Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing caoutchouc particles (K) by means of emulsion polymerisation in the presence of an emulsifier and a polymerisation initiator. Said particles contain A) 80 to 100 wt. % of one or more conjugated diene monomers (A) in relation to (K) and B) 0 to 20 wt. % of one or more monoethylenically unsaturated comonomers (B) in relation to (K) in the polymerised form. The inventive method is characterised in that 1) a mixture (M1) containing water and an emulsifier is provided, 2) a mixture (M2) containing one or more monomers in the monomer or polymerised form selected from styrole, &agr;-methylstyrole, butadiene, n-butylacrylate, MMA and acrylnitrile and optionally comonomers is added, 3) polymerisation of the obtained mixture starts in the presence of a polymerisation initiator at temperature of 5 to 95° C., 4) a mixture (M3) containing 0 to 100 wt. % of the comonomers (B) in relation to (B) and 0 to 25 wt.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous polymerization method for preparing graft copolymers, and copolymer compositions produced therefrom. The method of the present invention includes (a) forming a macromonomer aqueous emulsion containing water insoluble macromonomer particles; (b) forming a monomer composition containing at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and (c) combining at least a portion of the macromonomer aqueous emulsion and at least a portion of the monomer composition and polymerizing the resulting polymerization reaction mixture in the presence of an initiator to form a copolymer composition. The copolymer composition produced contains water insoluble particles of graft copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polymer composition comprising (A) at least one thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group consisting of a hydrogenated styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, a hydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer and a styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymer, (B) a rubber component containing an ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, and (C) a softener, or a polymer composition further comprising (a) an olefin polymer and, if necessary, (D) carbon black, wherein the amount of the component (C) is not less than 200 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the components (A) and (B) or (A), (B)and (a), and at least portion of the rubber component (B) is crosslinked by dynamic crosslinking, and a sealant made by using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tires and vehicular tracks having minimal-marking rubber treads and particularly to skid steering, fixed axle, tire/wheel or track assemblies where said tire or vehicular track has a minimal-marking tread. In particular, such rubber tread has a surface intended to be ground-contacting which is also intended to be minimal-marking and having suitable physical properties for a tire tread.

Abstract: An aqueous composition that includes (A) a butadiene polymer latex that is prepared by an emulsion polymerization in the presence of a styrene sulfonate stabilizer and (B) a phenolic resin. A preferred aqueous butadiene polymer latex is one that is prepared by emulsion polymerization of at least 60 weight percent dichlorobutadiene monomer (based on the amount of total monomers used to form the butadiene polymer), in the presence of a styrene sulfonate stabilizer.

Abstract: A latex which forms a film by evaporation at a temperature of less than 40° C. is based on hydrophobic polymer particles having a core/shell structure. The particles consist of 70 to 90% by weight of at least one polymer with a soft character having a glass transition temperature of less than 20° C. forming the core, and 10 to 30% by weight of at least one polymer with a hard character having a glass transition temperature of greater than 50° C. forming the shell. When applied to any surface and after drying at low temperature, the latex, without the use of any coalescents or volatile organic compounds, provides a continuous film which is homogeneous, has no surface tack and has good mechanical integrity.

Abstract: A process for forming a planarization film on a substrate that does not smoke or fume on heating includes applying a polymeric solution including a novolac resin having a weight average molecular weight between about 1000 and 3000 amu, which has been fractionated to remove molecules with molecular weight below about 350 amu, a surfactant selected from a group consisting of a non-fluorinated hydrocarbon, a fluorinated hydrocarbon and combinations thereof, and an optional organic solvent to a substrate, followed by heating the substrate.

Abstract: A blend of one or more crosslinked polymers or copolymers prepared from an olefinically unsaturated polymerizable carboxylic or anhydride monomer and at least one high molecular weight essentially linear polymer prepared from an olefinically unsaturated polymerizable carboxylic acid monomer. The blend is neutralized to typically a low pH, and generally contains a noncovalent, e.g. ionic, crosslinking agent, and a cure rate modifier. The hydrogel blend is capable of containing a large amount of water, has good tack, good adhesion, and can be utilized as an application vehicle having a backing thereon as well as containing various substances such as personal care compounds, pharmaceuticals, active ingredients, and the like. Conversely, the hydrogel blend can be dried and subsequently wetted without substantial loss of properties.

