Abstract: A novel process is disclosed in which a membrane of a fluorinated resin containing a pendant precursor ion exchange group represented by the formula:--SO.sub.2 Xwherein X rerpesents a halogen atom, is contacted with a aqueous solution containing specific amounts of at least one alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide and at least one specific water soluble organic compound to thereby hydrolyze the precursor group while causing a specific membrane volume increase. In the process of the present invention , since the ion exchange membrane is swelled, while being hydrolyzed, to a desired degree, the rate of hydrolysis of precursor ion exchange groups is high, so that a final ion exchange membrane is free of wrinkles formed during the hydrolysis step of a conventional process and during the electrolytic operation, thereby enabling the final membrane to ensure advantageously low cell voltage and stable, prolonged electrolytic operation.

Abstract: A selectively ion-adsorptive, porous membrane comprising a membranous, porous resin matrix of a hydrophobic polyolefin or a hydrophobic copolymer of an olefin and a halogenated olefin and a plurality of side chains chemically bonded to both surfaces, which in turn are inclusive of pore wall surfaces, of the membranous porous resin matrix is disclosed. The side chains collectively contain both neutral hydroxyl groups and ion exchange groups. The selectively ion-adsorptive, porous membrane is suitable for use in selective purification or selective removal of desired ionic substances including not only ionic inorganic substances but also an ionic organic substances, such as a protein and an amino acid, on a commercial scale. Further, the selectively ion-adsorptive, porous membrane has not only excellent heat resistance, but also excellent mechanical strength.

Abstract: An electrically conductive shaped article such as a film or fibrous material and a process for preparing the same from a polybenzimidazole shaped article is provided. The polybenzimidazole article is first contacted with cuprous ions to produce a cuprous ion-impregnated material, and subsequently is subjected to a sulfiding agent capable of sulfiding cuprous ions, and preferably washed, to produce a polybenzimidazole shaped article having covellite copper sulfide in association therewith. Also provided are electrically conductive composites and a process for preparing the same by incorporating fibrous material prepared in accordance with the process within a substantially continuous polymeric matrix.

Abstract: The odor of blends of polyphenylene ether resin, alone, or in combination with a polystyrene resin or a high impact polystyrene is improved by including a carboxylic acid, an acid anhydride or mixture thereof in the compositions.

Abstract: A sulfoalkyl derivative of N-substituted hydroxyethylated polybenzimidazole is disclosed, produced by the reaction of an N-substituted hydroxyethylated polybenzimidazole anion with a sultone. The N-substituted hydroxyethylated polybenzimidazole polymer is first reacted with an alkali hydride to produce the anion of N-substituted hydroxyethylated polybenzimidazole. The N-substituted hydroxyethylated polybenzimidazole anion is then reacted with the sultone to produce a sulfoalkyl derivative of the N-substituted hydroxyethylated polybenzimidazole polymer. These derivatives find great use as ion exchange devices.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a bifunctional anion exchange resin by partial quaternization of a weakly basic anion exchanger containing tertiary amino groups which process comprises (a) partially loading the weakly basic anion exchanger with a strong acid and (b) quaternizing the partially loaded anion exchanger by means of a customary alkylating agent.

Abstract: A novel ion exchanger useful for universal ion-exchange purposes and, in particular, for ion exchanger for ion-exchange chromatography is proposed, said novel ion exchanger being obtained by introducing radicals of one or more ion-exchangeable groups into cross-linked glucomannan beads by a chemical treatment thereof. Such ion exchanger beads are superior in the compressive strength and permit a high flow rate of the liquid to be subjected to ion exchange through an exchange column packed with them.

Abstract: A porous separator, to be used in electrolyzers for producing hydrogen and oxygen by water electrolysis, consists of a fabric or felt entirely made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). In order to reduce the voltage drop caused by the separator, the PPS polymeric chain can be made ionically active by the presence thereon of polar groups, such as sulfonic, carboxylic or phosphonic groups.The method for producing the separator comprises the preparation, according to conventional weaving or felt manufacturing techniques, of a fabric or felt entirely made of PPS and the subsequent functionalization for introducing polar groups in the polymeric chain. The functionalization can be carried out either on the starting material, such as PPS polymer powder or flakes, or in any other step of the production of fabric or felt.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved prosthesis coated, respectively, with an anionic surfactant, a drug such as an antibiotic and/or antithrombotic agent. Optionally, the coated prosthesis may be treated with an ion exchange compound, to remove un-drug bound anionic surfactant. The drug is bound directly to the surfactant coated prosthesis.

