Abstract: Disclosed are processes for preparing 1,6-hexanediol from levoglucosenone. In one embodiment, the process comprises contacting levoglucosenone with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst comprising palladium, platinum/tungsten, nickel/tungsten, rhodium/rhenium, or mixtures thereof at a first temperature between about 50° C. and 100° C. and at a first reaction pressure between about 50 psi and 2000 psi for a first reaction period, and at a second temperature between about 120° C. and 250° C. and at a second pressure between about 500 psi and 2000 psi for a second reaction period to form a product mixture comprising 1,6-hexanediol, wherein the first reaction period is the amount of time in which the levoglucosenone has a conversion of at least about 95%. In one embodiment, the 1,6-hexanediol is converted to 1,6-diaminohexane.

Abstract: Provided are novel compositions comprising a polyarylene sulfide and at least one tin additive comprising a branched tin(II) carboxylate selected from the group consisting of Sn(O2CR)2, Sn(O2CR)(O2CR?), Sn(O2CR)(O2CR?), and mixtures thereof, where the carboxylate moieties O2CR and O2CR? independently represent branched carboxylate anions and the carboxylate moiety O2CR? represents a linear carboxylate anion. Articles comprising the novel compositions are also provided. In addition, methods to improve the thermal stability of polyarylene sulfides, and methods to improve the thermo-oxidative stability of polyarylene sulfides, through the use of the disclosed branched tin(II) carboxylates are provided. The polyarylene sulfide compositions are useful in various applications which require superior thermal resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical insulating properties.

Abstract: New triaminophenol compositions and related compounds are disclosed, as are processes for their preparation and for the preparation of novel salts and diacid complexes from such compounds. Polymers prepared from these compositions can be made into high strength fiber, film., and tape and are useful in applications such as protective apparel, aircraft., automotive components, personal electronics, and sports equipment.

Abstract: An integrated process is provided for efficiently preparing 2,4,5-triaminophenol, starting with nitration of 2,6-dihalobenzene; high purity salts thereof; and complexes of 2,4,5-triaminophenol aromatic diacids, which are precursors for making polybenzimidazole polymer for high performance fibers. The process design eliminates several costly intermediate drying and recrystallization steps. The handling of solid materials with possible skin sensitizing properties and toxicity is avoided, thereby eliminating human and environmental exposure.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of 1-amino-3-halo-4,6-dinitrobenzene and related compounds by monoamination of dihalodinitrobenzenes by ammonia in the presence of solvent and water. Using glycol as a solvent for the dihalodinitrobenzene and feeding ammonia at a rate at which it is consumed allows for the synthesis of high purity product, such as 1-amino-3-chloro-4,6-dinitrobenzene, at high yields.

Abstract: A process is provided to produce 2,3,5,6-tetraaminotoluene. Highly pure salts of 2,3,5,6-tetraaminotoluene are produced via reduction of 2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitrotoluene. The 2,3,5,6-tetraaminotoluene salt is precipitated as a clean (>99% purity) product. The salt is a precursor for monomers to make a polybenzimidazole for high performance fibers.

Abstract: Highly pure 2,3,5,6-tetraaminotoluene species are produced by chemically reducing undesirable oxidation byproducts. The 2,3,5,6-tetraaminotoluene species are then used in the manufacture of superior high-performance polybenzimidazole polymers.

Abstract: An integrated process is provided for preparing 2,3,5,6-tetraminotoluene and salts thereof starting with nitration of 2,6-dihalotoluene. The process design eliminates costly intermediate drying and recrystallization steps. Handling of solid materials with possible skin sensitizing properties and toxicity is avoided, thereby eliminating human and environmental exposure.

Abstract: New triaminophenol compositions and related compounds are disclosed, as are processes for their preparation and for the preparation of novel salts and diacid complexes from such compounds. Polymers prepared from these compositions can be made into high strength fiber, film, and tape and are useful in applications such as protective apparel, aircraft, automotive components, personal electronics, and sports equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a copolyamide including at least two repeat units selected from the group consisting of structures (I) to (IV), —C(O)(CH2)10C(O)NH(CH2)nNH—??(I); —C(O)(CH2)12C(O)NH(CH2)nNH—??(II); —C(O)(CH2)14C(O)NH(CH2)nNH—??(II); and —C(O)(CH2)16C(O)NH(CH2)nNH—??(IV); and n is an integer selected from 4, 6, 10 or 12; wherein at least one repeat unit is selected from structures (I) and (II); and any one the repeat units may be present up to about 92 mole percent. Also disclosed is a process for providing the copolyamide; and thermoplastic compositions and tubing including the copolyamides.

