Abstract: Methods to make a silica and carbon black elastomer composite with a destabilized dispersion that includes silica are described, along with particle reinforced elastomer composites made from the methods. The advantages achieved with the methods are further described.

Abstract: Methods to make a silica elastomer composite with a destabilized dispersion of silica are described, along with silica elastomer composites made from the methods. The advantages achieved with the methods are further described.

Abstract: Methods to make a silica elastomer composite with a destabilized dispersion of a never-dried, or as-produced, precipitated silica are described, along with silica elastomer composites made from the methods. The advantages achieved with the methods are further described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preparing a brominated elastomer having a stabilized Mooney viscosity. The method includes polymerizing isomonoolefins and at least one polymerizable unit to obtain an elastomer/polymer; brominating the elastomer/polymer to form a brominated elastomer effluent; neutralizing the brominated elastomer effluent to form a neutralized effluent; volatizing off the hydrocarbon solvent; and recovering a brominated elastomer. In at least one point of the process, preferably prior to any significant temperature change in the brominated polymer, a Mooney stabilizer is added into the system. Portions of the Mooney stabilizer may be added at multiple points into the process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method of initiating an optical fiber. In some embodiments, a distal portion of the optical fiber is coated with an energy absorbing material. In some embodiments, the material includes a metal flakes or powder dispersed in a solution of organic solvents. After the material dries, laser energy is fired through the optical fiber. The laser energy can be absorbed in the material and ignites the organic solvents. This combustion melts the material of the optical fiber, and impregnates the optical fiber with the metal flakes or powder of the material. The resulting optical fiber is thus permanently modified so that the energy applied through the fiber is partially absorbed and converted to heat.

Abstract: A process for producing a styrene-butadiene diblock copolymer-containing blend that is not an agglomeration, that involves mixing a styrene-butadiene multiblock thermoplastic elastomer solution with a styrene-butadiene diblock copolymer solution. Blends comprising a styrene-butadiene diblock copolymer and a styrene-butadiene multiblock thermoplastic elastomer, which blends are not an agglomeration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method of initiating an optical fiber of a tip assembly to form a finished tip assembly. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a distal portion of the optical fiber is coated with an energy absorbing initiating material. In some embodiments, the initiating material is an enamel material including a mixture of brass (copper and zinc) flakes or aluminum flakes in a solution of organic solvents. After the initiating material dries, a diode laser is fired through the optical fiber. The laser energy is at least partially absorbed in the initiating material and ignites the organic solvents. This combustion melts the material of the optical fiber, and impregnates the optical fiber with the metal flakes of the initiating material. The resulting initiated optical fiber is thus permanently modified so that the energy applied through the fiber is partially absorbed and converted to heat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and efficient toxicity and/or odor reducing method for ethyl acrylate and/or acrylonitrile contained aqueous polymer dispersion.

Abstract: An organic polymer is transferred from one solvent to another. In a first step, a solution of the polymer in a first solvent is divided into droplets, dispersed into a liquid phase such as water bath, and the first solvent is removed from the droplets to produce a slurry in the liquid phase. Then, the second solvent is contacted with the slurry to dissolve the organic polymer and produce a second solution. The second solution is removed from the liquid phase. The process is especially suitable for transferring a butadiene polymer from a hydrocarbon solvent into a halogenated solvent for bromination.

Abstract: A method for removing residual styrene monomers from co-extrudates comprising polystyrene and water-insoluble, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, which comprises subjecting an aqueous suspension of the particulate solid co-extrudate to a heat treatment at temperatures of 60 to 99° C., the weight ratio of solid co-extrudate to water in the suspension being 1:1.5 to 1:20, and the concentration of the suspension being kept constant during the treatment.

Abstract: This invention provides stable aqueous compositions including stable coating compositions, and methods of their production. The stable aqueous compositions and stable aqueous coating compositions comprise i) an aqueous dispersion of one or more emulsion-polymerized addition polymer comprising polymerized units of one or more carboxylester monomer, wherein at least one carboxylester monomer is a vinyl ester monomer; ii) one or more carboxylesterase enzyme; iii) one or more mono-alcohol with a formula molecular weight of less than 76; iv) optionally, acetaldehyde; and v) optionally, one or more organic carboxylester with a normal boiling point of less than 150° C.; and wherein the aqueous composition has a headspace volatile organic compound (VOC) content, as measured by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) at 33° C.

