Abstract: The present invention discloses a wholly aromatic, melt processable polyester which is comprised of recurring moieties derived from the following compounds: 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, an aromatic dihydroxy compound, and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid. The resulting wholly aromatic polyester is capable of forming a thermotropic melt phase at temperatures below approximately 350.degree. C. and most preferably at temperatures below approximately 290.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyarylates having low color wherein isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, and bisphenol A are melt polymerized to form a prepolymer, the prepolymer is crystallized, and then further polymerized in the solid state by heating under an inert gas flow, e.g. nitrogen. Crystallization is accomplished by adding the amorphous prepolymer in powder or pellet form to a organic crystallizing medium such as 2-ethoxyethyl acetate or hexyl acetate. This process produces a polymer having low color content. The crystallized polymer may be made amorphous by melting. This amorphous polymer is useful in applications requiring a transparent, colorless plastic.

Abstract: Novel thermotropic polyesters and polyester-amides containing fluorine bearing linking groups are disclosed and claimed. Preferred embodiments include thermotropic polymers prepared from 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2 naphthoic acid, 2,2-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, hydroquinone, and terephthalic acid.

Abstract: The novel polyester of the present invention is melt processable and is capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase. The polyester includes a relatively low concentration of 6-oxy-2-naphthoyl moiety. Other key moieties are 4-oxybenzoyl moiety, terephthaloyl moiety, 1,4-dioxyphenylene moiety, and 4,4'-dioxybiphenyl moiety. The presence of the 1,4-dioxyphenylene moiety in the specified concentration in combination with the other moieties surprisingly has been found to be capable of advantageously lowering the melting temperature of the resulting polyester while making possible the substantial maintenance of a highly attractive heat deflection temperature in molded articles formed from the same. Fibers which exhibit a relatively high modulus also may be formed.

Abstract: The novel polyester of the present invention is capable of forming a highly tractable anisotropic melt phase. Such polyester includes a relatively low concentration of 6-oxy-2-naphthoyl moiety in combination with a more substantial concentration of 4-oxybenzoyl moiety. Other key moieties present are, 2,6-dioxynaphthalene moiety and terephthaloyl moiety. The polyester can be formed via a melt polymerization procedure to achieve a relatively high degree of polymerization in view of its relatively low melt viscosity. The polyester upon melt extrusion forms quality high performance fibers, films, and three-dimensional shaped articles. The resulting product also well retains desirable mechanical properties at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: Melt extruded poly(6-oxy-2-naphthoate-4-oxybenzoate) shaped articles of relatively high strength and modulus are produced in a lesser period of time than commonly heretofore required in the prior art. The required polymer is capable of exhibiting an anisotropic melt phase and is formed through the reaction of 6-acetoxy-2-naphthoic acid and 4-acetoxybenzoic acid under a combination of melt polymerization conditions which surprisingly has been found to yield a shaped article following melt extrusion which may be heat strengthened in an unusually brief period of time (i.e. two hours or less). The polymerization is catalyzed by a potassium salt (e.g. potassium acetate), and the polymerization conditions require a relatively highly elevated final polymerization temperature. Substantially all of the acetic acid by-product is removed from the polymerization zone prior to concluding the polymerization under reduced pressure conditions.

Abstract: The novel polyester of the present invention is capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase and may be prepared on a relatively economical basis. Such polyester includes a relatively low concentration of 6-oxy-2-naphthoyl moiety in combination with a more substantial concentration of 4-oxybenzoyl moiety. Other key moieties present are 1,4-dioxyphenylene moiety, isophthaloyl moiety and terephthaloyl moiety. The polyester has been found to be capable of undergoing melt extrusion to form quality high performance fibers, films, and three-dimensional shaped articles. The inclusion of terephthaloyl moiety has been found to enhance the modulus and strength of articles formed from the polyester as well as the hydrolytic stability of the same. Additionally, such articles can be subjected to higher use temperatures than if the terephthaloyl moiety were omitted.

