Abstract: A suspending agent-containing slurry is disclosed which comprises a dispersant and a particulate suspending agent having a particle size distribution in which the particle diameter at weight-cumulative 95%, from the minimum particle size, is 1 &mgr;m or smaller. A method for efficiently producing the suspending agent-containing slurry is also disclosed. A process for suspension polymerization by use of the suspending agent-containing slurry is further disclosed. The slurry not only has such an excellent suspending ability in suspension polymerization that it enables the production of vinyl polymer beads having a narrow bead size distribution, but also is capable of retaining this ability over long and of exhibiting the same ability even when it has a high concentration. The suspension polymerization process enables vinyl polymer beads having a narrow bead size distribution to be produced efficiently due to the use of the slurry.

Abstract: Solid acids are used as catalysts for the polymerization of a feed stream containing at least one of pure monomer, C5 monomers, and C9 monomers to produce hydrocarbon resins. Freely-associated water may be removed from the solid acid catalyst prior to use. Resins with softening points (Ring and Ball) in the range of about 5° C. to 170° C. can be prepared. These catalysts offer advantages over the traditional Friedel-Crafts polymerization catalysts since the acid sites are an integral part of the solid. The solid acid catalysts are relatively nonhazardous, reusable catalysts which eliminate or at least reduce contamination of the resulting resin products with acid residues or by-products.

Abstract: Homopolymers and/or copolymers are manufactured by polymerizing ethylenically monounsaturated monomer(s) in an aqueous solution in a reaction vessel containing compounds which contain a phosphorus atom of degree of oxidation less than 5, phosphorous compounds being introduced in amounts of 0.005-0.49 gram-atom phosphorus per mol of unsaturation in said ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and in the absence of any agent(s) which decomposes hydrogen peroxide thereby forming free radicals, in the absence of any other generator of free radicals, and in the absence of any per salt and/or any other transfer agent.

Abstract: Homopolymers and/or copolymers are manufactured by polymerizing ethylenically monounsaturated monomer(s) in an aqueous solution in a reaction vessel containing compounds which contain a phosphorus atom of degree of oxidation less than 5, phosphorous compounds being introduced in amounts of 0.005-0.49 gram-atom phosphorus per mol of unsaturation in said ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and in the absence of any agent(s) which decomposes hydrogen peroxide thereby forming free radicals, in the absence of any other generator of free radicals, and in the absence of any per salt and/or any other transfer agent.

Abstract: Polymers of improved surface quality are obtained by polymerization of microencapsulated monomer droplets suspended in an aqueous phase if the monomer and/or the aqueous phase contain a polymerization inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in a free radical bulk polymerization process for preparing a high molecular weight polymer from a vinyl aromatic monomer characterized in that the polymerization is conducted in the presence of an acid catalyst having a pKa at 25.degree. C. of less than 2, or salt thereof, wherein the improvement comprises dispersing the acid catalyst, or salt thereof, in a (meth)acrylic acid or ester thereof, prior to contact with the vinyl aromatic monomer. The (meth)acrylic acid or ester allows the acid catalyst to be dispersed within the vinyl aromatic monomer without causing cationic polymerization. The acid catalyst, or salt thereof, catalyzes the free radical polymerization reaction such that high molecular weight polymers are produced in reasonable reaction times.

Abstract: Homopolymers and/or copolymers are manufactured by polymerizing ethylenically monounsaturated monomer(s) in an aqueous solution in a reaction vessel containing compounds which contain a phosphorus atom of degree of oxidation less than 5, phosphorous compounds being introduced in amounts of 0.005-0.49 gram-atom phosphorus per mol of unsaturation in said ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and in the absence of any agent(s) which decomposes hydrogen peroxide thereby forming free radicals, in the absence of any other generator of free radicals, and in the absence of any per salt and/or any other transfer agent.