Abstract: This invention provides stable aqueous compositions including stable coating compositions, and methods of their production. The stable aqueous compositions and stable aqueous coating compositions comprise one or more emulsion-polymerized addition polymer, one or more carboxylesterase enzyme, and one or more carboxylesterase deactivating agent, such that the ester hydrolysis activity in the composition is less than 0.010 micromole/minute, and wherein the aqueous composition has a headspace volatile organic compound (VOC) content, as measured by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) at 33° C., of less than 10 ppm of organic carboxylester with a normal boiling point of less than 150° C. and more than 50 ppm of mono-alcohol with a formula molecular weight of less than 76.

Abstract: A process is described for removing isobutene oligomers from an isobutene polymer by stripping the isobutene polymer with vapors of a saturated hydrocarbon having at least 8 carbon atoms and at least partly driving out the isobutene oligomers. Troublesome isobutene oligomers are substantially removed without impairing the reactivity of the isobutene polymer (expressed as the content of the methylidene double bonds).

Abstract: An organic polymer is transferred from one solvent to another. In a first step, a solution of the polymer in a first solvent is divided into droplets, dispersed into a liquid phase such as water bath, and the first solvent is re-moved from the droplets to produce a slurry in the liquid phase. Then, the second solvent is contacted with the slurry to dissolve the organic polymer and produce a second solution. The second solution is removed from the liquid phase. The process is especially suitable for transferring a butadiene polymer from a hydrocarbon solvent into a halogenated solvent for bromination.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the purification of polymer polyols that ensures a reduction of acrylonitrile, styrene as well as the residual amounts of optionally used chain regulator, and of occurring recombination products of the initiator when azo initiators are used, to levels of <25 ppm of acrylonitrile, <50 ppm styrene, <50 ppm chain regulator and <280 ppm of recombination products by stripping using packed columns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a styrene-butadiene latex, more particularly to a method for preparing a styrene-butadiene latex comprising the steps of adding a transition boosting agent to a styrene-butadiene copolymer, stirring the mixture and deodorizing the product. Since unreacted residual monomers and volatile organic compounds are reduced significantly, foul smell during drying at high temperature, irritation to skin and eyes and foul smell of the final product can be prevented.

Abstract: A method for increasing at least one of the following two parameters of a polyamide: (I) its melting point and (ii) its enthalpy of melting ?Hm, in which: this polyamide is brought into contact in the solid state with water or with steam at a temperature close to its crystallization temperature Tc for a time long enough to effect this increase; then, the water (or steam) is separated from the polyamide and the polyamide is dried.

Abstract: A process for treating an aqueous polymer latex/dispersion of synthetic polymers prepared by polymerizing one or more monomeric materials for at least 80%, involving: A. adding to the polymer latex/dispersion a sufficient amount of at least one reducing agent in one or more portions followed by adding at least one free radical generator in such a way that at least the bulk of the reducing agent has been added before addition of free radical generator is started and maintaining the mixture at a suitable temperature for a period of time which is sufficient to reduce the VOC-level of the latex/dispersion to decrease to below 1,500 ppm, preferably to below 1,000 ppm after which B. water vapor and/or gas is/are sparged into the latex/dispersion while the temperature of the latex/dispersion is maintained at a suitable temperature for a period of time which is sufficient to decrease the VOC-level to below 200 ppm, preferably to below 50 ppm, most preferably to below 15 ppm.