Abstract: Polyvalent cations (e.g., U(IV), Fe(III) can be extracted from aqueous solution using novel organophosphorus compounds of the formulas: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are selected from alkyl, alkoxyl, alkylaryl and alkylaryloxy groups having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms or hydroxyl;R.sup.3 is independently selected from substituted and unsubstituted alkyl and alkylaryl groups having 1 to about 18 carbon atoms or hydrogen;R.sup.4 is independently selected from alkyl and alkylaryl groups having 1 to about 18 carbon atoms; provided that the sum of the carbon atoms of the R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 groups is at least 15; andR.sup.5 is independently selected from substituted and unsubstituted alkyl and alkylaryl groups having 1 to about 18 carbon atoms or a polymeric group; provided that the sum of the carbon atoms of the R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.5 groups is at least 16.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved prosthesis coated, respectively, with an ionic surfactant, an antibiotic and/or antithrombiotic agent and treated with an immobilizing ionic exchange compound, to remove un-antibiotic bound ionic surfactant. The drug may be encapsulated within phospholipid vesicles which are bound to the prosthesis.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved prosthesis coated, respectively, with a cationic surfactant, an antibiotic compound and treated with an cationic exchange compound, to remove un-antibiotic bound cationic surfactant.

Abstract: A membrane of substantially non-crosslinked organic polymers which contain ionogenic groups bonded to the polymer chain via an alkylene radical, at intervals of not less than 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of a halogenated strongly acidic cation exchange resin catalyst on a styrene-divinylbenzene copolymerizate base which comprises treating the catalyst with deionized water at a temperature ranging from about 100.degree. to about 150.degree. C. in the absence of oxygen and metal ions is provided.

Abstract: A novel fluorinated copolymer is prepared by copolymerization of a fluorinated olefin with a novel sulfur containing fluorinated vinylether of the formula: ##STR1## wherein k is 0 or 1 and l is an integer of 3 to 5, which is prepared from starting materials, which are also novel. Said copolymer is useful for preparation of a fluorinated cation exchange membrane having carboxylic acid groups and/or sulfonic acid groups which can be used advantageously in electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal halide solution with improved electrolysis performance.

Abstract: Novel chlorosulfonated polyarylethersulfones derived by controlled treatment with chlorosulfonic acid of difficultly sulfonatable polyarylethersulfone of recurring units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein Ar.sub.1 and Ar.sub.2 represent phenylene or phenylene substituted with non-deactivating groups where Ar.sub.1 and Ar.sub.2 may be the same or different are described with the method of their preparation. The partially sulfonated-sulfochlorinated polyarylethersulfones may be subsequently converted to cation-exchange materials or ion-exchange materials with mixed cation and anion exchange sites.

Abstract: A method is described for metal recovery from basic ammoniated metal solutions by means of a weakly-acidic cation-exchange material comprising a polymeric felt incorporating radiation-grafted monomers comprising carboxylic acid functional groups.

Abstract: A method is shown for making porous thermoresin structures. By the method, the thermoresin is at least partially solvated, formed into a desired shape, and cooled until droplets of the solvent form by syneresis within the shape. Further cooling crystalizes the droplets. These crystalized droplets are subsequently removed to leave a porous structure.

Abstract: A cationic adsorption agent which is obtained by reaction of(a) an amino compound which contains at least one amino group and at least one free or methylolated carbamide or thiocarbamide group, or a salt thereof,with(b) an aminoplast precondensate which does not contain amino groups.The novel absorption agent is suitable in particular for removing anionic substances, such as acid dyes or reactive dyes, from aqueous solutions, especially from wastewaters.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluorinated cation exchange membrane having a multi-layered structure, of which one layer contains sulfonic acid groups as ion-exchange groups and the other layer contains carboxylic acid groups as principal ion-exchange groups. The membrane is treated with an acid, followed by heat treatment at an elevated temperature in an aqueous atmosphere or aqueous solution whereby improved electrolytic performance such as electrolysis voltage and current efficiency when used in electrolysis of sodium chloride for production of caustic soda is obtained.