Abstract: The novel polyester of the present invention is capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase and may be prepared on a relatively economical basis. Such polyester includes a relatively low concentration of 6-oxy-2-naphthoyl moiety in combination with a more substantial concentration of 4-oxybenzoyl moiety. Other key moieties present are 4,4'-dioxybiphenyl moiety and terephthaloyl moiety. The polyester has been found to be capable of undergoing melt extrusion at a sufficiently low temperature to form quality high performance fibers, films, and three-dimensional shaped articles. Such product surprisingly has been found to be capable of exhibiting unusually high modulus characteristics in combination with other desirable properties.

Abstract: A novel wholly aromatic polyester is provided which exhibits an optically anisotropic melt phase and an unusually low melting temperature which renders the same particularly suited for use as a matrix resin in the formation of a fiber reinforced composite article, etc. The polyester of the present invention consists essentially of recurring 6-oxy-2-naphthoyl moiety, p-oxybenzoyl moiety, 2,6-dioxyanthraquinone moiety, and dicarboxy aryl moiety (as described). The hydrogen atoms present upon the aromatic rings of these moieties optionally may be partially substituted (as described). The wholly aromatic polyester is capable of forming the desired anisotropic melt at a temperature below 260.degree. C., and in a particularly preferred embodiment at a temperature below approximately 250.degree. C.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing aromatic copolyesters of hydroxy naphthoic acid and hydroxy benzoic acid via an in situ esterification technique whereby there is no isolation of the esterified monomers. The process comprises reacting the aromatic hydroxy acid monomers with an agent such as acetic anhydride in order to esterify the hydroxy moieties and subsequently polymerizing the esterified hydroxy monomers without isolation thereof, all in the presence of from about 5 to 50 ppm iron. Advantageously, the process allows one to obtain a wholly aromatic polyester of high inherent viscosity and good melt stability while avoiding the time consuming step of having to isolate the esterified hydroxy monomers prior to polymerization.

Abstract: A novel pulp is provided comprised of fibrils of a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer which comprises recurring units which contain a 2,6-dioxyanthraquinone moiety. Materials comprised of thermotropic liquid crystal polymers which contain such a moiety are readily broken up to form a pulp comprised of fibrils which can be incorporated into a variety of articles such as papers.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing aromatic copolyesters involving in situ esterification with an isopropenyl ester of an alkyl acid, e.g., isopropenyl acetate. The process comprises reacting the aromatic hydroxy monomers with an isopropenyl ester of an alkyl acid such as isopropenyl acetate in a polymerization vessel in order to esterify the hydroxy moieties, and then polymerizing the esterified hydroxy monomers with aromatic carboxylic acid monomers in the resultant esterification reaction medium to form the aromatic copolyester. Both the esterification and polymerization reactions can be effectively conducted in the same vessel without having to separate out and/or transfer the esterification products from a separate vessel as the polyester polymerization is conducted in the esterification reaction mixture.

Abstract: An improved wholly aromatic polyester is provided which exhibits an anisotropic melt phase and which is capable of readily undergoing melt processing. The wholly aromatic polyester consists essentially of the recurring units (a) p-oxybenzoyl moiety, (b) 2,6-dioxynaphthalene moiety, (c) 2,6-dioxyanthraquinone moiety, and (d) terephthaloyl moiety in the concentrations indicated. The resulting polymer is substantially free of aromatic rings possessing ring substitution and meta disposed linkages in the polymer chain. The present invention represents an improvement over the polyester of U.S. Pat. No. 4,184,996 since the melt phase may be formed at an advantageously reduced temperature thereby better facilitating the use of standard melt processing equipment when forming fibers, films, three-dimensional shaped articles, etc.

Abstract: A melt processable poly(ester-amide) which is capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase is provided. The poly(ester-amide) of the present invention consists essentially of the recurring units (a) p-oxybenzoyl moiety, (b) 2,6-dicarboxynaphthalene moiety, (c) aromatic moiety capable of forming an amide linkage in the polymer, and, optionally, (d) p-dioxyphenyl moiety and (e) other carbocyclic dicarboxyl moiety, in the proportions indicated. Preferably, the aromatic moiety capable of forming an amide linkage is derived from p-aminophenol or p-phenylenediamine. The carbocyclic dicarboxyl moiety is preferably aromatic. The resulting poly(ester-amide) exhibits a melting temperature below approximately 400.degree. C., preferably below approximately 350.degree. C. The poly(ester-amide) of the present invention is preferably formed by a melt polymerization technique.

