Abstract: Ethylenically unsaturated material susceptible to free-radical polymerization, e.g., vinyl chloride monomer, is polymerized, e.g., in an aqueous medium, with an initiator system comprising, in combination, alkaline reagent, e.g., sodium bicarbonate, organic acid anhydride, e.g., isobutyric anhydride, peroxygen compound selected from organic peroxy acid (peracid), e.g., peracetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide, and alkyl pyrocarbonate, e.g., diethyl pyrocarbonate. The initiator system is added to the polymerization medium in amounts sufficient to polymerize the ethylenically unsaturated material.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of polylactones derived from poly-.alpha.-hydroxyacrylic acids comprises heating a liquid aqueous solution of .alpha., .beta.-dichloropropionic acid to a temperature above 100.degree.C to convert the .alpha.,.beta.-dichloropropionic acid to the corresponding .alpha.-chloroacrylic acid and polymerizing the .alpha.-chloroacrylic acid in the aqueous solution in the presence of a polymerization catalyst to polymerize, hydrolyze and lactonize the .alpha.-chloroacrylic acid.The products obtained can be used as intermediates for the synthesis of salts of poly-.alpha.-hydroxyacrylic acids.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition for use as a hair lacquer or hair-setting lotion contains an essentially homogeneous vinyl acetate/crotonic acid copolymer, the macromolecular chains of which contain essentially the same content of each of vinyl acetate and crotonic acid along the entire length thereof. The content of each of vinyl acetate and crotonic acid does not vary more than 2.5% by weight relative to the average content of each in essentially all of the macromolecular chains, along essentially the entire length of each of said chains.

Abstract: Copolymers of vinyl chloride and maleic or fumaric acid diester, which have good workability, are improved by incorporating therein an organic peroxide as a cross-linking agent. Products formed from the resin, which can be foamed articles, have improved thermal stability.

Abstract: Polymers of 1,000 to 50,000 and preferably of 1,000 to 2,900 number average molecular weight, comprising 3 to 40 molar proportions of ethylene per molar proportion of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, are prepared by free radical catalysts in a solvent at temperatures of less than 130.degree.C. in order to minimize ethylene branching, for use as wax crystal modifying agents, e.g. pour depressants and flow improvers for distillate mineral oil, e.g. middle distillate fuel oil.

Abstract: Unsaturated polyester compositions which can be readily cured without the formation of gas are disclosed. The compositions contain a carbonyl-containing compound of the formula ##EQU1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, branched or unbranched alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxycarboalkylene, hydroxycarbocycloalkylene or hydroxycarboalkenylene, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or hydroxycarboarylene; R.sup.2 is hydrogen, hydroxyl, hydroxyperoxy, alkyloxy or aryloxy, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be combined to form a substituted or unsubstituted alkylenecarboxy, alkenylenecarboxy or arylenecarboxy group. Examples are maleic acid anhydride, tetrahydrophthalic acid anhydride, formic acid and n-butyraldehyde. The carbonyl-containing compound is preferably added in an amount of 0.01 to 10% by weight, calculated on the unsaturated polyester.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing vinyl halide monomer in a large capacity reactor. Liquid polymerization medium comprising water, surfactant, and monomer is charged to the reactor, polymerization catalyst is added, and the polymerization medium is agitated in a manner to provide substantially laminar flow along a circular path about a generally vertical centrally located axis in the reaction zone. The polymerization medium is agitated in a manner to provide localized turbulent mixing near the periphery of the reaction zone, and the polymerization medium is maintained within selected ranges of temperature and pressure through the action of a vertical condensing tube positioned at the top of the reactor.

Abstract: Polymerization products of carboxyl-free and carboxylsubstituted ethylenically unsaturated monomers have retained with the resin a reaction solvent mixture of high boiling alcohols, of which about 30 to 60% are normally liquid, waterinsoluble alcohols. These products are solid, hard glass-like resins which may be dissolved in aqueous bases to form clear or cloudy substantially colorless coating solutions useful in the preparation of clear or cloudy aqueous floor polishes which deposit clear protective films on treated floors.

Abstract: Crosslinkable monomers containing oxazolidinone structures are prepared by reacting polyisocyanates with acrylic esters containing an epoxy group. These polyfunctional monomers can be homopolymerized or copolymerized with other monomers or polymers containing olefinic unsaturation to insoluble, infusible polymers, including copolymers. The monomers and polymers find utility as castings, moldings, impregnants, coatings and for the production of reinforced laminates. Curing can be accomplished by any of the known methods, such as thermally, by the use of catalysts, by ultraviolet light, and by ionizing radiation. The monomers have the formula ##EQU1## WHEREIN N HAS A NUMERICAL VALUE OF AT LEAST TWO, X IS 1-8, R is hydrocarbon, Y is H, CH.sub.3 or CH, and Q is a polyvalent organic moiety.

