Abstract: In a copolymerization process of propylene, a mixture of unreacted propylene and ethylene is recovered. It is then fed to a distillation system which includes first and second distillation columns. The distillation system is operated in such a way that the temperature and pressure of the top of the second distillation column remain constant and an ethylene-propylene mixture can be recovered at a constant ethylene/propylene ratio from the top of the second distillation column. By using the thus-recovered ethylene-propylene mixture, the copolymerization reaction can be carried out under excellent control so that the ethylene-propylene copolymer can be obtained with uniform quality and properties.

Abstract: A high flash point cycloolefin composition, including at least 50% by weight dicyclopentadiene, the composition having a flash point of greater than 100.degree. F. and a viscosity of from about 3 cps to about 3000 cps at about 70.degree. F. and about 1 atmosphere pressure. The cycloolefin composition is used in a method of preparation of cycloolefin for polymerization by metathesis catalysis to form a substantially crosslinked thermoset polymer by: distilling the cycloolefin to form distilled cycloolefin, and contacting the distilled cycloolefin and an adsorbent.

Abstract: A composition for making a cellular thermoset polymer comprised of polymerized units of dicyclopentadiene monomer. The composition includes dicyclopentadiene, a catalyst, and a blowing agent.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for improving color purity in polymers by passing the monomer stream first through an alkali metal aluminosilicate molecular sieve and then through an activated alumina bed prior to polymerization.

Abstract: A method for smoothly and reliably initiating polymerization of ethylene with a supported chromium oxide catalyst, with smaller amounts of catalyst and in substantially shorter periods of time then heretofore required, by adding an alkylaluminum compound and a hydroxyl-containing compound to the reactor of a polymerization reaction system prior to the commencement of polymerization and subjecting said alkylaluminum compound and hydroxyl-containing compound to suitable conditions of temperature and pressure for a time sufficient for said alkylaluminum compound to react completely with the moisture present in said reactor and said hydroxyl-containing compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method of making a cellular crosslinked polymer with a metathesis-catalyst system where a metathesis-catalyst is activated with an alkylaluminum iodide compound.In a preferred embodiment, two parts of the metathesis-catalyst system form the basis for two solutions, a catalyst/monomer solution and an alkylaluminum iodide activator/monomer solution. At least one solution also contains a blowing agent. The solutions are combined in one place, such as the mixing head of a reaction injection molding machine, and then injected into another place, such as a mold, where the monomer reacts to form a cellular crosslinked polymer.

Abstract: Aromatic hydrocarbon resins having a number-average molecular weight of 500-2,500 and containing, in particular, units derived from styrene and/or from its higher homologs, are acylated with vinylketone groups RR'C.dbd.CR"--CO-- grafted onto the aromatic nuclei of the said resin, said resin further containing from 10 to 90 mol %, and preferably from 30 to 60 mol %, of units derived from indene and/or from its higher homologs, and containing from 0.02 to 0.07 grafted vinylketone group per aromatic nucleus.The resultant acylated resins are either polymerized anionically to polymers having a weight-average molecular weight ranging from 10.sup.4 to 2.10.sup.7, or are copolymerized with a living polymer such as polymethyl methacrylate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method of making a cellular crosslinked polymer with a metathesis-catalyst system where a metathesis-catalyst is activated with an alkylaluminum iodide compound.In a preferred embodiment, two parts of the metathesis-catalyst system form the basis for two solutions, a catalyst/monomer solution and an alkylaluminum iodide activator/monomer solution. At least one solution also contains a blowing agent. The solutions are combined in one place, such as the mixing head of a reaction injection molding machine, and then injected into another place, such as a mold, where the monomer reacts to form a cellular crosslinked polymer.

Abstract: In a process in which a C.sub.5 -C.sub.12 feedstock has been distilled from a cracked petroleum fraction and polymerized with the help of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst to produce a petroleum resin, the C.sub.5 -C.sub.12 feedstock is first dried to a moisture content of less than about 10 ppm water and then contacted with anhydrous hydrogen halide, usually HCl, prior to polymerization.

Abstract: A method of making a thermoset polydicyclopentadiene by first combining a plurality of reactant streams, one containing the activator of a metathesis-catalyst system, a second containing the catalyst of a metathesis-catalyst system and at least one containing dicyclopentadiene; then immediately injecting this combination into a mold where polymerization results in the formation of a tough, rigid thermoset polymer with high modulus and excellent impact strength.