Abstract: Polymeric ammonium compounds are disclosed which have a silica-type backbone, comprised of units having the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent a group ##STR2## in which R.sup.5 is an alkylene grouping and the free valencies of the oxygen atoms are saturated by silicon atoms of further groups (2), if appropriate with incroporation of crosslinking agents, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 have the meaning of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 or represent hydrogen, an alkyl group, cycloalkyl group or the benzyl group, X represents a 1- to 3-valent anion of a protonic acid which forms stable salts with amine bases and x can be a number from 1 to 3. Also disclosed are processes for preparing the polymeric ammonium compounds and to the use of these materials as ion exchange materials.

Abstract: An inexpensive cation exchanger useful in purifying waste water is produced by treating comminuted bark in separate steps with an alkali hydroxide solution of at least 5% by weight, preferably 20-40% by weight, and with 30-75% by weight sulphuric acid, preferably 50-65% by weight. After each step washing with water is performed until the pH-value after the alkali hydroxide treatment goes below 9 and after the sulphuric acid treatment goes above 3. Preferably, the treatment with alkali hydroxide precedes the treatment with sulphuric acid. The treatment with alkali hydroxide is carried out for 0.5-20 hours, preferably 3-10 hours, and the treatment with sulphuric acid is carried out from 0.5-8 hours, preferably from 1-6 hours. The cation exchanger can be regenerated with alkali hydroxide solution, particularly sodium hydroxide solution.

Abstract: Process for improving the plant growth with the aid of ion exchanger fertilizers, comprising adding to the growth medium weakly basic anion exchangers which are charged with anionic chelate complexes of micronutrient cations and macronutrient and micronutrient anions to the extent of at least 60% of their total capacity together with weakly acid cation exchangers charged with nutrient cations to the extent of at least 60% of their total capacity. Furthermore fertilizers comprising a mixture of weakly basic anion exchanger which are charged with anionic chelate complexes of micronutrient cations and other micronutrient and macronutrient anions to the extent of at least 60% of their total capacity and weakly acid cation exchangers which are charged with nutrient cations to the extent of at least 60% of their total capacity.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel ion exchange compositions and to a method for their manufacture. Ion exchange compositions, wherein a material having ion exchange capacity is supported on a solid, water-insoluble, porous substrate, are prepared by contacting a functional vinyl monomer with such substrate and polymerizing such monomer therein to bind the polymer to the substrate by macromolecular entanglement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of abstracting heavy metal ions from solution by contacting the solution containing heavy metal ions with a cross-linked vegetable protein, or a mixture of cross-linked vegetable proteins. The method may be used to separate a mixture of heavy metal ions in solution by selectively abstracting a particular heavy metal ion by contacting the particular heavy metal ion with a selected cross-linked vegetable protein.Preferred vegetable proteins are derived from wheat, rape seed, safflower seed, sun-flower seed or soya bean.

Abstract: The agglomeration or clumping of the resins in a resin bed comprising a mixture of anion and cation exchange resins is effectively reduced by treating the anion or cation resin with an aqueous dispersion of water-insoluble polymer particles having a particle size of from about 100 to about 800 A and bearing a moiety having opposite ionic character than the resin being treated. For example, the surface charge exhibited by a strong base anion exchange resin bearing pendant quaternary ammonium groups is reduced by contacting the resin with a colloidal aqueous dispersion of a water-insoluble polymer of a monovinylidene aromatic such as styrene and a small amount of a polyvinylidene aromatic such as divinylbenzene which polymer bears pendant sulfonate groups. The thus treated anion exchange resin can subsequently be mixed with a cation exchange resin to form a mixed resin bed having reduced clumping of resins without coincident decrease in efficiency.

Abstract: A non-toxic anionic resin selected from resins having a polymeric reticulated skeleton of styrenic or acrylic type, inert to the digestive enzymes, having a molecular weight higher than 1000 and containing ionizable amino groups, resins having a cellulosic reticulated skeleton modified by the introduction of free or substituted amino groups and resins having a polysaccharide reticulated skeleton modified by the introduction of free or substituted amino groups. The resin is capable of binding itself permanently to the biliary acids and is salified with an acid corresponding to the general formula: ##STR1## wherein: R' represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms,R represents a chlorine atom or a group selected from p-chlorobenzoyl, p-bromobenzoyl and p-fluorobenzoyl,W represents a group selected from OH, --N(R"')--CH(R")-(CH.sub.2).sub.n --COOH and O--CH.sub.

