Abstract: Solid and liquid compositions containing particles of highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functional groups with an ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. The compositions contain at least about 25% by weight of polymer particles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm.

Abstract: A polyion complex (PIC) is formed of an anionic soluble polymer formed from ethylenically unsaturated monomers including at least one anionic or monomer and a cationic soluble polymer formed from ethylenically unsaturated monomer including at least one cationic monomer, in which the monomers used to form at lest one of the polymers comprise a switterionic monomer and in which the monomers used to form at least one of the polymers include non-ionic monomer, preferably C1-24 alkyl(meth)acrylate, in which the overall ratio of anionic groups to cationic groups in the PIC is in the range 1.5:1 to 1:1.5, and in which the polymers are combined in ratios to provide a PIC in which there are units derived from zwitterionic monomer in an amount in the range 1 to 70 mole % based on total monomer derived units in the PIC and there are units derived from non-ionic monomer in an amount in the range 0 to 60 mole % based on total monomer derived units in the PIC.

Abstract: Crosslinked sulphonic fluorinated ionomers having an equivalent weight 380-1300 g/eq, comprising: (A) monomeric units deriving from one or more fluorinated monomers containing at least one ethylene unsaturation; (B) fluorinated monomeric units containing sulphonyl groups —SO2F in an amount such as to give the above indicated equivalent weight.

Abstract: A Polymer Electrolyte Membrane is formed by hot air drying of a membrane formed with an acidic main-polymer having proton conductivity and capability of forming an electrolyte membrane (S12), and then immersing it into a basic polymer solution to polymer (S14). The basic polymer is introduced in a large quantity into a site acting as a proton conduction pass of the main-polymer to take charge of the proton conduction. Since in the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane, a base polymer takes charge of proton conduction as compared with the case where proton takes charge of the proton conduction as a hydrate, the base polymer shows favorable proton conductivity even in a low humidity state at an elevated temperature exceeding boiling point of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite solid material fixing mineral contaminants, with a metal hexacyanoferrate basis, characterised in that it comprises a solid support coated with a pellicle of an anion-exchange polymer to which is fixed an insoluble metal hexacyanoferrate forming a thin layer. The present invention also relates to the method of preparing the said composite solid material fixing mineral contaminants with a hexacyanoferrate basis. The present invention finally relates to method of fixing, which can be carried out in a column and continuously, of at least one mineral contaminant contained in a solution, on the said composite solid material fixing mineral contaminants. The said solution is in particular a liquid or an effluent originating from the nuclear industry and installations.

Abstract: Liquid compositions containing particles of highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functional groups with an ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. The compositions contain at least about 25% by weight of polymer particles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm.

Abstract: Multicomponent ion exchange resin granules containing at least one acidic resin and at least one basic resin. Each granule contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin.

Abstract: A porous immobilized ion-exchange material is provided. Also provided is an electrodeionization device incorporating the material. A method for subjecting a fluid to electrodeionization, is provided utilizing porous immobilized ion-exchange material. A salient feature of the material is that it can be regenerated in situ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of fabricating composite membranes wherein at least one of the components is initially provided in the form of a precursor. The composite material comprising the precursor is processed to transform the precursor and obtain a membrane having a desired property. Including a thermoplastic precursor to a desired component, which itself is less thermoplastic, permits separate pieces of the membrane to be joined by welding or other thermal processes relying on the meltability of the components to achieve a bond. The invention also encompasses fabricating a reinforced ion conducting membrane by melting and mixing a non ion-conducting precursor to an ion-conducting polymer with an essentially inert polymer. The composite material is then processed to transform the non ion-conducting polymer into the ion-conducting form.

Abstract: The invention is a catalytic ion exchange resin bed with low pressure drop, low catalyst breakage and low catalyst deactivation as well as an improved process for the production of bisphenol A employing such a catalytic ion exchange resin bed.

Abstract: An ion-selective membrane is formed integrally of an ion-selective membrane forming component and a woven-fabric-shaped backing. The ion-selective membrane forming component comprises a cationic polymer component and/or an anionic polymer component and a matrix component. Each of the ionic polymer components is a particulate polymer having an average particle size in a range of from 0.01 to 10 &mgr;m. The woven-fabric-shaped backing has a meshed structure. The ion-selective membrane can be produced by forming it while maintaining a layer of a coating formulation, in which the ionic polymer component is dispersed in a solution or dispersion of the matrix component in an organic solvent, in close contact with the woven-fabric-shaped backing. The ion-selective membrane is useful for the permeation of an electrolyte. An apparatus provided with the ion-selective membrane is also provided.

