Abstract: A catalyst spray nozzle for injecting a finely atomized spray of liquid catalyst into a high pressure chemical reactor such as an autoclave reaction vessel for polymerizing ethylene into polyethylene. The liquid catalyst is fed under pressure to the discharge end of a passageway in the spray nozzle. A cylindrical valve member is positioned in a cylindrical compartment disposed adjacent to and coaxially with the discharge end of the passageway, and is biased against the discharge end by a spring coaxially positioned in the compartment. The spring biased valve element prevents liquid catalyst from passing through the nozzle until a given backpressure on the catalyst is established. When the given backpressure is reached, the pressure biases the valve member away from the passageway and the catalyst is forced through at least one discharge orifice under sufficient pressure to cause it to be sprayed in a finely atomized state into the reactor.

Abstract: An improved method for the polymerization of vinyl chloride or a monomer mixture mainly composed of vinyl chloride in an aqueous polymerization medium is proposed in which a water-insoluble polymerization initiator, being solid at room temperature as dispersed in the aqueous medium and having a particle size distribution of 50 .mu.m or finer, is added to the polymerization mixture which is maintained at a temperature where the half-life period of the initiator is 120 minutes or longer or, alternatively, over a duration equal to or shorter than one-tenth of the half-life period of the initiator at the temperature of the polymerization mixture. By this method the polymerization can be homogeneously proceeded to produce vinyl chloride polymers having a uniform particle size distribution, excellent heat stability and much less fish-eyes when fabricated into sheets.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polymers by free-radical, bulk polymerization comprising charging a reaction vessel with from about 5 to 15 percent by weight of an alpha, beta-unsaturated monomer which does not, under the conditions of the reaction, undergo free-radical polymerization, e.g., an alkyl ester of fumaric or maleic acid; thereafter adding to the reaction vessel from about 95 to 85 percent by weight of an acrylic monomer which, under the conditions of the reaction, undergoes free-radical polymerization in bulk form, blended with a free-radical initiator and controlling said addition in order that the acrylic monomer is present in said reaction kettle in an amount of less than about 20 percent, and preferably less than about 5 percent, during the course of the reaction. The process proceeds without excessive exothermy, permitting the complete polymerization in a synthetic resin reactor.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of copolymers by the polymerization of from about 25 to 85 parts by weight of a styrene and/or .alpha.-methylstyrene monomer together with about 15-75 parts by weight of acrylonitrile and/or methacrylonitrile monomer in an aqueous dispersion in the presence of a compound yielding free radicals is disclosed whereby the quantity of monomer remaining in the copolymer after polymerization is substantially reduced. A compound yielding water-soluble free radicals is added to the aqueous reaction medium, containing copolymer as well as non-converted monomer, in a quantity of between about 0.05 and 2.5 parts per 100 parts by weight of monomer and copolymer present in the reaction medium, at a point of time at which (a) the rate of conversion of monomer to copolymer is less than 15% per hour, (b) the degree of conversion of monomer to copolymer is greater than 75%, and (c) at least 0.

Abstract: A process for the production of polybutadiene having a high cis-1,4-content by the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene in an aliphatic solvent in the presence of a catalyst consisting essentially of(a) an organoaluminum compound,(b) water, and(c) a cobalt compound soluble in the aliphatic solvent,is improved by the combination wherein the 1,3-butadiene is polymerized at a temperature of 0.degree.-100.degree. C., the aliphatic solvent is hexane; the catalyst consists essentially of(a) diethylaluminum chloride,(b) water, and(c) cobalt octoate, cobalt naphthenate or a mixture thereof;and the catalyst components are added to a mixture of the 1,3-butadiene and the hydrocarbon solvent in the sequence of (a), then (b), and then (c), wherein the mixture is homogenized after addition of each catalyst component.

Abstract: Polyethylene is produced by polymerization of ethylene alone or with comonomers or telogens (modifiers) in an elongated tubular reactor having an inlet and outlet and at least one reaction zone and one cooling zone in the presence of free radical or free oxygen yielding initiator at elevated temperatures and pressures by passing the reaction mixture through each of the reaction zones of the tubular reactor having internal diameters between about 0.5 and 3 inches at bulk fluid velocities sufficient so that the Flow Number in each reaction zone is greater than 3.3 ft..sup.2 /sec. Flow Number is defined as the bulk fluid velocity in ft./sec. times diameter in feet. With Flow Numbers in excess of 3.3 ft..sup.2 /sec. in the reaction zones, it has been found that the effective reaction volume in the reaction zone has been increased and, accordingly, a more efficient process for producing a high quality polyethylene.

