Abstract: The cure rate of phenol-aldehyde resins is accelerated by conjoint use of a cyclic carbonate cure accelerant and an amine cure accelerant. The cure rate is accelerated still further by addition of a resorcinol source to resin comprising a cyclic carbonate and an amine cure accelerator. Also, cured resins made in accordance with the method.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an active-hydrogen-containing curing agent having a phosphorus group, and a flame retardant cured epoxy resin which can be prepared via an addition reaction between the active hydrogen and the epoxide group of an epoxy resin. The cured flame retardant epoxy resin is environmentally friendly and is suitable for printed circuit board and semiconductor encapsulation applications. The phosphorus group of the curing agent has a chemical structure as follows: wherein Ar is a substituted or un-substituted phenyl or phenoxy.

Abstract: The invention provides new compositions of matter that are capable of forming cross-linked polymeric materials upon reaction with various known epoxy-containing compositions. Thus, the compositions of this invention are useful in the manufacturing of prepregs and laminates for PWB applications among many other uses. Preferred compositions of this invention include substituted hydroxyarylphosphine oxide mixtures, the glycidyl ether derivatives, or the epoxy resin oligomer adducts derived therefrom. The materials provide for laminates that have higher glass transition temperatures, improved thermal stability, and that are free of halogen.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition comprising an epoxy resin (A), a curing agent (B) and a curing accelerator (C), wherein the curing agent (B) is a phenol compound having two or more hydroxyl functional groups or a compound obtained by esterification of the phenol compound or a mixture of these compounds, and the curing accelerator (C) is a salt of a phosphazenium compound represented by a formula (I): (wherein R1s each represent a hydrogen atom, a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an aryl or aralkyl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms and may be all the same or different from one another; and Z? represents a halogen anion, hydroxy anion, alkoxy anion, aryloxy anion or carboxy anion).

Abstract: A two-part metal protection composition includes: an aqueous metal treatment conversion coating component that includes an admixture of an acid and a coating forming component; and an aqueous protective coating component that is applied over metal treated with the aqueous metal treatment conversion coating component and includes an admixture of a blister suppressing agent and an organic film forming protective component. The aqueous metal treatment conversion coating component may contain an accelerator, such as hydroxylamine. In a preferred embodiment, the blister suppressing agent is an organic oxidizing agent that includes one or more of nitroguanidine; aromatic nitrosulfonates, Naphthol Yellow S; and picric acid (trinitrophenol).

Abstract: A mixture of hydroxyarylphosphine oxides comprising (a) a mono(hydroxyaryl)phosphine oxide, (b) a bis(hydroxyaryl)phosphine oxide, (c) a tris((hydroxyaryl)phosphine oxide, and, optionally (d) a tri- aryl, alkyl, or aralkyl-substituted phosphine oxide combined with a phenolic co-crosslinking composition is useful as a polyhtdroxy mixture for co-crosslinking an epoxy resin which also imparts flame resistance.

Abstract: A silane-modified phenolic resin is prepared by reacting a phenolic compound (e.g., resorcinol) with an aldehyde to produce a phenolic novolak resin. The phenolic novolak resin is further reacted with at least one silane compound to produce the silane-modified phenolic resin. The reaction is typically carried out in the presence of an acid or base catalyst. The resulting resin has a lower softening point and can be used as a methylene acceptor compound in a vulcanizable rubber composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polymer blend membranes comprising a functional polymer based on sulfonated aryl polymers, a reinforcing polymer based on aminated or nitrated polyether sulfones and/or polyether ether sulfone and a plasticizer, and also their use as polymer electrolyte membrane in fuel cells, in particular in low-temperature fuel cells.

Abstract: Use, as modifier resin for rubber mixtures, of novolaks ABC plastified with terpene-type olefinically unsaturated natural substances C, where the ratio of the molar amount of the phenol or phenol derivative B and the molar amount of the natural substance C in the modified novolak is from 1:6 to 6:1, process for increasing the tear propagation resistance and reducing the compression set of rubber vulcanizates by adding these modifier resins to rubber mixtures, and components molded from vulcanizates thus prepared.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating mixtures containing polymeric materials, e.g., collagen, to form a polymer that intercalates into the polymeric material. The treatment provides greater tensile strength to the mixture, among other advantages. The polymer is formed of a monomeric unit having at least one catechol group that is oxidized to a quinone upon polymerization.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel mixture of polyhydroxy phenolic curing agents, such as novolac resins blended with a mixture of mono, bis and tris hydroxyaryl phosphine oxides for co-curing epoxy resins and imparting flame resistance thereto. A preferred composition includes a mixture of monohydroxyaryl, bishydroxyaryl and trishydroxyaryl phosphine oxide and a benzoguanamine/phenol/formaldehyde terpolymer which is used along with an epoxy resin to produce flame-resistant printed wiring boards without the use of halogens.

