Abstract: A high productivity catalyst for bisphenol-A has been discovered which comprises strongly acidic cation-exchange resin spheres produced from a polystyrene/divinylbenzene (PS/DVB) copolymer sulfonated under conditions to introduce sulfone cross-linking. Surprisingly, the sulfone cross-linking improves the resistance to deformation but does not have a negative effect on the activity and selectivity of the catalyst in bisphenol-A production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing novel, monodisperse ion exchangers having chelating functional groups, and their use for adsorbing metal compounds, in particular, heavy metal compounds and noble metal compounds, and also for extracting alkaline-earth metals from saline solutions from alkali metal chloride electrolysis.

Abstract: Graft polymeric membranes and methods for making graft polymeric membranes have one or more trifluorovinyl aromatic monomers that are radiation graft polymerized to a polymeric base film. The membranes comprise a polymeric base film to which has been graft polymerized substituted &agr;,&agr;,&bgr;-trifluorostyrene and/or &agr;,&agr;,&bgr;-trifluorovinylnaphthylene monomers, which are activated towards graft polymerization. As ion-exchange membranes, the membranes are suitable for use in electrode apparatus, including membrane electrode assemblies in, for example, fuel cells. The membranes can also be crosslinked.

Abstract: The present invention aims at inhibiting a lowering in the modification ratio of a modified cation-exchange resin, in which part of the sulfonic acid groups have been modified with a thiol-containing amine compound and which is employed as a catalyst for producing bisphenol, during preservation. In the present invention, a modified cation-exchange resin is packed together with water into a container while regulating the surface area of the container to 0.5 m2 or less per liter of the resin and then the container is sealed up so that the resin is preserved in a state of being soaked in water.

Abstract: A phosphorus atom-containing fluorinated cation exchange membrane substantially constituted with the following repeating units (A) and (B), and a proton conduction type fuel cell using the membrane as a solid polymeric electrolyte are provided. One embodiment for the membrane is useful as a perfluoro cationic exchange membrane for use in electrolysis of sodium chloride even under severe electrolytic conditions of higher concentration, higher temperature and higher electric density. (in which m is 0 or 1, n is 2 or 3, X, Y represents H or C6H4SO3H and the ratio for the number of repeating units is (A)/(B)=1.5 to 15).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing gel-type cation exchangers of high stability by sulfonation of crosslinked (meth)acrylic ester-containing bead polymers with sulfuric acid having a concentration of 90 to 95% in the absence of a swelling agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing novel, monodisperse ion exchangers having chelating functional groups, and their use for adsorbing metal compounds, in particular, heavy metal compounds and noble metal compounds, and also for extracting alkaline-earth metals from saline solutions from alkali metal chloride electrolysis.

Abstract: A technique of utilizing a sulfuric acid/peroxide liquid mixture, for example, its waste liquid material, is to be developed so that the waste liquid can be re-utilized and effectively applied to obviate the problem resulting from disposal. To this end, there is provided a method for utilizing a sulfuric acid/peroxide liquid mixture, for example, its waste liquid, in which peroxide in the sulfuric acid/peroxide liquid mixture is decomposed to render it possible to utilize the liquid mixture as sulfuric acid.

Abstract: Strongly acid cation exchangers with improved properties are obtained if the sulphonation of the non-functionalized polymers is carried out at a high temperature and/or in the absence of oxygen.

Abstract: Polymer composition, membrane comprising the same, process for production thereof and use thereof The composition described comprises 30 to 99.5% by weight of a sulfonated aromatic polyether ketone which has an ion-exchange capacity of from 1.3 to 4.0 meq (—SO3H)/g of polymer, and from 0.5 to 70% by weight of a polybenzimidazole. This composition can, as can a sulfonated polyether ketone of PEK type, be processed to give membranes, preferably used in fuel cells.

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. By additions of wetting agents or water-soluble initiators or surfactants in the polymerization stage or after the filtration of the end product and/or process engineering means, a permanent or temporary free flowability of the particle beds of the strongly acidic cation exchangers is achieved using the following processes. 1. By additions of known wetting agents in amounts of 0.25 g/l of aqueous phase or water-soluble initiators in amounts of 0.05 to 20 g/l of aqueous phase to the copolymerization system 20 minutes to 120 minutes after reaching the gel point. 2. By treatment of the strongly acidic cation exchangers with aqueous solutions of surface-active substances having a content of 0.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for production of copolymers, especially functionalized, or, at least partially fluorinated copolymers by means of a polymerization process comprising: co-polymerizing, in aqueous emulsion, one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylene, trifluoroethylene, vinylidene fluoride, vinyl fluoride, ethylene, chorotrifluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, perfluoromethyl vinyl ether, and perfluoroethyl vinyl ether with a fluorinated co-monomer having limited water solubility, said comonomer being dispersed in the form of droplets of certain sizes.

