Abstract: Bisphenol-A is prepared by reacting an excess of phenol with acetone in the presence of a modified sulfonic acid cationic exchange resin catalyst having a plurality of sulfonic acid sites of the general formula ##STR1## in which IER represnts the ionic exchange backbone, each a and b is an integer from 9 to about 5, and each R is selected independently from H, OH, Sh and alkyl groups. The catalyst exhibits high activity and selectively at moderate reaction temperatures, low production of colored impurities, and high stability.

Abstract: A novel composite membrane and methods of making the membrane are described. The discriminating layer of the membrane is prepared by reaction of a reactive cationic compound group with a compound bearing a nucleophilic moiety. At least one of the reactants bears an average of two or more reactive groups. The reaction product contains covalent bonds formed via charge eliminating reactions.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nucleophilic group is anionic and a coacervate is formed initially on a microporous substrate. The resulting membrane may be useful for reverse osmosis, gas or ultrafiltration separations.

Abstract: Permselective membranes are disclosed which comprise a layer comprising polystyrene, at least a portion of which is sulfonated, and between about 10 wt. % and about 35 wt. % monovinyl arene-hydrogentated diene block copolymer, at least a portion of which is sulfonated. The membranes exhibit a resistance of less than about 8 .OMEGA.-cm.sup.2 in 7 wt. % Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and an ion exchange capacity of between about 1.0 meq/g and about 1.6 meq/g. Monopolar and bipolar membranes comprising the layer are disclosed. A preferred process for forming the membranes comprises the steps of sulfonating polystryene and monovinyl arene-hydrogenated diene block copolymer, forming a mixture of the materials in a solvent, forming a layer of the mixture and drying the layer to form at least a portion of the membrane.

Abstract: Heat stabilized catalyst compositions are prepared from nuclear sulfonic acid, for example, macroporous crosslinked polyvinyl aromatic compounds containing sulfonic acid groups are neutralized with a metal of Al, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, ions or mixtures and alkali, alkaline earth metals or ammonium ions by contacting the resin containing the sulfonic acid with aqueous solutions of the metals salts and alkali, alkaline earth metal or ammonium salts. The catalysts have at least 50% of the sulfonic acid groups neutralized with metal ions and the balance of the sulfonic acid groups neutralized with alkali, alkaline earth ions or ammonium ions.

Abstract: Novel microporous particles of polybenzimidazole (PBI) resin, characterized by a reduced bulk density, a surface area of at least 10 m.sup.2 /g, a porosity of at least about 10%, and an average pore diameter of from about 50 to 500 Angstroms are provided by emulsification-precipitation or atomizing-non-solvent quenching techniques. The disclosed microporus PBI particles are particularly suitable for use as substrates in chromatographic processes such as ion-exchange, separations, purifications, etc., as well as catalysts or chemical reagents in polymer supported reactions. Microporous PBI particles of varying acidity/basicity and/or anionic/cationic exchange characteristics, and/or containing various functional groups for use in chemical conversions, may be obtained by treatment of the PBI resin with various organic and inorganic acids, either during particle formation or subsequent thereto.

Abstract: Partially neutralize a strong-acid cation-exchange resin in acid form using an N-(2-mercaptoalkyl)amide in the presence of water.

Abstract: Pre-swelled ion exchange membranes formed from one or more layers of fluorinated polymer having carboxylic or sulfonic acid functional groups and which polymer contains about 8 to 30% by weight of a swelling agent of the formula HO(CH.sub.2 CHYO).sub.n H where Y=H or CH.sub.3 and n=2, 3 or 4 are disclosed. Also disclosed are processes for preparing these membranes, electrochemical cells utilizing these membranes, and methods of preparing said cells for use in chloralkali processes.

