Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an antimicrobial heat-retaining fiber. The method includes spinning a spinning solution onto a fiber-forming resin. The spinning solution includes 1.0 to 6.0% by weight of carbon particles and 0.2 to 2.0% by weight of a metal alkoxide coupling agent. The spinning solution further includes 0.5 to 3.0% by weight of inorganic particles composed of a metal powder, a ceramic powder, or a mixture thereof By using the metal alkoxide coupling agent, the carbon particles and the inorganic particles are dispersed in a resin. Also disclosed is a fiber produced by the method. The fiber is prevented from breakage during spinning and is imparted with heat-retaining and antimicrobial functions due to the presence of the carbon particles and the inorganic particles. Further disclosed is a fabric manufactured using the fiber. The fabric can be prevented from deterioration of wash fastness.

Abstract: A composite material includes a polymer matrix and silica gel, which is bound in the polymer matrix. The volume fraction of the silica gel to the volume fraction of the composite material amounts to at least 50%, especially at least 65%. An electronic device, especially measuring device, includes at least one housing having at least one inner space, which contains an electronic circuit, wherein the device has at least one gas path, via which moisture can get into the housing, wherein the device has at least one formed body of the composite material.

Abstract: The present invention concerns polymeric material containing at least an embedded insecticidally active ingredient and an additive, which are released at room temperature. It similarly concerns materials produced from this polymer, for example in the form of self-supporting film/sheet, threads, wovens, fabrics, textiles, nets, curtains and pellets. The invention further concerns processes for producing such polymeric material and also the use of the self-supporting film/sheet, threads, wovens, fabrics, textiles and nets and curtains produced from the material for protecting humans, animals and plants and buildings, machines and packaging against arthropods, particularly for controlling insects.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are monofilament fibers comprising at least one polymeric resin and at least one coated filler, wherein the at least one coated filler has an average particle size of less than or equal to about 3 microns and/or has a top cut of less than or equal to about 10 microns, and wherein the at least one coated filler is present in an amount of less than or equal to about 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the monofilament fibers. Also disclosed herein are methods for producing monofilament fibers comprising adding ground calcium carbonate to at least one polymeric resin and extruding the resulting mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compatibilized polyamide-poly(arylene ether) thermoplastic resin compositions, comprising: (a) about 10 to about 50 weight percent of a poly(arylene ether); (b) about 5 percent to about 20 percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene and a copolymer of ethylene; (c) about 30 to about 60 percent of a biopolyamide; and wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition; and wherein the biomass carbon content of the resin composition is at least 13 percent as measured by ASTM D6866. Also disclosed are methods for making such resins and articles derived therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying and recycling synthetic turf are provided. The method includes removing a section of used synthetic turf, feeding the section to a rotating beater to knock sand infill loose, and passing the section through a rotating brush roll wherein a turf filament surface is directly contacted by the rotating brush roll to knock any entrained infill material loose from the section of used synthetic turf.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming fibers. First and second precursors, each possessing a core and at least one functional group known to have click reactivity, are mixed in a hopper. The mixed precursors are then extruded through an extrusion die to crosslink and produce a filament. Polymerization of the first and second precursors is catalyzed by transition metal ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining high-tenacity aramid yarn, wherein the yarn is made of a copolymer obtained from a mixture of monomers comprising DAPBI, an aromatic para-diamine, and an aromatic para-diacid, wherein the yarn is heated in at least two process steps, characterized in that in a first step the yarn is heated at a temperature of 200 to 360° C. at a tension of at least 0.2 cN/dtex, followed by a second step wherein the yarn is heated at a temperature of 370 to 500° C. at a tension of less than 1 cN/dtex. The invention further pertains to a multifilament aramid yarn spun from a sulfuric acid spin dope and having a tenacity of at least 2500 mN/tex.

Abstract: Permselective asymmetric membranes suitable e.g. for hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration of blood, and having improved sieving characteristics providing enhanced removal of middle molecular weight substances, e.g. inflammatory mediators having a molecular weight between 20 and 40 kDa. The membranes comprise polyethersulfone and polyvinylpyrrolidone and are coated with hyaluronic acid or copolymers of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphoryl choline and other vinyl polymerizable monomers. Processes for the preparation of these membranes, devices comprising these membranes, and the use of these membranes in hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration of blood, as well as in bioprocessing, plasma fractionation and the preparation of protein solutions.

