Abstract: This invention relates to "comb" polymers having high molecular weight and related structurally to polyoxymethylene, but having improved thermal stability. In addition, this invention relates to a method for preparing these high molecular weight "comb" polymers and teaches a process which exhibits reduced reactor fouling and produces a free-flowing powder. Generally the improved polymer is made by copolymerizing trioxane with polyanhydride or copolymerizing trioxane with copolymers of olefins and anhydrides. The improved polymer can optionally be reacted with agents known to react with terminal hydroxy groups to end-cap the polymer.

Abstract: Silyl esters of carboxylic acids, of the general formula ##STR1## are formed under mild conditions in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst when a silicon halide is contacted with a carboxylic acid salt wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon radical. Suitable phase transfer catalysts include quaternary ammonium salts, cryptates and crown ethers.

Abstract: Novel magnesium disiloxide compounds and methods for their preparation are disclosed. The magnesium disiloxides so obtained are useful starting materials for the preparation of active catalysts for olefin polymerizations.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of supported Ziegler-Natta catalysts comprising the reduction of a transition metal compound with a magnesium containing reducing agent. The reducing agent is prepared in the presence of a magnesium chloride support utilizing an anhydrous and oxygen-free mixture of magnesium halide and magnesium metal, slurried in a hydrocarbon solvent. A halogenated hydrocarbon is added to activate the magnesium-containing reducing agent. Thereafter the transition metal compound is mixed with the slurry. The resulting solid is washed with a hydrocarbon solvent to eliminate residual transition metal compounds. The resulting washed solid is an active supported Ziegler-Natta olefin polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a drag reducing substance which comprises:(a) a transition metal catalyst slurry containing:1. crystalline titanium halide having the general formula TiXn where n=2.5 to 3.0 and X is halogen,2. a hydrocarbon diluent, and3. an ether;(b) a co-catalyst;(c) alpha-monoolefinic hydrocarbons containing from 2 to 30 carbon atoms under suitable polymerization conditions providing for an ultrahigh molecular weight polymer that is soluble in hydrocarbons; and(d) ceasing the polymerization at a polymer content of 20 percent by weight or less.

Abstract: Poly(butene-1) in type II form can be accelerated to its stable type I form by applying a volatile solvent such as an olefinic hydrocarbon and allowing the solvent to evaporate. The phase transformation can be accelerated by additional treatment with heat below the melt temperature of about 90.degree. C. and/or ultrasonic sound.

Abstract: A method of producing ultra-high molecular weight polymers useful as drag reducing substances or antimist agents comprising;(1) polymerizing an alpha-olefin or olefins from 2 to 30 carbon atoms with a Ziegler catalyst in a light hydrocarbon solvent;(2) adding a heavy hydrocarbon diluent or a non-solvent suspending agent to the resulting polymer or copolymer mixture, and(3) removing substantially all of the light hydrocarbon component.

Abstract: A method for altering the transparency of a stable hexagonal polymorphic poly(butene-1) obtained from unstable tetragonal crystalline poly(butene-1) comprising contacting the tetragonal crystalline poly(butene-1) with a volatile solvent for a short time, then removing from the solvent, and allowing solvent adhereing to the poly(butene-1) to evaporate. The finished polymer can be opaque, transparent, or translucent depending upon the solvent and temperature used.

Abstract: Polybutene-1 in type II form can be accelerated in a phase transformation to the stable polybutene-1 type I form by applying a volatile solvent such as n-hexane and allowing the solvent to evaporate. The phase transformation can be accelerated by additional treatment with heat below the melt temperature of about 90.degree. C. and/or ultrasonic sound.