Abstract: A process for separating a solvent and low molecular weight material from an acrylic resin by adding a hindered amine light stabilizer having at least one aminoether group to a mixture of the organic solvent, low molecular weight material and the acrylic resin and subjecting the resulting mixture to an elevated temperature for a time sufficient to remove the solvent and low molecular weight material from the acrylic resin by devolatilization. A composition can be provided which is capable of being formed into a powder coating composition which essentially contains an acrylic resin, a hindered amine light stabilizer having at least one aminoether group or residue thereof and less than 4% by weight of low molecular weight material having a molecular weight less than 600.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of an initially living polymer from a cement produced in a polymerization process. The living polymer cement is shortstopped, washed, stabilised, coagulated and dried. The recovery process comprises adding a short stop to the polymer in the cement, washing catalyst residue from the polymer with water, adding an antioxidant Irganox 1520 to the cement to stabilise the polymer, adding epoxidised soya bean oil to the polymer to stabilise the polymer against colour degradation, and coagulating and drying the polymer. The pH of the cement is regulated in the range of from about 3 to about 7, and preferably from about 6 to about 7, during the catalyst wash and the coagulation steps of the recovery process. A product of the process is also described.

Abstract: In a process for recovering low-boiling point substances wherein a low-boiling point substance-containing polymer latex is atomized from a nozzle equipped at the upper part of an evaporator to evaporate the low-boiling point substances, the polymer latex is atomized over the surface of a polymer latex retained in a first evaporator maintained at a pressure of 50 to 130 torr, and then, the polymer latex is atomized over the surface of a polymer latex retained in a second evaporator maintained at a pressure of 100 to 240 torr which is higher than that of the first evaporator; each of the polymer latexes to be atomized in the first and second evaporators is maintained at a temperature of 10 to 30.degree. C. higher than the saturated steam temperature in the respective evaporator. By this process, low-boiling point substances such as unreacted monomer can be recovered with high efficiency from the polymer latex.

Abstract: 1. A process for preparing a purified solution of blocked polyhydroxystyrene resin in reaction/photoresist solvent, comprising the steps of:(1) forming an impure reaction solution comprising blocked polyhydroxystyrene resin and acidic catalyst in reaction/photoresist solvent;(2) adding amine, at least one hydrophilic solvent, at least one hydrophobic solvent and water to said impure reaction solution, thereby forming an aqueous phase comprising water, the hydrophilic solvent, and at least one salt of the amine and the acidic catalyst and an organic phase comprising the hydrophilic solvent, the hydrophobic solvent, the reaction/photoresist solvent and the blocked polyhydroxystyrene resin;(3) separating the aqueous phase from the organic phase; and(4) removing the hydrophilic solvent and the hydrophobic solvent from the organic phase, thereby forming a purified solution of blocked polyhydroxystyrene resin in reaction/photoresist solvent.

Abstract: The latex is treated by passage through a heat exchanger consisting of a closed chamber 1 divided into two distinct superposed parts, the unobstructed upper part 3 being placed under reduced pressure and communicating with a plant for recovery of the residual monomer or monomers, and the lower part 4 being equipped with a partitioning 9 bounding two separate extended and adjoining circuits 10 and 11, one of the circuits 10 being traversed by the latex to be treated and being maintained in communication, via its top and over its entire path, with the upper part 3 of the chamber, and the other circuit 11, isolated from the upper part 3 of the chamber, being traversed by a heat-transfer fluid maintained at a temperature of 40 to 100.degree. C.Preferably, the two circuits 10 and 11 are bounded by a partitioning 9 arranged in the form of a double spiral.