Abstract: The polymerization of chloroprene in the presence of an inorganic peroxy compound, anthraquinone-2-sulphonic acid-alkali salt and formamidine sulphinic acid.

Abstract: A catalyst spray nozzle for injecting a finely atomized spray of liquid catalyst into a high pressure chemical reactor such as an autoclave reaction vessel for polymerizing ethylene into polyethylene. The liquid catalyst is fed under pressure to the discharge end of a passageway in the spray nozzle. A valve member is biased closed against the discharge end of the passageway by a biasing spring in the form of belleville washers located entirely within the housing of the nozzle and prevents liquid catalyst from passing therethrough until a given backpressure on the catalyst is established. When the given backpressure is reached, the pressure biases the valve member away from the passagway and the catalyst is forced through at least one discharge orifice under sufficient pressure to cause it to be sprayed in a finely atomized state into the reactor.

Abstract: Bingham fluid compositions are provided which contain a functional material such as a polymerization initiator dispersed in a solid continuous phase, which is a mixture of a wax and a liquid hydrocarbon. Such compositions are prepared by heating the wax and the liquid hydrocarbon to form a melt and dispersing the functional material in the melt. Upon cooling, the composition solidifies with the functional material being uniformly dispersed throughout the continuous solid phase. The compositions, while solid at ambient temperature and pressure, assume the flow characteristics of a liquid under an applied pressure and can be pumped to feed the functional material to a polymerization reactor or molten polymer on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A rubbery copolymer of butadiene, styrene and acrylonitrile, if desired, with a tensile strength of about 50 to about 100 psig containing a minor amount of styrene, particularly in combination with selective tackifier resins. Said copolymer is preferably prepared by a step-wise aqueous emulsion polymerization with styrene and modifier being incrementally added. Said rubbery copolymer/tackifier mixture is particularly useful as an adhesive.

Abstract: The necessity of opening a large polymerization reactor, in order to introduce a polymerization catalyst between charges in the batch suspension of polymerization of vinyl chloride on a commercial scale, is eliminated, thereby avoiding vinyl chloride emissions into the atmosphere, by isolating a segment of a charging conduit for a polymerization reactor containing vinyl chloride under pressure proximate the reactor; partially filling the isolated segment with water; charging the isolated segment above the water therein with a water-insoluble polymerization catalyst; and displacing into the reactor from the catalyst-charged segment first the water therein and then the catalyst therein with vinyl chloride under pressure.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of a substantially equimolecular copolymer of maleic acid anhydride and diisobutylene in which from 10 to 100 mole % of the anhydride groups are esterified with linear or branched aliphatic monoalcohols containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms or with cycloaliphatic monoalcohols containing from 5 to 6 carbon atoms to form the corresponding semiesters, wherein shortly before or after the end of the solution or suspension copolymerization of maleic acid anhydride and diisobutylene a monomer corresponding to the general formula ##STR1## in which R=H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5, --OR.sub.2, --O--CO--CH.sub.3, ##STR2## --CH.sub.2 OH, --CH.sub.2 O--C--CH.sub.3, R.sub.1 =H , CH.sub.3 andR.sub.2 =a linear or branched alkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms,Or mixtures of these monomers with one another are added to the polymerization mixture in quantities of from 1 to 12 mole %, based on the maleic acid anhydride used.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with novel monomers containing sulfonic acid groups or salts thereof and polymers thereof which are useful for many purposes, such as antistatic agents for textiles and other shaped articles formed of hydrophilic materials. They are useful for making copolymers that are particularly valuable in coating compositions, especially in the form of aqueous latices or organic solvent solutions thereof. Examples of the monomers are of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or lower (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, such as methyl, A is an alkylene group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, at least 2 of which extend in one chain between the oxygen atoms, andX is an aromatic nucleus or an alkyl group, substituted by a sulfonic acid group and optionally one or more groups selected from sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid, and lower alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl.

Abstract: A process for the production of a crosslinkable low-molecular weight acrylic resin containing hydroxyl-groups and having a low-molecular consistency factor by the radical bulk copolymerization of(A) 0 to 30 parts by weight of a hydroxyalkyl ester of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid or mixtures thereof;(B) 0 to 60 parts by wt. of styrene or a substituted styrene or methyl methacrylate or mixtures thereof;(C) 10 to 90 parts by weight of an acrylic acid ester or of a methacrylic acid ester with 2 to 12 carbon atoms in the alcohol radical or mixtures thereof;(D) 0 to 30 parts by weight of an .alpha.,.beta.