Abstract: A process for producing a cation exchange resin which comprises suspension polymerizing a monomeric mixture comprising (1) styrene, (2) 0.8 to 55 mole %, per mole of styrene, of divinylbenzene and (3) 2 to 20 mole %, per mole of styrene, of acrylic or methacrylic acid and/or its lower alkyl ester, and sulfonating the resulting copolymer particles.

Abstract: Bisphenols are prepared by condensation of a phenol with a ketone in the presence of a sulfonic acid type cation exchange resin partially modified with a pyridinealkanethiol of the formula:Py--(CH.sub.2).sub.n SHwherein n is a positive integer and Py is 3-pyridyl when n is 1, or 2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl when n is more than 1.

Abstract: Substantially non-crosslinked fluorocarbon polymers containing carboxyl groups are prepared starting from non-crosslinked and in some cases new, fluorocarbon polymers in which the linear macromolecules carry side chains containing the end group --CHFX (X is F or CF.sub.3). The starting polymers are first reacted with peroxodisulfuryl difluoride FSO.sub.2 O--OSO.sub.2 F to give the corresponding fluorosulfato derivatives containing the side chain end groups. ##STR1## In the event that X is F, these derivaties are then converted into the corresponding carboalkoxy derivatives by means of an alcohol, the fluorosulfato group being split off, and these carboalkoxy derivatives are then converted by saponification into the products containing the free carboxyl groups; the fluorosulfato derivatives can also be hydrolyzed with water, if appropriate in the presence of an inert solvent and/or bases, to give, without further treatment, the products containing the free carboxyl 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: Hard, infusible, discrete beads of crosslinked copolymer are prepared by free-radical catalyzed polymerization of a monomer mixture in aqueous dispersion wherein a minor amount of a modifier, specifically an organic compound containing acetylenic or allylic unsaturation having the ability to moderate the rate of polymerization, is incorporated in the monomer mixture. Ion exchange resins having improved mechanical strength are obtained by attaching functional groups to the copolymer.

Abstract: A sulfonated polyolefin porous membrane containing sulfonic groups in an amount, in terms of exchange capacity, of 0.05 to 1 milliequivalent per gram of the sulfonated polyolefin and having a porosity of 30 to 85% and an average pore diameter of 0.05 to 1.mu. has been found to be excellent in water permeability, removal capability, water-permeability retention, mechanical strength and elongation, etc. The porous membrane of the present invention may advantageously be employed as a fine microfilter or the like. The porous membrane of the present invention may be easily prepared by treating with a sulfonating agent a polyolefin porous membrane preferably containing an inorganic filler which is subsequently extracted from the membrane.

Abstract: These resins are in particular non toxic styrene, acrylic or epoxy resins, with strong cholesterol-decreasing properties, which have an apparent density in water of 0.18 to 0.20 g of dry material/ml and a water absorption capacity of 69 to 73% by weight of the polymer weight.The process for producing anionic ion exchange resins with strong cholesterol-decreasing properties in which a mixture of monomers containing a critical percentage of cross-linking monomer, consists of polymerizing at a low rate so as to give the polymer a critically predetermined and uniformly distributed degree of cross-linkage, corresponding to an apparent density in water of 0.18 to 0.20 of dry material/ml with a water absorption capacity of 69 to 73% by weight of the polymer weight, wherein the polymerization catalyst used in an organic peroxide in a concentration of 0.2 to 3%, and the cross-linking agent used is a divinyl compound in a percentage of 1.5 to 12%, at a polymerization temperature of 50.degree. to 80.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for preparing reticular crosslinked copolymer beads by suspension copolymerization in an aqueous medium a polyvinylidene monomer and a monovinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer in a liquid precipitant which has a low solubility in the aqueous medium, is a solvent for the monomer mixture and does not appreciably swell the copolymer, the liquid precipitant and said polyvinylidene monomer each being present in an amount exceeding the critical concentration of each needed for phase separation of the copolymer from the monomer phase, and the products produced by said process.

Abstract: Emulsion copolymer particles with diameters smaller than 1.5 micrometers and functionalized with cation exchange functional groups are prepared and suspended as emulsions in liquid media to form liquid cation exchange materials.

