Abstract: Vinyl chloride emissions from the gaseous phase of large scale vinyl chloride batch emulsion polymerizations are reduced by discharging the liquid phase only of the polymerizate to a discharge zone at a pressure differential of 0.1-2.5 atmospheres lower than the reactor provided by residual vinyl chloride in the reactor, maintaining the reactor unopened; and then conducting another vinyl chloride polymerization in the reactor in the presence of the residual vinyl chloride from the prior polymerization.

Abstract: Novel peresters having the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or an alkyl group or an alkoxy group having 1-6 C atoms and a method for making them are provided. The novel peresters may be used to advantage in the polymerization or copolymerization of ethylenically unsaturated compounds.

Abstract: A method of producing a polymer or copolymer solution of vinyl chloride series, wherein polymerization of 100 parts by weight of a monomer mixture of at least 50 weight percent of vinyl chloride and less than 50 weight percent of one or more monomers copolymerizable therewith is carried out in a solvent mixture consisting essentially of 30 to 55 weight percent water, remainder N,N-dimethyl formamide, in the presence of 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of a salt of a monomeric compound having a sulphonic acid group and using an initiator for radical polymerization.

Abstract: Primary-aliphatic-.alpha.-hydroxyazo-alkanes having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon radical containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms;R.sup.1 is the same as R except R.sup.1 is not hydrogen;R.sup.2 is the same as R except R.sup.2 is neither hydrogen, aryl, nor alkaryl;R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can together form an alkylene diradical;R, r.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be optionally substituted with the same or different groups.The compounds of the invention are more stable than the corresponding tertiary aliphatic-alpha-hydroxyazoalkanes. The compounds of the invention are useful as foaming agents for polyester resins and initiators for free radical polymerization of vinyl monomers.

Abstract: The residual vinyl halide content of vinyl halide polymer is reduced by radiofrequency dielectric heating of a water-containing layer of particulate polymer over which is disposed a layer of material through which vinyl chloride can pass but which restricts the passage of water e.g. perforated plastic sheet.

Abstract: A process for chlorinating vinyl polymers, especially vinyl chloride polymers (i.e. homopolymers and copolymers having a chlorine content of less than about 56.5% by weight) to increase the chlorine content (to a level preferably in excess of 60% by weight), wherein the vinyl chloride polymer is mixed in a powdered state with a minor proportion (in terms of the total mixture) of at least one chloroalkane (preferably 10 to 55 parts by volume in cm.sup.3 per 100 parts by weight in grams of polymer and more generally 10 parts by weight to 85 parts by weight of the chloroalkane per 100 parts by weight of the polymer), and then chlorinating the mixture with molecular chlorine (Cl.sub.2) at a temperature below the vetrification or vitreous-transistion temperature (second-order glass-transition temperature) of the polymer.

Abstract: Homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl chloride are produced in the form of a powder by a bulk polymerization process which involves a dual temperature operation. Vinyl chloride (either alone or admixed with other copolymerizable monomers) is contacted with conventional polymerization initiators in the absence of solvents or diluents at a first temperature of from about 68.degree. to about 110.degree. F until the polymerization has proceeded to 0.1 to 10% of completion and thereafter the temperature is raised to 120.degree. to 150.degree. F until the polymerization has reached the desired conversion.

Abstract: An improvement in the method of preparing vinyl halide-containing polymers by suspension polymerization is disclosed. Briefly, the improvement comprises "tail-peaking" the reaction mass prior to stripping in order to remove vinyl halide. By "tail-peaking" is meant increasing the temperature of polymerization towards the latter part of the polymerization reaction. In one aspect the improvement comprises the additional feature of conducting the polymerization in the presence of a plasticizer.

Abstract: Vinyl chloride resins characterized by rapid dry blending with plasticizers are prepared by suspension polymerization in an aqueous medium containing a hydroxypropyl cellulose plus higher fatty acid esters of sorbitan.

Abstract: Photodegradable compositions based on vinyl chloride polymers containing a ferrocene and an .alpha.-phenylindole as sensitizers to accelerate natural photodegradation and their use in the production of hollow bodies. Said compositions undergo photodegradation appreciably more quickly than known compositions based on vinyl chloride polymers containing solely a ferrocene.