Abstract: A thermoplastic, substantially resinous, unsaturated, random copolymer of ethylene, propylene or 4-methyl-1-pentene with a branched 1,4-diene of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is an alkyl group of a maximum of 8 carbon atoms, and each of R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is hydrogen or an alkyl of a maximum of 8 carbon atoms, exclusive of the case where both R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are both hydrogen.

Abstract: A transition metal compound containing at least one .pi.-bonded arene is contacted with an inorganic oxide, hydroxide, oxyhalide, hydroxyhalide or halide. The transition metal compound can be a compound such as titanium(O)ditoluene or TiCl.sub.2.2AlCl.sub.3 durene. The inorganic compound is preferably of high surface area and this may be inherent in the compound or can be achieved by a grinding procedure. The inorganic compound can be treated with a halogen containing compound either before, during or after the contacting with the transition metal compound. The product of the contacting is useful either as catalyst for the polymerization of unsaturated hydrocarbon monomers or as a component of such a catalyst. When used as a component of an olefine polymerization catalyst, the transition metal product can be mixed with an organo-aluminum compound and a Lewis Base compound such as an ester.

Abstract: Polymerizable anaerobic compositions can be made more stable and capable of greater speed of cure by removing from the composition at least a substantial portion of the metal contamination.

Abstract: An anionic polymerization is carried out by polymerizing a monomer for anionic polymerization in a solvent in the presence of a polymerization initiator after preparing a polymerization system by an operation (I) adding a solution of an organometallic compound in a polymerization system of a solvent or a combination of a solvent and an inert gas and an operation (II) removing excess of the unreacted organometallic compound, before charging the monomer and the polymerization initiator.

Abstract: A titanium trihalide component of an olefine polymerization catalyst is prepared by reacting together a titanium tetrahalide and an organo-aluminium compound, and treating the solid reaction product with a hydrocarbon solution of an alkyl aluminium dihalide. It is preferred that the solid reaction product is treated with a complexing agent, particularly an ether such as di-isoamyl ether before contacting with the alkyl aluminium dihalide. The titanium trihalide can then be used together with an organo-metallic compound to polymerize an olefine monomer, particularly propylene. The catalyst system may include further components in addition to the titanium trihalide and organo-metallic compound.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of styrene and acrylonitrile containing polymers wherein styrene and acrylonitrile in a predetermined ratio are introduced continuously into a recirculating polymerization zone of generally constant composition wherein a portion of the styrene and acrylonitrile is polymerized, material is removed from the polymerization zone at a rate equal to the addition of styrene and acrylonitrile on removal from the polymerization zone the monomer being separated from the resulting polymer, the improvement being maintaining a level of oxygen in the styrene and acrylonitrile not greater than 20 parts per million by weight based on the weight of the styrene and acrylonitrile. The resultant polymer is generally colorless.

Abstract: In a continuous process for producing olefin polymers by contacting olefin monomers with an initiator or catalyst in a polymerization zone, the improvement comprising contacting fast poisons in the feed with a scavenging agent in a scavenging zone under conditions such that no significant amount of polymerization occurs until said feed is contacted with the initiator or catalyst in a polymerization zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the polymerization of olefins wherein olefinic compounds are separated from mixtures containing them with resulting improved utilization of olefinic compounds. Such olefinic compounds are separated by use of membrane separation units and can be recycled to a polymerization zone.

Abstract: A process for producing a hydrocarbon resin having improved color and thermal stability, which comprises treating a petroleum cracking or reforming fraction containing cationically polymerizable hydrocarbons and not more than 0.7% by weight, based on the fraction, of cyclopentadienes and having a boiling range of from 140.degree. C. to 280.degree. C., with 0.8 to 3.0 moles, per mole of the cyclopentadienes, of a dienophile compound having a carbon-to-carbon double bond and a carbonyl or cyano group adjacent to the double bond; and then polymerizing the treated petroleum fraction in the presence of a polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the removal of hydrogen from streams comprising olefinic compounds, such as streams from a polymerization reactor. At least a portion of the olefinic compounds are saturated with a substantial portion of the hydrogen present so as to effectively remove hydrogen from the stream. The saturated material formed can be then separated from unreacted olefinic compounds by use of a membrane separator and the olefinic compounds recycled to a polymerization zone for reaction.