Abstract: An integrated process is provided for efficiently preparing 2,4,5-triaminaphenol, starting with nitration of 2,6-dihalobenzene; high purity salts thereof; and complexes of 2,4,5-triaminophenol aromatic diacids, which are precursors for making polybenzimidazole polymer for high performance fibers. The process design eliminates several costly intermediate drying and recrystallization steps. The handling of solid materials with possible skin sensitizing properties and toxicity is avoided, thereby eliminating human and environmental exposure.

Abstract: Provided are films made from copolyesters having improved oil repellency as compared to conventional copolyesters. The copolyesters are derived from certain perfluorinated monomers.

Abstract: Ethers of aromatic acids are produced from halogenated aromatic acids in a reaction mixture containing a copper (I) or copper (II) source and a diamine ligand that coordinates to copper.

Abstract: New triaminophenol compositions and related compounds are disclosed, as are processes for their preparation and for the preparation of novel salts and diacid complexes from such compounds. Polymers prepared from these compositions can be made into high strength fiber, film, and tape and are useful in applications such as protective apparel, aircraft, automotive components, personal electronics, and sports equipment.

Abstract: Provided are novel compositions comprising a polyarylene sulfide and at least one tin additive comprising a branched tin(II) carboxylate selected from the group consisting of Sn(O2CR)2, Sn(O2CR)(O2CR?), Sn(O2CR)(O2CR?), and mixtures thereof, where the carboxylate moieties O2CR and O2CR? independently represent branched carboxylate anions and the carboxylate moiety O2CR? represents a linear carboxylate anion. Articles comprising the novel compositions are also provided. In addition, methods to improve the thermal stability of polyarylene sulfides, and methods to improve the thermo-oxidative stability of polyarylene sulfides, through the use of the disclosed branched tin(II) carboxylates are provided. The polyarylene sulfide compositions are useful in various applications which require superior thermal resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical insulating properties.

Abstract: A nonwoven web comprising bicomponent fibers. The fibers have continuous phases each of a first polyarylene sulfide (PAS) component and a polymer component. The polymer component may also be a second polyarylene sulfide. The first polyarylene sulfide component contains a tin or a zinc additive or both, and the first polyarylene sulfide component of any given fiber is at least partially exposed to the external surface of that fiber.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for decreasing the complex viscosity of a polyarylene sulfide polymer melt while maintaining the molecular weight of the polyarylene sulfide with time. This invention also relates to polymer melt compositions comprising a polyarylene sulfide, wherein the complex viscosity of the composition is decreased relative to the complex viscosity of the native polyarylene sulfide measured under the same conditions, and the weight average molecular weight of the polyarylene sulfide is maintained. The methods of decreasing the complex viscosity of a polyarylene sulfide-containing polymer melt, and the polymer melt compositions so obtained, are useful in processes to produce fibers, films, nonwovens, and molded parts from polyarylene sulfides.

Abstract: New triaminophenol compositions and related compounds are disclosed, as are processes for their preparation and for the preparation of novel salts and diacid complexes from such compounds. Polymers prepared from these compositions can be made into high strength fiber, film, and tape and are useful in applications such as protective apparel, aircraft, automotive components, personal electronics, and sports equipment.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the curing of a polyarylene sulfide. The polyarylene sulfide is blended with a cure accelerator to form a mixture where the weight percentage of accelerator is between 0.2% and 15.0% of the total weight of the blend. The mixture is cured at 320° C. or above for at least 20 minutes. The cure accelerator is a compound selected from the group consisting of ionomers, hindered phenols, polyhydric alcohols, polycarboxylates, and mixtures of the foregoing.

Abstract: New triaminophenol compositions and related compounds are disclosed, as are processes for their preparation and for the preparation of novel salts and diacid complexes from such compounds. Polymers prepared from these compositions can be made into high strength fiber, film, and tape and are useful in applications such as protective apparel, aircraft, automotive components, personal electronics, and sports equipment.