Abstract: A process for the production of methacrylic acid or esters thereof by the base catalysed decarboxylation of at least one dicarboxylic acid selected from itaconic, citraconic or mesaconic acid or mixtures thereof in an aqueous reaction medium is described. The decarboxylation is carried out at a temperature in the range from 200° C. and up to 239° C. The methacrylic acid is isolated from the aqueous reaction medium by a purification process which does not include introducing an organic solvent to the aqueous reaction medium for solvent extraction of the methacrylic acid into an organic phase. A method of preparing polymers or copolymers of methacrylic acid or methacrylic acid esters is also described.

Abstract: A low-gloss thermoplastic resin composition that can have excellent heat resistance and weather resistance of the present invention includes (A) a thermoplastic resin forming a first dispersed phase; and (B) an acrylic resin forming a second dispersed phase, wherein the first dispersed phase has a network configuration.

Abstract: A process for the production of methacrylic acid by the base catalysed decarboxylation of at least one dicarboxylic acid selected from itaconic, citraconic or mesaconic acid or mixtures thereof is described. The decarboxylation is carried out at a temperature in the range from 100 to 199° C. A method of preparing polymers or copolymers of methacrylic acid or methacrylic acid esters is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoplastic acrylic resin comprising (i) a repeating unit derived from a methacrylate monomer, (ii) a repeating unit derived from a vinyl aromatic monomer, (iii) a repeating unit derived from an aromatic group-containing methacrylate monomer, and (iv) a cyclic acid anhydride repeating unit, and a molding for optical material comprising the same.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to methods for the manufacture of transparent polymer compositions exhibiting refractive indices similar or even identical to the refractive index of polycarbonate. Also disclosed are polymer blends comprising the disclosed polymer compositions blended with one or more convention polycarbonate.

Abstract: An improved polymerization and process method allows the production of special nitrile rubbers which are characterized by a specific anion content and an excellent storage stability and allow a particularly good vulcanization rate and moreover result in vulcanized materials that have advantageous properties, especially with regard to the contact with metal components of molded parts based on said vulcanized materials.

Abstract: Aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers which are at least partly covered by anionic latices, the slurries being obtainable by treating aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers with at least one anionic latex with a glass transition temperature of ?5 to ?50° C., preparation of the aqueous slurries and their use as an additive to the paper stock in the production of filler-containing paper, filler-containing cardboard or filler-containing board by draining the paper stock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoplastic resin composition which comprises (A) a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester-based polymer forming a network-shaped disperse phase; and (B) an aromatic vinyl-cyanide vinyl based copolymer forming a continuous phase. The thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention can have an excellent low gloss characteristics while maintaining basic physical properties of a weather resistance, impact strength, thermal resistance, and delamination characteristics.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry of finely divided fillers which are at least partly coated with anionic latices, wherein the slurry is obtainable by treating an aqueous slurry of finely divided fillers with an aqueous dispersion comprising at least one anionic latex and at least one degraded starch, preparation of the aqueous slurries and their use as an additive to the paper stock in the production of filler-containing paper, filler-containing cardboard or filler-containing board by draining the paper stock.

Abstract: Aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers which are at least partly covered by anionic latices, the slurries being obtainable by treating aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers with at least one anionic latex which comprises, incorporated in the form of polymerized units, at least one monomer comprising phosphonic and/or phosphoric acid groups, preparation of the aqueous slurries and their use as an additive to the paper stock in the production of filler-containing paper, filler-containing cardboard or filler-containing board by draining the paper stock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical film, comprising a copolymer that comprises (a) a (meth)acrylic monomer, (b) an aromatic vinyl monomer, (c) at least one monomer of an acid anhydride monomer and an unsaturated organic acid monomer, and (d) a vinylcyan monomer, a protection film for a polarizer, a polarizing plate fabricated therefrom, and a display device employing the same.

Abstract: In the present invention, in order to provide an electrode active material that has a high capacity density and from which a large current can be extracted and to provide a battery that has a high energy density and produces a large output, in a battery comprising at least a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte, a polyradical compound having a partial structure represented by the following general formula (2) is used as an electrode active material for at least one of the cathode and the anode, wherein, in the formula (2), R1 to R3 independently represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and R4 to R7 independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An acrylic copolymer with high heat-resistance is provided. The acrylic copolymer includes repeat units of a monomer of Formula (1) and repeat units of a methacrylic monomer derivative: wherein x is 1-3 and y is 0-3. The acrylic copolymer possesses high heat-resistance and low water absorptivity. The invention also provides a method for preparing the acrylic copolymer.

