Abstract: Bifuran-modified polyester, polyethylene-terephthalate-co (2,2?-bifuran-5,5?-dicarboxylate), prepared by esterifying or transesterifying a diacid component comprising from 2 to 10 mole percent 2,2?-bifuran-5,5?-dicarboxylate and a diol component with a catalyst compound comprising metal present in an amount of from about 10 to about 450 ppm and polycondensation to form the polyester wherein the polyester has an inherent viscosity of at least 0.5 g/dL, a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 82° C. or more, a semicrystalline melting peak (Tm) with ?Hf equal to or greater than 5 J/g on the second heating ramp, and melting temperature (Tm) between 229° C. and 246° C. Reinforced compositions and shaped articles comprising bifuran-modified polyethylene terephthalate and methods of their production are also disclosed.

Abstract: A 5,5?-Di-(protected)-2,2?-bifuran: wherein each R1 is independently an unsubstituted or substituted 5- or 6-member 1,3-dioxo-2-yl ring radical. Processes for making the bifuran include coupling 2-(protected)-furfural. Processes for using the bifuran include deprotection, functionalization, and/or polymerization to form a polyester. The polyester can be a renewable, high-performing polyester offering a combination of low cost of production, high sustainability, and excellent performance.

Abstract: Semicrystalline polyethylene-2,2?-bifuran-5,5?-dicarboxylate (PEBF) homopolyester or copolyester with up to 5 mole percent isophthalate or up to 2.7 mole percent terephthalate, based on the diacid component, or up to 2.5 mole percent 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), based on the diol component, prepared by esterifying or transesterifying the diacid and the diol components with a catalyst including about 10 to about 50 ppm wt metal, and polycondensation, wherein the bifuran polyester has an intrinsic viscosity of at least 0.4 g/dL and a semicrystalline melting peak (Tm) with ?Hf equal to or greater than 5 J/g on the second heating ramp.

Abstract: A beam assembly contains a substantially straight beam, which is arranged between two bearings and extends in a longitudinal direction. The beam assembly contains at least three segments, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and which are connected to each other by two head plate joints. The three segments include a middle segment and two outer segments. The bearings are prevented from moving in the longitudinal direction. The beam assembly permits controlled relief of thermal constraining forces while the load-transferring function is simultaneously maintained and while external dynamic forces are evenly distributed within the construction. Accordingly, this is achieved in that the middle segment has a middle segment head plate at each of the two ends of the middle segment and each of the two outer segments has an outer segment head plate at the end of the outer segment directed toward the middle segment.