Abstract: The invention relates to double-metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts for preparing polyether polyols by the polyaddition of alkylene oxides on to starter compounds containing active hydrogen atoms, wherein the DMC catalysts are composed of: a) at least one DMC compound; b) at least one organic complexing ligand which is not a cyclic polyol; and c) at least one cyclic polyol. The DMC catalysts of the present invention have increased activity compared to known catalyst.

Abstract: A process for preparing thermoplastic poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) with a molar mass greater than 6 000 g/mol and a melting point in the range from 70 to 170° C., by reacting an oxirane compound with carbon monoxide in the presence of a transition metal catalyst which has rhodium(0), nickel(0), iron(0), cobalt(0) or palladium(0) as central metal and has been chelated with neutral Lewis bases, and also in the presence of diisocyanates, ortho esters, acetals, anhydrides, P2O5, MgO, MgCl2, MgSO4, zeolites, or a mixture of these, at a pressure in the range from 1 to 250 bar and at from room temperature to 150° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method of producing double-metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts for the production of polyether polyols by polyaddition of alkylene oxides to starter compounds containing active hydrogen atoms, in which the DMC catalyst dispersion is produced using a mixing nozzle, preferably a jet disperser. The DMC catalysts produced in this way have an increased activity in polyether polyol production, reduced particle size and narrower particle size distribution.

Abstract: A method for making a hydrophilic and lubricious coating, the coating so made and a medical device including such coating, wherein the coating includes a hydrophilic polymeric unit layer cross-linked with a plasma deposited double bond monomer. The hydrophilic polymeric unit can include ethylene oxide with one or more primary or secondary alcohol groups or glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid, and the double bond monomer includes monomers containing at least one double bond, preferably a C═C, C═N or C═O bond, including N-trimethylsilyl-allylamine, ethylene, propylene and allyl alcohol. The invention also provides products containing such coatings and their uses in medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The invention generally concerns a novel family of biocompatible surfactant copolymers having a wide range of uses, in particular in pharmaceutics and for synthesizing substances in dispersed state and for surface treatment of materials or biomaterials. Said copolymers are characterised in that they comprise a hydrophobic sequence constituted by: either a homopolymer consisting of recurrent units corresponding to the general formula (I): in which: R1 represents a C1-C6 alkyl group or a (CH2)m—COOR3 group wherein m is an integer between 1 and 5 and R3 represents a C1-C6 alkyl group; R2 represents a C1-C6 alkyl group; and n is an integer between 1 and 5; or a random copolymer consisting of different recurring units corresponding to formula (I) as defined above; or finally a random copolymer consisting for the major part of units corresponding to formula (I) as defined above.

Abstract: Liquid suspensions of particles in non-aqueous solvents are extremely stable over long periods of time with minimum separation of the solvent and no hard packing of the dispersed particles. The suspensions enable a user to rapidly add the suspension to water and to mix at low speeds without generating fugitive dust in the process. In addition, a liquid dispersion can provide an easy to use liquid containing higher concentrations of the active dispersed phase than can be accomplished by simply preparing an aqueous solution of the dispersed phase. Alternatively, highly water-soluble particles may also be suspended which have poor storage, freeze/thaw, or heat/cool stability. In some cases, liquid dispersions can yield controlled release of the dispersed phase because the dispersed phase is not in aqueous solution. The suspensions are environmentally safe and biodegradable and may be used in environmentally sensitive applications, such as for oil well treating fluids for offshore areas.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polyisocyanate composition having a mean functionality of greater than 3, obtained by polycondensation of diisocyanate or triisocyanate monomers. The invention also relates to a reactive coating composition comprising the isocyanate composition defined above and a polyol having a hydroxyl number of between approximately 50 and approximately 250 and a number [lacuna] molar mass of between approximately 500 and approximately 15 000, said coating composition exhibiting a good pot life and a rapid rate of crosslinking at ambient temperature, to produce a crosslinked coating possessing good properties of surface hardness, of flexibility and of impact resistance.