Abstract: A dispersant which is a phosphate ester of a polymer which contains at least one ether group and a poly(oxyalkylenecarbonyl) chain (POAC chain) derivable from two or more different hydroxycarboxyl acids or lactones thereof. Also disclosed is the use of the dispersants in paints and printing inks including millbases. The preferred dispersants are phosphate esters of an alkyl end-capped poly(oxyalkylenecarbonyl) chain alcohol where the POAC chain is derived from &egr;-caprolactone and &dgr;-valerolactone and the alkyl group is derived from a monohydroxypolyalkyleneglycol.

Abstract: Methods of making a modified pigment by reacting a first chemical group and a second chemical group to form a pigment having attached a third chemical group. The first chemical group includes at least one nucleophile and the second chemical group includes at least one electrophile, or vice versa. Resulting modified pigments, and ink compositions containing such pigments, are also described.

Abstract: A coating liquid for forming a transparent topcoat, without requiring a hardening or fixing process that uses heating or UV radiation. The coating liquid imparts light resistance, water resistance, fixation, and glossiness to recordings. Also, a recording method using the coating liquid, and recordings produced thereby. The liquid, which is applied to recorded images, contains at least water, fine polymer particles, and a penetrating agent, preferably a penetrating agent selected acetylene glycol surfactants, acetylene alcohol surfactants, glycol ethers, and 1,2-alkylene glycols. Also, an image recording method for forming an even, transparent coating layer by spraying the coating liquid during an ink jet recording process, as well as recordings produced thereby.

Abstract: A process for preparing an aqueous dispersion of pigment-containing polymer particles, comprising the steps of (A) removing an organic solvent from a mixture (I) comprising an organic solvent solution of a polymer, water and optionally a neutralizing agent to give a solvent-removed product; and (B) subjecting the solvent-removed product obtained in step (A) to a dispersion treatment, wherein a pigment is added to the mixture (I) or the solvent-removed product. The aqueous dispersion of pigment-containing polymer particles can be suitably used for a water-based ink for inkjet printing.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive based on block copolymers, said block copolymers having at least one unit composed of three successive polymer blocks comprising alternating polymer blocks P(A) and P(B), wherein P(A) has a softening temperature of from −80° C. to 0° C., and is comprised of at least one acrylic or methacrylic acid derivative of the general formula CH2═CH(RI)(COORII)  (I)  and at least one acrylated monomer of the general formula CH2═CH(RIII)(COORIV)  (II), and P(B) represents a homopolymer or copolymer block having a softening temperature of from 20° C. to 175° C., and the polymer blocks P(A) and P(B) are not homogeneously miscible with each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solvent-free, two component polyurethane coating composition that is suitable for the production of coatings that have long term resistance to temperatures of up to 30° C., have good elongation and withstand cathodic protection, which contains A) a solvent-free polymer mixture containing a component free from OH groups containing at least one of a chlorinated paraffin or dibutoxybenzene, a di-(phenoxy-alkyl) formal, or a polyacrylonitrile, and a component having hydroxyl groups including a component which contains hydroxy groups and ether groups, and optionally a hydroxy-functional polyether polyacrylate and/or another hydroxy-functional compound; and B) a polyisocyanate component containing at least one organic polyisocyanate, where the NCO:OH equivalent ratio is 0.8:1 to 1.5:1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions which comprise one or more polymer conjugates having the formula: wherein T is a heterocyclic unit which is capable of inhibiting one or more proteolytic enzymes; L is a linking group; [Poly] is a polymeric unit, i indicates the number of said heterocyclic units which comprise said conjugate and has the value of from 1 to 100; z is 0 or 1, said polymer conjugates suitable for use in preventing skin irritation resulting from exposure of the skin to body fluids, inter alia, feces, menstrual fluid. The conjugates of the present invention are useful in diapers, dressings, sanitary napkins, and the like.

Abstract: A composition, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one polymer with a highly specific ordered structure is disclosed. These compositions find a specific application in the field of caring for or making up keratinous fibers, in particular as a mascara composition for the eyelashes or for the hair.