Abstract: A suspending agent-containing slurry is disclosed which comprises a dispersant and a particulate suspending agent having a particle size distribution in which the particle diameter at weight-cumulative 95%, from the minimum particle size, is 1 .mu.m or smaller. A method for efficiently producing the suspending agent-containing slurry is also disclosed. A process for suspension polymerization by use of the suspending agent-containing slurry is further disclosed. The slurry not only has such an excellent suspending ability in suspension polymerization that it enables the production of vinyl polymer beads having a narrow bead size distribution, but also is capable of retaining this ability over long and of exhibiting the same ability even when it has a high concentration. The suspension polymerization process enables vinyl polymer beads having a narrow bead size distribution to be produced efficiently due to the use of the slurry.

Abstract: Novel catalysts are provided for the polymerization of olefins such as ethylene. These catalysts comprise a novel amorphous aluminophosphate comprising, on a microlevel, sheets of aluminophosphate as well as spheres of aluminophosphate plus a chromium compound. These new catalysts are surprisingly active; result in more co-monomer incorporation than prior art catalysts and reduce the amount of low molecular weight material in the product.

Abstract: A process for efficiently utilizing phosphorous acid or salts thereof as a chain transfer agent in the polymerization of monomers, particulary unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers, is provided, where the polymerization is conducted at an in-process solids level of at least 40 percent and in-process neutralization level of at least 30% to produce low molecular weight water-soluble phosphonate-terminated polymers.

Abstract: Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is a thermoplastic resin which has double bonds attached in an alternating fashion to its polymeric backbone. Films, fibers and molded articles can be made utilizing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. It can also be blended into rubbers and cocured therewith. It is generally preferred to synthesize syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene in an aqueous medium by suspension or emulsion polymerization. In such aqueous polymerization techniques reactor fouling and particle size control problems are frequently encountered. This invention is based upon the unexpected finding that reactor fouling can be greatly reduced or eliminated and that particle size can be regulated by conducting such aqueous polymerizations in the presence of a controlled amount of dissolved oxygen which is within the range of about 0.01 ppm to about 4 ppm.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions for flame-retardant cast panels made of (meth)acrylic polymers.The composition comprises at least one (meth)acrylic ester monomer, (meth)acrylic acid and at least one phosphorus compound which is anhydrous and is chosen from phosphoric acids, phosphoric acid esters or their mixtures, optionally in combination with an optionally halogenated neutral phosphoric ester. The amount of (meth)acrylic acid and of phosphorus compound, by weight with respect to the total mixture constituting the composition, is such that the flame-retardancy coefficient FRC: ##EQU1## is greater than 0.95.

Abstract: Organic peroxide compositions which contain phosphomolybdic acid to retard the rate of decomposition of the peroxide compound are disclosed.

Abstract: Organic peroxide compositions which contain a .beta.-dicarbonyl compound to retard the rate of decomposition of the peroxide compound are disclosed.

Abstract: A homogeneous amorphous aluminum phosphate composition with a surface area of 100 to 300 m.sup.2 /g and a pore volume in pores with diameters of less than 1000 nm of at least 1.0 cm.sup.3 /g, in which phosphorus and aluminum are present in a molar ratio in the range from 0.9:1 to 1:1 and which is characterized in that it is present in the form of microspherical particles with a particle size of 10 to 250 .mu.m and displays a bimodal pore-size distribution in the pore-diameter range of less than 1000 nm is suitable as a cracking catalyst, as a catalyst support, especially for polymerization catalysts, as a flatting agent, as an adsorption agent and as a thickening agent.

Abstract: Inherently tacky infusible pressure-sensitive adhesive microspheres prepared by suspension polymerization of at least one water insoluble alkyl acrylate ester, the improvement which comprises conducting the polymerization in the presence of a buffer provided in an amount sufficient to maintain pH between 6 to 9.5 and in the presence of a surfactant to stabilize the product.