Abstract: A method for using the quantity of heat output from an extrudate during a cooling operation in an extrusion process, wherein a fluid, in particular air, is guided along the extrudate and/or through the die counter to an extrusion direction, at least some of the heat from the extrudate and/or the die is transmitted to the fluid, the heated fluid is supplied from a first sub region of a process chain, comprising at least one die, a calibrating and cooling device and a take-off apparatus, via a connecting region, preferably consisting of at least one connecting pipe, to a second sub region of the process chain, comprising at least one suction apparatus. In the connecting region, an extraneous fluid can be added to the heated fluid in order to reduce the actual temperature of the heated fluid at least below a predetermined maximum value before said fluid is supplied to the second sub region of the process chain.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented laminate film including a core layer including a blend of crystalline polylactic acid polymer and a minority amount of polyolefin with a compatibilizing resin which is biaxially oriented such that a matte or opaque appearance is obtained. The laminate film may further have additional layers such as a heat sealable layer disposed on one side of the core layer including an amorphous polylactic acid resin and/or a polylactic acid resin-containing layer disposed on the side of the core layer opposite the heat sealable layer, a metal layer, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented laminate film including a core layer including a blend of crystalline polylactic acid polymer and a minority amount of polyolefin with a compatibilizing resin which is biaxially oriented such that a matte or opaque appearance is obtained. The laminate film may further have additional layers such as a heat sealable layer disposed on one side of the core layer including an amorphous polylactic acid resin and/or a polylactic acid resin-containing layer disposed on the side of the core layer opposite the heat sealable layer, a metal layer, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions exhibiting a UV resistance of ?E ranging from more than 0 to less than or equal to 10 units after exposure to ultraviolet light for 300 hours, per ASTM D-4459 protocol. The compositions can include at least 15 wt % of a polyetherimide; at least 35 wt % of a polycarbonate; a polyetherimide siloxane; and optionally, at least one UV stabilizer. The disclosure also relates to methods of shaping such compositions and articles produced from such compositions.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus for extruding multiple streams of extrusion material as extruded end-products and in the coating of substrates. A flow joiner in an extrusion head combines multiple metered streams such as from a gear pump, into a uniform extrusion flow.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a polymer composition suitable for clear graphic cling film applications, method of producing the same, articles made therefrom, and methods for making such articles. The polymer composition suitable for clear graphic cling film applications, according to the present invention, comprises: (a) a polyolefin composition selected from the group consisting of a propylene-based composition, and an ethylene-based composition, wherein the propylene-based composition has an melt flow rate in the range of from 2 to 8 g/10 minutes, a dynamic mechanical spectroscopy (DMS) value in the range of from 3700 to 10100 Pascal-seconds at 0.1 radian per second, and from 650 to 1200 Pascal-seconds at 100 radian per second measured at 190° C., and having a crystallinity in the range of from at least 4 percent by weight to 11 percent by weight, and a heat of fusion of in the range of from 6 to 19 Joules/gram, and a DSC melting point of less than 110° C.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a male surface fastener member configured for being molded onto a surface of a foaming resin mold body. The male surface fastener member includes a plurality of male surface fastener strips connected with each other in an end-to-end relationship via a connecting portion that is integrally formed with at least the end portions of each male surface fastener strips. Each male surface fastener strip includes a base material having a first surface from which a plurality of engaging elements extend upwardly and first and second substantially lateral resin intrusion prevention walls that upwardly from the first surface along a width direction of the base material between the first and second longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls. Each of the lateral resin intrusion prevention walls comprises a plurality of engaging elements that are arranged in series in a width direction of the first surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition and method of modifying the surface of a polymeric to produce a film or article with a reduced coefficient of friction (COF) and improved release properties. The reduced coefficient of friction improves both the slip and anti-blocking properties of the material as well aiding in processing of the polymeric material. Additionally, the invention improves demolding and release of the polymeric c material from other polymeric surfaces or adhesives as well as metal molding surfaces.