Abstract: Polymers containing &agr;-methylenelact(ones)(ams) such as &agr;-methylenebutyrolactones are useful in blends with other polymers. For examples such polymers which have reactive groups are toughened by mixing with a rubbery material which has complimentary reactive groups, or polymers containing repeat units derived from &agr;-methylenelact(ones)(ams) are toughened by mixing with polymeric core-shell particles having an elastomeric core and a specified thermoplastic shell. The properties of thermoplastics are also improved by blending with &agr;-methylenelact(ones)(ams) such as &agr;-methylenebutyrolactones containing (co)polymers.

Abstract: An oil-sorbent composition of matter has bound combinations of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). The SBS, or both materials, may be in the form of multitudes of granules. In certain preferred embodiments, the combination is 10-30% by weight and the SBS is about 30% styrene and manufactured without talc. The composition of matter can be formed into a solid, compliant body and utilized in a product for absorbing oil. The body can be formed, in one preferred embodiment, into an extended cylinder having an axial hole.

Abstract: A dispersion of one or more additives to be used in the processing of olefin polymers or copolymers, said dispersion comprising nonextruded particles of olefin polymers containing at least two immiscible polyolefinic phases and having internal voids partially or totally filled by the said additive or additives.

Abstract: A blend which comprises; A) a heterogeneous or homogenous linear ethylene homopolymer or interpolymer; B) a branched homopolymer or interpolymer; wherein said blend has; 1) a melt index, I2, of about 0.05 to about 20 g/10 min; 2) a flexural modulus of ≧100,000 psi or ≦30,000 psi; 3) a melt strength of ≧2 cN; 4) a melt extensibility of ≧25 mm/sec; and 5) wherein said melt strength of said blend meets the following relationship; Melt strength≧FMS*[(f*A)+((1−f)*B)]; where: A=3.3814*(I2)−06476 and B=16.882*(I2)−06564; where I2 is the measured melt index of the blend; f is the weight fraction of the linear polyethylene in the blend and FMS is ≧1.1. Also included in the present invention are foams, films, fibers, blow molded articles, wire and cable articles and extrusion coatings comprising said blend.

Abstract: An olefin thermoplastic elastomer composition comprises a crystalline polyolefin resin (A) and an ethylene/&agr;-olefin/nonconjugated polyene copolymer rubber (B), and optionally a softener (C) and/or an inorganic filler (D), in a specific ratio. The copolymer rubber (B) is prepared by the use of a metallocene catalyst and comprises ethylene, an &agr;-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms and a nonconjugated polyene. This composition ca provide molded products of more excellent tensile strength, elongation at break, elastomeric properties (elongation set, permanent compression set, etc.), heat resistance and low-temperature properties than the conventional non-crosslinked olefin thermoplastic elastomers, even if the composition is in the non-crosslinked form. The composition in the partially or completely crosslinked form can provided molded products of more excellent low-temperature properties, tensile strength, elongation at break and elastomeric properties than the conventional vulcanized rubbers.

Abstract: Use of a multimodal polypropylene blend in melt processing wherein for enhancing a compromise between melt strength and drawability the blend has a dispersion index of at least 8 and a ratio Mz/Mn of at least 10.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making graft copolymers. The methods comprise the steps of: (a) providing (i) an ethylene/propylene (EP) copolymer or other graftable polymer, (ii) an ethylenically unsaturated sulfur-, nitrogen- and/or oxygen-containing monomer, and (iii) an amount of an initiator sufficient to graft said monomer and EP copolymer or other graftable polymer, (b) introducing said EP copolymer or other graftable polymer into an extruder; (c) introducing said monomer into the extruder; (d) introducing said initiator into the extruder, wherein at least one of the above-identified reactants in (a) is introduced in the presence of a polar solvent; and (e) reacting said EP copolymer or other graftable polymer, monomer and initiator by operating said extruder, thereby forming the graft copolymer. This invention also relates to methods of making a dispersant viscosity index improver and methods for making a lubricating oil.

