Abstract: A process for producing vinyl acetate comprising reacting ethylene, acetic acid and oxygen together in at least partially liquid phase in the presence of a catalyst comprising a noble metal component.

Abstract: A process for the production of methanol is disclosed wherein the gaseous reactants of CO, H.sub.2 and optimally CO.sub.2 are reacted in a distillation column reactor in the presence of an inert C.sub.7 -C.sub.12 component, which is boiling at the reaction temperature within the catalyst bed. The inert component is taken overhead along with the methanol and separated therefrom for reflux of the inert component back to the reactor.

Abstract: A process for the hydrogenation of aniline to produce cyclohexyl amine is disclosed wherein the reaction is carried out in a distillation column reactor at a hydrogen partial pressure in the range of 0.1 psia to less than 100 psia. The catalyst is prepared in the form of a catalytic distillation structure. Within the distillation reaction zone there is an internal reflux and liquid from an external reflux which cool the rising vaporous aniline condensing a portion within the bed.

Abstract: A degradable polymeric foam having a density of not more than 16 lb. per cu ft. comprising a polymer alloy comprising:(i) from 50 to 100% of one or more co or homopolymers having a molecular weight of greater than 40,000 comprising the residues of one or more monomers of the Formula:--OCR.sub.1 R.sub.2 (CR.sub.3 R.sub.4).sub.n CO-- (I)or--OCH(CH.sub.3)CO-- (II)wherein in Formula I, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom and a C.sub.1-4 alkyl radical, and n is zero or an integer from 1 to 5, provided that when a monomer residue of Formula II is present and in Formula I n is 1 and R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are hydrogen, R.sub.1 can not be a methyl radical; and(ii) from 0 to 50 weight % of one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of polymers having a Hildebrand parameter (.sigma.) of not more than 3 MPA.sup.1/2 different from that of the one or more co or homopolymers.

Abstract: Lightly crosslinked aromatic polymers are suitable in water sealing applications such as geomembranes used around building sub structures and also in cable jacketing to protect submarine cables from moisture intrusion.

Abstract: High molecular weight polylactic acid is generally produced by the polymerization of lactide. Lactide is prepared by the depolymerization of low molecular weight polylactic acid. There are difficulties in the preparation of high molecular weight polylactic acid and high purity lactide isomers due to the equilibrium between lactic acid, low molecular weight polylactic acid, high molecular weight polylactic acid, lactide and water. Further it has never been proposed to provide a continuous process to produce high molecular weight polylactic acid from lactic acid. The present invention overcomes the equilibrium problem and provides a continuous process.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymers may be used as binders for impregnating or coating fibrous webs. The resulting web is degradable and also the fibers within the web may be more easily recycled.

Abstract: The thermal properties, such as heat distortion temperature of biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acid, polyglycolides, polybutyric acid and copolymers of butyric and valeric acid, may be increased by blending them with a polymer having Tg from 75.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. and a Hildebrand parameter (.sigma.) of not more than 3 MPA.sup.1/2 different from the biopolymer.

Abstract: Crosslinked styrenic polymers may be sulphonated in a controlled manner in an organic solvent at elevated temperature using SO.sub.3 in the presence of a trialkyl phosphate. The process does not introduce further crosslinking into the polymer permitting it to have an extremely high water uptake. The resulting polymer is useful as a hydrogel.

Abstract: Lactide monomers and copolymers may be polymerized by a continuous process using one or more continuous stirred tank reactors. The process offers productivity and product quality advantages over the batch process of polymerization.

Abstract: Polymer compositions comprising a nitrogenous polymer, especially an acrylonitrile-containing polymer evolve reduced amounts of hydrogen cyanide on combustion when containing an alkaline earth metal oxide and a polysulfide rubber.