the linked polyether chains until they are converted to active hydrogen groups.

Abstract: N,N-disubstituted acrylamides are polymerized at temperatures from about -80.degree. to 100.degree. centigrade by anionically initiated polymerization to provide homogeneous polymerization by employing a solvent containing from about 25 to 100 weight percent of a pyridine type compound. Homopolymers or block polymers may be obtained.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an improved process for controlling the viscosity of organic liquids at low temperatures by incorporating in said liquid a minor amount of an ionic polymer and a cosolvent for the ionic groups of said polymer. The ionic polymer comprises a backbone which is substantially soluble in said organic liquid and pendant ionic groups which are substantially insoluble in said organic liquid, wherein such ionic polymer or terpolymer is formed from at least one acrylate or methacrylate monomer having at least eight carbon atoms and a minor portion of a sulfonate-containing monomer. A cosolvent is selected which will solubilize the pendant ionomeric groups and provide a reasonably homogeneous mixture of solvent, cosolvent and ionomeric polymer. The preferred compositions prepared by the method of the instant invention comprise an organic liquid having a solubility parameter of from 6 to 10.5 in combination with a sulfonated co- or terpolymer containing from 0.2 up to 10.