Abstract: A method for making modified poly(ethylene oxide) by graft polymerizing thereto organic monomers containing a trialkoxy silane functional group or a moiety that reacts with water to form a silanol group, such as methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane, onto the poly(ethylene oxide) is disclosed. The graft polymerization is accomplished by mixing the poly(ethylene oxide), the silane-containing monomer(s) and an initiator and applying heat. Preferably, the method is a reactive-extrusion process. The resulting modified poly(ethylene oxide) has improved water absorption characteristics and melt processabilities and may be used to make thermally processed articles, such as fibers, films and foams, that have improved properties over articles similarly processed from unmodified poly(ethylene oxide).

Abstract: The present invention relates to cationic polymeric conjugates and methods of preparing and using them as gene carriers. The cationic polymeric conjugates comprise a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafted cationic polymer and a targeting moiety(TM), wherein 0.1 to 10 mole percent of the cationic groups of the cationic polymer are substituted with PEG-TM.

Abstract: The use of polymers which are obtainable by polymerization of a) at least one vinyl ester of aliphatic C1-C24-carboxylic acids in the presence of b) polyethers of the general formula I,  in which the variables have, independently of one another, the meanings mentioned in the description, as coating agent, binder and/or film-forming excipient in pharmaceutical presentations.

Abstract: Polyisobutylene (PIB) functionalized with terminal reactive unsaturation is disclosed. Carbocationically polymerized monohalogen-terminated PIB is dehydrohalogenated in a hydrocarbon solvent using an alkoxide of the formula RO-M wherein R is alkyl of at least 5 carbon atoms and M is alkali metal. The PIB obtained has terminal unsaturation which is 100% in the reactive ‘exo’ form which can be converted to succinic anhydride groups (PIB-SA) by the ene reaction with maleic anhydride. The PIB-SA is reactive with amine functional dendrimers to obtain a star-branched polymer having a dendrimer core and PIB branches joined by succinimide linkages. Blends of the star-branched polymer with polypropylene have improved energy absorption properties and controllable moisture/oxygen permeabilities useful in films.

Abstract: Monofunctional polyfluorooxetane oligomers and polymers are prepared by the cationic polymerization of fluorooxetane monomers with a monoalcohol. The fluorooxetane oligomers or polymers can be copolymerized with generally cyclic ethers. Alternatively, the polyfluorooxetane oligomer or polymer having a single hydroxyl end group can be functionalized with a variety of compounds so as to yield a functional end group such as an acrylate, a methacrylate, an allylic, an amine, etc., with the functionalized oligomer or polymer being suitable for use in radiation curable or thermal curable coating compositions. These functionalized polymers can be copolymerized and cured to provide improvements in wetting and surface properties that have previously been provided by migratory chemicals such as waxes and oils.

Abstract: Defoaming compositions consisting essentially of: A) at least one organosilicone compound having defoaming activity in aqueous based compositions; and B) at least one base catalyzed reaction product of: a) a linking agent of formula I R4(Y)3  (I) wherein each Y group is a halogen atom or a halogen and two Y groups on adjacent carbons in R4 and an oxygen may be an epoxy group, and R4 is an alkane triyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms; and b) a compound of formula II R3(EO)n(PO)m(BO)pX  (II) wherein R3 is defined in the specification; n, m, and p are 0 to 50; X is hydrogen, mercapto group or amino group; when X is other than hydrogen, the sum of m, n, and p must be at least 1; the mole ratio of I:II is from about 0.6:1 to about 5:1; and aqueuos compositions containing them.

Abstract: A composition that is a reaction product of two or three moieties. The first moiety (A) is a nonpolymeric, functional moiety that can adsorb onto a particle. The second required moiety (C) is a linear or branched water soluble, nonionic polymer that is capable of providing dispersing capability. A third moiety (B), if present, is a nonpolymeric moiety disposed between the first and second moiety, to connect the first and second moieties.

Abstract: The rheological properties of a crosslinkable resin system are modified by the presence of a side chain crystalline (SCC) polymer (or a similar crystalline polymer which melts over a narrow temperature range). The polymer dissolves in the curable system at temperatures above the melting point of the crystalline polymer (Tp), but when the system is then cooled to a temperature below Tp, at least partially forms a separate phase in the curable system. Below Tp, this separate phase substantially increases the viscosity of the curable system (i.e. makes it thicker than the same system without the crystalline polymer). This is particularly valuable for sheet molding composites (SMCs) in which the increase in viscosity makes the composites less tacky, and for dry film resists (DFRs). Above Tp, the curable system containing the dissolved crystalline polymer has a viscosity which is substantially less than its viscosity below Tp.