Abstract: A method and composition are provided for applying a single aqueous coating composition to a composite substrate during an in-press molding operation to achieve (i) improved initial whiteness in a white pigmented composition, (ii) excellent color retention/stability and (iii) excellent press release properties. The aqueous coating composition incorporates an ion exchange resin and serves as a combined sealer and topcoat finish for press molded composite substrates.

Abstract: The invention is a catalytic ion exchange resin bed with low pressure drop, low catalyst breakage and low catalyst deactivation as well as an improved process for the production of bisphenol A employing such a catalytic ion exchange resin bed.

Abstract: A method for regenerating strong-base anion exchange resins utilizing a sequential chemical displacement technique with new regenerant formulation. The new first regenerant solution is composed of a mixture of ferric chloride, a water-miscible organic solvent, hydrochloric acid, and water in which tetrachloroferrate anion is formed and used to displace the target anions on the resin. The second regenerant is composed of a dilute hydrochloric acid and is used to decompose tetrachloroferrate and elute ferric ions, thereby regenerating the resin. Alternative chemical displacement methods include: (1) displacement of target anions with fluoroborate followed by nitrate or salicylate and (2) displacement of target anions with salicylate followed by dilute hydrochloric acid. The methodology offers an improved regeneration efficiency, recovery, and waste minimization over the conventional displacement technique using sodium chloride (or a brine) or alkali metal hydroxide.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided in which a porous substrate is impregnated with a polymeric composition comprising various combinations of &agr;,&bgr;,&bgr;-trifluorostyrene, substituted &agr;,&bgr;,&bgr;-trifluorostyrene and ethylene-based monomeric units. Where the polymeric composition includes ion-exchange moieties, the resultant composite membranes are useful in electrochemical applications, particularly as membrane electrolytes in electrochemical fuel cells.

Abstract: Anion exchange material surfaces are provided with zwitterionic and cationic groups, preferably by coating with a polymer formed from monomers including a zwitterionic monomer, a cationic monomer and, optionally, a termonomer providing stable binding at the substrate surface. The ion exchange materials may be used to scavenge heparin from blood by an ion exchange separation process. The zwitterionic group reduces the rate of fouling by biological materials such as proteins.

Abstract: Polymer electrolytes and process for their preparation

Abstract: A method and composition for removing perchlorate from a highly selective ion exchange resin is disclosed. The disclosed approach comprises treating the resin in a solution of super critical or liquid carbon dioxide and one or more quaternary ammonium chloride surfactant compounds.

Abstract: Sulfonated strongly acidic cation exchangers are rendered free-flowing by treatment with wetting agents or water soluble initiators, washing with water at temperatures of at least 60° C. and heat drying.

Abstract: A membrane for use in chloride-sensitive electrodes, comprises a polymer matrix with at least one electroactive component. The polymer matrix of the membrane contains an epoxy resin with an amino compound as a curing agent. For the purpose of reducing the danger of contamination and improving the useful life of the electrode, the epoxy resin is provided with at least one epoxy resin compatible flexibilizer, and the content of epoxy resin plus added flexibilizer in the electrode membrane amounts to more than 60% by weight, while that of the electroactive component is not more than 35% by weight, and preferably not more than 30% by weight.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided in which a porous substrate is impregnated with a polymeric composition comprising various combinations of &agr;,&bgr;,&bgr;-trifluorostyrene, substituted &agr;,&bgr;,&bgr;-trifluorostyrene and ethylene-based monomeric units. Where the polymeric composition includes ion-exchange moieties, the resultant composite membranes are useful in electrochemical applications, particularly as membrane electrolytes in electrochemical fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a novel water-swellable crosslinked polymer composition which exhibits excellent saltwater absorption speed and capacity under a load. This object can be achieved in the case where, in a water-swellable crosslinked polymer composition comprising a blend of water-swellable crosslinked polymer particles of basicity in water and water-swellable crosslinked polymer particles of acidity in water, the water-swellable crosslinked polymer particles of basicity in water are unified with the water-swellable crosslinked polymer particles of acidity in water through ionic bondings in a state where water is present between the particles, wherein the ionic bondings are formed in a state where water is present between the particles by neutralization of at least part of acid groups of the water-swellable crosslinked polymer particles of acidity in water with the water-swellable crosslinked polymer particles of basicity in water.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for the preparation of free-flowing end products of strongly acidic cation exchangers. In the case of the strongly acidic cation exchangers prepared by the processes described in Patent Application P 195 48 012.0, the particle beds of the end products are not free-flowing.

Abstract: Crosslinked macroporous resins and ion-exchange resins produced therefrom which have a significantly high crush strength to be useful in the removal of colloidal silica, iron, aluminum and other metal hydroxides and a process for producing macroporous resins with this high crush strength yet having extremely large pores by achieving a narrow distribution of pore sizes.