Abstract: A crosslinking agent that is an ungelled reaction product of (a) at least one aminoplast resin and (b) at least one tall oil rosin wherein the crosslinking agent is essentially free of active hydrogen functional groups and has a glass transition temperature of at least 10° C. is disclosed. Methods for preparing crosslinking agents are also disclosed. Further provided is a curable powder coating composition including a polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 30° C. containing reactive functional groups and the present crosslinking agent; a multilayer composite coating composition and substrates coated therewith are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid phase mixed solvent polymer, compositions and methods for removing and retaining solvated organic compounds and inorganic ions from water, wastewater, superficial and ground water, soil and other environmental sources, a soil amendment and method resulting from adhesively coating the polymer onto sand along with at least one ion exchange material, and methods for the containment, reduction, and prevention of organic leaching from soils, agricultural, industrial, and commercial environments, and in particular, sports and athletic turf facilities such as golf courses where pesticides are frequently applied.

Abstract: This invention relates to a resin composition useful as a vibration-damping agent and the like. The resin composition is formulated by adding 1 wt % or more of styrenated phenol obtained by the reaction of a phenol with styrene to a polycyclic aromatic oligomer obtained by condensing a polycyclic aromatic compound containing 2 to 3 rings and formaldehyde. The polycyclic aromatic oligomer is obtained by the reaction of a polycyclic aromatic compound with formaldehyde and, if necessary, further with a phenol in the presence of an acid catalyst and has a number average molecular weight of 300-1000. The styrenated phenol is obtained by the reaction of 1 mole of a phenol with 1-2.5 moles of styrene in the presence of an acid catalyst.

Abstract: A composition for a bottom anti-reflective coating material and a method for forming a resist pattern using the composition, which are high in the dry etching rate, high in the resolution, excellent in the resist film thickness dependency and high in the effect of preventing reflective light against exposure light, and provide no intermixing with the photoresist layer, are disclosed, wherein the composition for a bottom anti-reflective coating material comprises a naphthalene group-containing polymer compound having a specific structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to high purity fluoropolymers and processes for making such materials. These polymers are particularly suited for applications in the semiconductor industry. The process comprises removal of unstable polymer end groups by fluorination and removal of heavy metal impurities by extraction with an aqueous acid medium.

Abstract: Derived timber products are produced by hot pressing lignocellulose-containing materials bonded with a polyisocyanate binder. In this process, a mixture of organosilicon compounds satisfying specified compositional requirements is applied to the surfaces of the pressing tool facing the lignocellulose-containing material to be pressed.

Abstract: The present invention provides high mechanical strength amphiphilic polymeric networks and implantable biological devices made therefrom that are capable of encasing and, thus, immunoisolating biological material from an immunological response of a host individual. The present invention also provides methods for making the amphiphilic networks and implantable biological devices. The present invention also provides a method for the treatment of type I diabetes mellitus comprising the steps of encasing a sufficient amount of islet of Langerhans cells within said biological device, wherein said biological device is capable of immunoisolating said encased islet cells upon implantation into an individual; implanting said biological device into a diabetic host individual; allowing said implanted biological device to remain implanted in said diabetic individual for a time sufficient to normalize the blood glucose level in said diabetic individual.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a liquid melamine urea formaldehyde resin that has long term stability. The invention also relates to a liquid MUF resin with a high formaldehyde and melamine content. The invention further relates to a liquid suspension hardener including a catalyst, a thickener, a filler, and water. The invention also relates to a adhesive composition for use in wood bonding that is made by adding a hardener to the resin.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aromatic oligomer represented by the following formula (1): (A—F)n—A   (1) wherein A is a unit comprising (a) 30-90 wt % of a bicyclic or tricyclic aromatic compound and (b) 10-70 wt % of a phenol, F is methylene or a mixture of methylene and —CH2OCH2— and n is a number of 1-100. The aromatic oligomer is obtained by and reaction of a polycyclic aromatic compound such as naphthalene and benzothiophene, a phenol and formaldehyde compound in the presence of an acid catalyst. The aromatic oligomer is odorless and useful for various applications. In particular, when incorporated in rubber or resin, the aromatic oligomer can perform execellently as a tackifier in a wide temperature range or perform excellently as a vibration damping agent.