Abstract: Monofunctional polyfluorooxetane oligomers and polymers Zare prepared by the cationic polymerization of fluorooxetane monomers with a monoalcohol. The fluorooxetane oligomers or polymers can be copolymerized with generally cyclic ethers. Alternatively, the poly-fluorooxetane oligomer or polymer having a single hydroxyl end group can be functionalized with a variety of compounds so as to yield a functional end group such as an acrylate, a methacrylate, an allylic, an amine, etc., with the functionalized oligomer or polymer being suitable for use in radiation curable or thermal curable coating compositions. These functionalized polymers can be copolymerized and cured to provide improvements in wetting and surface properties that have previously been provided by migratory chemicals such as waxes and oils.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gel-free process for making functionalized polymers. When multi-alkali metal initiators are used to make these polymers anionically, the process comprises anionically polymerizing at least one monomer with a multi-alkali metal initiator in a hydrocarbon solvent, capping the polymer by adding to the polymer a capping agent that reacts with the ends of the polymer chains such that strongly associating chain ends are formed wherein a strongly associating gel is formed, and, finally, adding a trialkyl aluminum compound to the gel. The important characteristic of the capping agent herein is that it will cap the living polymer and will add a functional group to the polymer chain end which will be strongly associating in the hydrocarbon solvent.

Abstract: Monofunctional polyfluorooxetane oligomers and polymers are prepared by the cationic polymerization of fluorooxetane monomers with a monoalcohol. The fluorooxetane oligomers or polymers can be copolymerized with generally cyclic ethers. Alternatively, the polyfluorooxetane oligomer or polymer having a single hydroxyl end group can be functionalized with a variety of compounds so as to yield a functional end group such as an acrylate, a methacrylate, an allylic, an amine, etc., with the functionalized oligomer or polymer being suitable for use in radiation curable or thermal curable coating compositions. These functionalized polymers can be copolymerized and cured to provide improvements in wetting and surface properties that have previously been provided by migratory chemicals such as waxes and oils.

Abstract: Monofunctional polyfluorooxetane oligomers and polymers are prepared by the cationic polymerization of fluorooxetane monomers with a monoalcohol. The fluorooxetane oligomers or polymers can be copolymerized with generally cyclic ethers. Alternatively, the polyfluorooxetane oligomer or polymer having a single hydroxyl end group can be functionalized with a variety of compounds so as to yield a functional end group such as an acrylate, a methacrylate, an allylic, an amine, etc., with the functionalized oligomer or polymer being suitable for use in radiation curable or thermal curable coating compositions. These functionalized polymers can be copolymerized and cured to provide improvements in wetting and surface properties that have previously been provided by migratory chemicals such as waxes and oils.

Abstract: An oxirane derivative and process for preparation of the same, having a high purity characterized in terms of gel permeation chromatography and thin layer chromatography. The oxirane derivative is useful as a starting material for medical purposes, and mainly drug delivery systems.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing, in high purity and high yield, heterobifunctional derivatives of poly(ethylene glycol) or related polymers. A chromatographic purification step is not necessary in the method. In accordance with the method of the invention, an intermediate polymer having a formula of W-Poly-OH is provided bearing a removable group W at one terminus. The intermediate polymer W-Poly-OH is first altered by modifying the OH group to a first functional group X, followed by the removal of W to generate a second hydroxyl group. The latter hydroxyl group may then be further converted to a second functional group Y, thus providing the desired heterobifunctional derivative.

Abstract: A process for the continuous preparation of a thermoplastic molding composition with narrow scatter of the melt flow index, which comprises mixing two or more chemically identical starting materials of different melt flow index in a pelletizing extruder fitted with an on-line melt flow index meter and adjustable metering systems.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing, in high purity and high yield, heterobifunctional derivatives of poly(ethylene glycol) or related polymers. A chromatographic purification step is not necessary in the method. In accordance with the method of the invention, an intermediate polymer having a formula of W-Poly-OH is provided bearing a removable group W at one terminus. The intermediate polymer W-Poly-OH is first altered by modifying the OH group to a first functional group X, followed by the removal of W to generate a second hydroxyl group. The latter hydroxyl group may then be further converted to a second functional group Y, thus providing the desired heterobifunctional derivative.