Abstract: A carboxylic acid-modified nitrile copolymer latex is provided. The copolymer latex comprises a carboxylic acid-modified nitrile copolymer of an unsaturated monomer having at least one crosslinkable functional group selected from vinyl and epoxy groups. The use of the copolymer latex enables the production of a molded article that does not undergo long stirring and maturation, causes no allergic reactions due to the absence of sulfur and a vulcanization accelerator, has good oil resistance and high mechanical strength, and produces a soft feeling. Further provided is a latex composition for dip forming comprising the copolymer latex, and an article produced from the latex composition by dip forming.

Abstract: A positive electrode for a non-aqueous electrolyte battery includes a positive electrode active material layer containing at least a positive electrode active material and a binder and a coating layer containing a polymer provided on the positive electrode active material layer, wherein the polymer has a block chain A composed of a random copolymer containing a repeating unit (I) represented by formula (I), a repeating unit (II) represented by formula (II), and a block chain B containing a repeating unit (III) represented by formula (III) wherein R1-R3, R4a, R4b, R5-R13 are as defined herein.

Abstract: Copolymers are disclosed comprising structural units derived from ?-methylene-?-butyrolactone, styrene, methyl methacrylate and acrylonitrile. The copolymers may be used as protective layers in multilayer articles that include UV sensitive substrate materials. The multilayer articles may also include a silicone hardcoat.

Abstract: A flame retardant molding composition includes a rubber modified aromatic vinyl resin, a polyphenylene ether resin, and a cyclic phosphonate ester compound. A shaped article and an electronic device can be made from the flame retardant molding composition.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a rubber modified vinyl resin, a polyphenylene ether resin, a cyclic alkyl phosphate compound, and an aromatic phosphate ester. In some embodiments, the cyclic alkyl phosphate compound is able to impart good flame retardancy to the composition and thermal resistance to the polymer composition.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a rubber modified vinyl resin, a cyclic alkyl phosphate compound, and an aromatic phosphate ester. Some embodiments may additionally comprises a polyphenylene ether resin. In some embodiments, the compositions have good flame retardancy, color stability, impact resistance, and thermal stability.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a rubber modified aromatic vinyl resin and a cyclic alkyl phosphate compound. In some embodiments, the cyclic alkyl phosphate compound is able to impart good flame retardancy to the composition, while maintaining a good balance of the other physical and mechanical properties of the resin including Vicat Softening Temperature and impact strength.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a substantially transparent, rubber modified aromatic vinyl resin and a cyclic alkyl phosphate compound. In some embodiments, the cyclic alkyl phosphate compound is able to impart good flame retardancy, while maintaining a good balance of the other physical and mechanical properties of the resin including the transparency and impact strength of the resin.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a controlled structure copolymer comprising at least two different parts, a first part A, amphoteric or zwitterionic, including anionic or potentially anionic units, and cationic or potentially cationic units, or zwitterionic units, and another part B, non amphoteric or zwitterionic. Said copolymer further exhibits a high potential for adaptation, through variation in its composition, in order to improve or modify the properties of compositions in which it is introduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for production of methacrylic acid, to a process for production of methyl methacrylate comprising the process steps a) providing a feed composition comprising at least one C4 feed compound selected from isobutylene and tertiary butanol; b) providing methanol; c) subjecting the at least one C4 feed compound and the methanol to a first catalytic reaction zone to obtain a reaction phase comprising methyl tertiary butyl ether; d) separating at least a first part of methanol from the reaction phase to obtain a first methanol phase and a reaction phase depleted in methanol; e) subjecting at least one of the reaction phase and the reaction phase depleted in methanol to a second catalytic reaction zone to obtain a splitting phase comprising isobutylene and methanol; f) optionally separating at least a first part of isobutylene from the second reaction phase to obtain a first isobutylene phase and a splitting phase depleted in isobutylene; g) optionally subjecting the first isobutyle

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a rubber-modified aromatic vinyl resin and a cyclic phosphonate ester compound. Embodiments of the composition demonstrate good impact strength, flame retardancy, heat resistance. Some embodiments additionally demonstrate moisture resistance and low heat sag. A shaped article and an electronic device can be made from the flame retardant polymer composition.

Abstract: Alkyldiketene-containing aqueous polymer dispersions which are obtainable by miniemulsion polymerization of hydrophobic monoethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of alkyldiketenes, processes for the preparation of such polymer dispersions and the use of the thus obtainable dispersions as sizes for paper or as water repellents for leather, natural and/or manmade fibers and textiles.