Abstract: Ethylenically unsaturated material susceptible to free-radical polymerization, e.g., vinyl chloride monomer, is polymerized, e.g., in an aqueous medium, with an initiator system comprising, in combination, alkaline buffering reagent, e.g., sodium bicarbonate, organic acid anhydride, e.g., isobutyric anhydride, peroxygen compound selected from organic peroxy acid (peracid), e.g., peracetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide, and alkyl haloformate, e.g., ethyl chloroformate. The initiator system is added to the polymerization medium to form the initiator(s) in situ.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing approximately spherical polymeric beads of average size less than 20 microns, which process comprises copolymerizing an unsaturated carboxylic acid and a crosslinking agent characterized in that the polymerization is initiated by means of a two part redox free radical system and is carried out in a reaction mixture comprising a fine suspension of droplets of an organic phase in an aqueous phase wherein the organic phase comprises an acid chosen from the group consisting of methacrylic acid and crotonic acid; a crosslinking agent; and an oil soluble and water insoluble first part of a redox free radical initiated system; and wherein the aqueous phase comprises water, at least 15% weight inert salt per volume of aqueous phase, and a suspending agent; and the second part of the redox free radical initiator is at least partially soluble in both the organic and the aqueous phase and is added to the reaction mixture during the course of polymerization while the reaction mixture is maintai

Abstract: Methyl methacrylate and methyl .alpha.-n-alkylacrylate wherein the alkyl up may vary from 10 to 22 carbon atoms copolymerize at about 50.degree.C in the presence of azobisisobutyronitrile to form polymers having low coefficients of friction and good wear properties.

Abstract: This invention concerns anaerobic compositions which contain acrylate ester monomers, peroxy polymerization initiators, a substituted thiourea, and an acidic substance and which exhibit improved ability to cure through relatively large gaps.

Abstract: Carboxyl terminated polychloroprene is produced by polymerizing chloroprene in the presence of a peroxide initiator having two carboxyl groups. The chloroprene is brought into contact initially with all the peroxide initiator employed. Compositions containing the carboxyl terminated polychloroprene are also disclosed.

Abstract: Terpolymer of crotonic acid, vinyl acetate and an allyl or methallyl ester having the formula ##EQU1## wherein R' hydrogen or CH.sub.3, R.sub.1 is a saturated hydrocarbon chain containing 1-6 carbon atoms and R.sub.2 is -CH.sub.3 or -CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, with the proviso that the sum of the number of carbon atoms in R.sub.1 + R.sub.2 is equal to or less than 7. The terpolymer is employed with a cosmetic carrier or vehicle to provide a cosmetic composition for the hair, such as a hair lacquer or hair setting lotion, generally in amounts of about 1-4 weight percent of the composition.

Abstract: A process for suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride or a mixture of vinyl chloride and a monomer copolymerizable therewith in an aqueous medium in the presence of an oil-soluble polymerization catalyst is improved by the use of a suspending agent comprising a well known protective colloid and a saccharose alkyl ester.

Abstract: Copolymer of (a) an unsaturated acid having the formula R--CH = CH--(CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2).sub.n --COOH wherein n = 0 or 1, and when n = O, R = CH.sub.3 and when n = 1, R = H, (b) a vinyl ester of the formula ##EQU1## wherein R is CH.sub.3 or C.sub.2 H.sub.5, (c) at least one branched allyl or methallyl ester of the formula ##EQU2## wherein R' represents hydrogen or CH.sub.3, R.sub.1 represents a saturated hydrocarbon chain, linear or branched, having 1-6 carbon atoms and R.sub.2 represents CH.sub.3 or CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, with the proviso that the sum of the number of the carbon atoms in R.sub.1 +R.sub.2 is equal to or less than 7 and (d) a monomer selected from the group consisting of a vinyl ether of the formula CH.sub.2 = CH--O--R.sub.3 wherein R.sub.3 is linear or branched alkyl having 1-12 carbon atoms, a vinyl ester having a fatty chain and having the formula ##EQU3## wherein R.sub.