Abstract: A titanium trihalide is ground with an organic Lewis Base compound which contains at least one phosphorus atom, and optionally at least one nitrogen atom, and a titanium tetrahalide, the Lewis Base and the titanium tetrahalide being used in amounts of 5 to 75, preferably 5 to 50%, molar and 1 to 50, preferably 5 to 30% molar respectively relative to the titanium trihalide. The materials are conveniently milled together and the milled product can be used as a component of an olefine polymerization catalyst and when such catalysts are used to polymerize propylene a high activity is achieved together with satisfactory stereospecificity.

Abstract: In the catalytic polymerization of olefins from liquid olefin monomer under positive pressure, the use of a fuel gas, required in any event for providing energy elsewhere in the system, as a regenerative drying gas to regenerate the beds of a molecular sieve dryer used to dry the liquid olefin to be polymerized.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the polymerization and copolymerization of diolefins selected from the group of monomers consisting of trans-1,3-pentadiene and isoprene employing as a catalyst a mixture of (A) an organometallic compound selected from the group consisting of aluminum trialkyls, magnesium dialkyls and zinc dialkyls, (B) a soluble chromium compound selected from the group consisting of chromium salts of organic acids containing from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, organic complex compounds of chromium containing tridentate ligands and .pi.-bonded organochromium compounds, and (C) a member selected from dialkyl hydrogen phosphites, diaryl hydrogen phosphites and tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphite.

Abstract: A process for purifying a crude isoprene containing polymerization inhibiting materials such as acetylenes and sulfur compounds to produce high purity or polymerization grade isoprene comprising distilling the crude isoprene in the presence of at least one member selected from saturated hydrocarbons containing 6 to 8 carbon atoms, withdrawing the polymerization inhibiting materials as an overhead fraction and obtaining purified isoprene as a bottom fraction.

Abstract: Improved continuous process for synthesis of cis-1,4 poly(isoprene). In the commercial process for synthesis of cis-1,4 poly(isoprene) only a portion of the monomer charged is polymerized. The polymer, thus obtained, is separated from the unreacted monomer which in turn is recycled with solvent back into the system for conversion to additional polymer. Fresh monomer must be added from a separate feed to this recycle stream in sufficient quantity to replace or "make-up" for that which was converted to polymer. In the improved process of this invention, this "make-up" isoprene monomer is dried and then is introduced into the process subsequent to the initiation of polymerization of the isoprene monomer already present within the system, but prior to deactivation of the polymerization catalyst. Dehydration of "make-up" isoprene prior to its introduction into the process stream at the above juncture avoids deactivation of the still active catalyst with water.

Abstract: Homopolymer of compounds having the formula ##STR1## wherein n is 0 or 1, m is 1, X is an anion, R' is hydrogen, methyl or phenyl and R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are, individually, hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl, polymers thereof are produced by melt cracking a compound having the formula ##STR2## wherein Z is ##STR3## wherein Y is hydroxyl or RO, R being alkyl, aryl or aralkyl, and R.sup.1 -R.sup.4, n, m and X are as set forth above.

Abstract: In the process of making optically clear hydrophilic copolymers formed by copolymerizing a glycol monoester of acrylic or methacrylic acid with an alkoxy monomer having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 straight or branched chain alkoxy group, R' is a C.sub.2 or C.sub.3 straight or branched chain alkylene group, X is hydrogen or a methyl group, m is either 1 or 0, and n is an integer from 1 to 20, the improvement comprising distilling at least said alkoxy monomer under high vacuum and low temperature prior to copolymerization, promptly adding to said distilled monomer an amount of polymerization inhibitor below that which would inhibit copolymerization, but sufficient to provide a hydrated copolymer of high optical clarity, and then copolymerizing said monomer and said glycol monoester to form said hydrophilic copolymer. The invention also comprises the improved method of making hydrophilic buttons and contact lenses, particularly corneal contact lenses, from said hydrophilic copolymers.