Abstract: A positive photosensitive composition comprises: (A) a compound that generates an acid upon irradiation with actinic ray or radiation; and (B) a resin that increases its solubility in an alkali developer by action of an acid, wherein the resin (B) has a repeating unit that has an acid-decomposable group and is represented by formula (I): wherein Xa1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a cyano group, or a halogen atom; Ry1 and Ry2 each independently represents an alkyl group or a cycloalkyl group; Rx represents an alkyl group having 2 or more carbon atoms, or a cycloalkyl group; and Z represents an alkylene group.

Abstract: A polymer including a block chain A which is formed from a random copolymer containing a repeating unit (I) represented by the formula (I) wherein R1 to R3 each independently represents hydrogen or C1-10 hydrocarbon and R1 and R3 may bond to form a ring; R4a and R4b each independently represents hydrogen or methyl; R5 represents hydrogen, hydrocarbon, acyl, or silyl; and m represents any integer of 1 to 100 and when m is 2 or more and each R4a may be the same or different from one another and each R4b may be the same or different from one another; and a repeating unit (II) represented by the formula (II) wherein R6 and R8 each independently represents hydrogen or C1-10 hydrocarbon and R6 and R8 may bond to form a ring; R7 represents hydrogen, C1-10 hydrocarbon, hydroxyl, hydrocarbonoxy, carboxyl, acid anhydride, amino, ester, or an organic group having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, carboxyl, epoxy, acid anhydride, and amino; and R9 represents an

Abstract: Composition comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer to which a photochemically isomerizable or dimerizable molecule is covalently bonded, and at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer to which a sensitizer is covalently bonded, are outstandingly suitable for producing polymeric alignment layers for liquid crystals.

Abstract: Finely divided, amphoteric, aqueous polymer dispersions which are obtainable by a two-stage polymerization, a prepolymer being prepared in the first polymerization stage from a monomer mixture comprising (a) from 15 to 40% by weight of at least one (meth)acrylate and/or (meth)acrylamide having in each case a free amino group, protonated amino group and/or quaternized amino group, (b) from 40 to 70% by weight of at least one optionally substituted styrene, (c) from 0 to 25% by weight of acrylonitrile and/or methacrylonitrile, (d) from 0.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a practical solid polymer electrolyte that exhibits excellent thermal characteristics, physical characteristics, and ionic conductivity, and in particular, to provide a completely solid electrolyte and a copolymer composition that functions as the substrate for producing such an electrolyte. A solid polymer electrolyte comprising an electrolyte salt, and a copolymer in which a block chain A containing a repeating unit represented by a formula (I) shown below, a block chain B containing a repeating unit represented by a formula (II) shown below: (wherein, R9 represents an aryl group), and a block chain C containing a repeating unit represented by a formula (III) shown below: (wherein, R13 represents an aryl group or a heteroaryl group) are arranged in the sequence B, A, C.

Abstract: Copolymers including structural units derived from ?-methylene-?-butyrolactone, styrene, methyl methacrylate and, optionally, acrylonitrile, may be used as protective layers in multilayer articles that include UV sensitive substrate materials. The multilayer articles may also include a silicone hardcoat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and process for enhancing the controlled radical polymerization in the presence of nitroxyls and nitroxylethers by adding a chain transfer agent selected from the group consisting of mercaptanes, thioethers and disulfides to the polymerizable mixture. A further subject of the invention is the use of mercaptanes, thioethers and disulfides for increasing rate and yield of controlled radical polymerizations in the presence of a nitroxyl or a nitroxylether.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a water-based release coating composition comprising a mixture of (A.) from about 5 to about 100 wt % of a polymer comprising the reaction product of (a.) from 1 to about 15 wt % of a fluorinated monomer selected from the group consisting of monomers according to the general formula: RfX—OC(O)—C(R)?CH2, wherein Rf represents a perfluorinated aliphatic group having 3 or 4 carbon atoms, X is an organic divalent linking group, and R represents a hydrogen or methyl group, (b.) from about 40 to about 70 wt % of an alkyl (meth)acrylate, wherein the alkyl group contains from 16 to 22 carbon atoms, (c.) from about 3 to about 20 wt % of (meth)acrylic acid, (d.) from about 20 to about 40 wt % acrylonitrile, and (e.) from 0 to about 15 wt % of vinyl monomer, other than acrylonitrile, wherein the sum of (a.) through (e.) equals 100%; and (B.) from 0 to about 95 wt % of an extender polymer, wherein the sum of (A.) and (B.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imageable element including a lithographic substrate and an imageable layer disposed on the substrate. The imageable layer includes a radically polymerizable component, an initiator system capable of generating radicals sufficient to initiate a polymerization reaction upon exposure to imaging radiation, and a polymeric binder having a hydrophobic backbone and including both constitutional units having a pendant cyano group attached directly to the hydrophobic backbone, and constitutional units having a pendant group including a hydrophilic poly(alkylene oxide) segment. The invention also provides a method for preparing a suitable polymeric binder. The method comprises contacting a combination of co-monomers in a solvent mixture consisting essentially of a (C1–C6) alkanol and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and process for enhancing the controlled radical polymerization in the presence of nitroxyls and nitroxylethers by adding a chain transfer agent selected from the group consisting of mercaptanes, thioethers and disulfides to the polymerizable mixture. A further subject of the invention is the use of mercaptanes, thioethers and disulfides for increasing rate and yield of controlled radical polymerizations in the presence of a nitroxyl or a nitroxylether.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins is disclosed, comprising contacting the monomeric olefin under polymerization conditions with a polymerization catalyst or catalyst system which comprises (a) a source of a Group VIII metal; (b) a bidentate phosphine ligand having the formula (R1)(R1)P—X—P(R1)(R1), where each R1 is independently selected from a phenyl group or a substitued phenyl group with the proviso that at least one of the R1 groups is a phenyl group having at least one ortho substituent, and X is a bridging group of the structure —[N]x—[P]y—[N]— where x and y are independently 0 or 1, or —C(R4)2— where R4 may be the same or different and is hydrogen or a monovavlent hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or hetero-hydrocarbyl group; and optionally (c) a promoter.

