Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing uniform highly dispersed emulsions by using a low drive power and without pressurization, making possible continuous mass production of uniform organopolysiloxane emulsions. An organopolysiloxane, water and a emulsifying agent, are continuously fed across a first-stage shearing and stirring mechanism and a second-stage shearing and stirring mechanism. The first-stage mechanism is a stator and turbine-type rotor whose blades are slanted obliquely from the radial direction when viewed from the axial direction. The second-stage mechanism is a stator and turbine-type rotor whose blades describe spiral curves with respect to the axial direction. The two mechanisms are arranged serially and separated from one another by a relaxation zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of thermoplastic polyurethane by reacting a) organic and/or modified organic polyisocyanates with b) at least one oligomeric polyhydroxy and/or polyamino compound having an average molecular weight of from 400 to 10,000 g/mol, in the presence or absence of c) chain extenders having at least two Zerewitinoff-active hydrogen atoms and an average molecular weight of less than 400 g/mol, d) catalysts, e) compounds which are less than difunctional with respect to isocyanates and/or isocyanates which are less than difunctional and, f) assistants and/or additives, in a twin-screw extruder in which both screws rotate in the same direction and which has a length of/diameter ratio of from 20 to 6 and discharging the resulting thermoplastic polyurethane from the extruder with shaping.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing uniform highly dispersed emulsions by using a low drive power and without pressurization, making possible continuous mass production of uniform organopolysiloxane emulsions. An organopolysiloxane, water and a emulsifying agent, are continuously fed across a first-stage shearing and stirring mechanism and a second-stage shearing and stirring mechanism. The first-stage mechanism is a stator and turbine-type rotor whose blades are slanted obliquely from the radial direction when viewed from the axial direction. The second-stage mechanism is a stator and turbine-type rotor whose blades describe spiral curves with respect to the axial direction. The two mechanisms are arranged serially and separated from one another by a relaxation zone.

Abstract: A solvent-free hot melt process, for preparing a non-thermosettable, pressure-sensitive adhesive from a tackified non-thermoplastic hydrocarbon elastomer. The process employs a continuous compounding device that has a sequence of alternating conveying and processing zones. The processing zones masticate and mix materials in them. Non-thermoplastic elastomers having high molecular weight may be readily compounded into adhesives in the process.

Abstract: A solvent-free hot melt process, for preparing a non-thermosettable, pressure-sensitive adhesive from a tackified non-thermoplastic hydrocarbon elastomer. The process employs a continuous compounding device that has a sequence of alternating conveying and processing zones. The processing zones masticate and mix materials in them. Non-thermoplastic elastomers having high molecular weight may be readily compounded into adhesives in the process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein in are a magnetic paint composed of a kneaded composition comprising fine magnetic iron based alloy particles, acicular fine magnetic iron oxide particles or plate-like fine magnetic ferrite particles, a binder resin and an organic solvent, the solid content of the fine magnetic iron based alloy particles, the acicular fine magnetic iron oxide particles or plate-like fine magnetic ferrite particles and the binder resin in the kneaded composition being from 65 to 85% by weight, the binder resin being from 5 to 30% by weight based on the fine magnetic iron based alloy particles, the acicular fine magnetic iron oxide particles or plate-like fine magnetic ferrite particles, and a gloss at 45.degree. after dispersion for 6 hours being not less than 120% when formed into a coating film; and a method of preparing the same.

Abstract: Method for preparing adhesive compositions subjecting a mixture of block polymer and other adhesive constituents e.g., resin(s) and oil(s) to shearing and smearing in an emulsifier disperser.

Abstract: A low cost method for preparing foamed or aerated asphalt-rubber paving compositions is provided wherein a flowable mixture including respective quantities of asphalt and finally divided reclaimed rubber particles is first directed into a rocket-type reactor along with steam and/or water, thereby subjecting the mixture to conditions of elevated temperature, pressure and shear. Thereafter, the initially reacted mixture is passed into a pressurized, secondary reaction vessel system in order to complete the gelation reaction in a period of, e.g., 7-15 minutes. The preferred apparatus (10) includes a rocket-type primary reactor (12) presenting a confined reaction zone (20); asphalt-rubber and water/steam conduits (42, 48) communicate with the zone (20). The output (24) of the primary reactor (12) feeds directly into a pressurized tank (66) forming a part of the downstream secondary reaction and recovery system (14), where the gelation reaction is completed.