Abstract: A crosslinking agent having reactive benzoxazine groups is provided. The crosslinking agent is an ungelled reaction product of aminoplast resin, a polyhydric aromatic compound, and at least one compound having active hydrogen groups reactive with aminoplast resin which is selected from at least one of: (i) compounds having the structure (I): where X is aromatic; R1, R2, and R3 each independently represents H, (cyclo)alkyl having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, or an active hydrogen-containing group; (ii) compounds having structure (II) or (III): where R′ and R″ each independently represents an aromatic group or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; and (iii) compounds different from (i) and (ii) and having a melting point of at least 80° C. Curable powder coating composition and multilayer composite coating compositions are also provided, as well as coated substrates.

Abstract: A method for imparting flame retardance to an epoxy resin comprises reacting an epoxy resin with a phosphorus-containing dihydric phenol or naphthol derived from the reaction of 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (i.e., DOPO) with a benzoquinone or naphthoquinone.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of copolymers of formaldehyde and diphenyl oxide and a carboxylic acid uses and acid with a pKa in the range of 1.2 to 3 as the catalyst.

Abstract: Photoresist polymers having nitro groups (—NO2), and photoresist compositions containing the same. A photoresist pattern having excellent endurance, etching resistance, reproducibility and resolution can be formed by the use of the photoresist copolymer comprising polymerization repeating units represented by Chemical Formula 1a or 1b: wherein, R1, a, b, c, d, e, f, g and h is defined in the specification. Having nitro groups in the polymer, the photoresist polymer results in a low absorbance in the range of 157 nm wavelength, so that it is extremely useful for a photolithography process using, in particular, VUV light source.

Abstract: An improved resin for use in making honeycomb sandwich panels. The improvement involves modifying a phenolic resin so that the amount of smoke and heat generated during combustion is reduced. The reduction in smoke and heat generation is achieved by reducing the amount of phenol used to form the phenolic resin. The phenol is replaced by low-smoke producing sulfone compounds such as 4,4′-bisphenol-S, 3,3′-bisphenol-S, biphenol and bisphenol ethers which reduce the number of smoke producing methylene or methylene ether linkages present in the cured phenolic resin. The low-smoke producing resin may be used as a dip resin for coating the honeycomb or as the matrix resin for the core and face sheets of the sandwich panel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a triazine-phenol-aldehyde condensate which contains at least 15% of nitrogen, has a melt viscosity of not greater than 2,000 cps at 175° C. and a solubility of at least 80% by weight at 25° C. by the 90:10 methanol:water method. Also disclosed are methods for the manufacture of the condensate as well as its use in fire-retardant epoxy resin compositions suitable for the manufacture of laminates for electronic applications. Additionally, disclosed is a composition comprising a physical mixture of a triazine-phenol-aldehyde condensate with benzoguanamine and/or acetoguanamine wherein the mixture contains from about 0.5% to 20% of benzoguanamine, acetoguanamine and mixtures thereof based on the weight of the condensate. There is also disclosed a glycidylated triazine-phenol-aldehyde condensate of this invention.

Abstract: Phenol/aldehyde resins particularly phenol/formaldehyde resins are manufactured by replacing a proportion of the phenol content by a mixture of at least two different natural materials having a phenolic content. The resulting resins which can be used in bonding composite materials are at least as effective as the resin using only phenol and more satisfactory environmentally.

Abstract: Infinitely water soluble, storage stable, low molecular weight, amine-modified resins/binders (e.g., phenol-formaldehyde resole resins and binders made therefrom) are used to produce low odor fiberglass products, such as fiberglass insulation for automobile headliners and room dividers. The cured, bonded fiberglass products have low TMA (trimethylamine) emission because the free formaldehyde in the resin has been scavenged with melamine, which resists thermal decomposition, and because the binder contains a relatively low urea content, which is a TMA contributor. The resole resin production process includes adding two different formaldehyde scavengers (e.g., melamine and urea) to produce a modified phenol-formaldehyde resole resin. This resole resin is produced into a binder by mixing with water, optionally in the presence of a latent acid catalyst (e.g., an ammonium salt of a strong acid).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating mixtures containing polymeric materials, e.g., collagen, to form a polymer that intercalates into the polymeric material. The treatment provides greater tensile strength to the mixture, among other advantages. The polymer is formed of a monomeric unit having at least one catechol group that is oxidized to a quinone upon polymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a liquid melamine urea formaldehyde resin that has long term stability. The invention also relates to a liquid MUF resin with a high formaldehyde and melamine content. The invention further relates to a liquid suspension hardener including a catalyst, a thickener, a filler, and water. The invention also relates to a adhesive composition for use in wood bonding that is made by adding a hardener to the resin.