Abstract: The invention concerns a solid polymer electrolyte characterized in that it comprises at least a methacrylonitrile polymer in the form: of a linear homopolymer with strong mass, reinforced or not; or a homopolymer, reinforced or not made three-dimensional by crosslinking; or a linear copolymer with strong mass or made three-dimensional by crosslinking, in particular by incorporation of at least a crosslinkable comonomer. The invention is useful for making electrochemical generators, high load capacitors or electrochrome systems.

Abstract: Novel fluorine-containing paper sizes which impart oil and grease resistance to paper and soil-release properties to textile products are described which are the copolymerization products of (a) a perfluoroalkyl-substituted (meth)acrylate or (meth)acrylamide, (b) a secondary- or tertiary-amino or quaternary ammonium group-containing (meth)acrylate or (meth)acrylamide, (c) vinylidene chloride and, optionally, d) other copolymerizable nonfluorinated vinyl monomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic styrenic resin composition comprises a styrenic copolymer comprising 15-100 parts by weight of a unit derived from a styrenic monomer (i-1), 0-45 parts by weight of a unit derived from a vinyl cyanide monomer (i-2), 0-40 parts by weight of a unit derived from a copolymerizable vinyl monomer (i-3) other than the above monomers, and 0.0005-1.0 parts by weight of a unit derived from a polyfunctional maleimide monomer, all based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of (i-1) to (i-3). The thermoplastic styrenic resin composition manufactured in the present invention is excellent in processability. The rubber modified thermoplastic styrenic resin composition of the present invention gives a good heat stability, impact strength, fluidity and other mechanical properties. In addition, it also gives a uniform wall thickness, and the gloss on the surface of injected products after painting process is excellent.

Abstract: The problem addressed by the invention was to find an anionic polymerization inhibitor for cyanoacrylate adhesives containing one or more cyanoacrylates, stabilizers against anionic and radical polymerization and auxiliaries typically used in such adhesive systems which, besides a reliable inhibiting effect, would counteract any increase in the setting time after storage. This problem was solved by using 2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxathiolanes as inhibitors.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing hyperbranched polymers comprising heating a polymerizable reaction charge comprising (a) a monomer mixture comprising 50-99.1% by weight of at least one monoethylenically unsaturated monomer and 0.1-50% by weight of one or more multiethylenically unsaturated monomers and (b) if at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer of the monomer mixture is not a thermally initiating monomer, a free radical polymerization initiator, to a temperature in the range from about 250° C. to about 400° C. in a continuous reactor which allows mixing of the reactor contents for a residence time of from about 2 minutes to about 60 minutes, provided that if the total amount of multiethylenically unsaturated monomer is less than 3% by weight of the monomer mixture than at least one of said one or more multiethylenically unsaturated monomers must be tri- or greater ethylenically unsaturated. The hyperbranched polymers prepared by this process are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a flame retardant/heat resistant agent and adhesive, which includes one or more oxides of phosphorus, antimony, silicon and melamine cyanurate as the flame retardant agents and which can increase both the flame retardant/heat resistance of the cloth material and the binding strength of the cloth to a variety of thermoplastic polymers. The invention can be used in strengthening applications such as thermoplastic automobile accessories such as airbag deployment doors where a flame retardance/heat resistance is also required.