Abstract: An improved polymer devolatilization apparatus including a flat plate heater having a multiplicity of flat plates defining a plurality of channels, each channel having a substantially uniform height but varying width over its length, each channel including three zones:a first zone in operative communication with the polymer solution supply device, characterized by decreasing width as a function of distance from its beginning,a second zone beginning at the terminus of the first zone, characterized by at least one occurrence of a restrictive cross-sectional area, anda third zone beginning at the end of the second zone and terminating at a liquid/vapor collection and separation region operating at reduced pressure, said third zone characterized by increasing width as a function of distance from its beginning, and provided further that the ratio of maximum width of the third zone to the maximum width of the second zone is from 2:1 to 20:1.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for thoroughly wetting a dry polymer and mixing it with water, or another electrolyte, to make an electrolyte/polymer mixture. The system uses a funnel which has water introduced along a circumferential pattern therein to form a wall of swirling water over the inner wall of the funnel. The dry polymer is dropped into the eye of the impeller vortex. The spout of the funnel opens directly into the vortex or eye of an impeller of a pump which imparts substantial energy to the mixture. After the dry polymer is thoroughly wetted by the impeller action, the mixture is transferred to a mixing vessel where a large volume of air is blown through the mixture at a relatively low pressure while the mixture ages. The viscosity of the mixture is enhanced by the conformationally structuring of the polymer at the water/air interface of the blown air. After processing in the mixing vessel, the polymer is withdrawn and used for any suitable purpose.

Abstract: The molecular weight of solid polymers, particularly polyolefins, is modified by addition of organic peroxides (or other free radical generators), which is admixed in a first reaction zone. The polymer is then melted followed by addition of additives such as antioxidants and light stabilizers, which are admixed in a second reaction zone where intense and rapid mixing occurs, such as within the barrel of an extruder. The separate admixture of primary and secondary additives provides improved color and odor characteristics for the polymer compared to concurrent admixture of all the additives.

Abstract: A method for preparing thermo-crosslinkable and/or thermoplastic elastomer blends by mixing the elastomer with plasticizer oil and other additives, said method comprising the steps of:(a) continuously premixing the crushed elastomer in an annular zone mixer with at least part of said plasticizer oil, and optionally with at least part of said other additives, to form a preblend in which said elastomer is decomposed and said additives are embedded in the polymer matrix;and thereafter(b) completing the mixing of said premix, and optionally of the remainder of said additives, in a mixing unit working batchwise or continuously.

Abstract: Polymer activation apparatus for activating a batch of dry polymer in dilution water includes a tank which contains the dilution water in a mixing vessel and a mixing assembly within the mixing vessel. The dilution water is circulated at a high rate through the mixing assembly to create a high shear flow condition within the mixing assembly. The polymer is introduced into the mixing assembly to disperse the polymer in the dilution water and form a slurry in the vessel without causing agglomeration of the dry polymer. After dispersion and before hydration of the polymer, the rate of circulation through the mixing assembly is reduced to create a low shear flow condition. The low shear condition is maintained as the viscosity of the solution increases.

Abstract: A non-vulcanized thermoplastic composition comprising a polyamide and an elastomeric halogen-containing copolymer of a C.sub.4 to C.sub.7 isomonoolefin and a para-alkylstyrene is prepared by blending the polyamide and elastomeric copolymer in the presence of specified metal compounds in an amount insufficient for vulcanizing the composition. Optionally, the resulting composition may be subjected to vulcanization.

Abstract: Apparatus for diluting and activating polymer molecules includes primary polymer dilution and activation apparatus, secondary dilution apparatus, and apparatus for diverting a desired amount of dilution water around the primary dilution and activation apparatus to the secondary dilution apparatus. The primary dilution and activation apparatus includes a cylindrical first processing zone in which the polymer and dilution water are initially mixed. The first processing zone subjects the polymer molecules to relatively high shear conditions for a relatively short period of time, after which the solution passes into a second cylindrical or annular processing zone in which the solution is subjected to continuously decreasing shear forces over a longer period of time. When the solution leaves the primary activation apparatus, it flows into the secondary activation apparatus, which is a static mixer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous process for the production of aqueous polyurethane dispersions by continuously mixing solutions of polyurethanes or isocyanate prepolymers dissolved in an organic solvent with water and subsequently continuously removing at least a portion of the solvent using a circulation-type evaporator. The present invention is also directed to the production of coatings or adhesives by applying the aqueous polyurethane dispersions to a substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for devolatilizing high viscosity polymer solutions are provided wherein high viscosity polymer solutions are heated along a short zone of indirect heat exchange. The residence time within the zone of indirect heat exchange ranges from approximately 5 seconds to 120 seconds.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing a homogeneous dissipation of a viscous, liquid-dissipatable polymer. The process comprises continuously feeding molten polymer into a first inlet of a mixing chamber, feeding a stream of a relatively low viscosity dissipating liquid into a second inlet of said mixing chamber at an angle, at a velocity and at a flow rate relative to the structure of said chamber such that shearing action is created at the advancing end of the polymer to continuously erode the end of the polymer, and further mixing the polymer and dissipating liquid downstream from an outlet of the chamber to form a homogeneous dissipation of polymer in dissipating liquid.