Abstract: A method for dispersing solid forms of additives in polymers involves adding dispersions or solutions of additive(s) to a solution of polymer in a tubular mixer (preferably in the presence of a stationary mixer). The mixer leads to a steam precipitation step wherein all fluid ingredients in the mixture are volatilized leaving the solid additive and resin in the desired ratio. This results in a uniform dispersion of the additives in the polymer matrix. As a result of the high dispersion, physical properties of a thermoplastic resin, to which the polymer matrix has been added are preserved. In one illustration, PTFE as a drip inhibitor additive, is added to polycarbonate to obtain a highly dispersed PTFE concentrate of improved drip-inhibition without loss of mechanical properties when added to a thermoplastic molding resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gelled fluoride resin fine particle dispersion for use as a coating, to a method of production thereof, and to a method using this gelled fluoride resin fine dispersion to protect an alkaline inorganic hardened body.The objective of the present invention is to provide an aqueous resin for use as a coating, this aqueous resin being able to form a high performance coating film that is superior in its ability to inhibit the leaching out of the alkaline substance from the alkaline inorganic hardened body, which has excellent weatherability, water resistance, alkaline resistance, and dirt picking resistance.The present invention accomplishes the stated objective through the utilization of gelled fine particles of a fluorine containing resin.The present invention may be used in the coating field.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for recycling resin scrap including a thermosetting resin paint film and a thermoplastic resin substrate as its major components, wherein the resin scrap is supplied into a passage of a cylinder, melted, and delivered by delivering means from an upstream side to a downstream side of the passage of the cylinder, and hydrolyzed by a hydrolyzing agent while forming a highly packed region with a resistor. The resistor restricts the resin scrap to flow from the upstream side to the downstream side in a short period of time, and forms the highly packed region where a contact efficiency is enhanced between the resin scrap and the hydrolyzing agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of a substantially odorless, color stable N-vinyl heterocyclic copolymer in pure deionized water or in aqueous alcoholic solution which includes contacting an alcohol solution of the copolymer, under reduced pressure, at alcohol reflux temperature with water and a reducing agent selected from the group of a nitrogen containing borane complex, sulfurous acid and/or an alkali metal salt of sulfurous acid and recovering an aqueous, 10-80 wt. % solids solution of the copolymer having a substantially color free stability for a period of more than a year.

Abstract: A method for dispersing solid forms of additives in polymers involves adding dispersions or solutions of additive(s) to a solution of polymer in a tubular mixer (preferably in the presence of a stationary mixer). The mixer leads to a steam precipitation step wherein all fluid ingredients in the mixture are volatilized leaving the solid additive and resin in the desired ratio. This results in a uniform dispersion of the additives in the polymer matrix. As a result of the high dispersion, physical properties of a thermoplastic resin, to which the polymer matrix has been added are preserved. In one illustration, PTFE as a drip inhibitor additive, is added to polycarbonate to obtain a highly dispersed PTFE concentrate of improved drip-inhibition without loss of mechanical properties when added to a thermoplastic molding resin.

Abstract: A process for achieving a significant reduction in the volatile organic compound content (VOC) of an aqueous polymerization system includes the steps of contacting the aqueous polymerization system with an organic solvent and allowing said organic solvent to be absorbed into polymer particles of said aqueous polymerization system, contacting said aqueous polymerization system and organic solvent with a gas or vapor at temperature and pressure conditions which cause mass transfer of the volatile organic compounds from said latex into said gas or vapor phase, and separating said gas or vapor from said aqueous polymerization system. The solvent is generally absorbed into the polymer particles of the latex and serves as a stripping aid, especially with respect to higher molecular weight compounds which tend to remain trapped in the polymer particles during conventional stripping processes.

Abstract: A mixture which is suitable as a defoamer, especially for ABS latices, comprising (A) a C.sub.10 -C.sub.20 alcohol, (B) a mineral oil, (C) an ester from a thiodicarboxylic acid with 4 to 8 carbon atoms and a C.sub.10 -C.sub.20 alcohol and (D) a non-ionic emulsifier and a process for removing residual monomers from ABS latices using these defoaming mixtures.

Abstract: Aqueous emulsions, at least 80% of which have been polymerized, are treated by a process which comprises the separate steps of: a) initially treating the emulsion with a sufficient amount of a free radical generator in an amount and for a time sufficient to reduce the residual monomer content to from about 1500 to about 6000 part per million, and b) subsequently subjecting the emulsion to steam stripping under vacuum, without significantly degrading or destabilizing the emulsion, to thereby reduce the residual monomer content to from about 5 to about 500 parts per million.

