Abstract: Polyurethanes, and rigid polyurethane foams in particular, are made using certain amides of modified fatty acids. The fatty acid groups are substituted hydroxymethyl, N-hydroxyalkyl aminoalkyl or hydroxy-substituted ester groups. The amide portion of the molecule contains hydroxyalkyl or other hydroxyl-substituted organic groups bonded to the amide nitrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that have an amide linkage and at least two epoxy groups. The compounds are preferably aliphatic.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermoplastic hydroxy-functional polyesters. The polyesters have at least 10 sequential units, wherein the sequential units consist of units selected from units represented by the following formula (1) and units represented by the following formula (2); Wherein each of R1 independently represents hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted homoalkyl or heteroalkyl group; each of R2 independently represents hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted homoalkyl or heteroalkyl group; each of R3 independently represents hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted homoalkyl or heteroalkyl group; Each of R4 independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted homoalkyl or heteroalkyl group; and said moiety having no fewer than 1 unit represented by formula (1) and no fewer than 1 unit represented by formula (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides network polymers obtained by curing compositions that comprise an ester with at least two terminal epoxy groups. Preferred esters include those represented by the formula (1), wherein each R1 independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted homoaliphatic or heteroaliphatic group; A represents a substituted or unsubstituted homoalkylene, hetemalkylene, arylene, or heteroarylene segment; and n represents an integer equal to or greater than 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermoplastic hydroxy-functional polyesters. The polyesters have at least 10 sequential units, wherein the sequential units consist of units selected from units represented by the following formula (1) and units represented by the following formula (2); Wherein each of R1 independently represents hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted homoalkyl or heteroalkyl group; each of R2 independently represents hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted homoalkyl or heteroalkyl group; each of R3 independently represents hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted homoalkyl or heteroalkyl group; Each of R4 independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted homoalkyl or heteroalkyl group; and said moiety having no fewer than 1 unit represented by formula (1) and no fewer than 1 unit represented by formula (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides network polymers obtained by curing compositions that comprise an ester with at least two terminal epoxy groups. Preferred esters include those represented by the formula (1), wherein each R1 independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted homoaliphatic or hctcroaliphatic group; A represents a substituted or unsubstituted homoalkylene, hetemalkylene, arylene, or hetematylene segment; and n represents an integer equal to or greater than 2.

Abstract: Epoxy resins containing rodlike mesogenic moieties are prepared from phenolic hydroxyl containing compounds which contain such moieties.

Abstract: Thermosettable resins, including epoxy resins, polythiirane resins and vinyl ester resins were prepared from compounds containing one or more discotic mesogenic moieties. The resultant thermosettable resins may be processed to provide the discotic liquid crystalline state. The thermosettable resin compositions can be employed in coating, casting, encapsulation, electronic or structural laminate or composite, filament winding, molding and the like applications.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novolacs and thermosets thereof containing mesogenic moieties. Certain of said novolacs and thermosets thereof exhibit nonlinear optical properties upon orientation.

Abstract: Novel polycyanate compositions containing one or more mesogenic moieties as lateral substituents are disclosed which provide improved processability relative to polycyanates containing one or more mesogenic moieties in the main chain of the molecule. Molecular level ordering of the resulting thermosets is maintained much similar to that found thermosets of polycyanates which have one or more mesogenic moieties in the main chain.

Abstract: Adducts containing mesogenic or rodlike moieties are prepared by reacting (1) at least one compound containing an average of more than one vicinal epoxide group per molecule with (2) at least one compound containing an average of more than one reactive hydrogen atom per molecule; with the proviso that at least one member of components (1) and (2) contains a mesogenic or rodlike moiety. These compounds are useful as curing agents for epoxy resins.

Abstract: Anhydride compounds which contain at least one rodlike mesogenic moiety and at least two anhydride groups per molecule, wherein each of said aromatic anhydride groups is linked to the mesogen via an ester linkage are prepared. These anhydride compounds are useful in curing epoxy resins to provide the cured products with one or more improved properties.

Abstract: Curable compositions containing (A) one or more epoxy resins, one (B) or more curing agents and (C) one or more cure controlling catalysts wherein at least one of components (A) or (B) or both components (A) and (B) contain a mesogenic moiety are prepared. These curable compositions permit processing at higher temperatures and improved properties. They are useful in the preparation of coatings, castings, electrical or laminates or composites and the like.

Abstract: Novel cyclic imino ether compositions containing one or more mesogenic moieties, when polymerized, result in products having improved properties.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novolacs and thermosets thereof containing mesogenic moieties. Certain of said novolacs and thermosets thereof exhibit nonlinear optical properties upon orientation.

Abstract: Novel polycyanate compositions containing one or more mesogenic moieties as lateral substituents are disclosed which provide improved processability relative to polycyanates containing one or more mesogenic moieties in the main chain of the molecule. Molecular level ordering of the resulting thermosets is maintained much similar to that found thermosets of polycyanates which have one or more mesogenic moieties in the main chain.

Abstract: Adducts containing terminating nitro (nitroso) groups and one or more mesogenic moleties are prepared by reacting (A) at least one compound containing an average of more than one vicinal epoxide group per molecule with (B) at least one compound containing one or more nitro (nitroso) groups and an average of one reactive hydrogen atom per molecule; with the proviso that at least one member of components (A) and (B) contains a mesogenic moiety. Reaction of part or all of the aliphatic hydroxyl backbone groups by etherification, conversion to a halide, urethanation, oxidation to a ketone, or reduction of said ketone to an alkane, decreases the amount of hydroxyl group functionality. Reduction of these adducts provides amines which are useful as curing agents for epoxy resins.

Abstract: The diglycidyl ether of 4,4'-dihydroxy-.alpha.-methylstilbene is prepared.

Abstract: Mesogen containing biaxially oriented films are prepared from curable mixtures containing an epoxy resin and a curing agent therefor. Certain of the mesogen containing biaxially oriented films possess unique properties, such as a metallic like, highly reflective appearance. These films are useful in adhesives, coatings, laminates or composites and the like.

Abstract: Laminates containing one or more plies of substrate material impregnated with a composition containing (A) one or more epoxy resins, (B) one or more curing agent and (C) about 0.00005 to about 0.1 mole per epoxide equivalent of cure controlling catalyst, wherein at least one of components (A) or (B) contain at least one mesogenic moiety, which, optionally, has been subjected to either (a) the application of an electric field, (b) the application of a magnetic field, (c) drawing or shear forces, or (d) any combination thereof, are prepared.