Abstract: A fluorinated polymer having pendant cation exchange groups selected from sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid or sulfonamide groups, or their salts, is modified with a sulfonium compound and/or a phosphonium compound for substitution of the counter-ions of the cation exchange groups with sulfonium ions and/or phosphonium ions. The polymers treated in this manner are improved in their melt-flow characteristic to make fusion bonding between these polymers possible. The process is particularly suitable for repairing damaged cation exchange membranes for use in chlor-alkali electrolytic cells to advantageously elongate the life of the membranes.

Abstract: Increased ion exchange capacity per unit weight of substrate is achieved upon using as the substrate regenerated cellulose sponge instead of cotton fabric. A water soluble crosslinkable polymeric material having ion ion exchange sites, such as polyvinyl phosphate or polyethylenimine, and a suitable crosslinking agent are dissolved in water. The sponge is wetted with the solution and dried and cured at about 100 degrees to 145 degrees C. to crosslink the polymer to the substrate. The so-prepared ion exchange composition is immersed in a flowing stream of dilute aqueous solution of heavy metal ions or otherwise contacted with such solution to effect separation and concentration of such cations.

Abstract: A novel fluorinated copolymer is prepared by copolymerization of a fluorinated olefin with a novel sulfur containing fluorinated vinyl ether of the formula: ##STR1## wherein k is 0 or 1 and l is an integer of 3 to 5, which is prepared from starting materials which are also novel. Said copolymer is useful for preparation of a fluorinated cation exchange membrane having carboxylic acid groups and/or sulfonic acid groups which can be used advantageously in electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal halide solution with improved electrolysis performance.

Abstract: A novel fluorinated cation exchange membrane containing carboxylic acid groups and sulfonic acid groups, both in the form of a specific pendant structure, the carboxylic acid groups being at least 20% on one surface of the membrane and gradually decreasing toward the innerside of the membrane, which membrane is useful in electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal halide solution with advantageously stable performance for a long term under more severe operational conditions than those conventionally used. The membrane can be prepared from a novel copolymer of a fluorinated olefin with a novel sulfur containing fluorinated vinylether of the formula: ##STR1## wherein k is 0 or 1, l is an integer of 3 to 5, Z is --S-- or --SO.sub.2 -- and R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl, an aryl, Cl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 perfluoroalkyl.

Abstract: This invention relates to removal of cerium, used as a free-radical initiator, from aqueous polymeric dispersions, particularly starch graft copolymer dispersions, by adsorbing cerium (III) onto a strong cation exchange resin, to separation of the adsorbed cerium (III) from the resin using a solution such as sodium sulfate or sodium oxalate to form a cerium (III) precipitate, and to oxidation of the separated cerium (III) to cerium (IV).

Abstract: A method of abstracting heavy metal ions from solution in which a solution containing heavy metal ions is brought into contact with a cross-linked casein which is optionally thiolated.

Abstract: A process for preparing a carboxylated cellulose ion exchange material which comprises heating a mixture of cellulose and citric, isocitric or aconitic acid at a temperature of from about 100.degree. to 160.degree. C. while removing water, and then treating the product with aqueous alkali at a pH of 8 to 11 to hydrolyze cross-linked acid residues; carboxylated cellulose ion exchange materials prepared by the process and their use in removing heavy-metal ions from aqueous solutions such as in industrial effluent treatment and precious metal recovery.

Abstract: A novel wood adsorbent for mercury ions is provided by the process of this invention. The process comprises xanthating an alkali wood meal, impregnating the xanthated wood meal with a solution of a peroxide, graft copolymerizing the product with acrolein in gas phase, and converting acrolein aldehyde groups on the resulting graft copolymer to thiosemicarbazone to obtain the novel wood adsorbent for mercury ion. The novel wood adsorbent has a great adsorbing capacity for mercury ion.

Abstract: A method of shaping an organic polymer insoluble in a polar solvent comprising reacting an insoluble organic polymer containing at least one Lewis acid electron attracting group or Lewis basic electron donating group with a sufficient amount of a lower alkylene oxide to alkoxylate the Lewis group and form an alkoxylated product soluble or easily dispersible in a polar solvent, dissolving or dispersing the alkoxylated product in a polar solvent, shaping the alkoxylated product into the desired form by applying the solution or dispersion to a support and removing the polar solvent, and hydrolyzing the alkoxylated product to obtain the original polymer in the desired form. Products made by the process include self-supporting polymeric films and porous diaphragms for electrolytic cells made by impregnating suitable porous supports with the alkoxylated product.