Abstract: Starburst conjugates which are composed of at least one dendrimer in association with at least one unit of a carried agricultural, pharmaceutical, or other material have been prepared. These conjugates have particularly advantageous properties due to the unique characteristics of the dendrimer.

Abstract: A composite porous structure includes a macroporous open-pore sponge of regenerated cellulose having disposed within the pores a microporous polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrate. The total empty space of the structure, produced by the pores, is between 60% and 92% of the outer envelope geometrical volume of the structure. The wet compressive strength of the structure is at least ten times greater than the wet compressive strength of the cellulose sponge without the PVC.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of ion-exchange membranes for use in electromembrane processes and ion-exchange membranes obtained from the process. The membranes are prepared from a solution, in a dipolar-aprotic solvent, containing (a) a polymeric sulfonic acid or a polymeric sulfonate salt of formula Polymer-SO3X, where X is H or a monovalent cation, and (b) a basic polymer containing primary, secondary or tertiary basic nitrogen. The dissolved polymer blend is spread in a thin layer onto a support, and the solvent is evaporated to form a polymeric film. The films produced by the process are particularly useful as ion-exchange membranes due to improved properties relative to the component polymers with regard to ionic conductivity, swelling permselectivity, and thermal resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a microcomposite comprising a highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer containing pendant sulfonate functional groups, said polymer existing as aggregated particles entrapped within and dispersed throughout a network of silica. Due to their high surface area and acid functionality, these microcomposites possess wide utility as improved solid acid catalysts, particularly in the substitution of aromatic compounds, in the decomposition of hydroperoxides, and in the isomerization of olefins.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided in which a porous substrate is impregnated with a polymeric composition comprising various combinations of &agr;, &bgr;, &bgr;-trifluorostyrene, substituted &agr;, &bgr;, &bgr;-trifluorostyrene and ethylene-based monomeric units. Where the polymeric composition includes ion-exchange moieties, the resultant composite membranes are useful in electrochemical applications, particularly as membrane electrolytes in electrochemical fuel cells.

Abstract: Anion-exchange compositions are provided comprising anion-exchange functional groups comprising at least a first and a second nitrogen group, wherein the first nitrogen group is a quaternary amine and the second nitrogen group is selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary amines. Methods of making and using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods in which ion exchange resins are used to reduce the amount of substances which interfere with nucleic acid hybridization in samples. The methods also stabilize the samples. Kits containing the ion exchange resins render the methods convenient to use.

Abstract: An ion exchange resin comprising an ion exchange material dispersed or distributed throughout a polyurethane matrix. The ion exchange material is typically a second polymer which has been chemically modified after dispersion or distribution throughout the polyurethane matrix.

Abstract: A solid acid catalyst comprising porous highly fluorinated acidic polymer and process for manufacturing it. The catalyst comprises at least about 90 wt. % highly fluorinated acidic polymer and has a surface area of about 0.01 m2/g to about 5 m2/g.

Abstract: Solid and liquid compositions containing particles of highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functional groups with an ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. The compositions contain at least about 25% by weight of polymer particles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm.

Abstract: An endotoxin adsorption system of the present invention comprises a combination of a cation exchange resin having sodium as a counter ion and a cation exchange resin having sodium and one or more metal ions other than sodium as a counter ion, and adsorbs an endotoxin without decreasing of the concentration of cations.

Abstract: A water-borne road marking paint is disclosed characterised in that incorporated within the paint are particles of a solid polymer or inorganic compound, which are capable of absorbing water. Preferred particles are ion exchange resin beads. Incorporation of such particles either during or immediately after application of the paint results in a substantial improvement in the speed of drying of the paint on the road.

Abstract: Poly(vinylamine)-based superabsorbent gels are disclosed. The superabsorbent gels either comprise a mixture of a poly(vinylamine) polymer and an acidic water-absorbing polymer, like polyacrylic acid, or comprise a salt of a poly(vinylamine) polymer. An improved method of preparing poly(vinylamine) also is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of at least one spherically shaped porous microcomposite is provided which microcomposite comprises a perfluorinated ion-exchange polymer containing pendant sulfonic and/or carboxylic acid groups entrapped within and highly dispersed throughout a network of inorganic oxide, wherein the weight percentage of the perfluorinated ion-exchange polymer in the microcomposite is from about 0.1 to about 90 percent, and wherein the size of the pores in the microcomposite is about 0.