Abstract: A plastic or resin product is obtained by mixing polyvinylpyrrolidone, modifiers and additives such as organic methacrylates, and crosslinking agents, and optionally catalysts, and causing polymerization to take place. The inventive product is insoluble in water but is hydratable with water, depending upon the proportions of the above mentioned components, and may take up in its structure as little as 5% by weight of water to as high as 90% by weight of water. The inventive hydrated product is optionally transparent, translucent, or opaque, and produced in any shape or size, depending only on the mold in which it is cast. The transparent product is especially suitable for contact lenses. The translucent and opaque products may be fabricated into membranes with pore sizes that can be made selectively, or cast into useful shapes and for other uses.

Abstract: The formation of polymer on the surfaces of the reactor equipment in the commercial production of polyvinyl chloride and copolymers thereof is avoided by employing equipment whose surfaces which contact the monomer are formed of substantially pure nickel.

Abstract: A modified polyolefin composition having excellent physical properties such as bending rigidity, bending strength, impact strength, and the like can be prepared by melting and kneading a mixture of a radical generating agent such as benzoyl peroxide, a porous filler, and a polyolefin composed primarily of propylene and, if necessary, a polar vinyl monomer at a high temperature above the decomposition temperature of the radical generating agent.

Abstract: (Hydrocarbon-peroxy hydrocarbon) phosphonates, useful as polymerization initiators, prepared by the reaction of a hydroperoxide with a phosphonate of an unsaturated hydrocarbon may be used to polymerize acrylic monomers.

Abstract: Compounds containing a lipophilic radical, a polyethyleneoxy group and an ethylenically unsaturated radical are disclosed. The compounds are useful as nonionic monomeric emulsion stabilizers.

Abstract: A copolymer derived from a monomeric mixture comprising from 20 to 60 parts of acrylic or methacrylic acid, from 20 to 70 parts of a lower alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, and from 5 to 20 parts of a plasticizing monomer is at least partially neutralized by multivalent cations.

Abstract: Vinyl chloride monomer, or a monomeric mixture comprising vinyl chloride as a main component and other monomers co-polymerizable therewith in an aqueous reaction medium, is polymerized in a polymerization vessel. All of the surfaces of the inside walls of the vessel and the agitator blades, the baffle plates and the like with which the vessel is equipped, are coated prior to the polymerization with at least one of a specific class of nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic compounds. Not only is the deposition of polymer scale surprisingly reduced, but also the polymer thus obtained has good physical and chemical properties.

Abstract: A method of polymerizing imide type norbornene derivatives which comprises the ring-opening polymerization of imide type norbornene derivatives containing at least one N-substituted cyclic imide group or a mixture consisting of said norbornene derivatives as the main component and cycloolefins in the presence of a catalytic system comprising organic aluminum compounds and tungsten and/or molybdenum compounds.

Abstract: A thermally-staged process for preparing polymers, particularly alternating interpolymers of one or more polar monomers and one or more mono or polyolefins which comprises: (1) reacting, in a first stage, a polar monomer-Lewis Acid complex with an olefin in the presence of an active oxygen compound at a temperature of about -100.degree.C to about 0.degree.C for a time sufficient enough to allow for conversion of up to 50% of the polar monomer to interpolymer; (2) raising the temperature of the reaction mixture, in a second stage, to about 0.degree. to about 100.degree.C; (3) maintaining the reaction mixture at about 0.degree. to about 100.degree.C for a time sufficient to optimize the yield of interpolymer; and (4) recovering the interpolymer from the reaction mixture.Polymers prepared by the temperature-staged process of this invention possess substantially higher molecular weights than the same polymers made by prior art processes.

Abstract: Hydroxy-terminated polymers of butadiene having two hydroxy groups per molecule are prepared by polymerizing butadiene in a chain transfer solvent at a temperature of from about 50.degree. to about 170.degree.C. with t-butyl beta-hydroxyethyl peroxide as an initiator.

Abstract: A method of polymerising a composition comprising an allyl amine salt of a strong acid said allyl amine containing two or more allyl groups which method comprises reacting said composition in the presence of a free radical initiator which yields only uncharged fragments and at a temperature between -20 and 80.degree.C and at a pH between 0 and 5 in the absence of oxygen.

Abstract: Polymerization of vinyl chloride in aqueous suspension in the presence of free-radical initiators of short half-life at pH's below 8. The temperature of the reactor wall must not be more than 20.degree.C above the temperature of the polymerization mixture during the heat-up phase and it must be lower than the temperature of the polymerization mixture during the subsequent polymerization phase. This procedure suppresses the formation of incrustations in the reactor.

Abstract: An unsaturated hydrocarbon elastomer with a high molecular weight is reacted upon an oxidizer and a reducer forming a redox couple, in an organic solvent medium in the absence of air or in an aqueous medium, the oxidizer being selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides, and the reducer being selected from the group consisting of sulphinic acids and their derivatives and of hydrazine and its derivatives.The pasty to liquid materials obtained give, after having been vulcanized and possibly reinforced, elastomeric products.