Abstract: Novel fluorine-containing paper sizes which impart oil and grease resistance to paper and soil-release properties to textile products are described which are the copolymerization products of (a) a perfluoroalkyl-substituted (meth)acrylate or (meth)acrylamide, (b) a secondary- or tertiary-amino or quaternary ammonium group-containing (meth)acrylate or (meth)acrylamide, (c) vinylidene chloride and, optionally, d) other copolymerizable nonfluorinated vinyl monomers.

Abstract: PSAs and protective coatings are provided, and include solvent, emulsion, and hot melt PSAs formulated with at least one benzocyclobutenone (BCBO) monomer. UV-cured PSAs and coatings are provided, and include cured BCBO-containing polymers and cured mixtures of BCBO-containing and OH-containing polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to open chain alkoxyamine compounds useful as polymerization regulators. The open chain alkoxyamine compounds are useful for the polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The compounds of the present invention provide polymeric resin products having low polydispersity. The polymerization process proceeds with enhanced monomer to polymer conversion efficiency. In particular, this invention relates to stable free radical-mediated polymerization processes which provide homopolymers, random copolymer, block copolymers, multiblock copolymers, graft copolymers and the like, at enhanced rates of polymerization and enhanced monomer to polymer conversions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions prepared by polymerizing vinyl neo C9-C13 carboxylic acid esters. Such compositions include latex compositions that are formed by polymerizing vinyl neo C9-C13 carboxylic acid esters with ethylenically unsaturated comonomers such as acrylic acid esters and vinyl acetate. The polymer compositions of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in applications such as architectural (both interior and exterior), direct-to-metal and marine coatings and transportation maintenance applications.

Abstract: Catalyst systems for the polymerization or copolymerization of 1-olefins which contain nitrogen-containing transition metal compounds comprising the skeletal unit depicted in formula (B), wherein M is Fe[II] Fe[III], Co[I], Co[II], Co[III], Mn[I], Mn[II], Mn[III], Mn[IV], Ru[II], Ru[III] or Ru[IV]; X is an atom or group covalently or ionically bonded to the transition metal M; T is the oxidation state of the transition metal M and b is the valency of the atom or group X; and R1-R7 are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl or substituted heterohydrocarbyl.

Abstract: A methyl methacrylate syrup is produced by the steps of (1) preparing a starting material comprising methyl methacrylate or a monomer mixture mainly comprising methyl methacrylate, and dividing the starting material into 20 to 70% by weight of an initial charge and 30 to 80% by weight of an after-charge; (2) heating the initial charge in a reactor; (3) adding a whole protion of a chain transfer agent at the time when the initial charge reaches a reaction temperature; (4) adding the after-charge over 0.1 to 10 hours together with a polymerization initiator having a half-life of 10 to 300 seconds at the reaction temperature; (5) continuing the heating after the addition of the after-charge and the polymerization initiator is complete; and (6) adding a hindered phenol polymerization inhibitor at the time the heating is finished. The methyl methacrylate syrup thus produced is excellent in storage stability.

Abstract: This invention relates to toner resins that are synthesized by emulsion polymerization which exhibit good electrical charge stability, adhesion to paper, and rub-off characteristics. The toner resins of this invention are comprised of repeat units that are derived from a vinyl aromatic monomer, an acrylic monomer, and acrylonitrile. These resins are void of repeat units that are derived from acrylic acid. The toner resins of this invention also have a number average molecular weight of greater than 12,000, a weight average molecular weight of greater than 36,000, and a glass transition temperature which is within the range of about 45° C. to about 80° C. The toner resins of this invention are typically made by emulsion polymerization utilizing diacid cycloaliphatic emulsifiers to attain improved adhesion to paper, improved electrical charge stability, a high level of resistance to moisture, and resistance to moisture adsorption (adsorbed moisture is known to neutralize electrical charges).

Abstract: A solution having a high concentration of ammonium (meth)acrylate and which is substantially free of (meth)acrylonitrile is made by enzymatic hydrolysis of (meth)acrylonitrile in the presence of water using an enzyme that has Km for (meth)acrylonitrile below 500 &mgr;m and Ki for ammonium (meth)acrylate about 100,000.