Abstract: An ultra high molecular weight polymer emulsion is produced by emulsion polymerization of a vinyl monomer, wherein the oxygen concentration in the aqueous phase of the reaction system is maintained at a smaller percentage by weight than the percentage by weight of the dissolved oxygen concentration in a 0.5 wt % sodium bisulfite aqueous solution. An emulsifier and a redox polymerization initiator are used for the emulsion polymerization.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for making DCPD based resins that have relatively narrow molecular weight distributions. The method comprises thermally polymerizing dicyclopentadiene monomer in the presence of one or more strong acids, preferably with an olefinic modifier, to provide a dicyclopentadiene oligomer. Optionally, an organic sulfur species can also be used to further effect molecular weight control. For end-use performance in inks, adhesives, coatings and other related areas, the invention provides dicyclopentadiene oligomer resins having weight average molecular weights less than 1000 and relatively narrow molecular weight distributions, as measured by a polydispersity index, of less than about 2.3. Among the strong acids that are effective for controlling molecular weight, hypophosphorous acid is preferred because it gives light colored resins.

Abstract: Opaque tinted acrylic glass produced with organic pigments or with organic dyes, which in addition to the colorant, also contains an acid in the polymer matrix, exhibits improved resistance to weathering.

Abstract: Phosphonic (co) telomers of the type described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,046,707 and 4,681,686 and European Patent Application 360746 may be produced by an aqueous process comprising (a) reacting hypophosphorous acid with a carbonyl compound which is preferably an aldehyde, a ketone or an imine, (b) reacting the product of (a) with an olefin or olefins in the presence of a suitable initiator especially a free radical initiator, and (c) converting the product obtained from (b) to a phosphonic (co) telomer, e.g., by reaction with hypochlorite. The (co) telomer products are useful as scale inhibitors in aqueous systems.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polymer or copolymer from polymerizable monomers by suspension polymerization whereby foam formation during the removal of residual monomers is inhibited, which process comprises adding at least one salt of an inorganic acid having an anionic valency of at least 2 to the polymer slurry prior to the removal of the residual monomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of N-(hydroxyphenyl)maleamic acid and various dimers and oligomers thereof. The process is characterized by heating, in the absence of any solvent, N-(hydroxyphenyl)maleamic acid at a temperature ranging from about 150.degree. to about 250.degree. C. in the presence of an acid catalyst. This unique process avoids the need to recover expensive highly polar solvents. The present invention also relates to use of these maleimide containing compounds in rubber. The use of the blend of hydroxyphenyl maleimide and the various dimers and low molecular weight oligomers impart superior properties to rubber when compared to the use of hydroxyphenyl maleimide alone in rubber.

Abstract: Monoalkyl phosphinate and monoalkyl phosphonate derivatives of low molecular weight water soluble polymers are preferentially prepared by copolymerizing hypophosphorous acid, monoethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid(s) and an effective amount of a C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 monoethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A process for efficiently utilizing hypophosphorous acid or salts thereof as a chain transfer agent is provided wherein the polymerization is conducted to a final polymer solids level of at least about 50 percent by weight.The polymers produced are useful as dispersants for paint formulations, additives for laundry and machine dishwashing detergents, mineral dispersants, dispersants for kaolin clay slurries and scale inhibitors, dispersants and corrosion inhibitors for water treatment and oil production.

Abstract: Monoalkyl phosphinate and monoalkyl phosphonate derivatives of low molecular weight water soluble polymers are preferentially prepared by copolymerizing hypophosphorous acid, monoethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid(s) and an effective amount of a C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 monoethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a substantially water-insoluble, highly water-absorptive polymer which comprises subjecting an aqueous solution of a monomer comprising as a main component acrylic acid and/or its alkali metal salt to polymerization in the presence of a hypophosphorous acid compound.

Abstract: The present invention is a polymer composition comprising vinylidene chloride with improved thermal stability. The process comprises either advance addition or polymer slurry addition of a salt of a non-alkenic weak acid during the polymerization of the vinylidene chloride. The polymeric composition comprises a reaction product of a salt of a nonalkenic weak acid in an amount effective to provide improved thermal stability to the polymeric composition. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises adding a salt of a carboxylic acid to the polymer slurry.