Abstract: A composition for impregnation of a lignocellulosic material such as wood or wood particles, comprises a high boiling point tar acid or a pitch derived from coal; a solvent for the tar acid or pitch selected from a low carbon alcohol, an aceotrope of a low carbon alcohol and another solvent, and a mixture of a lower carbon alcohol and water; a phenol formaldehyde resole resin; an acid catalyst for the phenol formaldehyde resole resin; and preferably a formaldehyde donor or a precursor thereof. There is also disclosed a method of preparing a finished product from a lignocellulosic material by using the impregnating composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a liquid melamine urea formaldehyde resin that has long term stability. The invention also relates to a liquid MUF resin with a high formaldehyde and melamine content. The invention further relates to a liquid suspension hardener including a catalyst, a thickener, a filler, and water. The invention also relates to a adhesive composition for use in wood bonding that is made by adding a hardener to the resin.

Abstract: A naphthalene derivative, binaphthalene derivative and biphenyl derivative, all having an oxetane group, capable of being cationically polymerized and a cationically curable compound containing a naphthalene derivative having an oxetanyl group and an aromatic compound having an epoxy group or an oxetanyl group.

Abstract: A resin composition useful as an adhesive film and insulating material for a multilayer wiring substrate or electronic parts comprises (A) a polymer containing a quinoline ring represented by the formula (1) in the structure such as 6,6′-bis(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-phenylquinoline) and 4,4′-(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2,2-propylidene)bisphenol, and (B) a bismaleimide compound represented by the formula (2) such as 2,2-bis((4-maleimidophenoxy)phenyl)propane.

Abstract: A curable composition, which can be easily decomposed and removed by means of a mixed solution of acid, water, and optionally an organic solvent, is provided. The curable composition contains a resin (A) having a structure of structural formula represented by formula (1) and crosslinkable functional group(s) in one molecule.

Abstract: A phosphorus-containing polymer having phenolic units and an epoxy rein composition are provided. The epoxy resin composition suitably comprises an epoxy resin and a hardener, wherein the epoxy resin may be obtained by reacting the polymer with epihalohydrin, and the polymer may further act as the hardener.

Abstract: A process for the hydrogenation of aromatic polymers is disclosed. Accordingly, the solvent used comprise an ether that contains no &agr;-hydrogen atom on a carbon atom adjacent to the ether function. The process results in virtually complete hydrogenation of the aromatic units.

Abstract: The thermal degradation of the biodegradable bacterial polyesters poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), PHB, and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), PHB/V produces a macromer, especially a 1000-6000 g/mol macromolecule, which contains an unsaturated end group as well as a carboxylic acid end group. The macromers may be polymerized to produce homopolymers and copolymers for different applications in which amphiphilic and biocompatible properties are required, for example, drug delivery systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to block copolymer compositions capable of being processed by the application of pressure. The invention also provides methods for predicting phase diagrams of polymer blends and block copolymers, particularly block copolymers comprising hard and soft blocks having properties described herein. The methods of the invention allow prediction of polymeric systems which can be processed under conditions that do not promote polymer degradation.

Abstract: The present invention modifies a cross-linkable thermoset polymer with a thermoplastic polymer to create a spinnable thermoset/thermoplastic polymer composition that may be spun into thermoset/thermoplastic fibers.

Abstract: A process for producing a modified phenolic resin, comprising heating a heavy oil or pitch of given average molecular weight and, per mol, calculated from the average molecular weight, of the heavy oil or pitch; 0.3 to 25 mol, in terms of formaldehyde, a formaldehyde compound and 0.5 to 50 mol of a phenol of the formula (I) (wherein R1 represents a linear or branched unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 2 unsaturated bonds and having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, p is 1 or 2, X represents an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and q is 0 or 1) under stirring in the presence of an acid catalyst to thereby effect a polycondensation. The modified phenolic resin obtained by this process, as compared with the conventional modified phenolic resin produced from a heavy oil or pitch as a feedstock, has an extremely low softening point so as to be flowable at about room temperature and has also a low melt viscosity, thereby ensuring very excellent moldability.