Abstract: A method for agglomerating and dewatering elastomeric material having a relatively high water content wherein the elastomeric material is fed to a pair of counterrotating pressing rolls with a tight nip opening. The elastomeric material is drawn through the nip opening and compacted and dewatered therein. The method of the present invention produces at least a doubling of the particle size of the feed material and a reduction in the water content of the feed material in the range of 30 to 80%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly dispersing particles of dry, water soluble polymer into water wherein air, water and said polymer particles are introduced to a chamber for thorough contact of the polymer with the water to form a mixture of aqueous polymer dispersion and entrained air. The mixture is immediately subjected to shear forces to separate any agglomerated particles into individual particles, and to prevent further agglomeration.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a cross-linked extruded elongated product from polyethylene or other suitable polymer. The polymer is fed into the hopper of a screw extrusion machine. The polymer is heated and melted while being conveyed through the barrel of the screw extruder. A liquid silane compound which comprises a modified vinyl functional silane, a free-radical generator, and a condensation catalyst is carefully metered and injected into the melted polymer. The melted polymer and the liquid silane compound are then mixed and blended to obtain a uniform blended mixture thereof. The blended mixture is then extruded through an extrusion die to form an elongated product of a required final shape and the elongated product is then subjected to the action of moisture and heat until the polymer in the elongated product is cross-linked.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to disperse fine solids in a resin binder matrix by use of a sand mill having non-metallic discs and containing zirconium oxide milling media. The method of the invention will disperse the fine solids without reduction of the size of the fine solids or contamination to the dispersion by fines of the zirconium oxide milling media.

Abstract: Granulate-form agglomerates of pulverulent rubber chemicals having a maximum primary grain size of 500 .mu.m , an active substance content of at least 90% by weight and an assessment (a) in the intermixing test of at the most 1.5, (b) in the dust proportion test of at the most 10, (c) in the fine material proportion test of at the most 5 and (d) in the falling test of at the most 70, as well as a process for its production characterized in that the pulverulent rubber chemicals of a maximum primary grain size of 500 .mu.m are mixed with a moistening agent and/or a lubricant and are supplied to a double shaft screw granulator with forced conveyance, in which the spacing between the nozzle plate and the vertically cut screw ends is between 0 and 1.6 mm, whereby the compression ratio K.sub.D is between 1:6 and 1:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for the production of highly concentrated spinning solutions from acrylonitrile polymers, where the dissolving is carried out in one step in a stirred mixing vessel, which has a disc-shaped stirrer rotating in a horizontal plane, the polymeric material to be dissolved and the solvent are metered in separately at room temperature into the stirring vortex which is formed, and the temperature of the solution being formed is maintained at a constant preset value in the range from 60.degree. to 120.degree. C. by controlling the peripheral velocity of the stirrer.

Abstract: Invert emulsion polymers are prepared by continuously circulating a system comprising a non-polar liquid and an aqueous solution of polymerizable monomers, continuously adding components to said system and continuously withdrawing a portion of said system comprising the desired invert emulsion polymer. The method is conveniently effected in a loop reactor. It is particularly effective for the production of invert emulsion polymers of acrylamidoalkanesulfonic acids and their salts; e.g., 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid.

Abstract: Water-miscible monomers such as acrylamide are polymerized continuously to produce a concentrated solution of a high molecular weight polymer by passing a mixture of a water-immiscible organic liquid and an aqueous solution of at least 20 weight percent of the monomer through a tubular reactor, e.g., a polyethylene tube, having internal surfaces that are readily wetted by the hydrocarbon liquid and polymerizing the monomer in the reactor. The polymerized product is recovered as a water-in-oil emulsion wherein the polymer resides in the dispersed aqueous phase or as a solid strand which is a high solids aqueous solution containing at least 20 weight percent of the water-soluble polymer of the water-miscible monomer.