Abstract: A melt processable poly(ester-amide) which is capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase is provided. The poly(ester-amide) of the present invention consists essentially of the recurring units (a) 6-oxy-2-naphthoyl moiety, (b) other aromatic moiety derived from aromatic hydroxyacid, (c) carbocyclic dicarboxyl moiety, (d) aromatic moiety capable of forming an amide linkage in the polymer, and, optionally, (e) dioxyaryl moiety in the proportions indicated. Preferably, the moiety capable of forming an amide linkage is derived from p-aminophenol or p-phenylenediamine. The resulting poly(ester-amide) exhibits a melting temperature below approximately 400.degree. C., preferably below approximately 350.degree. C. The poly(ester-amide) of the present invention is preferably formed by a melt polymerization technique.

Abstract: A melt processable poly(ester-amide) which is capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase is provided. The poly(ester-amide) of the present invention consists essentially of the recurring units (a) 6-oxy-2-naphthoyl moiety, (b) aromatic moiety capable of forming an amide linkage in the polymer, and, optionally, (c) other aromatic moiety derived from aromatic hydroxyacid, in the proportions indicated. The aromatic moiety capable of forming an amide linkage in the polymer is an amino derivative or a substituted amino derivative of an aromatic carboxylic acid. Preferably, the aromatic moiety capable of forming an amide linkage is derived from p-aminobenzoic acid. The resulting poly(ester-amide) exhibits a melting temperature below approximately 400.degree. C., preferably below approximately 350.degree. C. The poly(ester-amide) of the present invention is preferably formed by a melt polymerization technique.

Abstract: A melt processable poly(ester-amide) which is capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase is provided. The poly(ester-amide) of the present invention consists essentially of the recurring units (a) dioxyanthraquinone moiety, (b) p-oxybenzoyl moiety, (c) dicarboxyl moiety, as defined, and (d) aromatic moiety capable of forming an amide linkage in the polymer, in the proportions indicated. Preferably, the moiety capable of forming an amide linkage is derived from p-aminophenol or p-phenylenediamine. The resulting poly(ester-amide) exhibits a melting temperature below approximately 400.degree. C., preferably below approximately 350.degree. C. The poly(ester-amide) of the present invention is preferably formed by a melt polymerization technique.

Abstract: A melt processable poly(ester-amide) which is capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase is provided. The poly(ester-amide) of the present invention consists essentially of the recurring units (a) p-oxybenzoyl moiety, (b) 2,6-dioxynaphthylene moiety, (c) carbocyclic dicarboxyl moiety, (d) aromatic moiety capable of forming an amide linkage in the polymer, and optionally, (e) p-dioxyaryl moiety, in the proportions indicated. Preferably, the aromatic moiety capable of forming an amide linkage is derived from p-aminophenol or p-phenylenediamine. The resulting poly(ester-amide) exhibits a melting temperature below approximately 400.degree. C., preferably below approximately 350.degree. C. The poly(ester-amide) of the present invention is preferably formed by a melt polymerization technique.

Abstract: A melt processable poly(ester-amide) which is capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase is provided. The poly(ester-amide) of the present invention consists essentially of the recurring units (a) 6-oxy-2-naphthoyl moiety, (b) aryl dicarboxyl moiety or trans-1,4-dicarboxycyclohexane moiety, (c) an aromatic moiety capable of forming an amide linkage in the polymer, and (d) optionally, dioxyaryl moiety in the proportions indicated. Preferably, the aromatic moiety capable of forming an amide linkage is p-aminophenol or p-phenylenediamine. The resulting poly(ester-amide) exhibits a melting temperature below approximately 400.degree. C., preferably below approximately 350.degree. C. The poly(ester-amide) of the present invention is preferably formed by a melt polymerization technique.

Abstract: Thermotropic polyesters derived from ferulic acid exhibit an anisotropic melt. The polyesters may be comprised of all ferulic acid, but they preferably include one or more additional monomers. Preparation of the polyesters is typically accomplished by melt polymerization of the esterified monomer or monomers. The polymers may be melt processed into fibers, films or other molded articles which may include conventional fillers and/or reinforcing agents.