Abstract: Polyethylene is produced by polymerization of ethylene alone or with comonomers and/or telogens (modifiers) in an elongated tubular reactor having an inlet and outlet and preferably containing four reaction zones. Conversions of up to 40% are achieved without loss of optical or physical product quality.

Abstract: Vapor phase polymerization of an olefin which comprises conveying inactive high yield titanium catalyst component to a vapor phase polymerization reactor with a liquid comprising recycled quench liquid, reactivating said inactive high yield titanium catalyst component inside the reactor with a metal alkyl reducing agent and polymerizing olefin under gas phase polymerization conditions with reactivated high yield catalyst to form a resinous polymer of an olefin having a low level of catalyst residues.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to feed controlled quantities of a catalyst slurry to an olefin polymerization reactor in a controlled time sequence. The apparatus includes a feed line for continuously feeding an inert hydrocarbon liquid such as hexane or isobutane to the reactor. A bypass loop is provided in the feed line and is equipped with auxiliary apparatus to charge the loop with a predetermined quantity of catalyst slurry. At preselected timed intervals, the hydrocarbon feed is fed through the bypass loop to sweep the charge of catalyst slurry to the polymerization reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the production of polymers which utilizes a tubular reactor which contains static mixers.

Abstract: In the polymerization of an anionically polymerizable monomer using a polymerization system comprising a monomer and a polymerization solvent wherein an organometallic compound polymerization initiator, soluble in said polymerization system and having the formula:MeR.sub.xwherein Me is a metal selected from the group consisting of Groups I and II of the Periodic Table; R represents an alkyl or aryl group, or an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon residue; and the integer x is 1 or 2; is added to said system, the improvement which comprises adding said organometallic compound as a solution comprising said organometallic compound dissolved in a high viscosity solvent having a viscosity higher than 1 cp at room temperature, and which dissolves slowly in said polymerization system.

Abstract: Auxiliary agents for improving the retention of flushable solids and for accelerating the drainage of suspensions, for more rapid treatment of solid and liquid substances which can be utilized industrially, such as industrial water, effluents and sludges, inter alia in the paper industry, and for improving the structure of soils, this auxiliary agents being in the form of suitable high-molecular, water-soluble acrylamide polymers obtained by solution polymerization, and also relates to a process for the preparation of this auxiliary agents.

Abstract: A method for the continuous manufacture of hydrocarbon resins starting from polymerizable insaturated hydrocarbons adapted to selectively obtain clear resins having well determined viscosities or softening points and to control the temperature of the polymerization reaction conducted in the presence of a Lewis acid as catalyst and recycling a fraction of the reaction mixture, due to the improvement comprising the steps of forming a close mixture of the catalyst and of the hydrocarbon fraction to be polymerized in a reactor, said mixture containing, by weight, from 0.05 to 0.8 part, and preferably from 0.1 to 0.

Abstract: A dry, solid, water-swellable, water-insoluble absorbent composition of matter comprises an ionic complex of a water-soluble anionic poly-electrolyte and a polyvalent metal cation. The composition is characterized by an ability to uncomplex at an elevated pH and recomplex at a lower pH.

Abstract: A process for the production of vinyl chloride polymers suitable for the production of pastes, in which some of the monomer to be used in the polymerization is subjected to homogenization in the presence of a surfactant and a monomer soluble initiator, the remainder of the monomer being admixed with the homogenized dispersion and the combined fractions polymerized.

Abstract: Ethylene polymers are manufactured in a tubular reactor under high pressure and at high temperatures in the presence of polymerization initiators. The polymerization is carried out in two different zones of the reactor, a mixture of ethylene, oxygen and regulator being fed into the first zone and a co-initiator having a half-life temperature, measured in benzene, of above 140.degree. C being additionally fed into the second zone. The co-initiator may be a peroxide or a hydroperoxide. The melt index, or the haze and gloss of a film produced from the resulting ethylene polymer, can be varied advantageously through the choice of the co-initiator.