Abstract: A crosslinking agent having reactive benzoxazine groups is provided. The crosslinking agent is the ungelled reaction product of a polyhydric aromatic compound and an aminotriazine compound having one or less non-alkylated NH bond per triazine ring. The crosslinking agent is essentially free of hydroxyl functionality and has a glass transition temperature of at least 10° C. Additionally provided is a method for preparing the crosslinking agent. Also provided is a curable powder coating composition including a solid particulate, film-forming mixture of a polymer having functional groups reactive with benzoxazine groups and the crosslinking agent. Further provided is a multilayer composite coating composition having a base coat layer deposited from a film-forming base coating composition and a topcoat layer deposited from the curable powder coating composition. Coated substrates are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of ion-exchange membranes for use in electromembrane processes and ion-exchange membranes obtained from the process. The membranes are prepared from a solution, in a dipolar-aprotic solvent, containing (a) a polymeric sulfonic acid or a polymeric sulfonate salt of formula Polymer-SO3X, where X is H or a monovalent cation, and (b) a basic polymer containing primary, secondary or tertiary basic nitrogen. The dissolved polymer blend is spread in a thin layer onto a support, and the solvent is evaporated to form a polymeric film. The films produced by the process are particularly useful as ion-exchange membranes due to improved properties relative to the component polymers with regard to ionic conductivity, swelling permselectivity, and thermal resistance.

Abstract: A lactone chain-extended polyester polyol of the present invention comprises the reaction product of a lactone and a previously chain-extended phenolic-based hydroxyl compound. The previously chain-extended phenolic-based hydroxyl compound may comprise the reaction product of (i) a lactone or an alkoxylating agent selected from the group consisting of alkylene oxides and alkylene carbonates, and (ii) a phenolic aralkylation polymer comprising the reaction product of a phenolic monomer having at least two free reactive positions; a styrene derivative; and a coupling agent. The previously chain-extended phenolic-based hydroxyl compound also may be chain-extended by reacting with a lactam to produce a lactam chain-extended polyester polyamide. The polyols and polyamides of the present invention provide unique combinations of hard and soft functionalities, which translates into materials exhibiting a unique combination of toughness and hardness.

Abstract: Flame-retardant advanced epoxy resins and cured epoxy resins contain a rigid phosphorus group emanating from a dihydric phenol or naphthol which provides thermal and flame retardant properties. The advanced epoxy resins are suitable for making a fiber-reinforced epoxy resin composite which is useful in the fabrication of printed circuit boards. The cured epoxy resins can be used in semiconductor encapsulation applications.

Abstract: A flame-retardant epoxy resin was prepared by reacting an active-hydrogen-containing phosphorus compound with a di- or poly-functional epoxy resin via an addition reaction between the active hydrogen and the epoxide group, is suitable for printed circuit board and semiconductor encapsulation applications.

Abstract: A curable composition including a thermoset resin a curing agent component, an amount of a thermoplast component having reactive pendant and/or end groups, an organometallic curing catalyst component. The organometallic curing catalyst component is capable of forming cross-links with reactive pendant and/or end groups of the thermoset and thermoplast resins and comprises an organometallic complex compound of the formula I=M(R)n, where M is selected from titanium, zirconium, hafnium, cerium, vanadium, niobium, R is selected from mono-, bi- and tri and/or tetra dentate organic ligands and n is four or six.

Abstract: The invention provides for a process for the preparation of an advanced epoxy resin by reaction of a compound having on average more than one epoxy group per molecule and a compound having on average one or more hydroxyl group or carboxyl group per molecule in the presence of a catalyst at elevated temperature, the process comprising (1) mixing the epoxy compound, the hydroxyl compound or the carboxyl compound and the catalyst, and (2) transferring the mixture as a feedstream to a surface which is at least intermittently moving with respect to the feedstream. In a preferred embodiment an endless conveyer belt with additional heating means and optional cooling means are used.

Abstract: Polymerisable resins which comprise a porphyrinogenic ring system obtained by the reaction of: (a) one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of pyrrole and N-(lower)alkyl pyrroles, any of which may be optionally substituted, and (b) a C4-C6 saturated alicyclic ketone which is capable of reacting with the 2 or 5 position of the pyrrole ring. Resin coating systems comprising the said resins.

Abstract: A resin matrix with resistances to alkali and acid such as a fluorene-containing epoxy acrylate and/or a benzocyclobutene resin includes at least any one of insulative organic particles and insulative composite particles having an organic component and an inorganic component with the total amount of these particles being in the range of 5-50% by volume, wherein the insulative organic particles and the organic component of the insulative composite particles are allowed to be corroded by either alkali or acid, and wherein not less than 90% by volume of the insulative organic particles and insulative composite particles have a particle diameter in the range of 1-20 micrometers.