Abstract: A crosslinking agent for water-absorbing resins which comprises (A) at least one halohydrin compound selected between (A1) a first halohydrin compound having per molecule at least two halohydrin groups (D) represented by the general formula (I), wherein R1 represents hydrogen or alkyl and X represents chlorine or bromine and (A2) a second halohydrin compound having per molecule at least two halohydrin groups (D) represented by the formula (I) and having per molecule at least one ammonium group (M) represented by the general formula (II), wherein R2's each independently represents a C1-4 hydrocarbon group or benzyl.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin having a vinyl ether linker and more particularly, to a resin having a vinyl ether linker expressed by formula (I), useful for the synthesis of compounds having hetero atoms such as alcohol, thiol, imidazole, triazole and tetrazole by employing combinatorial chemical synthesis on solid supports.

Abstract: An acid-dyeable polymer composition comprising (a) polymer and (b) polymeric additive comprising repeating units having the formula: or salts thereof, wherein A, B and Q, which may be the same or different, are selected from aliphatic or aromatic substituents provided that at least four carbon atoms separate any two nitrogen groups, R is an aliphatic or aromatic group, a is 1 to 5, and n is 3 to about 1,000. In addition, an acid-dyed composition prepared from the composition, a process of acid dyeing the composition and a process for preparing the composition.

Abstract: Biopolymers and biopolymer blends, including block copolymers, prepared via enzyme-mediated catalysis preferably in a microorganism host in which the reaction conditions are selected to produce biopolymers and biopolymer blends having particular chemical compositions and microstructures.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an epoxy resin composition which has high flexibility, can be molded to a thin membrane, and can become a noninflammable cured product. The present invention comprises a polyphenol compound obtained by reacting to condense phenol with bischloromethyl biphenyl or bismethoxymethyl biphenyl, removing unreacted phenol and then reacting with BCMB again, wherein the polyphenol compound has a weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 or more as determined by GPC, and using the polyphenol compound as an agent for curing an epoxy resin.

Abstract: Epoxy resin polyglycoside-based cured polymers and process for the preparation are described. A particular epoxy resin precursor is the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A. A particular glucose based polymer is a glucose malic acid ester-vinyl copolymer. The polymers have a degree of biodegradability because of the polyglycoside as well as elevated temperature stability and are useful in transportation vehicle settings. Natural source fillers, such as cellulose fibers, which are treated or untreated, exfoliated clays or exfoliated graphite can be used.

Abstract: Flexible epoxy-based adhesive compositions which remain Theologically stable at room temperature in an uncured state comprise: (a) at least one flexible polyepoxide resin having a hardness not exceeding a durometer Shore D reading of 45 when cured with a stoichiometric amount of diethylene triamine (“DETA”); and (b) a substantially stoichiometric amount of at least one latent epoxy resin curing agent. Optionally, the adhesive composition may also incorporate one or more semi-flexible resins. Other optional components include fillers, thixotropic agents, and flexibilizers. The adhesive composition provicdes an epoxy-based adhesive composition that is storable for weeks as a single component mixture at room temperature, curable at temperatures ranging from about 100° C. to 125° C. in less than two hours, and flexible upon curing to temperatures as low as minus 50° C., exhibiting a durometer Shore A of less than about 95.

Abstract: Processes, methods and apparatus relating to olefin polymerization include the use of Raman spectrometry to monitor the concentration of reactants, products or other chemical components. One or more polymerizaton conditions are adjusted in response to those monitored concentrations. The present processes, methods and apparatus are applicable with slurry olefin polymerization process, even though such slurry processes contain solid particles were are known to interfere with Raman spectrometry. Furthermore, the present processes, methods and apparatus are applicable where there is some degree of overlap between Raman spectral peaks. Methods of monitoring and controlling olefin polymerization processes, reactants and other components use Raman spectrometry.

Abstract: A process for producing high density polyethylene (HDPE) or linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) in gas phase reactors, isolated or combined, using chromium or Ziegler-Natta catalysts, provided with on-line control of certain process variables as well as physical properties of the produced resin is described. Such process comprises the use of models for the inference of the physical properties and of the process variables that are not continuously measured as well as models which are relevant for the control of said properties and of the operating conditions of the process. The control of the process variables provides further the maximization of the production rate and of the catalyst productivity in the polymerization reaction.