Abstract: An encapsulating material for solar cell containing an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer satisfying the following a1) and a2), and a specific peroxyketal having a 1-hour half-life temperature in a range of 100 to 135 degrees centigrade; the peroxyketal being contained in an amount of 0.1 to less than 0.8 weight parts relative to 100 weight parts of the ethylene/?-olefin copolymer. a1) the shore A hardness is from 60 to 85 as measured in accordance with ASTM D2240. a2) MFR is from 2 to 50 g/10 minutes as measured under the conditions of a temperature of 190 degrees centigrade and a load of 2.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the manufacture of polycarbonate blend compositions containing recycle for improvement in surface aesthetics. The resulting compositions, can be used in the manufacture of articles while still retaining the advantageous physical properties of polycarbonate blend reference compositions that do not contain recycle material. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of preparing a polyurethane-containing film including: (a) providing as a first component a polyurethane material having isocyanate functional groups; (b) providing as a second component a material having active hydrogen functional groups reactive with isocyanate; (c) combining the first component with a portion of the second component to form a first reaction mixture; (d) allowing the first reaction mixture to react for a time sufficient to increase the viscosity to at least 300 cps; (e) adding the remainder of the second component to the first reaction mixture to form a second reaction mixture; (f) dispensing the reaction mixture onto a support substrate in a substantially uniform thickness to form an at least partial film thereon; (g) heating the film on the support substrate to a temperature and for a time sufficient to yield a cured film; and (h) removing the cured film from the support substrate to yield a non-elastomeric polyurethane-containing free film.

Abstract: A catheter shaft and methods for making and using the same. The catheter shaft may include a core portion, a cap portion, and one or more lumens. The cap portion may be disposed on or over a section of the core portion and define a region with a different exterior or interior surface characteristic. For example, the cap portion may define a lubricious region along the catheter shaft. Manufacturing the catheter shaft may include a modified co-extrusion process that incorporates a flow valve on at least one of the material supply lines so that the supply line can be regulated by a user.

Abstract: Permselective asymmetric membranes suitable e.g. for hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration of blood, and having improved performance, including improved sieving characteristics, providing enhanced removal of middle molecular weight substances, e.g. inflammatory mediators having a molecular weight between 20 and 40 kDa. The improved sieving characteristics are due to a narrow pore size distribution of the membranes created in the production process. Processes for the preparation of these membranes, devices comprising these membranes, and the use of these membranes in hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration of blood, as well as in bioprocessing, plasma fractionation and the preparation of protein solutions.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer composition comprises a cyanophenyl endcapped polycarbonate, a potassium diphenyl sulphon-3-sulphonate; and brominated polycarbonate. In some embodiments, when the thermoplastic polymer composition is in the form of a 3 mm thick extruded sheet, the sheet has a smoke density of less than 200 at an exposure period of 240 seconds in accordance with the smoke density test as set forth in ASTM E662-06, and has no burning drips on the sheet for a duration of 10 minutes in accordance with the flammability test as set forth in NF-P-92-505.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising, relative to the total weight of the composition: between 25% and 52% by weight of at least one semi-crystalline or amorphous polyamide, having an amine chain-end content of less than 0.040 meq/g, between 24% and 40% by weight of at least one reinforcer, and between 24% and 35% by weight of at least one metal salt, optionally contained in a polymer, chosen from a metal salt of phosphinic acid, a metal salt of diphosphinic acid, and a mixture thereof. The invention also relates to the process for preparing this composition and its use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microvalve using surface tension, a microfluidic chip including same and a method for manufacturing same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a microvalve using surface tension, a microfluidic chip including same and a method for manufacturing same, wherein the microvalve can be manufactured through a simple process and the microvalve and a coaxial sample channel are not separated, and thus the microvalve may be easily installed not only in an existing quadrangular channel but also in the coaxial channel so as to control the flow and amount of a microfluid (sample).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening member for fastening of elements, which fastening member has at least a first side and a second side, wherein the first side of the fastening member has at least two transversal extensions. The fastening member has at least one longitudinal extension, and at least two holes, in the longitudinal axis of the fastening member. The invention further relates to a system and a method for manufacturing a fastening member used for fastening of elements, and an arrangement and a use for fastening elements.

