Abstract: A sulfenamide vulcanization accelerator is provided that acts satisfactorily slowly on a vulcanization reaction, produces no carcinogenic nitrosamine, and is free from environmental hygiene problems such as bioaccumulation. Also provided is an N-alkyl-N-t-butylbenzothiazole-2-sulfenamide represented by formula [I]. The vulcanization accelerator is a vulcanization accelerator for rubber, containing this compound. Furthermore provided is a process for producing the vulcanization accelerator. wherein R represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, or n-butyl.

Abstract: A sulfenamide vulcanization accelerator is provided that acts satisfactorily slowly on a vulcanization reaction, produces no carcinogenic nitrosamine, and is free from environmental hygiene problems such as bioaccumulation. Also provided is an N-alkyl-N-t-butylbenzothiazole-2-sulfenamide represented by formula [I]. The vulcanization accelerator is a vulcanization accelerator for rubber, containing this compound. Furthermore provided is a process for producing the vulcanization accelerator. wherein R represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, or n-butyl.

Abstract: A separation system has a distillation column, an overhead vapor supply pipe connected to the top of the distillation column, first and second branch pipes branching from the overhead vapor supply pipe and a superheater connected to the first branch pipe. A separator downstream of the superheater has a separation membrane for separating overhead vapor from the top of the distillation column into permeable vapor and nonpermeable vapor by allowing only a selected portion of the overhead vapor to permeate the separation membrane. A reflux unit has a condenser connected to the second branch pipe for cooling a portion of the overhead vapor into a liquid and a gas-liquid separator for separating gas from the liquid produced by cooling and returning the separated liquid into the top of the distillation column.

Abstract: In a process for producing an aromatic carboxylic acid, it is a dehydrating process which can achieve compactification of a step for removing water from a mixture of acetic acid and water produced in the production process, and which can reduce the consumed energy. In a production process of an aromatic carboxylic acid having an oxidation reaction step for producing a slurry of an aromatic carboxylic acid by carrying out liquid-phase oxidation reaction of an alkyl aromatic compound with an oxygen-containing gas in a solvent containing acetic acid in the presence of an oxidation catalyst, at least a portion of a mixture containing acetic acid and water produced in the production steps is separated into a permeable gas mainly comprising water and nonpermeable substances mainly comprising acetic acid, using a separation membrane having water selectivity.

Abstract: In a process for producing an aromatic carboxylic acid, it is a dehydrating process which can achieve compactification of a step for removing water from a mixture of acetic acid and water produced in the production process, and which can reduce the consumed energy. In a production process of an aromatic carboxylic acid having an oxidation reaction step for producing a slurry of an aromatic carboxylic acid by carrying out liquid-phase oxidation reaction of an alkyl aromatic compound with an oxygen-containing gas in a solvent containing acetic acid in the presence of an oxidation catalyst, at least a portion of a mixture containing acetic acid and water produced in the production steps is separated into a permeable gas mainly comprising water and nonpermeable substances mainly comprising acetic acid, using a separation membrane having water selectivity.

Abstract: Polymer/polyol compositions, obtained by polymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer in situ in a polyol in the presence of inner-olefin containing at least 5 carbon atoms, are of lower viscosity and can provide polyurethanes having improved properties. Polymer/polyol compositions, obtained by polymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, in situ in a polyol in the presence of an azo compound and a peroxide having a 10 hours half-life period temperature which is lower by at least 10.degree. C. than that of the azo compound, have improved stability even at higher styrene content.

Abstract: Novel hair cosmetic compositions comprise 0.1 to 20 wt % of an amphoteric polymer which is soluble in an aqueous 10 wt % sodium chloride solution and insoluble in water at a concentration of 0.1 wt % at 20.degree. C., and 0.1 to 30 wt % of a water-soluble inorganic salt.The hair cosmetic compositions have good properties in terms of hair style formation and retention, and are free from objectionable feel such as stickiness. Thus, the compositions will be expected to have wide utility irrespective of the sexes and ages.

Abstract: Polymer/polyol compositions, obtained by polymerizing, in situ in a polyol, one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising an alpha-olefin containing at least 5 carbon atoms and/or an acrylate or methacrylate ester of an alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms, which are of relatively low viscosity and which afford polyurethanes having improved properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the piling profile of a blast furnace charge is disclosed. The apparatus includes a guide pipe having a distal end extending into the furnace. Means are provided for moving the guide pipe radially into and out of the furnace and for detecting the radial position of the guide pipe. A rope extends through the guide pipe to the distal end thereof and forms a loop at the distal end which extends around a pair of pulleys and which includes a plumb movably mounted on the loop. Means are provided for winding and unwinding the rope and for detecting the tension of the rope so that the contact of the plump with the charge can be detected. Means are provided for determining the position of the rope at such contact and for measuring the piling profile of the furnace charged based upon the guide pipe position and rope position at said contact.