Abstract: A process for removing sulfur dioxide in a fluid such as, for example, sulfolene or sulfolane, comprises circulating the fluid in a loop under conditions sufficient to effect the removal of sulfur dioxide from the fluid wherein the loop comprises at least one spraying device such as, for example, a spray nozzle.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a poly(arylene sulfide) polymer which employs at least one base as a reactant, wherein the base is contacted with the polymerization reaction mixture incrementally during the polymerization.

Abstract: A process for producing sulfolane compounds is provided which comprises: (1) contacting a conjugated diene with sulfur dioxide under conditions sufficient to synthesize a sulfolene compound whereby a mixture of the sulfolene compound and impurities comprising unreacted sulfur dioxide is produced; (2) transferring the mixture to an impurities removal vessel containing a freezing point depressant which comprises an aromatic compound; (3) removing the impurities; (4) transferring the impurities-reduced sulfolene compound to a hydrogenation reactor; (5) contacting the impurities-reduced sulfolene compound with hydrogen, in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, under conditions sufficient to produce a sulfolane compound; and (6) optionally recovering the sulfolane compound.

Abstract: Poly(biphenylene sulfide/poly(phenylene sulfide) copolymers are produced by contacting a p-dihalobenzene and a bis-p-halobiphenyl under polymerization condiditons. Additionally a poly(biphenylene sulfide)/poly(phenylene sulfide) copolymer/fiber reinforced composite is provided.

Abstract: A process for producing sulfolane compounds is provided which comprises: (1) contacting a conjugated diene with sulfur dioxide under conditions sufficient to synthesize a sulfolene compound whereby a mixture of the sulfolene compound and impurities comprising unreacted sulfur dioxide is produced; (2) transferring the mixture, at a temperature in the range of about 55.degree. C. to about 85.degree. C., to an impurities removal reactor containing a solvent; (3) removing the impurities under an elevated pressure to produce an impurities-reduced sulfolene compound; (4) transferring the impurities-reduced sulfolene compound to a hydrogenation reactor; (5) contacting said impurities-reduced sulfolene compound with hydrogen, in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, under conditions sufficient to produce a sulfolane compound; and (6) optionally recovering said sulfolane compound.

Abstract: A process for purifying a halogenated aromatic sulfone or ketone compound comprises contacting the compound with a mixture containing a solvent having a normal boiling point less than about 225.degree. C. and water to form a second mixture, heating the second mixture at a temperature sufficient to substantially dissolve the halogenated compound to form a third mixture, cooling the third mixture to purify and recrystallize the compound, and recovering the purified, recrystallized compound. A second embodiment of the invention comprises repeating the purification process steps at least once to further purify the halogenated aromatic sulfone or ketone compound.

Abstract: Poly(biphenylene sulfide/poly(phenylene sulfide) copolymers are produced by contacting a p-dihalobenzene and a bis-p-halobiphenyl under polymerization conditions. Additionally a poly(biphenylene sulfide)/poly(phenylene sulfide) copolymer/fiber reinforced composite is provided.

Abstract: A process for purifying a halogenated aromatic sulfone or ketone compound comprising contacting the compound with a solvent having a normal boiling point less than about 225.degree. C. to form a mixture, heating the mixture to a temperature above the normal boiling point of the solvent in a closed system to form a solution, cooling the solution to recrystallize the compound, and recovering the compound. A second embodiment of the invention comprises repeating the purification process steps at least once to further purify the halogenated aromatic sulfone or ketone compound.