Abstract: Ion exchange resin granules containing a crosslinked polymerized &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated acid, like acrylic acid, or a vinyl monomer containing an amino group, like polyvinylamine, and methods of manufacturing the resin, are disclosed.

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 method of preventing the growth of heterotrophic bacteria and the subsequent establishment of a biofilm on the surface and in the micropores of an antimicrobial synthetic ion exchange resin. An antimicrobial synthetic ion exchange resin that prevents the growth of heterotrophic bacteria and the subsequent establishment of biofilm on the surface and in the micropores of the resin. A broad spectrum organic antimicrobial agent that is water insoluble and thus precipitates out and becomes encapsulated within micropores of the resin during suspension polymerization. The antimicrobial agent is submicron sized and has a high surface area. The antimicrobial agent protects the antimicrobial synthetic ion exchange bead from the growth of heterotrophic bacteria and the subsequent establishment of biofilm on the surface and in the micropores of the resin. The antimicrobial agent is nontoxic, noncarcinogenic, substantially nonleaching and durable over the lifespan of the bead.

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 functional polymer having active and stable functional groups, for separation or reactive processes in chemical manufacture or analysis, has carbon-linked functional groups on dimethylene spacers; a method of preparation is from pre-existing polymers comprising polymeric 1-(vinylphenyl)ethylene repeat units, by treating with H—X in the presence of free radicals, wherein X comprises a carbon atom that is linked to the —CH[Ph-CH2CH2—]—CH2— remainder of said —CH[Ph-CH2CH2—X]—CH2— repeat unit in said product as a consequence of said reaction; the carbon atom can have characteristics selected from being sp2-hybridized and doubly bonded to an oxygen, being sp3-hybridized and singly bonded to an oxygen, being sp3-hybridized and singly bonded to a nitrogen that is also singly bonded to an sp2-hybridized carbon, being sp3-hybridized and singly bonded to a nitrogen and also to an sp2-hybridized carbon, and being sp3-hybridized and singly bonded

Abstract: Graft polymeric membranes and methods for making graft polymeric membranes have one or more trifluorovinyl aromatic monomers that are radiation graft polymerized to a polymeric base film. The membranes comprise a polymeric base film to which has been graft polymerized substituted &agr;,&agr;,&bgr;-trifluorostyrene and/or &agr;,&agr;,&bgr;-trifluorovinylnaphthylene monomers, which are activated towards graft polymerization. As ion-exchange membranes, the membranes are suitable for use in electrode apparatus, including membrane electrode assemblies in, for example, fuel cells. The membranes can also be crosslinked.

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: Described are non-swelling, crosslinked, bead forms of ampholytic base polymers that can be utilized in the chromatographic-type separation of acids from other compounds. Preferred polymers are prepared by modifying a poly-2 or poly-4-vinylpyridine resin crosslinked with divinylbenzene.

Abstract: A cation exchanger or a chelating agent having at least structural units represented by the following formula (I), the structural units being derived from a crosslinkable monomer containing an unsaturated hydrocarbon group: wherein A represents a C3-C8 alkylene group or a C4-C9 alkoxymethylene group; L represents SO3−X+, where X+ is a counter ion coordinated with the SO3− group, or a chelate-forming functional group; and the benzene ring may be substituted with an alkyl group or a halogen atom.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane for use in a fuel cell can contain sulfonated polyphenylether sulfones. The membrane can contain a first sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone and a second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone, wherein the first sulfonated polyphenylether and the second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone have equivalent weights greater than about 560, and the first sulfonated polyphenylether and the second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone also have different equivalent weights. Also, a membrane for use in a fuel cell can contain a sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone and an unsulfonated polyphenylether sulfone. Methods for manufacturing a membrane electrode assemblies for use in fuel cells can include roughening a membrane surface. Electrodes and methods for fabricating such electrodes for use in a chemical fuel cell can include sintering an electrode. Such membranes and electrodes can be assembled into chemical fuel cells.