Abstract: A rubbery copolymer of butadiene, styrene and acrylonitrile, if desired, with a tensile strength of about 50 to about 100 psig containing a minor amount of styrene, particularly in combination with selective tackifier resins. Said copolymer is preferably prepared by a step-wise aqueous emulsion polymerization with styrene and modifier being incrementally added. Said rubbery copolymer/tackifier mixture is particularly useful as an adhesive.

Abstract: Solid copolymers are produced by copolymerizing a mixture of: (A) at least 30% by weight of a monomer having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is H or CH.sub.3 and R.sub.2 is an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 14 carbon atoms; (B) from 3 to 20% by weight of an ethylenic .alpha., .beta. unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride thereof, or from 3 to 40% by weight of glycidyl acrylate or glycidyl methacrylate; and (C) from 0 to 67% by weight of a monomer copolymerizable with said monomers (A) and (B). Preferably, the mixture is first bulk-polymerized until conversion to the copolymer is from 10 to 80% by weight and the polymerization is completed by suspension-polymerization. Thermosetting solid coating compositions are produced by mixing a major proportion of a solid copolymer so produced with a minor proportion of a cross-linking compound or with an epoxy resin containing at least 2 epoxy radicals in the molecule in presence of a tertiary amine curing accelerator.

Abstract: 1,3-Butadiene is polymerized to polymers having broad molecular weight distribution in a continuous-adiabatic organolithium catalyzed polymerization in a flow pipe reactor by varying in a periodic manner the ratio of catalyst to 1,3-butadiene being charged to the reactor and mixing the polymers thus produced.

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: The viscosity of organopolylithium-initiated polymer solutions is reduced by introducing into the polymerization reaction after the polymerization reaction is at least 80 percent complete, an organomonolithium compound.

Abstract: The catalyst stream used for regulating high pressure polymerization reactions of monoolefins such as ethylene can be supplied in a positive, clean and accurately controllable fashion by delivering it through a separate conduit which terminates in an orifice tip located within and substantially coplanar with the entry port of the monomer stream into the reaction zone. The subject technique simplifies start-up as well as maintenance of good temperature control throughout the polymerization process.

Abstract: Binders for coating compositions are produced by an elevated temperature, aqueous phase polymerization, in the presence of an anionic emulsifier, polyethylene oxide and peroxydisulfate, of a monomer mixture consisting by weight of 10-85% vinyl aromatic component, which may be partially replaced by 0-20% of acrylonitrile, 15-90% by weight of diolefin component and up to 6% each of .beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid or an amide thereof or a mixture thereof, characterized by employing a starting reaction mixture containing 0.05-0.5% of an anionic sulfonate or sulfate emulsifier; 0.5-5% of a polyethylene oxide having an average molecular weight of between 300 and 4,000; and 0.5-2% of a water-soluble peroxydisulfate; and, after a monomer conversion of between 15 and 35% by weight, adding to the reaction mixture another 0.2-1.5% of an anionic sulfonate or sulfate emulsifier.

Abstract: A method of preparing synthetic rubbers having improved green strength and improved processing characteristics wherein a portion of the monomer is contacted with a catalyst imparting a cis-1,4 configuration and subsequently contacting the remaining portion of the monomer with a catalyst capable of imparting a trans-1,4 configuration.

Abstract: A rubbery copolymer of butadiene, styrene and acrylonitrile, if desired, with a tensile strength of about 50 to about 100 psig containing a minor amount of styrene, particularly in combination with selective tackifier resins. Said copolymer is preferably prepared by a step-wise aqueous emulsion polymerization with styrene and modifier being incrementally added. Said rubbery copolymer/tackifier mixture is particularly useful as an adhesive.

Abstract: Vinyl halide homopolymers, copolymers and graft polymers of substantially lower molecular weight are obtained when polymerization is carried out in the presence of an organotin mercaptide ester and an organic azo initiator. The products are faster fusing and have lower melt viscosities than corresponding polymers of the same molecular weight prepared by high temperature molecular weight reduction methods. The low molecular weight and excellent fusion characteristics of the products render these polymers particularly useful in molding, extrusion, and coating applications.

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

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

Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene polymer or copolymer suitable e.g. for extrusion on to wire to give an insulated conductor is produced using a dual catalyst system. The first catalyst component is a catalyst giving a high molecular weight (low SSG) such as ammonium persulphate (APS). The second component is a dibasic acid peroxide e.g. disuccinic acid peroxide (DSAP) which is added after the polymerisation has reached 20% conversion. The latter catalyst is found to produce a copolymer powder which can be extruded on to wire to give faultfree coating.

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.