Abstract: Metal complex containing one or more silsesquioxane ligands having the formula: Zy(MAx)b  (I) wherein Z is a silsesquioxane ligand according to the formula: (RSiO1.5)mOnBq  (II)  which is connected within one corner to one atom M or to two atoms M by one bridging oxygen atom, M is a metal from groups 3-10 of the Periodic System of the Elements and the lanthanides, A is a substituent bonded to the metal, y represents the number of silsesquioxane ligands and is 2-10, b represents the number of metal groups and is 2-20, x is the number of substituents A bonded to the metal; the value of x depends on the metal used and is equal to the valency of the metal minus 1, 2, 3 or 4, R is a substituent bonded to each Si, m is an integer and is equal to 5-19, n is 1.5 or 3, B is a group bonded to an oxygen atom that has one bond to Si and q is 0, 1 or 2.

Abstract: A catalyst obtained by contacting a transition metal compound (A) of the general formula [1]: [LpXoCpjM(N2)nM′XmLl]X′k  [1], wherein M and M′ independently represent a transition metal of Group 3 to 10; X independently represents a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, a specific hydrocarbon group or the like; Cp is a cyclopentadienyl group; L represents a group which bonds to M or M′ by lone pair of electrons or a &pgr; electron; X′ represents a counter anion; k, l, m, o and p each independently represent an integer of 0 to 5; j represents an integer of 0 to 2; n+o+p+j≦6; n represents an integer of 1 to 3; and n+l+m≦6, with an organoaluminum, and an aluminoxane and/or boron compound, or with an aluminoxane and/or boron compound, and a process for producing an addition polymerization with the catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymerization catalyst activator compositions which include a carbonium cation and an aluminum containing anion. These activator compositions are prepared by combining a carbonium or trityl source and with an aluminum containing complex, preferably a perfluorophenylaluminum compound. Also disclosed are polymerization catalyst systems including the activator composition of the invention, and processes for polymerizing olefins utilizing same.

Abstract: Bimetal catalyst for the (co)polymerization of &agr;-olefins comprising a co-catalyst consisting of a hydride or an organometallic compound of an element of groups 1, 2 or 13 of the periodic table, and a solid component consisting of at least 95% by weight of titanium, magnesium, hafnium, aluminum, chlorine and R—COO carboxylate groups, wherein R is an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon, containing from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, wherein at least 80% of the titanium is in oxidation state +3, and at least 1% of said titanium in oxidation state +3 has a tetrahedral coordination geometry. Said catalyst allows the production of olefinic polymers, particular polyethylene, with a high molecular weight by means of solution polymerization processes at temperatures exceeding 200° C.

Abstract: Process for making a non-pourable ultra-low molecular weight ethylene polymer composition and blends thereof. Such polymer compositions tend to have longer lamella and a greater degree of crystalline organization than corresponding higher molecular weight materials at an equivalent density.

Abstract: Optical devices fabricated from solvent processible polymers suffer from susceptibility to solvents and morphological changes. A semiconductive polymer capable of luminescence in an optical device is provided. The polymer comprises a luminescent film-forming solvent processible polymer which contains cross-linking so as to increase its molar mass and to resist solvent dissolution, the cross-linking being such that the polymer retains semiconductive and luminescent properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for the manufacture of PVDF homopolymer or copolymer. The optional comonomer comprises a vinyl group polymerized by free radicals, and comprises at least one fluorine atom, a fluoroalkyl group or a fluoroalkoxy group, directly attached to this vinyl group. The invention also relates to PVDF homopolymers made by processes of the invention. The invention further relates to a process for deoxygenating a flow.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of preparing an acrylic copolymer having an acid anhydride group with a number average molecular weight of 1,500-5,000 comprising; polymerizing a monomer mixture of a radical polymerizable monomer having an acid anhydride group and another radical polymerizable monomer at a temperature of 150° C. or higher by using a radical initiator, wherein the concentration of the monomer mixture is 50-75 wt %. This method can provide an acrylic copolymer having an acid anhydride group with a relatively low molecular weight that does not cause the problem of yellowing after baking when used in an acid/epoxy curing type clear paint, by means of high temperature polymerization without the use of a large amount of an expensive initiator.