Abstract: A device for introducing continuous fiber into a product material is provided. The continuous fiber is provided from at least one continuous fiber supply. The device comprises a housing having a first opening and a second opening. A channel is formed through the housing from the first opening to the second opening. At least one fin member extends from the housing into the channel with the at least one fin member having a conduit formed therethrough. Upon the product material travelling through the channel of the housing, the continuous fiber travels from the continuous fiber supply, through the conduit, and into the product material. The continuous fiber increases strength and stiffness of the product material while decreasing time-dependent creep deformation of the product material.

Abstract: A method of forming a natural fiber polymer composite includes the steps of introducing into an extruder a polymer, a natural fiber and a supercritical fluid to form a natural fiber polymer mixture; and extruding the natural fiber polymer mixture to form the natural fiber polymer composite at a temperature below a standard melting temperature of the polymer alone. The supercritical fluid may be introduced after the polymer is introduced into the extruder. The supercritical fluid may be introduced before or after the natural fiber is introduced into the extruder.

Abstract: A strain sensing cable including one or more strain sensing elements and a strain transfer medium extruded directly onto the one or more strain sensing elements disposed within the strain transfer medium. The strain transfer medium is operatively arranged to transfer strain experienced by the cable to the one or more strain sensing elements. A method of making a strain sensing cable is also included.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide improved roofing membranes and methods and systems involving the same. According to one embodiment, a roofing membrane laminate is provided. The roofing membrane laminate includes a first membrane layer that includes a thermoplastic polyolefin material and a second membrane layer positioned atop the first membrane layer and bonded thereto. The second membrane layer includes a thermoplastic polyolefin material and an acrylate additive blended with the thermoplastic polyolefin material. The acrylate additive is blended with the thermoplastic polyolefin material while both materials are resins and is added so as to comprise 10% by weight or less of the blended resins. The acrylate additive includes an ethylene backbone chain and an acrylate bonded with the ethylene backbone chain.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to recycled polyethylene terephthalate compositions, fibers and articles produced therefrom, and methods for producing same. In a further aspect, the invention relates to homogenized post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate. In a further aspect, the invention relates to extruded polymer compositions, polymer mixtures, fibers, and/or Bulked Continuous Filament fibers comprising post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate. In a further aspect, the invention relates to processes for preparing recycled polyethylene terephthalate compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides an antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral polymeric material, comprising rayon fibers and a single antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral component consisting essentially of microscopic water insoluble particles of copper oxide incorporated in said fibers wherein a portion of said particles in said fibers are exposed and protruding from the surface of the fibers and wherein said particles release Cu++ when exposed to water or water vapor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a heat-sealable biodegradable packaging material, which comprises a fibrous substrate (1) and one or more polymer coating layers (2) extruded onto said substrate. According to the invention the packaging material includes at least one polymer coating layer (2) containing at least 70 weight-% of polylactide (PLA) and at least 5 weight-% of polybutylene succinate (PBS) or its derivate blended therewith. Optionally an acryl copolymer such as ethylene butyl acrylate glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer (EBAGMA) may be included in the polymer blend. The invention further concerns a heat-sealed container, such as a disposable drinking cup, and a heat-sealed product package made from the packaging material, as well as uses of PBS or its derivates as blends with PLA in extrusion coating, for improving adhesivity of the coating to the fibrous substrate and reduced raw edge penetration to the packaging material, especially penetration of hot coffee held in the drinking cup.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to recycled polyethylene terephthalate compositions, fibers and articles produced therefrom, and methods for producing same. In a further aspect, the invention relates to homogenized post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate. In a further aspect, the invention relates to extruded polymer compositions, polymer mixtures, fibers, and/or Bulked Continuous Filament fibers comprising post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate. In a further aspect, the invention relates to processes for preparing recycled polyethylene terephthalate compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Polymer-graphite compositions and related methods of using solid-state shear pulverization as can be used to affect one or more physical properties thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for imparting antiviral properties to a hydrophilic polymeric material comprising preparing a hydrophilic polymeric slurry, dispersing an ionic copper powder mixture containing cuprous oxide and cupric oxide in said slurry and then extruding or molding said slurry to form a hydrophilic polymeric material, wherein water-insoluble particles that release both Cu++ and Cu+ are directly and completely encapsulated within said hydrophilic polymeric material.

