Abstract: Halofluorinated alkylene monomers are made by a method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting a first polymer which is the reaction product of a fluorinated vinyl monomer and a vinyl comonomer to dehydrohalogenation to form a second polymer; (b) treating the second polymer with an oxidizing agent to form an oxidation product consisting of a .alpha., .omega.-dicarboxylic acid or an ester derivative thereof; and (c) treating said oxidation product with a reducing agent to form a reduction product consisting of a a .alpha., .omega.-diol. Preferably, the first polymer has a structure of --[CH.sub.2 CYZ(CF.sub.2 CFX).sub.n ].sub.m -- wherein X and Y=F, Cl or Br; X and Y may be the same or different; Z=H, F, Cl, Br, alkyl or perfluoroalkyl containing from about 1 to about 10 carbon atoms; n=an integer larger than about 1; and m is an integer between about 2 and about 10.sup.5. The .alpha., .omega.-dicarboxylic acids and .alpha., .omega.-diols produced herein can be directly used as polycondensation monomers.

Abstract: Liquid catalyst composition is fed to a fluidized bed olefin polymerization reactor through an ultrasonic nozzle, enabling improved control over average catalyst composition droplet size and size distribution, which provides better control over resin particle size. The spray may be surrounded by a shroud of gas which creates a particle lean zone, thus reducing the likelihood of contact by the catalyst composition with existing product particles already suspended in the fluid bed.

Abstract: In the decomposition of a polymer containing a urethane linkage and/or urea linkage in the presence of a decomposing agent, the amount of evolved carbon dioxide is measured and the decomposition reaction is conducted until a total amount of evolved carbon dioxide reaches a specified value to obtain a liquid decomposition product. According to the present invention, a decomposition product having constant quality can be obtained in a simple manner.

Abstract: In a method for the depolymerization and reprocessing of material which consists of polyamide 6 waste and/or oligomer-containing polyamide 6 waste and/or oligomer-containing lactam residues and/or oligomer-containing lactam by hydrolysis in a pressure reactor with the addition of water, the material is melted and the melt is conducted continuously at predetermined temperature through the pressure reactor the inside pressure of which is controlled by the dosaged feeding of water or steam.

Abstract: The invention provides biodegradable vinyl ester copolymers of one or more monomers selected from the group of vinyl esters of unbranched or branched alkylcarboxylic acids having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, which contain from 0.1 to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the copolymer, of one or more cyclic ketene acetals selected from the group consisting of 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane, 2-methylene-1,3-dioxolane, 2-methylene-1,3-dioxane and have a molecular weight>50,000.

Abstract: Photodegradable and biodegradable polymers comprising both ketone functionality and hydrolyzable polymer ester or amide functionality and thermoplastic articles formed therefrom are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel process for providing a thermoplastic polymer having novel thermal characteristics including the critical step of masticating the polymer, either continuously or discontinuously, until the melt index of the polymer is substantially increased.

Abstract: A novel process for providing a thermoplastic polymer having unique thermal characteristics including the step of cooling the polymer during extended mastication until the melt index of the polymer is substantially increased.

Abstract: The composition of crystalline 1-butene polymer comprising(a) a crystalline 1-butene polymer containing a 1-butene component as a main component, and(b) a radical-treated crystalline olefinic polymer having (1) a boiling p-xylene-insoluble content of 30% by weight at most and (2) the relation satisfying the following expressionTc.sup.CL -Tc.sup.O .gtoreq.1wherein Tc.sup.CL is the crystallization temperature (.degree.C.) of the radical-treated crystalline olefinic polymer, and Tc.sup.O is the crystallization temperature of the crystalline olefinic polymer before the radical treatment, and (c) the proportion of the radical-treated crystalline olefinic polymer (b) being 0.2 to 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the crystalline 1-butene polymer (a).

Abstract: The composition of crystalline 1-butene polymer comprising:(a) a crystalline 1-butene polymer containing a 1-butene component as a main component, and(b) a radical-treated crystalline olefinic polymer having (1) a boiling p-xylene-insoluble content of 30% by weight at most and (2) the relation satisfying the following expressionTc.sup.CL -Tc.sup.O .gtoreq.1wherein Tc.sup.CL is the crystallization temperature (.degree.C.) of the radical-treated crystalline olefinic polymer, and Tc.sup.O is the crystallization temperature of the crystalline olefinic polymer before the radical treatment, and(c) the proportion of the radical-treated crystalline olefinic polymer (b) being 0.2 to 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the crystalline 1-butene polymer (a).