Abstract: Disclosed are formed composite material compositions suitable for use in the removal of heavy metals from aqueous systems, a process for preparing said composite materials and a process for the removal of heavy metals using said composite materials. Formed particulate composite material compositions are comprised of (A) at least one ion exchange material; (B) at least one activated carbon; and, optionally, (C) at least one binder material. The method for preparing said composite material compositions comprises first mixing components (A), (B) and, optionally, (C), then forming particles from said mixture. The method for removing heavy metals from aqueous systems containing one or more heavy metals comprises contacting said aqueous system with one or more of the composite materials until the heavy metals are substantially removed from the aqueous system.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymeric netting for use as an ion-conducting ser in an electrodialysis stack having charged groups incorporated in a in polymeric coating applied thereto, imparting to the spacer an average ion exchange capacity of at least 0.25 meq/gr.

Abstract: A method for preparing non-agglomerating mixed bed ion exchange resin systems without affecting the ion exchange kinetics of the anion exchange resin component of the mixed bed system is disclosed. Pretreatment of the anion exchange resin component with a sulfonated poly(vinylaromatic) polyelectrolyte is particularly effective in providing non-agglomerated mixed bed systems without affecting ion exchange kinetics. Treatment levels of 10 to 800 milligrams per liter of anion exchange resin with sulfonated poly(vinylaromatic) polyelectrolyte having number average molecular weight from 5,000 to 1,000,000 are particularly preferred.

Abstract: A chromatographic composition for the selective binding of borate ion comprising support resin particle and polymers containing covalently bonded borate binding carbohydrates wherein said carbohydrates are a mono-, di- or polysaccharide of three to seven alcohol moieties per saccharide unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to iodine demand disinfectants. It relates in particular to a process for preparing a polyiodide-resin for use as an iodine demand disinfectant wherein a porous strong base anion exchange resin in a salt form, is contacted with a material capable of donating a member absorbable by the resin so as to convert the resin to the polyiodide-resin. The adsorbable member is selected from the group comprising I.sub.2 and polyiodide ion having a valence of -1. The process is characterized in that conversion of the anion exchange resin to the polyiodide-resin is effected at elevated temperature and elevated pressure, the elevated temperature being 100 degrees C or higher, the elevated pressure being greater than atmospheric pressure. The present invention also relates to disinfectant substance comprising an iodine (impregnated) resin as produced by the above process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing hydroxyl-containing polymers, in particular for preparing polytetrahydrofuran with terminal hydroxyl groups, from the corresponding acyloxy-containing polymers by transesterification with alcohols in the presence of a sodium-containing catalyst. In this process the polytetrahydrofuiran solution is passed in the presence of a catalytic amount of water directly through at least one ion exchanger following the transesterification in order to remove the sodium cations.The novel process makes it possible to remove the sodium cations from the sodium-containing catalyst in an economic manner and with little complexity. The residual sodium content can be reduced to values of less than 0.5 ppm.

Abstract: An ion-exchange resin stabilized against shrinkage, the resin being loaded with at least one amphiphilic ion in the absence of sodium cations.Also a process for removing iodide compounds from a liquid carboxylic acid and/or carboxylic acid anhydride obtained from the Group VIII noble metal catalysed, alkyl iodide co-catalysed carbonylation of alcohols and/or their reactive derivatives by contacting the liquid carboxylic acid and/or carboxylic acid anhydride with the ion-exchange resin stabilized against shrinkage as aforesaid, the ion-exchange resin being loaded with one or more of the metals silver, palladium or mercury.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for solutions having a very low level of metal ions, utilizing a specially designed Ion Exchange Pack. A method is also provided for producing photoresist composition having a very low level of metal ions from novolak resins purified in a process using such an Ion Exchange Pack.

Abstract: A heterogeneous ion exchange membrane comprising an ion exchange resin and a binder polymer, wherein the binder polymer is a polymer containing at least a mixture comprising low density polyethylene and ethylene-propylene rubber or ethylene-propylene-diene rubber.

Abstract: A water-borne road marking paint is characterized in that incorporated within the paint are particles of a solid polymer or inorganic compound, which are capable of absorbing water. Preferred particles are ion exchange resin beads. Incorporation of such particles either during or immediately after application of the paint results in an accelerated speed of drying of the paint on the road.

Abstract: Gift free coating with improved tannin stain blocking, nicotine stain blocking, efflorescencee resistance, and water spot resistance are disclosed. Pre-treated ion exchange resins are incorporated into the coating compositions to achieve the improvements.

Abstract: A method for preparing non-agglomerating mixed bed ion exchange resin systems without affecting the ion exchange kinetics of the anion exchange resin component of the mixed bed system is disclosed. Pretreatment of the anion exchange resin component with a sulfonated poly(vinylaromatic) polyelectrolyte is particularly effective in providing non-agglomerated mixed bed systems without affecting ion exchange kinetics. Treatment levels of 10 to 800 milligrams per liter of anion exchange resin with sulfonated poly(vinylaromatic) polyelectrolyte having number average molecular weight from 5,000 to 1,000,000 are particularly preferred.