Abstract: A molding composition is suitable for the production of pipes having improved resistance to thermooxidative degradation when these pipes are in long-term contact with liquids comprising disinfectants having an oxidizing effect. Such molding composition comprises, in addition to thermoplastic polyolefins, a polyoxy compound and/or a polyhydroxy compound as additive in an amount of from 0.01 to 1.0% by weight. In addition, the molding composition can further comprise an unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon in an amount of up to 5% by weight. The invention also relates to a process for improving the long-term resistance of water pipes to damage caused by oxidizing disinfectants from the water by use of this molding composition.

Abstract: A transparent polyamide elastomer of the general structure (I), where R1 is a polyamide segment formed from a) 10-100 mol % of alkyl-substituted bis(aminocyclohexyl)methane or bis(aminocyclohexyl)propane and 0-90 mol % of other cycloaliphatic, aliphatic or aromatic C6-C36 diamines, based on the total amount of diamine in the polyamide segment, and b) aliphatic C4-C36 dicarboxylic acids, cycloaliphatic or aromatic C8-C36 dicarboxylic acids, and c) optionally lactams or aminocarboxylic acids C6-C12, R2 being selected from the group of the divalent radicals: linear or branched C2-C5 polyoxyalkylene, polyolefin, polysiloxane with a number-average molar mass in the range of 200-3000 g/mol, C2-C36 alkylene, C6-C36 cycloalkylene, C6-C20 aryl, polycaprolactone, polyesters based on aliphatic or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids and diols, aliphatic polycarbonate, and also copolymers of or mixtures of these elements, and X1 and X2 independently of one another being amide (CONH) or ester (COO) bonds.

Abstract: Composition comprising polypropylene and (a) at least one phenolic antioxidant (A) (b) at least one hindered amine light stabilizer (B) (c) at least one slip agent (C) being a fatty acid amide, (d) a bisphenol A epoxy resin with an average molecular weight (Mw) below 2000 g/mol (D), and (e) talc (E).

Abstract: A fiber comprises a composition including a poly(phenylene ether) having less than or equal to 240 parts per million by weight of hydroxyl groups associated with ethylene bridge groups and less than or equal to 800 parts per million by weight of hydroxyl groups associated with rearranged backbone groups, both amounts based on the weight of the poly(phenylene ether). Fiber of low denier can be formed from this composition. The fiber can be formed by melt spinning.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a peelable film to be sealed on a polyester-based substrate comprising a coextraded multilayer structure comprising:—a rupturable polyester-based sealant layer;—an adhesive layer in contact with said rupturable layer, comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of ionomers, maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin, EVA, EBA, EMA and EAA;—a gas-barrier layer in contact with said adhesive layer, comprising a gas-barrier polymer selected from the group consisting of EVOH and polyamide, characterised in that the average peel strength between the adhesive layer and the rupturable sealant layer is lower than 15 N/15 mm, preferably lower than 13 N/15 mm as measured in a 180° peel geometry.

Abstract: A construction element for a plant for capture of an acidic gas using an aqueous amine absorbent, wherein at least a part of a surface of said element comprises a polyolefin, and a hydrolytically stable antioxidant, is described. Additionally, a liner comprising said polyolefin and the hydrolytically stable antioxidant, is described. The construction element may be a column, a pipe, an insert, like a column packing element or a tray. An apparatus for capturing CO2 using the construction elements, is also described.