Abstract: A process for preparing a hydrophilic water insoluble acrylic polymer by heating a composition consisting essentially of a compound having the generic formula ##STR1## wherein --R.sub.1 is --H, --CH.sub.3, or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 and --R.sub.2 is a lower alkyl radical containing at least one hydroxy group, said composition being essentially free from polymerization catalysts and initiators; the polymer resulting from the process and articles including contact lens blanks and contact lenses manufactured from the polymer.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon resin having improved color and thermal stability is prepared from a petroleum cracking or reforming fraction containing cationically polymerizable hydrocarbons and having a boiling range of 140.degree. to 280.degree. C. The petroleum fraction is first heat-treated with an .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated dicarboxylic acid anhydride at 50.degree. to 250.degree. C., and then polymerized in the presence of a catalyst. The hydrocarbon resin is useful as a binder component in hot-melt adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives and thermofusible traffic paints.

Abstract: A process for the production of olefin polymers which comprises contacting at least one olefin monomer with an olefin polymerization catalyst comprising:(1) a solid compound of titanium, vanadium or zirconium wherein the metal has a valency below its maximum,(2) a Grignard reagent which is substantially ether free,Mg[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2, Mg(C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.2,a lithium aluminium tetraalkyl, an aluminium hydrocarbyl halide, an aluminium hydrocarbyl sulphate, an aluminium hydrocarbyl oxyhydrocarbyl, an aluminium trihydrocarbyl or a dihydrocarbyl aluminium hydride, the improvement of adding to the polymerization system up to C.sub.a /f molecular proportions of a trivalent phosphorus compound of the formulaPR'.sub.3-n (X--A--Y).sub.nwhereinR' is halogen, a hydrocarbyl group, the group --NR.sub.2 or the group --OR;x is --O--, --S-- or --NR--;A is a bivalent hydrocarbyl radical such that X and Y are separated by not more than 3 carbon atoms;Y is --OR, --SR, --NR.sub.2, --PR.sub.

Abstract: A concentrated solution of a water-soluble vinyl monomer is mixed at or below room temperature with an effective amount of a peroxygen catalyst and the resulting solution is freed of inhibitory oxygen and thereafter atomized into a reaction vessel containing an atmosphere of gaseous sulfur dioxide to produce a polymer product by redox catalysis.

Abstract: A stream containing at least one noncondensible, under ordinary pressure and temperature, component and at least two components which are condensible under ordinary pressure and temperature are separated by subjecting said stream to successive fractional distillation conditions to successively remove highest boiling components. An overhead produced in one fractional distillation zone is introduced as a feed into the next fractional distillation zone. The penultimate overhead comprising only the noncondensible and a lowest boiling condensible component is partially condensed. The liquid phase is introduced onto the top tray of a last fractionation zone and the vapor phase is introduced below the top tray. A vapor stream containing a single condensible component and at least one noncondensible can be separated in the same manner as the penultimate overhead of a multi-component mixture.

Abstract: A process for producing an elastomer comprising selected copolymerized C.sub.5 -hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon mixture containing C.sub.5 -monoolefinic hydrocarbons, C.sub.5 -diolefinic hydrocarbons (cyclic and acyclic) C.sub.5 -paraffins, C.sub.6 -aliphatics and benzene which comprises separating the C.sub.5 -hydrocarbons from the mixture and copolymerizing a selected portion of the resulting C.sub.5 -hydrocarbon mixture in the presence of a catalyst system to form an elastomer. The elastomers produced are suitable for use in adhesive compositions in general but particularly useful as a component in pressure sensitive adhesive compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of polystyrene which comprises the steps of contacting styrene monomer with gaseous nitric oxide (NO) and thereafter subjecting the styrene monomer to polymerization conditions. An advantageous increase in the rate of polymerization for the styrene results.

Abstract: Removing water and light ends from recycle liquid olefin monomer and fresh liquid olefin monomer feed before catalytic polymerization thereof in said liquid state with a water sensitive catalyst, by flowing them through a mass transfer plate tower with a reboiler which vaporizes them upwardly through openings in the plates of said tower and in the form of bubbles through layers of liquid monomer reflux maintained on said plates by weirs and downcomers by means of which said reflux is flowed from each plate downwardly to the plate below it and, as a layer, along the top of the plate and thence downwardly to the next lower plate, condensing in a reflux condenser the vapor from the top of said tower, removing from said condenser as a vapor said light ends, removing water from said condenser as a heavy condensed liquid fraction and refluxing back to the top of said tower as a lighter liquid fraction, condensed liquid monomer. Preferably the tower is a valve tray tower and the plates are valve trays.