Abstract: Branched, substantially non-antigenic polymers are disclosed. Conjugates prepared with the polymers and biologically active molecules such as proteins and peptides demonstrate extended circulating life in vivo. Substantially fewer sites on the biologically active material are used as attachment sites. Methods of forming the polymer, conjugating the polymers with biologically active moieties and methods of using the conjugates are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a 1-benzotriazolylcarbonate ester of a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer by reacting a terminal hydroxyl group of a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer with di(1-benzotriazolyl) carbonate in the presence of an amine base and an organic solvent. The polymer backbone can be poly(ethylene glycol). The 1-benzotriazolylcarbonate ester can then be reacted directly with a biologically active agent to form a biologically active polymer conjugate or reacted with an amino acid, such as lysine, to form an amino acid derivative.

Abstract: A process for the production of polyether block copolysulfones via trans-etherification is disclosed. In the inventive process, an aromatic sulfone polymer is reacted with an aliphatic polyether having on average at least one terminal OH function, preferably in the presence of a basic catalyst. In a preferred embodiment the reaction is carried out in a dipolar aprotic solvent.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing cyclic ethers over a heterogeneous catalyst comprises using a heterogeneous catalyst comprising one or more pillared interlayered clays (PILCs).

Abstract: Block copolymers containing a fluorinated hydrocarbon unit, a hydrocarbon unit, and a poly(oxyethylene) unit are useful in fluid formulations of pharmaceutical agents. A typical embodiment is: C11H23—CONHC2H4NHCO—C8F16—CONHC2H4NHCOO—(C2H4O)34—H.

Abstract: A polycarbonate/polyolefin resin composition which has excellent wear property, mechanical strength and flame retardancy and which is adapted for use as a material for OA equipment, home appliance, automobile components, medical apparatus, and the like is provided. The polycarbonate/polyolefin resin composition contains a polycarbonate resin (A), a polyolefin resin (B), a modified polyolefin resin (C), a compound (D) represented by the formula (d): HOOC—R—NH2, a styrene copolymer resin (E), and a brominated polycarbonate oligomer and said diantimony tetraoxide and/or said diantimony pentaoxide (F) in a particular combination. The production process and an article molded from such resin composition are also provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing a carbamate functional polymer or oligomer is provided. The method comprises: (a) preparing a reaction mixture comprising a lower alkyl carbamate, a hydroxyl functional polymer or oligomer, and an alcohol different from and having a higher boiling point than an alcohol from which the lower alkyl carbamate is derived; and (b) heating the reaction mixture to form a carbamate functional polymer or oligomer. Also provided is a method of preparing a carbamate functional acrylic polymer by preparing a similar reaction mixture using acrylic monomers containing hydroxyl groups or groups that can be converted to hydroxyl groups and heating the reaction mixture in the presence of a free radical initiator and an esterification catalyst.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a resin composition having flame retardancy, high tracking resistance and excellent mechanical properties can be obtained by compounding aluminum borate whiskers with a thermoplastic resin that has been flame-retarded with a halogen-based flame retardant.

Abstract: Novel mordants based upon a poly(alkylene oxide) backbone and either pendant phosphonium or quaternized-nitrogen compounds are disclosed. The mordants find use in stopping or controlling ink-bleeding in ink-jet receptors and photographic films.

Abstract: Block copolyethers having general formula (I):RX--(CH.sub.2 --CHR.sub.1 --O--).sub.x --(--CH.sub.2 CHR.sub.2 --O--).sub.y --(--CH.sub.2 --CHR.sub.3 --O--).sub.z --R.sub.4wherein:R is selected from H, alkyl, alkylaryl;X is selected from O, S and N;R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are selected from H, CH.sub.3, and C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkyl radicals;R.sub.4 is selected from H, alkyl, acyl;x,y,z represent the number of ether units and are integers which have such values that the molecular weight of the compound having general formula (I) is between 600 and 4000, and in addition (x+z)/y is between 1.5 and 5.0; with the proviso that:a) either R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 are selected from H and CH.sub.3, in which case R.sub.2 is selected from C.sub.2 to C.sub.10 alkyl radicals,b) or R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 are selected from C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkyl radicals, in which case R.sub.2 is selected from H and CH.sub.3.