Abstract: Novel alternating copolymers having functional groups are prepared by subjecting to alternating copolymerization at least one olefin, at least one acrylic ester and at least one .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or its derivative represented by the formula: ##EQU1## wherein Y and Z are independently --O--, --S--, or --NR.sup.3 --, and R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently hydrogen or hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Said alternating copolymer consists essentially of a structure in which said olefin is bonded to only said acrylic ester or said .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or its derivative, and said acrylic ester and said .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or its derivative are bonded to only said olefin, and has a sufficiently high molecular weight.

Abstract: Novel crosslinked heteropolymers of vinyl acetate and maleic anhydride are provided which are useful as aqueous thickeners for aqueous formulations such as cosmetics and latex paints. Ester and amide derivatives of the combined maleic anhydride portion of the heteropolymer are also provided. The process for preparing the crosslinked heteropolymers comprises adding a maleic anhydride monomer, and crosslinking agent monomer, and catalyst in controlled amounts to a monomer solution of vinyl acetate.

Abstract: A process for the production of co- and multi-monomer random polymers involves the free-radical bulk polymerization of vinyl esters and styrene while controlling the rate of polymerization via the gradual addition of styrene to the polymerization medium during polymerization.

Abstract: An amorphous substantially linear atactic alternating copolymer having a glass transition temperature less than about 0.degree.C., and an inherent viscosity of about 1 to about 6, said copolymer having repeating units of -A-B- wherein A is a unit of at least one C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl acrylate and cure-site monomer if the cure-site monomer is an acrylic, and B is independently selected from ethylene and cure-site monomers if the cure-site monomer is an .alpha.-olefin. These copolymers are prepared by reacting monomers in the presence of boron trifluoride and a free radical initiator and, when cured, are particularly useful as elastomers.

Abstract: A continuous process for the polymerisation of olefinically unsaturated monomers in bulk or in solution in which at least a portion of the low-viscosity materials to be fed to the polymerization zone is thoroughly mixed with a portion of the high-viscosity contents of the polymerization zone in a mixing zone disposed upstream of the polymerization zone, which mixture is then continuously fed to the polymerization zone. The resulting polymers have a uniform composition and a narrow molecular weight distribution. They may be converted to shaped articles by thermoplastic methods.

Abstract: Vulcanizable ethylene polymer based compositions which are susceptible to scorching when processed at elevated temperatures, prior to vulcanization, in the presence of certain organic peroxide compounds, are protected against such scorching by the incorporation therein of monomeric vinyl compounds having the structure ##EQU1## wherein R'" is C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 hydrocarbon and A is phenyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 hydrocarbon substituted phenyl, or ##EQU2## wherein R.sup.o is a C.sub.4 to C.sub.20 hydrocarbon radical. The hydrocarbon radicals are devoid of allyl or vinyl unsaturation.

Abstract: Antioxidants such as 3,5-di tert.butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl acrylate and 3,5-di tert.butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl methacrylate, age resistant polymers having age resistors physically combined therewith and age resistant polymeric compositions prepared by emulsion free radical polymerization techniques involving the use of said age resistors as monomers.

Abstract: A low temperature curing polymeric adhesive composition may be made by reacting an amino alcohol having between 1 and 3 amino groups and between 2 and 5 hydroxyl groups with a stoichiometric amount of a carboxylic acid or derivative. Free radical catalysts and accelerators may be added to speed the cure of the adhesive. These adhesive resins can be cured at or near ambient room temperature and are highly desired for fabrication of bonded materials possessing long fatigue life because of reduced stresses that might be induced at higher cure temperatures. A generalized formula may be illustrated as follows: ##EQU1## WHERE R" may be hydrogen, alkyl, or cycloalkyl; R' may be hydrogen or alkyl; R is an alkyl; R.sub.1 may be hydrogen, an alkyl, or phenyl; m is an integer from 1 to 3; and n is an integer from 1 to 2.

Abstract: Polymer or copolymer of vinyl chloride having superior properties can be produced by suspension-polymerizing vinyl chloride or a mixture thereof with another vinyl monomer, at first, in the presence of an oil-soluble radical initiator, and thereafter, when the percentage of polymerization of the resulting polymer has reached about 15% to about 80%, subjecting the polymer to a further polymerization in the presence of a water-soluble radical initiator.The product thus obtained has both the merits resulting from suspension polymerization and emulsion one. It has an extremely high absorptivity of plasticizer, easy processability, and film made therefrom has substantially no fish eye.