Abstract: Hard, infusible, discrete beads of crosslinked copolymer are prepared by free-radical catalyzed polymerization of a monomer mixture in aqueous dispersion wherein a minor amount of a modifier, specifically an organic compound containing acetylenic or allylic unsaturation having the ability to moderate the rate of polymerization, is incorporated in the monomer mixture. Ion exchange resins having improved mechanical strength are obtained by attaching functional groups to the copolymer.

Abstract: Method for converting pendant functional groups, particularly upon perfluorocarbon copolymeric cationic exchange materials, to sulfonyl fluoride pendant functional groups. The method comprises a catalyzed reaction between the perfluorocarbon functional group and SF.sub.4 under pressure at relatively mild reaction temperatures.

Abstract: Composition which has a prolonged broncholytic and tocolytic activity and consists of a compound of N,N'-bis-[2-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]-hexamethylenediamine with a polystyrene which is crosslinked with divinylbenzene, contains sulphonic acid radicals as anchor groups and has a degree of crosslinking of 2-5%, and a process for the preparation of this composition by treating the proton form of the resin with an aqueous solution of a bis-salt of the base.

Abstract: Ion exchange materials are prepared by retaining a vinyl monomer solution within the interstices of a fiber structure, such as a woven or non-woven fabric, polymerizing these monomers in the presence of an organic solvent sparingly soluble or totally insoluble in water to form a macroreticular polymer, and functionalizing the macroreticular polymer with an ion exchange functional group.

Abstract: Fluorinated phenolic polymer, process for its preparation, and use thereof, particularly in the form of a film as a membrane in an electrolytic cell, said polymer consisting essentially of recurring units of(1) --CF.sub.2 CFX--wherein X in each of the recurring units is independently selected from F, Cl, R and OR wherein R is perfluoroalkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and ##STR1## wherein Y is Cl, R or OR wherein R is perfluoroalkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; M is H, alkali metal or NR'.sub.4 wherein R' in each of the recurring units is independently selected from H and alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms; x is an average value within the range about 0.2 to about 1.0; n is 1, 2 or 3; and p is 0 or 1,said polymer having 0 to about 21 units of (1) per unit of (2).

Abstract: A process for preparing a cation-exchange resin is disclosed. The process comprises:(a) treating a chlorine-containing material, which is the distillation residue obtained by chlorinating or oxychlorinating a C.sub.2 -C.sub.40 hydrocarbon, with a sulfonating agent,(b) treating the admixture of step (a) with water and an organic solvent until the product shows a substantially neutral pH, and(c) removing the volatile materials to obtain a solid material which is suitable for use as a cation-exchange resin.

Abstract: A basic copolymer whose main chain is cross-linked which comprises about 6 to about 98% by weight of recurring units of Formula (A) or (B), ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-20 alkyl groups, C.sub.3-10 cycloalkyl groups, C.sub.3-8 alkenyl groups, C.sub.6-15 aryl groups, C.sub.7-12 arylalkyl groups and C.sub.1-15 aminoalkyl groups; and X is an acid radical, and about 2 to about 94% by weight of cross-linked units based on the total weight of the recurring units of Formula (A) or (B) and the cross-linked units and, if desired, up to about 92% by weight of units of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer or a conjugated monomer based on the total weight of the recurring units of Formula (A) or (B), the cross-linked units and the units of the monoethylenically unsaturated monomer or the conjugated monomer.

Abstract: A process for preparing a fluorine-containing polymer having carboxyl groups, which comprises subjecting a fluorine-containing polymer having sulfonyl halide groups bonded to it to an oxidation reaction at a temperature of not more than 250.degree. C.; and a process for electrolysis, using as a diaphragm a member of the polymer obtained by the above process.