Abstract: The method for preparing synthetic powders based upon polyvinyl chloride or vinyl chloride copolymers by spray drying the polymer dispersions is improved by using single material nozzles with atomizing pressures of about 550 to 1000 bars where a bar is a C.G.S. unit of pressure equal to 750 mm of Hg.

Abstract: A method of measuring the extent of an exothermic chemical reaction while the reaction is proceeding which comprises measuring the difference between the ingoing and outgoing temperatures of a coolant passing through the reaction vessel and computing therefrom the heat produced by the reaction, and in which the numerical value of the temperature of the ingoing coolant is retained in a memory device before being compared with that of the outgoing coolant, the period of retention being equal to the time taken for coolant to pass from the point of measurement of the ingoing temperature to the point of measurement of the outgoing temperature. This corrects errors due to variations with time of the temperature of the ingoing coolant.

Abstract: Aqueous microsuspension polymerization of vinyl halides in which monomer-soluble surfactant is dissolved in the monomer before it is brought into contact with the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A solid, frozen organic peroxide emulsion comprising from 30 to 75 weight percent organic peroxide, an emulsifying amount of surfactant(s) and the remainder water is described. Organic peroxides described include: dialkyl peroxydicarbonates, e.g., di-secondarybutyl peroxydicarbonate, diacyl peroxides, e.g., diisobutyryl peroxide, and acyl sulfonyl peroxides, e.g., acetylcyclohexylsulfonyl peroxide. The surfactant can be anionic, cationic, or nonionic, preferably nonionic, or mixtures of compatible surfactants.

Abstract: Unique polymers are prepared by the polymerization of high internal phase ratio emulsions of monomers in aqueous systems.

Abstract: Polyazo compounds containing at least one alkyl or aryl thia or oxa group alpha to at least one of the azo groups in the connecting chain between the azo groups, such as 4-t-butylazo-4-methyl-3-thiapentyl 4-t-butylazo-4-cyanovalerate, which are useful for the sequential generation of free radicals, especially in the preparation of block and graft copolymers.

Abstract: Liquid mixtures of symmetrical and asymmetrical azonitriles are provided which have a maximum freezing point of 25.degree. C. including mixtures of:A. 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-methylhexanonitrile) and 2-[(1-cyano-1-methylpropyl)azo]-2-methylhexanonitrile;B. 2,2-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-methylheptanonitrile) and 2-[(1-cyano-1-methylpropyl)azo]-2-methyl-heptanonitrile;C. 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-ethylhexanonitrile) and 2-[(1-cyano-1-methylpropyl)azo]-2-ethylhexanonitrile;D. 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-ethylheptanonitrile) and 2-[(1-cyano-1-methylpropyl)azo]-2-ethylheptanonitrile;E. 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-methyloctanonitrile) and 2-[(1-cyano-1-methylpropyl)azo]-2-methyloctanonitrile;F. 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpentanonitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2-ethylhexanonitrile) and 2-[(1-cyano-1-methylbutyl)azo]-2-ethylhexanonitrile;G.

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, dialkyl pyrocarbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and alkaline reagent, e.g., sodium bicarbonate. The initiator system is added to the polymerization medium in amounts sufficient to polymerize the ethylenically unsaturated material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of conducting under selected temperature conditions and with agitation a chemical operation which requires agitating a liquid phase under selected conditions, by enclosing the involved starting materials in a liquid-tightly enclosed cylindrical operating zone by a zone-enclosure that is a heat conductor and is of greater length than diameter and is enveloped by a subdivided temperature-control fluid-confining zone, and agitating the operating zone contents by rotating the operating zone with the fluid-confining zone while feeding temperature-control fluid through the temperature-control zone. Also enclosed is the apparatus that provides the cylindrical operating zone enveloped by the temperature-control zone.

Abstract: In a microsuspension polymerization of vinyl halide monomer additional monomer is added during the polymerization.

Abstract: Organic compounds of the formula:[(H.sub.3.sub.-n X.sub.n)C - CO.sub.2 M (CO).sub.m (R).sub.p (L).sub.q ].sub.rin which X is a halogen atom, at least one X being fluorine, M is molybdenum or tungsten, R is a hydride ion or a hydrocarbon group, L is a Lewis base and m, n, p, q and r are integers, are manufactured from fluoracetic esters and molybdenum or tungsten carbonyl compounds. They are useful as catalysts for polymerizing or co-polymerizing unsaturated compounds such as butadiene.