Abstract: By dispersing and polymerizing at least one N-alkyl-or N-alkylene-substituted (meth)acrylamide or a mixture of at least one N-alkyl- or N-alkylene-substituted (meth)acrylamide and other copolymerizable monomer is an aqueous inorganic salt solution having inorganic particulates suspended, there is provided a preparation process of granular polymers containing no impurities such as polymer stabilizers, surface active agents, etc. The granular polymers are useful as concentrating agents, slow releasing base materials, etc.

Abstract: In the suspension polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid esters or of vinyl aromatics or of mixtures of such monomers, the formation of undesired, very fine "emulsion polymer", which reduces the yield, is reduced if the polymerization is carried out in the presence of polyvalent phosphonic acids or their alkali metal salts or ammonium salts or of alkali metal salts or ammonium salts of condensed inorganic phosphates, e.g. of Graham's salt.

Abstract: A method of preventing polymer scale deposition in a polymerization vessel during polymerization of a monomer having an ethylenically double bond, wherein said polymerization is carried out in a polymerization vessel of which the inner wall has been previously first coated with(A) a coating solution comprising a condensate of an aromatic compound and at least one member selected from the group consisting of metal compounds and inorganic colloids, and the coating thus formed has been then coated with(B) a coating solution comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of anionic polymeric compounds, amphoteric polymeric compounds and hydroxyl group-containing polymeric compounds; and a polymerization vessel having a coating thus formed. According this method, polymer scale deposition on the inner wall, etc. of the polymerization vessel can be effectively prevented.

Abstract: Acrylic resin for an optical element prepared through suspension polymerization in which reactants include; a 100 parts by weight of a mixture of methyl methacrylate and either one of ethyl acrylate and methyl acrylate; and sodium sulfate or sodium phosphate of 0.15 through 0.25 parts by weight.

Abstract: A process for producing styrene-containing polymers having a narrow particle size distribution, comprising the steps:(i) preparing a polymerization mixture, said mixture comprisinga) an organic phase comprising at least 50 wt %. styrene and a monomer-soluble polymerization initiator, andb) an aqueous phase comprising water, an organic protective colloid and a substantially water insoluble inorganic suspension stabilizer;(ii) adding to said polymerization mixture 50-500 ppm of a metal carbonate, bicarbonate or mixtures thereof based on said aqueous phase; and(iii) polymerizing said polymer mixture to produce said styrene-containing polymer particles.

Abstract: A process to efficiently utilize the chain transfer agent hypophosphorous acid or salts in the preparation of low moelcular weight polycarboxylate polymers comprising employing in process neutralization of the carboxylic acid monomers.A low molecular weight polycarboxylate polymer containing phosphinate and phosphonate functional groups where less than 20% of the phosphorus is present in inorganic non polymeric compounds.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polymers which comprises forming an aqueous phase comprised of water and a surfactant; adding to the aqueous phase monomers; subsequently initiating polymerization of the monomers; thereafter adding a stabilizing component; and completing the polymerization.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polymeric particles which comprises mixing at least one monomer with a polymerization initiator, a crosslinking component and a chain transfer component; effecting bulk polymerization until partial polymerization results; dispersing the aforementioned partially polymerized monomer product in water containing a stabilizing component to obtain a suspension of particles in water and polymerizing the resulting suspension.

Abstract: A method of preventing polymer scale deposition in polymerization of a monomer having an ethylenically double bond, wherein said polymerization is carried out in a polymerization vessel in which its inner wall surface has been previously coated with a coating solution comprising:(A) a condensate of a phenolic hydroxy group-containing compound,(B) at least one member selected from the group consisting of metal compounds and inorganic colloids, and(C) at least one member selected from the group consisting of dyes and pigments. This method makes it possible to prevent polymer scale deposition regardless of polymerization conditions such as the kind of monomers, the type of polymerization vessel, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of high molecular weight vinyl lactam-quaternized amino acrylamide copolymers having less than 0.1% residual unreacted monomer, which comprises: subjecting the monomers to solution polymerization in the presence of a buffering agent having chelating properties for complexing with traces of heavy metals; controlling the pH of the polymerization to a level above 5.5 while continuously ebulating nitrogen gas through the system during reaction and incrementally adding a free radical initiator in 2 to 4 stages during the conversion to copolymer. The invention also relates to the substantially pure vinyl lactam-acrylamide copolymer having a Brookfield viscosity of at least 75,000 cps. and a residual monomer content below 0.5 wt. %, for example less than 1,000 ppm.

