Abstract: A random copolymer composed of at least one arylene sulfide segment and at least one arylene aulfide sulfone segment is prepared by contacting at least one dihaloaromatic sulfide having a formula of X--Ar(R).sub.n --S--Ar.sup.1 (R.sup.1).sub.n --X.sup.1, with a mixture comprising at least one sulfur source and at least one dihaloaromatic sulfone having a formula of X.sup.2 --Ar.sup.2 (R.sup.2).sub.n --S(O.sub.2)--Ar.sup.3 (R.sup.3).sub.n --X.sup.3 in the presence of a polar organic compound under polymerization conditions to synthesize a random copolymer; where X, X.sup.1, X.sup.2, and X.sup.3 can be the same or different halogens and are each selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine; Ar, Ar.sup.1, Ar.sup.2, and Ar.sup.3 are each an arylene group; R, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.

Abstract: An aromatic sulfide/ketone polymer is prepared from a dihaloaromatic ketone, alkali metal sulfide, water and a polar organic compound. The polymerization reaction mixture is subjected to a heat soak at an elevated temperature, then a separation agent is added under controlled conditions and the mixture is subsequently cooled to provide a mixture comprising particulate aromatic sulfide/ketone polymer. Biaxially-oriented film is made from the recovered particles of aromatic sulfide/ketone polymer by (1) washing the polymer particles with an aqueous calcium salt, (2) heating the washed particles to remove water, (3) molding the heated particles to form a sheet of polymer, (4) biaxially stretching the sheet above the glass transition temperature of the polymer to form a film, and (5) heat-setting the biaxially-oriented film under stretching tension for a time and at a temperature to increase strength properties and density.

Abstract: Poly(arylene sulfide) polymers containing sulfone, ether and biphenyl groups are prepared by a two step process. In the first step, a diphenol is reacted with either a dihaloaromatic sulfone monomer or a bis(haloarylsulfonyl) biphenyl monomer, or both, in the presence of an alkali metal base and a polar organic compound. In the second step, the reaction mixture above is reacted with a sulfur source, and any monomer which was not employed in the first step, if any. The polymers prepared according to the invention process exhibit increased glass transition temperatures over those of known poly(arylene sulfide) polymers. The structure of repeating units of the polymer can be controlled by varying the sequence of addition of the monomers.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing reactant concentrations for the polymerization of PPS without creating a deterioration of the molecular weight of the resultant polymer by limiting the amount of by-product water present during the initial portion of the polymerization reaction.

Abstract: Poly(arylene sulfide) with reduced metal contamination is produced in a two step process by contacting a dihaloaromatic compound, a sulphur source, an organic amide, alkali metal carboxylate and water in a reaction vessel wherein at least the liquid contacting parts of the vessel are constructed of titanium.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing reactant concentrations for the polymerization of PPS without creating a deterioration of the molecular weight of the resultant polymer by venting excessive by-product water during the polymerization reaction.

Abstract: A first reaction mixture of at least one dihalo aromatic sulfone, at least one polyhydroxy aromatic compound, at least one organic amide and at least one alkali metal carbonate is contacted under polymerization conditions including a period of time at a temperature sufficient to form a reaction product, with the resulting product mixture being contacted with at least one polymerizable sulfur source, at least one organic amide, at least one alkali metal carboxylate, and water under polymerization conditions including a period of time at a temperature sufficient to form a branched aromatic sulfide sulfone polymer. The resulting polymers are useful in the production of coatings, films, molded objects, and fibers.

Abstract: This invention relates to making an arylene sulfide ketone polymer. In accordance with this invention, a diahloaromatic ketone, a polar organic compound, and an alkali metal sulfide are mixed together to form a first reaction mixture. This first reaction mixture is subjected to a first set of polymerization conditions effective to produce a polymerization mixture. This polymerization mixture is then dehydrated to form a dehydrated polymerization mixture. Additional dihaloaromatic ketone and polar organic compound is then mixed with the dehydrated polymerization mixture to form a second reaction mixture. This second reaction mixture is then subjected to a second set of polymerization conditions such that an arylene sulfide ketone polymer is formed.

Abstract: A poly(arylene sulfide ketone) or poly(arylene sulfide diketone) resin having improved handling characteristics is prepared by a process comprising preparing in a first enclosed vessel a slurry comprising a solid poly(arylene sulfide ketone) or poly(arylene sulfide diketone) resin and a liquid polar organic compound, and optionally water; then substantially liquifying the resin to form a mixture comprising substantially liquified resin and polar organic compound; then flashing the mixture into a second vessel having a pressure lower than the first vessel, thereby removing a portion of the polar organic compound and solidifying the resin.When the slurry further comprises water, the invention method optionally includes a venting step prior to the substantial liquification of the resin and/or a concentration step after the substantial liquification of the resin.