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: 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: Disclosed is an antistatic agent composition for incorporation in synthetic resins comprised of a blend ofA. a zinc salt of a C.sub.8-22 fatty acid or a mixture of a zinc salt of a C.sub.8-22 fatty acid and a calcium salt of a C.sub.8-22 fatty acid, andB. a tertiary amine component selected from the group consisting of those represented by the formulas ##EQU1## or 3. A MIXTURE OF TERTIARY AMINES (1) OR (2) WITH A HIGHER ALIPHATIC ALCOHOL REPRESENTED BY THE GENERAL FORMULAR.sub.3 OHwhere each R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl and alkenyl radicals containing from about 8 to 22 carbon atoms and n is a number of from 1 to 5.

Abstract: An improvement in the process for removing vinyl chloride from a water-polyvinyl chloride slurry, which contains unreacted vinyl chloride, by steam distillation is disclosed. In many instances, steam distillation of the slurry results in an increase in the number of gels or fish eyes. The improvement comprises conducting the steam distillation in the presence of a minor, but effective, amount of an alkali metal sulfite or carbonate. The improved process results in a polyvinyl chloride having no substantial increase in, or a reduced amount of, gels or fish eyes, while still having good heat stability and porosity properties.

Abstract: A process for the production of vinyl chloride polymers suitable for the production of pastes, in which a mixture of water and a monomer soluble free radical yielding initiator dissolved in a solvent therefor is subjected to homogenization in the presence of a surfactant and mixed with the monomeric material to be polymerized, the monomeric material then being polymerized to form vinyl chloride polymer. None of the vinyl chloride to be polymerized is homogenized in the claimed process.

Abstract: An essentially total reactor off-gas recycle process essentially isobaric in nature is herein disclosed for use in polymerizations wherein a polymerizable monomer or a mixture thereof is polymerized in a vapor state polymerization process using a stirred-bed, quench-cooled, horizontal reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel and a process for polymerizing vinyl chloride in suspension. The vessel the inner surfaces of which consist of stainless steel or are plated with a noble metal comprises at least one cathode in contact with the reaction medium and insoluble therein and as anode the metallic inner surface of the vessel, the cathode and anode being connected over an external source of current. The polymerization is carried out with electrolytic generation of hydrogen and oxygen from the polymerization medium. The polymerization vessel and process according to the invention suppress completely or substantially the formation of wall deposits.

Abstract: A melt finish process is disclosed herein for working up solid, particulate polymer from a vapor state polymerization reactor, which reactor employs high yield catalysts, whereby the polymer is moved out of the reactor and into a post polymerization zone characterized by essentially adiabatic polymerization and the heat of such polymerization is used in raising the temperature of and melting said solid, particulate polymer to form molten polymer for further processing.

Abstract: Lipophilic aminimides containing ethylenically-unsaturated moieties and carboxylic acid groups are disclosed. These compounds are useful as monomeric emulsion stabilizers, and may be polymerized with various co-monomers to provide pressure-sensitive adhesives.

Abstract: The reaction product of a chromium tris-diorgano-orthophosphate and an alkyl aluminum halide is a catalyst for olefin polymerization and for alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons with olefins.

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 method is herein disclosed by which a polymerizable monomer or a mixture thereof can be economically and efficiently converted to polymeric substances with a high yield catalyst in a vapor phase polymerization process using a stirred-bed, quench-cooled, horizontaL reactor together with essentially total reactor off-gas recycle and melt finishing. The method is further characterized by being essentially isobaric at least up to the polymer finishing steps.

Abstract: The mono- or diester of phosphoric acid and a straight chain alkanol of 8 to 10 carbon atoms is used as a surfactant in the emulsion polymerization of olefinic compounds, especially vinyl compounds, to obtain polymers having improved stability to light and heat.

Abstract: Alpha-methyl-p-bromo-styrene prepared by the manipulative steps of brominating poly(.alpha.-methyl-styrene) and subsequently depolymerizing the brominated polymer. The alpha-methyl-p-bromo-styrene has particular utility as a co-monomer for preparing copolymers exhibiting a flame retardancy.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of polymers and copolymers of yl choride, which comprises polymerizing vinyl chloride or copolymerizing vinyl chloride and monomers copolymerizable therewith in the presence of a peroxide having the general formula ##SPC1##Wherein R represents an alkyl- or an alkoxy-group having from 1-6 carbon atoms as an initiator. The initiator is used in an amount of 0.01 to 1.0% by weight, calculated on the monomer or monomer mixture. The foregoing peroxide may be used in combination with another structurally similar peroxide or with other peroxides also capable of polymerizing or copolymerizing vinyl chloride in an amount of 0.01 to 0.1% by weight, calculated on the monomer or monomer mixture.