Abstract: A seed is supplied to a particle form evaporator to form a seed bed. The rate at which seed is supplied is controlled in response to the temperature of the seed bed. The seed bed can be used to facilitate start-up of the particle form evaporator. Apparatus useful for the inventive start-up process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Aluminum is recovered from solid rocket propellant containing a small amount of oxidizer by depolymerizing and dissolving propellant binder containing functional or hydrolyzable groups in a solution of sodium methoxide in an alcohol solvent optionally containing an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon co-solvent and then filtering the solution to recover substantially all the aluminum in active form.

Abstract: A process for improving the processability of high molecular weight neoprene polymers which comprises treating a solution of said polymers in an organic solvent with an organic peroxide at room temperature in the presence of oxygen to reduce the molecular weight of said neoprene and lower the viscosity of said solution.

Abstract: There is disclosed a degradable article made from photodegradable polymeric or plastic compositions comprising at least one organic polymer or copolymer and at least two different aromatic carbonyl photosensitizers.

Abstract: Chloroprene is polymerized in the presence of compounds of the formula ##STR1## where X, Y and Z are selected from the group consisting of oxygen and sulfur, R.sub.1 is a hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is a hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms or is a radical the same as ##STR2## R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms or hydrogen with at least one of R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 not being hydrogen and n is 1 to 4.

Abstract: Production of a solution of a chloroprene polymer, suitable for use as a component for an adhesive, by dissolving the polymer in a solvent, and heating the solution, adding a free-radical catalyst and contacting the solution with a molecular oxygen containing gas, until the viscosity of the solution is lowered by at least about 10%.

Abstract: Continuous oxidation of rubbery polymeric hyrocarbons by mixing an oxygen-containing gas and a hot solution of the polymer in an oleaginous solvent at the inlet to a spraying device and spraying the mixture into a hot chamber provides substantially instantaneous oxidation of the polymer and disengagement of gas and liquid and at least the same extent of oxidation as the time consuming oxidation accomplished by sparging such gas into a volume of stirred hot solution.

Abstract: Di or polyfunctional macromolecular compounds having a terminal functional group at each end of the molecule are produced by selectively cleaving the carbon-carbon double bonds of an unsaturated polymer by the oxidizing action of a ruthenium tetroxide oxidizing system. The compounds are useful as components in crosslinked plastics materials, in binders for rocket fuels, and as components in tri or polysequential copolymers.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of copolymers of ethylene with tert-butyl acrylate and acrylic acid at from 200.degree. to 350.degree. C under pressures above 800 atmospheres using mean residence times of up to at most 100 seconds, in which the reaction mixture obtained from the polymerization is kept for from 2 to 10 minutes at from 200.degree. to 250.degree. C under a pressure of not more than 500 atmospheres. Terpolymers are obtained which may be used as hot-melt adhesives in the form of thin and extremely homogeneous films.

Abstract: Polymer compositions comprising a nitrogenous polymer, especially an acrylonitrile-containing polymer, evolve reduced amounts of hydrogen cyanide on combustion when containing an alkaline earth metal oxide and sulfur.

Abstract: A process for improving the processability of high molecular weight neoprene polymers which comprises treating a solution of said polymers in an organic solvent with an organic peroxide at room temperature in the presence of oxygen to reduce the molecular weight of said neoprene and lower the viscosity of said solution.

Abstract: Polymers containing internal unsaturation are modified by treatment with an olefin disproportionation catalyst.

Abstract: There are disclosed novel photodegradable polymeric or plastic compositions comprising at least one organic polymer or copolymer and at least two different aromatic carbonyl photosensitizers.

Abstract: Dry non-sticky fine lubricant powders are made by .gamma.-irradiation of unsintered coagulated dispersion grade tetrafluoroethylene polymers and organic dispersions are made by dispersing the irradiated polymer in an organic medium.

Abstract: There is disclosed the preparation of a degradable polymeric material consisting essentially of an organic polymeric base containing a degradation-promoting amount of a partially degraded organic polymer. The organic polymeric base and the degradation-promoting additive may be derived from the same or different polymers. The invention is especially useful in controlling the environmental deterioration of plastics. The rate of deterioration is a function of the environmental conditions such as light, oxygen, and temperature; the concentration of the additive; and the chemical structure(s) of both the base and the additive.