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 process for producing a strong acid cation exchange resin having enhanced thermal stability comprises the steps of (1) chlorinating or brominating the aromatic nuclei of polymer beads prepared from a monomer system selected from the class consisting of (a) monovinyl aromatic monomers and polyvinyl aromatic monomers and mixtures thereof and (b) one or more monomers of (a) with up to about 5% by weight of the polymer of a monomer selected from the class consisting of acrylonitrile, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof, and when a monovinyl aromatic monomer is present, a polyvinyl aromatic monomer is also present in an amount of at least about 4% by total weight of the polymer or copolymer, and (2) sulfonating the chlorinated or brominated polymer to produce a resin having enhanced thermal stability. A strong acid cation exchange resin prepared by the above process wherein the aromatic nuclei of the polymer beads are chlorinated or brominated.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of semipermeable membranes which comprises sulfonating porous membranes of acrylonitrile polymers containing acrylonitrile in an amount of 40% to 100% by mole.The resulting semipermeable membrane is very useful for separating substances by reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration.

Abstract: Polymeric adsorbents exhibiting improved porosity and adsorption are produced from lightly crosslinked macroreticular aromatic copolymer beads by post-crosslinking the copolymer beads while in a swollen state, the crosslinks resulting from the post-crosslinking comprising the residue of an external crosslinker selected from a polyfunctional alkylating agent, a polyfunctional acylating agent, and a sulfur halide. An acid catalyst is used for the post-crosslinking, such as a Friedel-Crafts catalyst. The adsorbents may be functionalized to ion exchange resins.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite amphoteric ion exchange membrane, which comprises forming a thin membrane not exceeding 5 microns thick by applying to a surface of a microporous polymer substrate having a physical, selective permeability of its own, a coating consisting of a polymer having either a cation or anion exchange group and a functional group capable of receiving another ion exchange group having an opposite sign from the cation or anion exchange group or a mixture of two polymers one of which has either a cation or an anion exchange group and the other of which has a functional group capable of receiving an ion exchange group having an opposite sign from the cation or anion exchange group, and introducing the ion exchange group having an opposite sign to said functional group to provide a ratio of anion to cation exchange capacity in the range of from 0.5 to 2.0.

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: Process for preparing cation exchange resin having macroreticular structure, high surface area and lowered apparent density from a macroreticulated copolymer produced by copolymerizing a mixture of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer and a polyethylenically unsaturated monomer dissolved in an organic liquid which is a solvent for said monomers but unable to substantially swell the resulting copolymer, and macroreticulated cation exchange resin beads produced by the process.

Abstract: Hard, infusible, discrete beads of crosslinked copolymer are prepared by free-radical catalyzed polymerization of a monomer mixture in aqueous dispersion wherein a minor amount of a modifier, specifically an organic compound containing acetylenic or allylic unsaturation having the ability to moderate the rate of polymerization, is incorporated in the monomer mixture. Ion exchange resins having improved mechanical strength are obtained by attaching functional groups to the copolymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of high density resins by bromination of particles of crosslinked vinylaromatic copolymers of either the gel type or the ionic or non-ionic macroporous type. The invention is characterized in that crosslinked vinylaromatic polymer particles which have been swollen in a solvent are contacted with bromine or a bromine releasing agent in the presence of an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: Magnesium compounds, such as magnesium oxide or hydroxide, at least partially reacted with fluoropolymer containing carboxyl ions, carboxylic acid or carbonyl fluoride functional groups provide compositions which are useful as modifiers for asbestos diaphragms for chlor-alkali cells to reduce the voltage and increase the efficiency of such cells.

Abstract: Beta-hydroxyl polysulphoniums are prepared from polymers having epoxy groups in the polymeric chain or on the side chains. The polymer is treated with one or more mercaptans or thiols in the presence of a catalyst which opens the oxirane bridges, in particular a basic catalyst, after which the remaining epoxy groups are eliminated by the action of an acid; the resultant polysulphide is then reacted with an alkyl halide or ester in the absence of acid in order to form the polysulphonium. Purification of the product is then carried out. The products can be obtained in this manner in a form which is soluble or dispersible in water in a suitable state of purity, with good yields and with the desired hydrophilic-lipophilic ratio.