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: Apparatus for the vapor phase polymerization of at least one polymerizable monomer comprising: (a) a horizontal reactor of substantially circular cross-section containing a centrally-located drive shaft extending longitudinally through said reactor to which are attached a plurality of adjacently located paddles, which paddles cause essentially no forward or backward movement of the particulate matter contained in said reactor and extend transversely within and to a short distance from the internal surfaces of said reactor, said reactor being divided into two or more individually gas-composition-controllable and polymerization-temperature-controllable polymerization compartments, by one or more dividing structures so constructed to control gas intermixing and movement of said particulate matter between said compartments; (b) driving means for said drive shaft; (c) one or more reactor off-gas outlets in each of said compartments spaced along the topward part of said reactor; (d) one or more vapor recycle inlets

Abstract: Novel symmetrical bis(unsymmetrical t-alkyl and t-aralkyl azo) compounds of the general formula I:r -- n = n -- r.sub.12 -- n = n -- r' (i)where R = R' = (R").sub.3 C--, e.g., 1,2-ethylene bis(4-t-butylazo-4-cyanovalerate); and the use of I for sequential generation of free radicals, e.g. styrene monomer and 1,2-ethylene bis(4-t-butylazo-4-cyanovalerate) are reacted to obtain polystyrene containing attached azo groups which in turn is reacted with methyl methacrylate monomer to obtain a block copolymer of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate).

Abstract: Vinyl halide homopolymers, particularly polyvinyl chloride, which exhibit improved processing characteristics without sacrificing physical properties are prepared by partially polymerizing a vinyl halide monomer at an initial temperature level whereupon the reaction temperature is then raised and the polymerization is continued at this increased temperature level preferably while in the presence of a chain transfer agent so as to obtain a polymer having an average molecular weight range different from that obtainable at the first reaction temperature. The resulting polyvinyl chloride provides the physical characteristics of polymer blends but can be processed much more readily than a mechanical blend of homopolymers of varying molecular weights, fusing more easily and without the undesirable formation of fish eyes.

Abstract: Vinyl chloride is removed from wet cakes that comprise a vinyl chloride polymer, vinyl chloride, and water by contacting the wet cakes with steam, preferably at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature in the range of 100.degree. to 125.degree.C.

Abstract: A polymerization catalyst consisting of a cupric salt, a copper chelating agent, and a cyanide salt is disclosed for polymerizing vinyl monomers. Such a catalyst system is less hazardous than are the persulfate and peroxide catalysts; the molecular weight of the polymer is higher under comparable polymerization conditions; and the catalyst is not consumed by certain impurities which react with the prior art catalyst.

Abstract: Ethylenically unsaturated azolide compounds are interpolymerized with acrylic ester monomers via an emulsion polymerization process. Di- or polyfunctional alcohols or amines are admixed with the resulting latexes to form latex compositions which are particularly useful as binders for nonwoven fibers. The latex compositions are stable at room temperatures, but upon drying and heating readily, yield crosslinked polymeric vulcanizates.

Abstract: Vinyl halide is homopolymerized under suspension conditions with additional vinyl halide being added after the pressure drop with polymer being recovered only after the polymerisation is completed.

Abstract: Pulverulent polyvinyl chloride molding compositions capable of being sintered are produced using as emulsifier an alkyl-aryl or alkyl-sulfonic acid or a mixture thereof. Prior to or during polymerization 20 to 80 % of the emulsifier are added, optionally together with other auxiliaries, and the balance is applied to the separated polymer. The molding compositions are especially suitable for the manufacture of separating plates for electric cells.

Abstract: a metal-complexed polymer prepared from ethylenically-unsaturated monomers, such as styrene, with a copolymer of styrene and maleic anhydride incorporated into the main polymer backbone to contribute carboxyl functionality, is disclosed. The resulting polymer is complexed with a metal such as zinc to achieve a crosslinked, highly insoluble film. These metal-complexed polymers may be employed in the preparation of metal-complexed, detergent-resistant coating compositions.