Abstract: A moisture curing composition comprising (a) an oxyalkylene polymer having at least one reactive silicon group in each molecule, (b) bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfane, and (c) a condensation catalyst. The presence of the bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfane in the composition provides for improved physical properties such as tensile strength and elongation. The present compositions are suitable for use in such applications as sealing materials for construction both in the form of extrudable liquid compositions and as cured preformed configurations such as tapes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for easily producing an alkylene oxide adduct to an aliphatic amine compound which has a fully excellent color, is not turbid, and does not deteriorate in color even through long-term storage. That is, the present invention provides a process for producing an alkylene oxide adduct to a primary or secondary amine compound having an aliphatic, saturated or unsaturated, hydrocarbon radical having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, having an excellent color, by reacting an alkyene oxide to the amine compound, characterized by comprising the step of adding a base or an aqueous solution thereof to the amine compound and then heating the mixture.

Abstract: There is provided an sealant made with an isocyanate or hydroxyl terminated prepolymer made by reacting a stoichiometric excess of an organic polyisocyanate with polyols made of at least a polyoxyalkylene polyether triol or a mixture thereof with a polyoxyalkylene polyether diol. The triol or diol has within its structure the nucleus of an initiator compound, an internal blocks of oxypropylene groups, and external blocks of oxyalkylene groups, wherein the internal blocks of oxypropylene are between said nucleus and said external blocks, said external blocks are made of oxyalkylene groups derived from a C.sub.4 or higher alkylene oxide. The amount of the internal blocks of oxypropylene groups is from 25 weight percent to 80 weight percent based on the weight of all oxyalkylene groups and initiator in the prepolymer The triol or diol has a compatibility index of 25.degree. C. or less, and may be part of a two component or a one component moisture cured sealant.

Abstract: The present invention has for subjects, novel benzopyran derivatives, substituted in position 2 with an adamantyl group as well as the compositions and (co)polymer matrices containing such derivatives. Said derivatives possess interesting photochromic properties.

Abstract: A composition comprising a particulate solid and a dispersant which is a phosphate ester of a compound of formula 1: ##STR1## wherein Y is methoxy or H--(EO).sub.q, m and q are each independently from 5 to 50 and n is from 5 to 70. When Y is a methoxy, n is preferably 20 and m is preferably 10. When Y is H--(EO).sub.q, m and q are preferably 13 and n is preferably 30.

Abstract: Block copolymers containing a fluorinated hydrocarbon unit, a hydrocarbon unit, and a poly(oxyethylene) unit are useful in fluid formulations of pharmaceutical agents. A typical embodiment is:C.sub.11 H.sub.23 --CONHC.sub.2 H.sub.4 NHCO--C.sub.8 F.sub.16 --CONHC.sub.2 H.sub.4 NHCOO--(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.34 --H.

Abstract: A dispersant which is a phosphate ester of a polyalkylene ether block copolymer of formula MeO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.m (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.n --H wherein m and n are each, independently, 2 to 60 and use in aqueous based paints and printing inks.

Abstract: A graft polymer obtained by free radically polymerizing:(A) a monomer or monomer mixture comprising:(a) from 10-100% by weight of a N-vinylcarboxamide of the formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, (b) from 0-90% by weight of at least one other monoethylenically unsaturated monomer which is copolymerizable with (a), and(c) from 0-5% by weight of at least one monomer having at least two ethylenically unsaturated nonconjugated double bonds in the molecule, in the presence of(B) a polytetrahydrofuran or a polymer which contains at least 3 units of a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkylene oxide and is a hornopolymer of C.sub.2-4 -alkylene oxide having two free terminal OH groups or random or block copolymers of C.sub.2-4 -alkylene oxides having two free terminal OH groups or the reaction products of C.sub.

Abstract: Thus, there is provided according to the present invention polyol compositions comprising(A) a polytetramethylene ether glycol, and(B) a difunctional active hydrogen compound-initiated polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol having a degree of unsaturation of not greater than 0.04 milliequivalents per gram of said polyether polyol.

Abstract: Thus, there is provided according to the present invention polyol compositions comprising(A) a polytetramethylene ether glycol, and(B) a difunctional active hydrogen compound-initiated polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol having a degree of unsaturation of not greater than 0.04 milliequivalents per gram of said polyether polyol.