Abstract: Aromatic sulfide/ketone polymer is prepared from dihaloaromatic ketone, alkali metal sulfide, water and a polar organic compound. The polymerization reaction mixture comprising the aromatic sulfide/ketone polymer is subjected to a heat soak at elevated temperature then a separation agent (non-solvent) is added under controlled conditions and subsequently cooled to provide a mixture comprising particulate aromatic sulfide/ketone polymer.

Abstract: A polymerization process is provided for the production of high molecular weight aromatic sulfide/ketone polymer from at least one dihaloaromatic ketone, at least one alkali metal sulfide, at least one polar organic compound and water wherein the polymerization reaction is conducted in two distinct steps separated by an intermediate step of removal of at least a portion of the water.

Abstract: This invention provides a process to produce aromatic sulfide/sulfone polymers exhibiting high molecular weight, and having a light or "whitish" coloration. This process employs a dihaloaromatic sulfone, a sulfur-containing compound and a 1,3-dialkyl-2-imidazolidinone. These lighter colored polymers are more preferable commercially and may be useful in the production of coatings, films, molded objects, and glass or carbon fiber composites.

Abstract: A process for preparing arylene sulfide polymers by dehydrating an aqueous mixure of a sulfur source and a cyclic organic amide to form a dehydrated mixture, contacting the dehydrated mixture with a dihaloaromatic compound to produce a polymerization mixture, polymerizing the polymerization mixture and recovering the arylene sulfide polymer wherein the process is conducted in the presence of a compound selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, alkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons, alkyl ethers, aryl ethers, alkyl-aryl ethers, polyethers and saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic is provided which comprises a poly(arylene sulfide sulfone) polymer matrix and fibrous reinforcement. The fibrous reinforcement is treated with a poly(arylene sulfide sulfone) polymer containing ether groups prior to forming the reinforced plastic. Such treatment improves the mechanical strength of the reinforced plastic.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic is provided which comprises a continuous long fiber reinforcing material in an ether group-containing poly(arylene sulfide sulfone) polymer matrix.

Abstract: A process for preparing a branched, high molecular weight poly(arylene sulfide ketone) by the addition of a polyhaloaromatic compound to a reaction mixture containing a dihaloaromatic ketone, an organic amide, an alkali metal sulfide, and water, and the product produced therefrom.

Abstract: A process for preparing poly(arylene sulfide sulfone) by contacting a dihaloaromatic sulfone, an organic amide, a sulfur-containing compound selected from the group consisting of alkali metal bisulfides, hydrogen sulfide and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinethione, water, and an alkali metal carboxylate.

Abstract: Melt stable polymeric resins are provided by process which comprises heating a first particulate resin selected from the group consisting of poly(arylene sulfide ketone) and poly(arylene sulfide diketone), while in the presence of a gaseous oxidizing atmosphere, to a temperature at least about 150.degree. C. (302.degree. F.) but below the melting point of the first particulate resins, for time sufficient to produce a second particulate resin. The thermal stability of the second particulate resin is superior to that of its respective first particulate resin is superior to that of its respective first particulate resin. Moreover, the molecular weight of the second particulate resin is greater than that of its respective first particulate resin.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a process is provided for treating virgin arylene sulfide resins, wherein a heated polymer slurry, comprising a virgin arylene sulfide resin and water, is contacted by a buffer solution having a pH less than about 9.35 but greater than that necessary to result in at least a partial curing of the virgin arylene sulfide resin. In a further embodiment, a process is provided for treating a virgin arylene sulfide resin, wherein a virgin arylene sulfide resin is slurried in a buffer solution having a pH less than about 9.35 but greater than that necessary to result in at least a partial curing of the virgin arylene sulfide resin. The treating process of this invention is conducted at an elevated temperature, below the melting point of the virgin arylene sulfide resin, while in the substantial absence of a gaseous oxidizing atmosphere. The treated arylene sulfide resins are recovered from the polymer slurry in a manner which does not result in at least a partial curing of the treated resin.

Abstract: A process for the production of arylene sulfide polymers is provided which comprises subjecting a mixture of at least one sulfur source, at least one organic monohalo compound, at least one polyhalo-substituted aromatic compound and at least one polar organic compound to polymerization conditions sufficient to produce the arylene sulfide polymer. The organic monohalo compound can be added at any time prior to substantial completion of polymerization to provide arylene sulfide polymers of increased extrusion rate.