Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for agglomerating finely divided rubber latices by adding an aqueous solution of a water-soluble amphiphilic copolymer that contains at least one hydrophilic portion and at least one hydrophobic portion.

Abstract: Segmented polyurethane/ureas useful for the production of spandex, particularly spandex fibers, are made from isocyanate-terminated prepolymers formed by reacting excess isocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive component satisfying specified compositional requirements in the presence of a catalyst which promotes linear polymerization but does not cause degradation of the polymer. Suitable catalysts include metal salts of organic fatty acids and/or of naphthenic acid. The isocyanate-reactive component includes at least 10 equivalent percent of a polyoxypropylene diol having a number average molecular weight of at least about 1500 Da and an average unsaturation level less than or equal to 0.03 meq/g and up to 90 equivalent percent of a polytetramethylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of at least 200 Da.

Abstract: Graft polymers are disclosed. These are obtainable by polymerization of a mixture containing A) from 40 to 99 wt. % vinyl monomers and B) from 1 to 60 wt. % of a double-bond-containing polyalkylene oxide rubber having a glass transition temperature below −50° C. and a number-average molecular weight of from 25,000 to 10,000,000. The inventive graft polymers are characterized by their very good low-temperature strength and weathering resistance.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of any of well-defined homopolymers, random and block copolymers is disclosed. The process that entails forming a mixture of monomers, a hindered secondary amine and an oxidizing agent is characterized in the absence of any additional free-radical initiator.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of (co)oligomers or (co)polymers is disclosed.

Abstract: Segmented polyurethane/ureas useful in the production of spandex are produced by chain extending an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer with a diamine chain extender that includes: (1) from about 7 to 25 equivalent percent of an asymmetric aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diamine and (2) a linear diamine such as ethylene diamine in the presence of a solvent. The isocyanate-terminated prepolymer is produced by reacting a stoichiometric excess of an isocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive component that includes: (1) from about 10 to about 70 equivalent percent of a polyoxypropylene diol having a molecular weight in excess of 1500 Da and an average unsaturation level no greater than about 0.03 meq/g and (2) from about 30 to about 90 equivalent percent of a polytetramethylene ether glycol having a molecular weight of at least 600 Da.

Abstract: A process for the production of polymers by means of pseudo-living free-radical polymerization is disclosed. The process entails (i) reacting a polymerizable vinyl monomer with nitrogen monoxide and at least one initiator to prepare a free-radical intermediate product, and (ii) polymerizing the intermediate product optionally together with one or more additional monomers and/or with a free-radical initiator.

Abstract: A one-pot process for the preparation of functional alkoxyamines of the general formula (I), is disclosed. The process entails (1) reacting an oxidizing agent with a sterically hindered secondary amine to produce an aqueous phase and a nitroxyl radical (2) removing the aqueous phase and adding to the nitroxyl radical one or more vinyl monomer(s) conforming to a formula and a system which produces free radicals. Also disclosed is a process of polymerizing monomers using the functional alkoxyamine.

Abstract: A one-pot process for the preparation of alkoxyamines conforming to formulae (I) or (II), preferably (I) 1

Abstract: A one-pot process for the preparation of functional alkoxyamines of the general formula (I), 1

Abstract: Segmented polyurethane/ureas useful for the production of spandex, particularly spandex fibers, are made from isocyanate-terminated prepolymers formed by reacting excess isocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive component satisfying specified compositional requirements in the presence of a catalyst which promotes linear polymerization but does not cause degradation of the polymer. Suitable catalysts include metal salts of organic fatty acids and/or of naphthenic acid. The isocyanate-reactive component includes at least 10 equivalent percent of a polyoxypropylene diol having a number average molecular weight of at least about 1500 Da and an average unsaturation level less than or equal to 0.03 meq/g and up to 90 equivalent percent of a polytetramethylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of at least 200 Da.

Abstract: Segmented polyurethane/ureas useful in the production of spandex are produced by chain extending an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer with a diamine chain extender that includes: (1) from about 7 to 25 equivalent percent of an asymmetric aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diamine and (2) a linear diamine such as ethylene diamine in the presence of a solvent. The isocyanate-terminated prepolymer is produced by reacting a stoichiometric excess of an isocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive component that includes: (1) from about 10 to about 70 equivalent percent of a polyoxypropylene diol having a molecular weight in excess of 1500 Da and an average unsaturation level no greater than about 0.03 meq/g and (2) from about 30 to about 90 equivalent percent of a polytetramethylene ether glycol having a molecular weight of at least 600 Da.

Abstract: Described is a process for producing segmented polyurethanes having improved processing characteristics in the melt state and an efficient spinning process based thereon to form highly elastic, fine linear density elastane yarn and filament having improved mechanical and thermal properties by using hydroxyalkyl-terminated polysiloxanes in combination with specific crosslinking-capable polyisocyanates in the reaction of long-chain high molecular weight polyhydroxy compounds with organic diisocyanates and low molecular weight diols and also optionally further auxiliary and additive substances in the melt.

Abstract: A process for producing a superabsorbent polymer is described. The process that entails a continuous hydrolysis of an aqueous emulsion of crosslinked or uncrosslinked polyacrylonitrile in the form of fine particles is carried out in a cascade of stirred tanks. The reaction with alkali-hydroxide solution an aqueous-alcoholic medium at 60 to 100° C. yields polymers that are suitable for the preparation of hygiene products, water-storing materials in agriculture, and sheathing of electrical cables.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for agglomerating finely divided rubber latices by adding an aqueous solution of a water-soluble amphiphilic copolymer that consists of at least one hydrophilic portion and at least one hydrophobic portion. The inventive method is further characterized in that the molar weight HB of the largest hydrophobic portion and the molar weight HL of the largest hydrophobic portion of the amphiphilic copolymer exceed the following minimum values: HB>500 g/mol and HL>2000 g/mol.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel branched polyether carbonates, which are produced with the alpha-halocarboxylic esters of polyols as branching agent, whereby the branching agent is incorporated in the polycarbonate by means of ether bridges.

Abstract: A process for the production of polymers by means of pseudo-living free-radical polymerization is disclosed. The process entails (i) reacting a polymerizable vinyl monomer with nitrogen monoxide and at least one initiator to prepare a free-radical intermediate product, and (ii) polymerizing the intermediate product optionally together with one or more additional monomers and/or with a free-radical initiator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of superabsorbent polymers based on fine-particled non-crosslinked and/or crosslinked aqueous polyacrylonitrile emulsions.

Abstract: A process for producing a superabsorbent polymer is described. The process that entails a continuous hydrolysis of an aqueous emulsion of crosslinked or uncrosslinked polyacrylonitrile in the form of fine particles is carried out in a cascade of stirred tanks. The reaction with alkali-hydroxide solution an aqueous-alcoholic medium at 60 to 100° C. yields polymers that are suitable for the preparation of hygiene products, water-storing materials in agriculture, and sheathing of electrical cables.

Abstract: A process for modifying superabsorbent polymers is disclosed. The surface of a polymer containing hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile in the form of particulates, is modified by crosslinking in a water/alcohol reaction mixture and in the presence of silica. The resulting product features improved absorbency under load and lesser degree of gel blocking.