Abstract: A method for dispersing heavy hydrocarbons in an ethylene process water stripper tower, the method comprising the steps of: introducing an effective amount of a dispersant into the ethylene water stripper, the dispersant comprising a copolymer of an .alpha.-olefin having from about 10 to about 36 carbon atoms and a maleic anhydride, wherein the rate ratio of the .alpha.-olefin to the maleic anhydride is from about 1:1 to about 5:5 and the molecular weight of the copolymer is from about 5,000 to about 100,000, the anhydride moieties of the copolymer being substantially intact.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the recovery of a polymer from a solution thereof in a process wherein the polymer solution is contacted with hot water and steam to yield a slurry in water of polymer particles and a vapor stream comprising water vapor and the solvent, the slurry in water of polymer particles is passed to means to grossly separate the polymer particles and the water and the polymer particles are dried, wherein the water contains small particles of polymer and a portion thereof is mixed with the original polymer solution and the remaining portion is passed to the vessel wherein the polymer solution is first contacted with hot water and steam.

Abstract: Process for lowering the residual monomer content in aqueous plastic dispersions based on polyvinyl esters.Preparation of vinyl ester polymers or vinyl ester copolymers containing aqueous plastic dispersions having reduced contents of undesired residual vinyl ester monomers, caused by the preparation, and, optionally, acetaldehyde from corresponding starting dispersions, such as are obtainable from ethylenically unsaturated monomers by conventional polymerization or copolymerization methods, by selective alkaline saponification of the residual vinyl ester monomers saponifiable under alkaline conditions in the dispersions and preferably simultaneous removal of the acetaldehyde and unsaponified residual vinyl ester monomers from the aqueous dispersions by distillation.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for precipitating polymers from a liquid using at least one precipitant fluid, including a feed line, a nozzle plate having at least one outlet orifice for a polymer containing fluid with the outlet orifice communicating with the feed line, at least one nozzle for at least one precipitant fluid, the axis of which is arranged approximately perpendicularly to the axis of the outlet orifice, a precipitation chamber positioned on the side of the nozzle plate wherein at least one nozzle for at least one precipitant fluid is located, a discharge line for discharging a mixture which contains the precipitated polymer and a degassing chamber which is connected to the discharge line.

Abstract: Polycarbonate granules are produced by adding a solution of polycarbonate in an organic solvent to a suspension composed of water, an anti-solvent for polycarbonate and polycarbonate powder with stirring while evaporating and removing the organic solvent for polycarbonate added to the suspension. The procedure may be effected in the presence of a stabilizing agent for polycarbonate. The resulting polycarbonate granules are easy in handling, and free from fine powder, have high bulk density, large particle size and uniform quality, and can be directly molded.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a particulate polymer prepared by the agglomeration of polymer particles contained in a polymer latex. The particulate polymer is composed of primary particles having particle sizes of at least 20 .mu.m and/or secondary particles formed by the agglomeration of at least some of the primary particles and is in the form of a compact mass substantially free of voids. The particulate polymer is prepared by coagulating the polymer latex in the presence of a coagulant and an organic liquid having low solubility in water. The particulate polymer has a high bulk specific gravity and contains few fine particles. It is thus easy to handle and allows the consumption of energy to be reduced in the drying step.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a particulate polymer prepared by the agglomeration of polymer particles contained in a polymer latex. The particulate polymer is composed of primary particles having particle sizes of at least 20 .mu.m and/or secondary particles formed by the agglomeration of at least some of the primary particles and is in the form of a compact mass substantially free of voids. The particulate polymer is prepared by coagulating the polymer latex in the presence of a coagulant and an organic liquid having low solubility in water. The particulate polymer has a high bulk specific gravity and contains few fine particles. It is thus easy to handle and allows the consumption of energy to be reduced in the drying step.

Abstract: Residual monomer may be removed from a polymeric emulsion by subjecting it to pressure and temperature conditions so that the ambient vapor pressure is less than the vapor pressure in the emulsion and concurrently and continuously during the treatment adding a free radical initiator.

Abstract: Solutions of amine-salified phosphoresins and the free amine in organic solvents are converted to stable dispersions of the salified resins in water by steam stripping under conditions such that at least part of the water is provided as condensed steam.