Abstract: A reduced shade paint or ink comprising(a) a base paint or ink comprising a base pigment such as titanium dioxide, a film-forming resin and a non-polar liquid such as white spirits;(b) one or more dispersant which is a phosphate ester of a compound of formula 1 ##STR1## wherein Y is a group RO-- or a group H--(EO).sub.q --;R is C.sub.1-10 -alkyl;m and q are each, independently, from 5 to 50;n is from 5 to 70; and(c) a tinter composition comprising a colored pigment, water and/or a water-miscible solvent such as ethyleneglycol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating composition for PVC sections, based on a polymeric vehicle, a crosslinking agent, and a thermoplastic resin powder. The coating composition is particularly useful for coating PVC sections for windows, shutters, and doors. PVC joinery coated with the composition of the invention has exceptional impact strength and resistance to abrasion, friction, and inclement weather.

Abstract: A poly(ethylene glycol) derivative is disclosed that is activated with a sulfone moiety for selective attachment to thiol moieties on molecules and surfaces. The activated PEG is water soluble, hydrolytically stable for extended periods, and forms hydrolytically stable linkages with thiol moieties. The linkages generally are not reversible in reducing environments. The PEG derivative is useful for modifying the characteristics of substances including modifying biologically active molecules and surfaces for biocompatibility. Methods for synthesizing the active PEG and for preparing conjugates of the active PEG and other substances, including biologically active substances, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyurethane compositions with a low content of monomeric diisocyanates. Trifunctional isocyanates optionally reduced in their functionality to 3.0.+-.0.7 with a monofunctional terminator are preferably used for this purpose. In this way, the compositions contain considerably smaller quantities of readily volatile isocyanates. The compositions are suitable for use as reactive hotmelt adhesives, lamination adhesives, adhesive/sealing compounds, primers and for the production of foam plastics from non-reusable pressurized containers (aerosol cans). The low content of volatile monomeric diisocyanates enables the need for safety measures in the workplace to be significantly reduced, in addition to which the disposal of residues remaining in the containers is made considerably easier.

Abstract: Latexes are thickened by compounds of the formula:R.sup.1 -(O-A).sub.a -B.sup.1 -R.sup.2 -(B.sup.2 -R.sup.3).sub.d -(B.sup.3 -(A'-O).sub.b-f -(A'-B.sup.4).sub.f -R.sup.4 -(B.sup.5 -R.sup.5).sub.e).sub.n -B.sup.6 -(A"O).sub.c -R.sup.6wherein:R.sup.1 and R.sup.6 are monovalent hydrophobic groups independently selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic group, a substituted aliphatic group, an aromatic group, and a substituted aromatic group;R.sup.2 and R.sup.4 are independently selected from the group consisting of aliphatic, substituted aliphatic, aromatic, or substituted aromatic radicals, each radical being divalent or trivalent;R.sup.3 and R.sup.5 are independently selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl and lower aralkyl;B.sup.1, B.sup.2, B.sup.3, B.sup.4, B.sup.5, and B.sup.6 are linking groups independently selected from the group consisting of an oxygen atom (to form the ether linkage --O--), a carboxylate group (to form an ester linkage R.sup.2 --C(O)--O-- and/or R.sup.

Abstract: A process for activating double metal cyanide catalysts is disclosed. A polyol starter or starter/catalyst mixture is heated under vacuum under conditions effective to achieve improved stripping compared with that which can be achieved through conventional vacuum stripping. Coupling vacuum stripping with inert gas sparging or stripping in the presence of an organic solvent gives a starter/catalyst mixture that activates rapidly in an epoxide polymerization process. Rapid activation makes process start-ups reliable and reduces cycle time. The process gives polyols with lower viscosity, lower polydispersity, and lower unsaturation for better polyurethanes.

Abstract: A composition which consists essentially of the following components:A1) polyamines of formula (I) and/or (II) ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently of the other a hydrogen atom or a methyl x is an integer from 1 to 3, and y is an integer from 0 to 2, the sum of x and y being up to and including 4, and z is an integer from 0 to 2; orA2) a mixture of polyamines of formula (I) and/or (II) with further polyamines; B) an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or araliphatic alcohol or a mixture of corresponding alcohols; and C) an alkyl- and/or aralkyl-substituted monophenol or a mixture of corresponding monophenols, component C) constituting 20 to 50 percent of the total weight of the cited components. The compositions are useful as hardeners for epoxy resins to give cured material of particularly good resistance to chemicals.