Abstract: A toneable conduit including an elongate polymeric tube having a sidewall with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a main channel. A sub-channel, smaller in cross sectional area than the main channel, extends longitudinally between the exterior and interior surfaces of the tube. A continuous toning signal wire is located within the sub-channel. The sub-channel has a larger cross sectional area than a cross sectional area of the toning signal wire and the toning signal wire follows a zigzagging or undulating path within the sub-channel. Alternatively, the sub-channel and toning signal wire have a substantially common cross sectional area and both follow a zigzagging or undulating path from one end of the toneable conduit to the other end. In both embodiments, a given length of toneable conduit will include a length of toning signal wire exceeding that given length.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a polypropylene with narrow molecular weight distribution and a process for preparing the same in a reactor using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst.

Abstract: A sealing element that utilizes cohesive peeling to visually indicate when a sealing element has been opened. The peel layer and bulk layer can be coupled together and contain coloring agents which are complementary colors that together make up a secondary color. Alternatively, the peel layer can be coupled to a first bulk layer and the first bulk layer coupled to a second bulk layer. The colors of the coloring agents applied to the peel layer and first bulk layer together do not make up a secondary color, and the colors of the coloring agents of the second bulk layer and the first bulk layer together do not make up a secondary color.

Abstract: A control system is provided for shifting an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, which includes, but is not limited to a speed controller, and an electronic control device. Through the electronic control device the parameters vehicle speed, position of the speed controller and acceleration of the speed controller can be captured. Through the electronic control device and through comparison of the captured values of the parameters with predetermined reference values a shifting time is determined for shifting the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A method for producing a high strength, flexible crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) material is provided wherein the base polymer is intermixed with a polymer modifier which affects the amorphous region of the polymer, leaving the crystalline portion of the base polymer virtually unaffected. Consequently, the amorphous region's density is lowered, resulting in a more flexible final product, while the crosslinked molecular structure and/or crystalline portion of the polymer, which controls the strength of the base polymer, remains strong. The polymer modifier can comprise a hydrocarbon fluid such as PAO, Group III basestocks, or a gas-to-liquid hydrocarbon. The plastic material has particular utility in the production of tubing, piping, and conduits for transporting gases, liquids, and the like, as well as wire and cable coatings such as jacketing and insulation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a thermoplastic polyurethane comprised of the reaction product of (1) a hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate, (2) a polyisocyanate, and (3) a glycol chain extender; wherein the polyester intermediate is comprised of repeat units derived from a 1,3-propylene glycol component and a dicarboxylic acid wherein the 1,3-propylene glycol component comprises a bio-based 1,3-propylene glycol; wherein the polyester intermediate has a number average molecular weight from 500 to 10,000; and wherein the polyurethane includes hard segments that are the reaction product of the polyisocyanate and the glycol chain extender. This thermoplastic polyurethane is unique as it has a greatly reduced tendency to bloom and is prepared from a renewable material. Blooming causes articles containing the polyurethane to be hazy or foggy in appearance and can also reduce the ability of an article to be securely bound to another with an adhesive.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a polyetherimide composition includes catalyzing the reaction of a dianhydride and an organic diamine with a catalyst selected from guanadinium salts, pyridinium salts, imidazolium salts, tetra(C6-24)aryl ammonium salts, tetra(C7-24 arylalkylene)ammonium salts, dialkyl heterocycloaliphatic ammonium salts, bis-alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, (C7-24arylalkylene)(C1-16alkyl)phosphonium salts, (C6-24aryl)(C1-16alkyl)phosphonium salts, phosphazenium salts and combinations thereof, optionally in the presence of a solvent.

Abstract: A melt cooler and valving system for an underwater pelletizer has a diverter valve that facilitates multiple modes of melt processing. The cooler has a cooler inlet line that conveys the melt to the cooler, and a cooler outlet line that conveys the cooled melt from the cooler. The diverter valve is configured to convey the melt to and from the cooler during a cooling mode of operation, to convey the melt around the cooler during a bypass mode of operation, and to drain the melt from the cooler and the diverter valve during a drain mode of operation. The diverter valve is compact and therefore contains a minimum of product inventory. The valve is streamlined and direct in its bypass mode, and includes a drain capability to allow for faster, easier cleaning of the process line, which in turn provides a fast changeover time with less lost product.