Abstract: A homogeneous cation-exchange membrane made of one or more fluorinated polymer having cation-exchangeable groups is swollen with a water miscible organic solvent and then the solvent is removed from the swollen membrane and then membrane is treated with hydrochloric acid.The cation-exchange membrane of the fluorinated polymer having cation-exchangeable groups is modified to reduce the permeability of hydroxyl group ions by swelling it and removing the water-miscible organic solvent and then, treating it with hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: Copolymers of keto dicarboxylates are provided which have the following general formula ##STR1## WHERE Y is one or more comonomers; n averages at least 2; p is at least 1; and M is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, ammonium, alkyl groups having 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, and alkanol amine groups having 1 to about 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. Such copolymers are useful as detergent builders to replace sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) in detergent formulations. The copolymers are stable under laundry use conditions, but depolymerize in acid media, making the fragments more readily biodegradable in waste streams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polycondensates of the formula 10, their use for absorbing metal ions of the transition elements of the periodic system and their use for the preparation of polymers containing metals of formula 11 which have e.g. improved resistance to heat and to chemicals compared to the corresponding polycondensates of formula 10.

Abstract: A method of shaping an organic polymer insoluble in a polar solvent comprises reacting an insoluble organic polymer containing at least one Lewis acidic electron attracting group or Lewis basic group with a sufficient amount of a lower alkylene oxide to alkoxylate the Lewis group and form an alkoxylated product soluble or easily dispersible in a polar solvent, dissolving or dispersing the alkoxylated product in a polar solvent, shaping the alkoxylated product into the desired form by applying the solution or dispersion to a support and removing the polar solvent, and hydrolyzing the alkoxylated product to obtain the original polymer in the desired form. Products made by this process include self-supporting polymeric films and porous diaphragms for electrolytic cells made by impregnating suitable porous supports with the alkoxylated product.

Abstract: The method of fabrication of porous macromolecular materials which are primarily intended for use as ion-exchange membranes and selective semi-permeable membranes consists in subjecting a polymer to irradiation with heavy nuclear particles, in chemically fixing a monomer having at least one ethylene double bond in the zones which are modified by irradiation and localized around the locus of passage of each particle and in forming the pore structure by means of a chemical attacking agent which is specific to the starting polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in the process for the preparation of a polyhydroxy methylene ether in which polyhydroxy methylene is reacted with an alkylating agent in an aqueous alkaline medium, the improvement comprising that the alkylating agent has at least one ionic or ionizable carboxyl group, phospho group, quaternary ammonium group, or substituted amino group. The invention also relates to ion exchangers composed of the polyhydroxy methylene ethers.

Abstract: This specification discloses an insoluble resin-metal compound complex, the method for its preparation, and its use in carrying out a catalyzed reaction. The complex is a weak base anion exchange resin which has been contacted with a solution of a coordination compound having at least two ligands connected to at least one central metal atom to bond chemically the resin to the metal atom by replacement of at least one of the ligands of the coordination compound by a functional group of the weak base anion exchange resin. The complex can be used as a catalyst for hydrogenation, carbon monoxide insertion, polymerization, isomerization, vinyl ester exchange, and ethylene oxidation reactions, among others.

Abstract: A sulfonated cation exchange polyelectrolyte obtained by reacting a polyphenylene sulfide polymer with oleum containing 10 to 65% by weight of sulfur trioxide.

Abstract: Anion exchange resins containing borohydride counter ions display essentially the same chemical activity as solutions of sodium borohydride but have the added advantage that products treated therewith are not contaminated with sodium ions or borate ions. Thus, alcohols can now be freed of carbonyl components without thereby being contaminated with borate; metal ions, such as silver, can be reduced to the free element; metal ions of groups IV-A to VI-A can be converted to volatile metal hydrides; and transition metal ions can be converted to the boride. The anion exchange resin is prepared by treating a strong base anion exchanger with aqueous sodium borohydride or sodium cyanoborohydride. Regeneration of the borohydride form from the borate proceeds directly with aqueous sodium borohydride.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an ion exchange resin of higher porosity and purity is described. The porosity is achieved by inserting polar, preferably hydrolyzable linear polymer into the polymerizing phase. The insert is later extracted from the polymerized beads.