Abstract: An .alpha.-methylstyrene/acrylonitrile copolymer obtainable by emulsion polymerization which, in combination with other polymers, particularly PVC, enables alloys of outstanding thermal stability and color stability to be produced and, in addition, has a high heat distortion temperature and shows good fogging behavior and which is obtained by radically initiated inflow copolymerization of a mixture of 30 to 32 parts by weight acrylonitrile and 68 to 70 parts by weight .alpha.-methylstyrene in the presence of an emulsifier containing carboxyl groups. The polymerization is conducted in such a way that a seed latex of the same copolymer or of an analogous copolymer is introduced before addition of the monomers is commenced, the reaction temperature is kept between 75.degree. and 82.degree. C. and the molar ratio of emulsifier to initiator is between 4 and 6.

Abstract: By a process for suspension polymerization, which comprises steps of:supplying a slurry comprising droplets of a monomer liquid having a substantially uniform size dispersed in an aqueous dispersion medium to a tower type reactor in which said medium forms a downflow, andsuspension polymerizing the monomer with avoiding merging or splitting of the droplets in a fluidized bed which is formed by the downflow of said medium and buoyancy of the monomer liquid droplets, whereinthe specific gravity of said medium is made larger than that of a polymer particle to be produced by the addition of a water soluble inorganic salt to said medium, anda polycarboxylic acid type anionic polymeric surfactant is used as a suspension stabilizer for the monomer liquid droplets,polymer particles having a substantially uniform size are produced with high polymerization conversion.

Abstract: Polymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid are prepared by polymerizing acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid at 50.degree.-180.degree. C. in a C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alcohol or mixtures thereof with water having a C.sub.2 -C.dwnarw.6.uparw.-alcohol content of not less than 40% by weight in the presence of free radical polymerization initiators and from 0.01 to 5% by weight, based on the monomers used, of inorganic acids of phosphorus in which the phosphorus has an oxidation number of from 1 to 4, or of water-soluble salts thereof, water-soluble --PO(OH).sub.2 -containing compounds and/or water-soluble salts thereof. The polymers thus prepared are effective milling aids and dispersants for pigments for producing aqueous pigment slurries for use in paper-coating compositions.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a thermoplastic polymer on the basis of an alkenyl-aromatic monomer and an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid comprises the addition of 10 to 100 ppm relative to the polymer wt. % of an acid during polymerization. Suitable acids that can be applied are carboxylic acids, and sulphur- and /or phosphorus-containing acids or their mixtures.

Abstract: Elastomeric compositions produced by curing a blend of (A) ethylene/alphaolefin/nonconjugated polyene terpolymer; and (B) acrylonitrile/conjugated diene copolymer, utilizing a curing agent comprising sulfur, a sulfur cure accelerator and a peroxide curative exhibit desirable properties. Also disclosed is a process for preparing such elastomers.

Abstract: New cotelomer compounds having the formula I ##STR1## and salts thereof wherein A is a random polymeric residue comprising at least one unit of formula II ##STR2## and at least one unit of formula III, different from a unit of formula II, ##STR3## and B is hydrogen or a residue A; wherein m and n are integers such that the sum of m+n is an integer of from 3 to 100, the ratio of n:m being from 99 to 1:1 to 99, provided that the resulting telomers are water-soluble and wherein m and/or n in a residue A may be the same as or different from m and/or n in a residue B; R is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;R.sub.1 is a residue -OX, wherein X is hydrogen, an alkali- or alkaline earth metal, ammonium or an amine residue;R.sub.2 is hydrogen, methyl or a residue --CO.sub.2 R.sub.5, wherein R.sub.5 is hydrogen or a straight- or branched chain alkyl residue having 1 to 8 carbon atoms;R.sub.3 is hydrogen, a straight- or branched chain alkyl residue having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, hydroxymethyl or a residue --CO.sub.2 R.sub.