Abstract: Novel, macroreticular cross-linked anion exchange and adsorbent copolymers of at least one monovinylidene ring-containing nitrogen heterocyclic monomer are prepared. Preferred monovinylidene ring-containing heterocyclic monomers are the various vinylpyridines.

Abstract: Novel anion exchange resins containing a crosslinked aromatic backbone resin with sulfonamide functional ion exchange groups on the aromatic rings and a process for producing the same.

Abstract: A process of sulfonating a crosslinked copolymer to yield a cation exchange resin using liquid sulfur trioxide dissolved in a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent as the sulfonating reagent.

Abstract: Polymeric adsorbents exhibiting improved adsorption are produced from lightly crosslinked vinylbenzyl chloride copolymer beads by post-crosslinking the copolymer beads while in a swollen state by contact with a Lewis acid catalyst such as a Friedel-Crafts catalyst or an acidic sulfonating agent. The adsorbents post-crosslinked with a Friedel-Crafts catalyst may be functionalized to ion exchange resins. Those adsorbents post-crosslinked with a sulfonating agent already are strong acid ion exchange resins.

Abstract: Certain fluoropolymers, when chemically modified by reacting them with sulfur or phosphorus containing compounds, become hydrophilic materials useful for making ion-exchange membranes, especially diaphragms for electrolytic cells, particularly chlor-alkali cells used in the production of chlorine, hydrogen and sodium hydroxide from brine.

Abstract: Sulfone-crosslinked polystyrene cation and anion exchange resins having high solids content when saturated with water are disclosed together with a method of forming increased amounts of sulfone crosslinks using a sulfonating agent or mixture thereof preferably in combination with a boron compound.

Abstract: A partially polyenized polyvinyl alcohol fiber is obtained by heating and dehydration polyvinyl alcohol type fibers at temperatures of about 80.degree. to 350.degree. C so that the dehydration weight loss falls within the range of about 5% to 40%. An ion-exchange radical is introduced into the partially polyenized polyvinyl alcohol fiber to obtain fibers with an ion-exchange capacity. The ion-exchange fiber thus obtained exhibits an exchange capacity comparable to ion-exchange resins and has practical properties as fibers, such as good chemical resistance and flexibility.

Abstract: Process for conditioning contaminated ion-exchange resins, more particularly contaminated cationic resins, wherein the contaminated ion-exhange resin or resins are brought into contact with a basic compound in a sufficient quantity to block the active sites of the cationic resin or resins, the thus treated ion-exchange resin or resins are incorporated into an ambient temperature-thermosetting resin and the latter is crosslinked.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing amphoteric resins. Polymeric beads are treated sequentially with two reagents of opposite acid/base character. The resins are useful in the desalination of water.

Abstract: A process for producing strongly acidic cation-exchange fiber, which comprises allowing fibrous polyethylene to react with gaseous sulfur trioxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparation of ion exchangers from hydrophilic anion-exchanging gels based on acrylate or methacrylate copolymers prepared by copolymerization of amino-group-containing monomers, as aminoalkyl acrylates and methacrylates, aminoalkylacrylamides and aminoalkylmethacrylamides or on gels prepared by chemical bonding of amine groups to the hydrophilic matrix of acrylate or methacrylate copolymers. The method consists in alkylation or hydroxyalkylation of amine groups by alkylating agents, as alkyl halogenides, alkyl p-toluenesulfonates, alkyl sulfates, epoxides, etc. Alkylation with alkyldiaze compounds was used for transformation of the undesired carboxylic groups of the ion exchangers. Another modification consists in the reaction of halogenated acrylate or methacrylate gels with polyamines or oligomeric polyethyleneimines.