Abstract: Removing oligomers (short chain polymers of from two to seven atoms in the chain) from olefin monomer vapor recovered for recycle from the reaction mass resulting from the catalytic polymerization of liquid olefinic monomers by flowing such recovered vapor through a mass transfer plate tower upwardly through openings in the plates of said tower and in the form of bubbles through layers of liquid oligomer reflux maintained on said plates by weirs and downcomers by means of which said reflux is flowed from each plate downwardly to the plate below it and, as a layer, along the top of the plate and thence downwardly to the next lower plate, condensing in a reflux condenser the vapor from the top of said tower, removing olefin monomer from said condenser as a vapor and refluxing condensed liquid oligomers back to the top of said tower. Preferably the tower is a valve tray tower and the plates are valve trays.

Abstract: Under specified conditions of reaction, a substantially pure aqueous solution of diallyldimethylammonium fluoride monomer can be polymerized to provide corresponding polymers having an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 0.1 deciliter per gram measured in 1.0 N NaCl solutions.

Abstract: Gaseous and/or vaporous monomers are recovered from reaction off-gases by treating the latter with compounds which are liquid at 50.degree. C and atmospheric pressure and with which, and/or in which, the said monomers are subsequently reacted.

Abstract: Acrylonitrile or monomer mixtures containing acrylonitrile are purified by treating them with alkaline reacting compounds followed by distillation. The products are particularly suitable for the manufacture of acrylonitrile polymers showing improved color stability.

Abstract: A process for preparing a chloroprene-based liquid polymer having active terminal groups substantially at the terminals thereof comprising polymerizing chloroprene alone or in combination with one or more monomers copolymerizable with chloroprene in (1) an organic solvent having a boiling point of about 160.degree. C or less at atmospheric pressure and selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic halogenated hydrocarbons and cyclic ethers, or (2) in carbon disulfide, which is present in an amount of about 20 to 200 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the total monomer, in the presence of a xanthogen disulfide compound represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R can contain from 1 to 12 carbon atoms and is an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group or a cycloaliphatic group, which is present in an amount substantially equal to a ratio of about 2.5 to 20 parts by weight of diethyl xanthogen disulfide per 100 parts by weight of the total monomer.

Abstract: An olefine polymerization catalyst includes a complex compound of phosphorus having the general formulaR".sub.2 P(Q).sub.a XP(Q).sub.a R".sub.2where the various groups are defined. Typical phosphorus compounds include[(CH.sub.3).sub.2 N].sub.2 P(O)OP(O)[N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 ].sub.2.catalyst systems containing these phosphorus compounds give a high rate of polymerization together with a low proportion of soluble polymer. The phosphorus compound can be ball-milled with the titanium compound to give an improved effect.

Abstract: A hard, clear, glassy, smooth polymer with a dry surface having a dye precursor therein which forms a permanent color at those areas of the solid polymer that have been irradiated with ultra-violet or ionizing radiation is formed by combining vinyl and/or acrylic monomers, a triphenylmethane cyanide dye precursor and a chemical initiator that is compatible with the dye cyanide and polymerizing in the presence of a slight excess of hydrogen ions in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: An olefine polymerization catalyst includes a complex compound of phosphorus having the general formula ##EQU1## where the various groups are defined. Typical phosphorus compounds include ##EQU2## Catalyst systems containing these phosphorus compounds give a high rate of polymerization together with a low proportion of soluble polymer. The phosphorus compound can be ball-milled with the titanium compound to give an improved effect and the catalyst system may also include an electron donor compound such as triphenylphosphine oxide and tris(dimethylamino)silicon monochloride or a cyclic polyene such as cycloheptatriene.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for handling acrylamide aqueous solutions with safety wherein acrylamide aqueous solutions obtained through catalytic hydration reaction of acrylonitrile are handled using utensils made from phenol resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride resin or fluorine-containing resin or glass or using such utensils that are provided with linings formed by these materials.

Abstract: In the production of a petroleum resin an unsaturated hydrocarbon feedstock is continuously polymerised by means of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst in a plurality of alternating polymerisation and cooling zones in which catalyst is added to each polymerisation zone.