Abstract: N-substituted secondary monoallylamine salts can be easily polymerized in a polar solvent by using as catalyst a water-soluble radical initiator containing azo group in the molecule, and polymers with a high degree of polymerization can be obtained therefrom in a high yield.

Abstract: Carboxyl-containing polymers which are water-soluble at least in the neutralized form are prepared by a method in which a monoethylenically unsaturated C.sub.3 -C.sub.5 -carboxylic acid is polymerized in the presence or absence of a carboxyl-free copolymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer in aqueous solution in the presence of polymerization initiator and of from 0.01 to 5% by weight, based on the monomers, of an inorganic acid of phosphorus in which the phosphorus has an oxidation state of from 1 to 4, its water-soluble salts, a water-soluble --PO(OH).sub.2 -containing compound and/or its water-soluble salts and, if required, a polymerization regulator. Virtually colorless or only slightly colored polymer solutions are obtained.

Abstract: Poly(dicyclopentadiene) made with an olefin metathesis catalyst system by a Reaction Injection Molding process is improved by adding flame retardant compounds.

Abstract: Polymerizable compositions contain (A) a cationically polymerizable material, such as an epoxide resin, a phenoplast or a cyclic vinyl ether, (B) a hydroxy compound such as styreneallyl alcohol copolymer, and (c) an aromatic iodosyl salt of formula ##STR1## where R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, which may be the same or different, each represent a monovalent aromatic radical having from 4 to 25 carbon atoms, x denotes 1, 2 or 3, and Z.sup.x- denotes an x-valent anion of a protic acid.Suitable salts of formula II include diphenyliodosyl hexafluorophosphate and tetrafluoroborate. The compositions may be photopolymerized or they may be thermally polymerized in the presence, as catalyst for the iodosyl salt, of a salt or complex of a d-block transition metal, a stannous salt, an organic peroxide or an activated .alpha.-hydroxy compound.The compositions may be used as surface coatings and adhesives, and in the preparation of printing plates, printed circuits and reinforced composites.

Abstract: Polyamides can be formed in good yields by the copolymerization of at least one alpha, beta-unsaturated nitrile with at least one alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid or ammonium salt thereof. These polymers are suitable for use as fibers, plastics, films and molding resins.

Abstract: Process of detecting the presence of certain gases, including certain pollutants, in small concentrations; or to cause partial polymerization of certain polyacetylene compositions for use in time/temperature history indicators or radiation dosage indicators. The process involves contacting a reactive gas, such as a nitrogen oxide, a halide or ozone, with a crystalline substituted acetylenic monomer containing at least two conjugated triple bonds and substituents having at least one atom of oxygen or nitrogen. In particular the acetylenic compound is 2,4-hexadiyne-1,6-bis(phenylurethane) crystallized from tetrahydrofuran or acetone.

Abstract: A process for preparing a cationic polymer which comprises polymerizing a monomer mixture containing acrylamide and a cationic alkenyl monomer represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents H or CH.sub.3 ; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 represent independently CH.sub.3 or C.sub.2 H.sub.5 ; R.sup.4 represents H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 or a benzyl group; A represents --OC.sub.n H.sub.2n -- (wherein n=2 or 3), ##STR2## or --NC.sub.n H.sub.2n -- (wherein n=2 or 3); and X.sup.- represents Cl.sup.-, Br.sup.-, I.sup.-, CH.sub.3 SO.sub.4.sup.-, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 SO.sub.4.sup.-, 1/2SO.sub.4.sup.-- or CH.sub.3 COO.sup.-, in the form of a sheet in an aqueous medium, characterized in that the composition ratio of acrylamide/cationic alkenyl monomer is within the range of 95/5 to 5/95, and the polymerization is carried out in the presence of a phosphite. The polymers obtained according to this process are free from insolubles produced under the influence of oxygen.