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: Graft polymeric membranes in which one or more trifluorovinyl aromatic monomers are radiation graft polymerized to a preformed polymeric base film are provided, as well as ion-exchange membranes prepared therefrom. Preferred monomers include substituted &agr;, &bgr;, &bgr;-trifluorostyrenes and trifluorovinyl naphthalenes which are activated towards the grafting reaction or facilitate the introduction of more than one ion-exchange group per monomer unit in the grafted chains. The ion-exchange membranes are useful in dialysis applications, and particularly in electrochemical applications, for example as membrane electrolytes in electrochemical fuel cells and electrolyzers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing strongly acidic macroporous or strongly acidic monodisperse-gel-type ion exchangers, particularly macroporous monodisperse, macroporous heterodisperse, or monodisperse-gel-type cation exchangers, by treating the respective basis polymer with sulfuric acid in stepwise cycles at graded concentrations. The invention further relates to the cation exchangers prepared by this process and to their uses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing bisphenol A by the condensation of phenol with acetone in the presence of cation exchange resin obtained by sulfonating copolymers of monovinyl monomers mainly consisting of styrenes and divinyl monomers as crosslinking agent while using divinylbiphenyl and divinylbenzene mainly as said divinyl monomers and controlling the molar ratio of divinylbiphenyl to divinylbenzene at 10/0-2/8. The cation exchange resin to be used as catalyst in the condensation reaction shows a long life, maintains the production of bisphenol A over a long period of time, possesses high strength and is useful for economical and advantageous production of bisphenol A.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing novel, monodisperse crosslinked bead polymers having thiourea groups and their use for adsorbing metal compounds, in particular heavy metal compounds or noble metal compounds.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to porous resins for solid phase extractions. The resins feature at least one hydrophobic component, at least one hydrophilic component and at least one ion exchange functional group. The resins exhibit superior wetting and ion exchange performance.

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: The invention relates to a process for preparing substantially monodisperse crosslinked bead polymers useful as precursors for ion exchangers.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of high surface area, low-swelling macroporous polymeric adsorbents is disclosed. The use of organic sulfonic acids to provide postcrosslinking of macroporous copolymers eliminates the need for traditional organic swelling solvents and Lewis-acid catalysts used to provide conventional macronetted polymers. In particular, methanesulfonic acid provides macroporous polymeric adsorbents having high surface area and porosity, low levels of residual vinyl groups, and free of residual contaminants from conventional Lewis-acid/Friedel-Crafts reactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of mechanically and osmotically stable, high-capacity strongly acidic cation exchangers having a particle size of ≧0.1 mm by sulphonation of gel-like or porous bead polymers with sulphuric acid without the use of inert chlorine-containing swelling agents and/or of comonomers based on acrylonitrile. According to the invention, such strongly acidic cation exchangers can be prepared by sulphonation of gel-like and porous bead polymers, prepared by copolymerization of styrene and divinylbenzene having a crosslinker content of up to 65% by weight of divinylbenzene with and without inert composition, with 80-96% strength sulphuric acid at temperatures of 125-180° C. and a reaction time of up to 20 h.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the cross-linking of modified engineering thermoplastics, in particular, of polymeric sulfinic acids or sulfinic acid salts. In particular, the invention pertains to a process for the preparation of cross-linked polymers, characterized in that solutions of polymeric sulfinic acids or sulfinic acid salts (—SO2Me), optionally in the presence of organic di- or oligohalogeno compounds [R(Hal)x], are freed from solvent and cross-linked to polymers, wherein Me stands for a monovalent or polyvalent metal cation; R stands for an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl residue containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and Hal stands for F, Cl, Br or I.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of high surface area, low-swelling macroporous polymeric adsorbents is disclosed. The use of organic sulfonic acids to provide postcrosslinking of macroporous copolymers eliminates the need for traditional organic swelling solvents and Lewis-acid catalysts used to provide conventional macronetted polymers. In particular, methanesulfonic acid provides macroporous polymeric adsorbents having high surface area and porosity, low levels of residual vinyl groups, and free of residual contaminants from conventional Lewis-acid/Friedel-Crafts reactions.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte comprising a sulfonated polyethersulfone having an ion-exchange group equivalent weight of 870 to 5000 g/mol, which is obtainable by sulfonating a polyethersulfone having the structural unit represented by the following structural formula, ##STR1## The polymer electrolyte is cheap, easily mold-processable by virtue of soluble property in organic solvent and thermoplastic property, easily film-processable, highly water-resistant, and suitable for a fuel cell.

