Abstract: Chiral fungicides and compositions containing the same are provided. Also provided are methods for using the compositions of the present invention for inhibiting the growth of fungi, including phytotoxic fungi. The use of a single isomer in treating particular plant species and against particular fungi allows for selective inhibition of fungal growth with reduced fungicidal phytotoxic effects.

Abstract: Compositions for controlling growth of plant species, and methods for using the compositions, are disclosed. The compositions contain a single-isomer enantiomeric S-benzyl thiocarbamate and are particularly useful in controlling annual weeds associated with rice, soybeans and corn.

Abstract: An improved process for the thermal stabilization of an acrylic fibrous material or film is provided. A tetrasubstituted phosphonium salt which is capable of promoting the thermal stabilization is incorporated in a solution of the acrylic polymer prior to extruding the same to form a fibrous material or film, and the acrylic fibrous material or film having the tetrasubstituted phosphonium salt incorporated therein is heated in an oxygen-containing atmosphere until a thermally stabilized fibrous material or film is formed which is black in appearance, non-burning when subjected to an ordinary match flame and which is capable of undergoing carbonization. The presence of the tetrasubstituted phosphonium salt has been found to cause the thermal stabilization reaction to proceed at an accelerated rate.

Abstract: The addition of a particulate non-phytotoxic hydrophobe to the coating of pelleted seed substantially improves the effectiveness of the anti-fungal agent present on the seed surface or contained in the coating composition against soil-borne phytopathogenic fungi.

Abstract: The phytoxicity of a carbamate pesticide such as carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranol methylcarbamate) contained in a seed coating composition is nullified or minimized without materially reducing the pesticidal effectiveness of the carbamate by the presence in the seed coating composition of an activiated charcoal powder of neutral to acid pH.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing polycarbodiimide modified tractable polyamides having unique rheological properties which include increased melt strength and relative viscosity. These polycarbodiimide modified tractable polyamides are prepared by reacting the carboxyl end groups and to a lesser degree the amine end groups of tractable polyamides such as nylon 6,6, which are in a molten state with the polycarbodiimide groups of at least one polycarbodiimide such as poly(4,4'-diphenyl-methane carbodiimide) which both (a) is derived from at least one aromatic diisocyanate which is either unsubstituted or contains up to one methyl substituent on each aromatic ring, and (b) contains at least three carbodiimide units per polycarbodiimide molecule.The resulting polycarbodiimide modified tractable polyamide has improved melt strength and relative viscosity and a decreased number of carboxylic acid and amine end groups.

Abstract: A water-leachable herbicide occupies the voids, or channels, of a particulate, substantially water-impermeable porous cellulose ester carrier which provides controlled release of the herbicide into soil.

Abstract: Molding resin compositions comprising a polycarbodiimide modified polyalkylene terephthalate polymer (polypropylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, or mixtures thereof) and a reinforcing agent such as glass fibers have been found to exhibit improved impact strength and thus are useful in various molding applications in order to prepare articles of manufacture having, e.g., industrial (e.g., gears, bearings), automotive (e.g., automotive distributor caps, distributor rotors), and electrical (e.g., motor end caps, brush holders) applications. These molding resin compositions are particularly useful in certain automotive, industrial, and electrical applications where greater impact strength may be required to extend the useful life of various articles of manufacture which may be subjected to occasional or continuous shock or impact.

Abstract: A controlled-release composition comprising discrete particles of water-leachable herbicide occupying the voids, or channels, of a particulate, substantially water-impermeable, porous, cellulose ester carrier is provided with enhanced resistance to water leaching of the herbicide component thereof following sintering of the herbicide contained in the composition.The herbicide-filled cellulose ester composition can be prepared by the method which comprises:A. dissolving cellulose ester in a solvent;B. combining the cellulose ester solution with a sufficient amount of a liquid which is non-solvent for cellulose ester, but miscible with the cellulose ester solvent, under vigorous agitation to provide a homogeneous liquid containing porous cellulose ester particles having voids, or channels, communicating with the exterior surface thereof;C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing branched chain, thermoplastic polymers having improved melt strength and die swell properties. This process comprises reacting at least one thermoplastic polymer capable of reaction with an epoxy functionality, with at least one epoxy branching agent containing at least two epoxy groups per molecule of epoxy branching agent in the molten state, in the presence of a catalytic amount of at least one catalyst. The catalyst may be selected from the group consisting of alkyl triphenyl phosphonium halide and alkenyl triphenyl phosphonium halide wherein the alkyl groups contain from one to ten carbon atoms, the alkenyl groups contain from two to six carbon atoms, and the halide anion is selected from the group consisting of chloride and bromide.The molten, thermoplastic, branched chain polymer reaction product has increased melt strength and intrinsic viscosity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing polycarbodiimide modified thermoplastic polyesters having unique rheological properties which include increased intrinsic viscosity and melt strength. These polycarbodiimide modified thermoplastic polyesters are prepared by reacting the carboxyl end groups of thermoplastic saturated polyesters which are in a molten state with the polycarbodiimide groups of at least one polycarbodiimide such as poly (4,4'-diphenyl-methane carbodiimide) which both (a) is derived from at least one aromatic diisocyanate which is either unsubstituted or contains up to one methyl substituent on each aromatic ring, and (b) contains at least three carbodiimide units per polycarbodiimide molecule.The resulting polycarbodiimide modified thermoplastic polyester has improved melt strength and intrinsic viscosity and a decreased number of carboxylic acid end groups.

Abstract: A preformed polybenzimidazole semipermeable membrane (e.g., a film or hollow filament) is chemically modified in accordance with the present invention. Imidazole groups of the polybenzimidazole membrane are cross-linked by reaction with a strong polybasic acid or its acid chloride (as defined). During the reaction the polybasic acid is dissolved in a relatively mild acid medium (e.g., glacial acetic acid) which serves to decrease the basicity of the imidazole groups and to promote the desired cross-linking reaction. The resulting cross-linked membrane is tougher than the untreated membrane and may be more readily handled without deleterious results. Also, the resulting cross-linked polybenzimidazole membrane no longer is soluble in N,N-dimethylacetamide, and exhibits improved service characteristics such as improved compaction resistance during prolonged usage at high pressure. The product of the present invention is particularly suited for use in separations from acid waste streams.