Abstract: A multilayer product characterized by its improved weatherability and mechanical properties is disclosed. The product contains a layer A containing a member selected from the group consisting of transparent thermoplastic material and a lacquer, the member containing at least one UV absorber, a layer B containing a transparent thermoplastic material and containing at least one colorant, and a layer C containing a transparent thermoplastic material. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of the inventive multilayer product.

Abstract: An optical data storage comprising a thermoplastic copolycarbonate is disclosed. The copolycarbonate contains at least one unit derived from dihydroxydiphenyl ether and at least one unit derived from at least one member selected from the group consisting of 4,4?dihydroxybiphenyl and 1,1-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane.

Abstract: A multi stage process for the production of polycarbonates having low monomer content is disclosed. The process entails, in sequence, (i) transesterifying in the melt at least one dihydroxyaryl compound with at least one diaryl carbonate in the presence of at least one onium catalyst to produce a polycondensate that contains monomers, (ii) introducing into the polycondensate an inhibitor in an hypostoichiometric amount in relation to the catalyst and (iii) reducing in a finishing reactor the content of monomers in said polycondensate. The polycarbonate thus produced is characterized in that it contains less than 350 ppm of diphenyl carbonate, less than 40 ppm of 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane and less than 150 ppm of phenol.

Abstract: An improvement to the melt transesterification process for the preparation of polycarbonate is disclosed. The improvement entails adding to the process between its medium viscosity reactor and a high viscosity reactor at least one bridged ester of organic sulphur-containing acid.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for the preparation of polycarbonate. The process includes (a) transesterifying at least one aromatic dihydroxyaryl compound and a diaryl carbonate in the melt in the presence of a catalyst, (b) mixing the melt obtained in step (a) with a foaming agent (c) passing the mixture at 250 to 340° C. through inlet openings of a separating vessel at a rate of 0.1 to 20 kg/hour, to obtain a plurality of streams of foamed polycarbonate and degassing the streams of foamed polycarbonate in the separating vessel wherein the pressure is 0.1 to 20 mbar.

Abstract: A process for stripping volatile constituents from polymer melts is disclosed. The process entails introducing the polymer melt into a horizontally oriented cylindrical device that contains a plurality of perforated disks rotating about a common horizontally oriented, externally driven shaft bringing the melt and disks into contact in a manner calculated to constantly renew the surface of the melt to be stripped. Also disclosed is an apparatus suitable for the process.

Abstract: An improvement to the melt transesterification process for the preparation of polycarbonate is disclosed. The improvement entails adding to the process between its medium viscosity reactor and a high viscosity reactor at least one bridged ester of organic sulphur-containing acid.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition comprising polycarbonate characterized by its improved thermal stability is disclosed. The composition comprises at least one ester of organic sulfur-containing acids and may further contain the degradation products of such ester. The inventive composition is suitable for making molded articles and extrudates.

Abstract: A copolycarbonate having improved flowability and processes for its preparation is disclosed. The molecular structure of the copolycarbonate includes at least one unit derived from at least one dihydroxy compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of formula (1) in which R1 and R2 each independently of the other represents hydrogen or linear or branched C1-C10-alkyl, and X represents O or S. preparation of polycarbonates.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for the preparation of polycarbonate. The process includes (a) transesterifying at least one aromatic dihydroxyaryl compound and a diaryl carbonate in the melt in the presence of a catalyst, (b) mixing the melt obtained in step (a) with a foaming agent (c) passing the mixture at 250 to 340° C. through inlet openings of a separating vessel at a rate of 0.1 to 20 kg/hour, to obtain a plurality of streams of foamed polycarbonate and degassing the streams of foamed polycarbonate in the separating vessel wherein the pressure is 0.1 to 20 mbar.

Abstract: A process for stripping volatile constituents from polymer melts is disclosed. The process entails introducing the polymer melt into a horizontally oriented cylindrical device that contains a plurality of perforated disks rotating about a common horizontally oriented, externally driven shaft bringing the melt and disks into contact in a manner calculated to constantly renew the surface of the melt to be stripped. Also disclosed is an apparatus suitable for the process.

Abstract: A multi stage process for the production of polycarbonates having low monomer content is disclosed. The process entails, in sequence, (i) transesterifying in the melt at least one dihydroxyaryl compound with at least one diaryl carbonate in the presence of at least one onium catalyst to produce a polycondensate that contains monomers, (ii) introducing into the polycondensate an inhibitor in an hypostoichiometric amount in relation to the catalyst and (iii) reducing in a finishing reactor the content of monomers in said polycondensate. The polycarbonate thus produced is characterized in that it contains less than 350 ppm of diphenyl carbonate, less than 40 ppm of 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane and less than 150 ppm of phenol.

Abstract: A process for making a thermoplastic molding composition comprising (i) forming a vertically falling stream of molten polymer, and (ii) bringing at least one additive in solid or liquid states, in solution, in the form of a dispersion or in suspension into contact with at least a part of the surface of said stream and to introduce the additive in said stream to produce combined stream, and (iii) introducing the combined stream into a pump to form a pre-mix and (iv) introducing the premix into a mixer to form a homogeneous polymer melt. The entraining stream is then introduced to a pump to form a pre-mix which is then introduced to a mixer to form a homogeneous polymer melt. The process results in a compositions having advantageous material properties.

Abstract: A multilayer product characterized by its improved weatherability and mechanical properties is disclosed. The product contains a layer A containing a member selected from the group consisting of transparent thermoplastic material and a lacquer, the member containing at least one UV absorber, a layer B containing a transparent thermoplastic material and containing at least one colorant, and a layer C containing a transparent thermoplastic material. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of the inventive multilayer product.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding composition comprising polycarbonate and 50 ppm to 300 ppm, in relation to the weight of the composition, of diphenyl carbonate is disclosed. The composition is especially suitable for the preparation of extruded sheets, in particular coextruded.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding composition comprising polycarbonate and 50 ppm to 300 ppm, in relation to the weight of the composition, of diphenyl carbonate is disclosed. The composition is especially suitable for the preparation of extruded sheets, in particular coextruded.

Abstract: A process for producing polycarbonate is disclosed. The process entails using equipment having leakage rate less than 10−3 liter He×mbar/sec. The polycarbonate thus produced is characterized by its enhanced thermal stability.

Abstract: A process for producing a high purity tetraphenylphosphonium phenolate that at room temperature is in liquid form is disclosed. The process entails (i) reacting tetraphenylphosphonium halide with phenol in an aqueous-alkaline solution at temperatures of up to 55° C., at a molar ratio of phenol to tetraphenylphosphonium halide ≧10:1 and at pH values of 9.5 to 11 to obtain a material system containing an organic phase and an aqueous phase and, (ii) upon completion of the reaction adding a solution of water and a sparingly soluble alcohol to separate the aqueous phase from the organic phase. The phosphonium phenolate thus produced is suitable as transesterification catalyst, in particular for solvent-free production of thermoplastic polycarbonate.