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: Polymers of improved surface quality are obtained by polymerization of microencapsulated monomer droplets suspended in an aqueous phase if the monomer and/or the aqueous phase contain a polymerization inhibitor.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided in which a porous substrate is impregnated with a polymeric composition comprising various combinations of .alpha.,.beta.,.beta.-trifluorostyrene, substituted .alpha.,.beta.,.beta.-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: 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 process for making a cation exchange membranes includes impregnating a film of highly fluorinated sulfonic acid polymer in sulfonyl fluoride form with a compound selected from the group having the formula R-SO.sub.2 F, wherein R is a straight chain, branched or cyclic, highly fluorinated alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms. The impregnated film is irradiated with the radiation dose being in the range of 0.1 to 15 MRad. After irradiation, the film is hydrolyzed to form the membrane. The membranes have enhanced electrochemical properties when employed in electrochemical cells including improved performance under low humidity conditions.

Abstract: A process for preparing an N-oxide of pyridine or a halopyridine, said process comprising reacting a reaction mixture of said pyridine, or said halopyridine, and hydrogen peroxide in a reaction conducted at an elevated temperature in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a heterogeneous catalyst, said heterogeneous catalyst being insoluble in said reactants, to form said 2-halopyridine-N-oxide or pyridine-N-oxide.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided in which a porous substrate is impregnated with a polymeric composition comprising various combinations of .alpha.,.beta.,.beta.-trifluorostyrene, substituted .alpha.,.beta.,.beta.-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 concerns the synthesis of several biomimetically important polymer-supported, sulfonated catechol (PS-CATS), sulfonated bis-catechol linear amide (PS-2-6-LICAMS) and sulfonated 3,3-linear tris-catechol amide (PS-3,3-LICAMS) ligands, which chemically bond to modified 6% crosslinked macroporous polystyrene-divinylbenzene beads (PS-DVB). These polymers are useful for the for selective removal and recovery of environmentally and economically important metal ions from aqueous solution, as a function of pH. The Fe.sup.3+ ion selectivity shown for PS-CATS, PS-2-6-LICAMS, and PS-3,3-LICAMS polymer beads in competition with a similar concentration of Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Al.sup.3+, and Cr.sup.3+ ions at pH 1-3. Further, the metal ion selectivity is changed at higher pH values in the absence of Fe.sup.3+ (for example, Hg.sup.2+ at pH 3). The rates of selective removal and recovery of the trivalent metal ions, e.g. Fe.sup.3+ Al.sup.3+ ion etc.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with improved chelating resins. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with macroporous, aminoalkylphosphonic or iminodiacetic acid chelating resins having improved stability and capacity in the removal of cations (e.g. calcium, magnesium, barium and strontium) from brines and in the removal of metals (e.g. nickel, copper and zinc) from waste streams.

Abstract: Separation functional fibers are produced by exposing fibers with a core/sheath structure to an ionizing radiation and then grafting a polymerizable monomer to the fibers. Ion-exchange fibers are produced by introducing, through radiation-initiated graft polymerization, ion-exchange groups into the sheath of each of composite fibers the core and the sheath of which are composed of different kinds of high-polymer components. The separation functional fibers and the ion-exchange fibers are useful in various applications such as the production of pure water in electric power, nuclear, electronic and pharmaceutical industries and the demineralization of high-salt content solutions in the production of foods and chemicals. The fibers are also useful in removing harmful components from gases, as well as odorous components such as ammonia.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions are derived from copolymers of .alpha.,.beta.,.beta.-trifluorostyrene with a variety of substituted .alpha.,.beta.,.beta.-trifluorostyrenes. These compositions are suitable for use as membranes, particularly as ion-exchange membranes, and most particularly as solid polymer electrolytes in electrochemical applications, such as, for example, electrochemical fuel cells.

Abstract: A process for producing a fabric absorbent that is capable of efficient removal of odorous substances, in particular malodorous substances. The absorbent is obtained by exposing an organic high-molecular weight compound, such as polyolefinic polymers or halogenated polyolefinic polymers, to an ionizing radiation and thereafter graft polymerizing the high-molecular weight compound with a polymerizable monomer that contains ion-exchange groups and/or a polymerizable monomer that can be converted to ion-exchange groups so as to incorporate the ion-exchange groups in the high-molecular weight compound.

Abstract: Cation exchange resins are prepared by sulfonating copolymer beads in the presence of a swelling solvent under pressure. Pressure sulfonation shortens cycle times and requires less energy while maintaining or improving product quality.

Abstract: An ion exchange resin is disclosed that is comprised of an insoluble copolymer onto which are grafted pendent groups that provide 1.0 to about 10 mmol/g dry weight phosphorous. The pendent groups have the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen, a cation or mixtures thereof; and R.sup.1 is hydrogen or an C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 alkyl group. The resin also contains zero to about 5 mmol/g dry weight of pendent aromatic sulfonate groups. Processes for making and using an ion exchange-resin are also disclosed.