Abstract: Membranes made from amphiphilic copolymers are disclosed. The amphiphilic copolymers can be ABA copolymers, where one of A and B is hydrophilic and the other is hydrophobic. The copolymers may be crosslinked to form more stable structures. Crosslinking can be accomplished using a variety of methods, including end to end polymerization of copolymers having terminal unsaturated groups. Molecules such as membrane proteins can be incorporated into the membrane to allow the transport there through of selected components.

Abstract: Covalently-bound, hydrophilic copolymer coatings for implants are disclosed. The copolymer coatings comprise a hydrophobic aryl acrylic monomer, a hydrophilic monomer selected from the group consisting of hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates, n-vinyl pyrrolidone and acrylamides, and a reactive plasticizer.

Abstract: Optically transparent, relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses, corneal inlays and contact lenses made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the polymerization of one or more aromatic-based siloxane macromonomers or the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-based siloxane macromonomers with one or more non-siloxy aromatic-based monomers, non-aromatic-based hydrophobic monomers or non-aromatic-based hydrophilic monomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blocked polyisocyanate containing: A1) 40 to 70 equivalent % of a predominantly linear NCO prepolymer having an NCO content of 5.0 to 10.0 wt. %, A2) 30 to 60 equivalent % of an aliphatic lacquer polyisocyanate, B1) 30 to 60 equivalent % of epsilon-caprolactam and B2) 40 to 70 equivalent % of diisopropylamine or 1,2,4-triazole as blocking agents, wherein the equivalent percents of isocyanate components A1) and A2) add up to 100 %, and the equivalent percents of blocking agents B1) and B2) add up to 100 to 110%, based on the equivalents of component A). The present invention also relates to a process for preparing these blocked polyisocyanates to coating compositions containing these blocked polyisocyanates and to metal substrates coated with these coating compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of derived timber products by applying a storage-stable binder to materials containing lignocellulose and heating this mixture under pressure. These storage-stable binders comprise a polyisocyanate and an amine catalysts. The invention also relates to these storage-stable binders.

Abstract: Polyurethane resins are produced by reacting a polyol with a polyisocyanate in the presence of an amine catalyst of one of the formulae:

Abstract: Solvent based poly(urethane/urea) resins suitable for formulating flexographic and gravure laminating printing ink and coating compositions formed from a poly(urethane) prepolymer solution made from a blend of polymeric diols and diols reacted with diisocyanates and then with diamine in an organic solvent. The resin is prepared by adding the poly(urethane) prepolymer solution at a controlled rate to the diamine in a organic solvent which allows a resin solution to be formed, which may be used in the formulation of laminating printing ink and coating compositions without the need for adjuvants, grinding in polyvinyl butyral or blending with nitrocellulose base.

Abstract: The invention features a polyamine epoxide adduct, prepared by admixing a source of epoxy group with a polyamine, and allowing the epoxy groups to react with the terminal amino groups of the polyamine so as to form the polyamine epoxy adduct. The polyamine epoxide adduct of the invention can be used as a component for preparing a polyurea polymer, thereby providing the resulting polyurea polymer with improved adhesiveness and greater chemical resistance to acidic conditions. Polyurea polymer coatings prepared from polyamine epoxide adducts demonstrate better chemical resistance and adhesion when applied to substrates than do conventionally prepared polyurea formulations.

Abstract: A crystalline polyester obtained by polycondensing monomers comprising 0.1 to 10% by mol of a divalent aromatic compound, wherein the crystalline polyester has a softening point of 85° to 150° C. The crystalline polyester can be suitably used for a resin binder for toner for electrophotography and the like used for developing electrostatic latent images formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing, and the like; a polyester resin composition comprising the crystalline polyester.

Abstract: Mixed alkali metal salts of phosphoric acid in combination with a co-catalyst such as tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) are excellent transesterification catalysts for use in the preparation of polycarbonate from bisphenol A and diphenyl carbonate. The mixed alkali metal phosphate salts were shown by kinetic measurements made on a model system composed of p-tert-octylphenol and bis(p-cumylphenyl) carbonate to be inherently more potent catalysts than salts of phosphoric acid comprising a single alkali metal ion. In addition to providing higher rates of polymerization, the new catalysts were shown to provide polycarbonates containing reduced levels of Fries rearrangement product relative to polymerization reactions catalyzed by conventional catalyst systems such as sodium hydroxide together with TMAH co-catalyst.