Abstract: Copolymers of trioxane with cyclic acetals may be prepared by copolymerization of the monomers in solid phase. For this purpose the monomers are first mixed homogeneously in a liquid phase with a catalyst, the mixture is then solidified by cooling and finally polymerized by heating, while maintaining it in a solid phase. The liquid phase mixture is cooled to solidify it immediately after mixing and prior to development of turbidity in the liquid mixture. Cooling can be effected, for example, on a chilled rotating roll. The moulding composition, obtained after having worked up the copolymer as usual, is a suitable material for the preparation of molded semi-finished products and finished articles.

Abstract: Photodegradable polyolefin compositions are described which comprise from 5 to 500 ppm of iron in the form of an alkali metal, preferably potassium, trioxalatoferrate and from 5 .times. 10.sup.-.sup.5 to 5 .times. 10.sup.-.sup.3 mol per 100 g of polyolefin of a photosensitizing organic compound having a triplet energy of at least 30 Kcal/mol, such as certain aromatic ketones or aldehydes, certain organic nitro derivatives or dyestuffs, or certain aromatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A plastic material such as a polyethylene which is adapted for use in packaging is rendered photodegradable under the direct action of sunlight by mixing therewith an amount, up to 3% by weight, of an additive consisting of 1.2.4.5 tetramethylbenzene.

Abstract: A polymer composition and a process for preparing the same are provided which composition is degradable under the action of ultraviolet light and/or sunlight and/or thermally and the polymer component of which comprises thermoplastic polymers or copolymers of .alpha.-olefins, or comprises polystyrene. The composition contains a photolyzable metal compound promoting degradation which is present at least partially in the composition in an extremely finely divided state.

Abstract: Aryl substituted 1,3-diones have been found to be useful as accelerators for the photodegradation of polyolefins.

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: A method of providing a fibrous thermoplastic resin for depolymerization thereof wherein the fibrous thermoplastic resin is formed into a shaped article having a specific gravity of at least 1/2 of the true specific gravity of the fibrous thermoplastic resin, said shaped article consisting of the fibrous thermoplastic resin mass having on its surface a crusty thin resin layer which may be press-bonded or melt-bonded to the mass. The thus provided shaped article of the fibrous thermoplastic resin can be advantageously employed as a starting material for the depolymerization reaction. In accordance with this invention, the time required for completion of the depolymerization can be greatly shortened as compared with that of the conventional technique and the rate and efficiency of the depolymerization can be greatly improved.

Abstract: A novel process for making polymers degradable by the direct action of sunlight is disclosed. The process is based on the addition to the polymer of a compound having the formula: ##EQU1## in which R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of aromatic radicals with the proviso that one or two of them may be selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl and arylalkyl.

Abstract: Difurfurylidene cycloalkanones have been found to be useful as accelerators for the photodegradation of polyolefins.

Abstract: A copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol which contains ketoether groups and is photodegradable under the direct action of sunlight is prepared by reacting an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer with alpha-diazoacetophenone in the presence of an organic solvent and a catalyst consisting of a Lewis acid.

Abstract: Polyolefins capable of photodegradation are prepared by incorporating in the polyolefin an additive which contains chlorine, bromine, or iodine and an olefinic linkage.

Abstract: Polyolefins capable of photodegradation are prepared by incorporating in the polyolefin an additive containing chlorine, bromine, or iodine and either a nitrogen or a sulfur group.

Abstract: Polyolefins capable of photodegradation are prepared by incorporating in the polyolefin an additive which contains chlorine, bromine, or iodine directly linked to the nitrogen atom of an amide or imide group.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon polymer, such as high density polyethylene, is rendered photodegradable through the introduction into the polymer chain of photosensitive >C= O groups by reacting the polymer with a compound such as NOCl in the heterogeneous phase in an acid environment so that - NO groups are introduced into the polymer chain which are converted into >N--OH groups and then subjecting the resultant polymer to hydrolysis so that the >N--OH groups are converted into photosensitive >C = O groups.

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: An unsaturated hydrocarbon elastomer with a high molecular weight is reacted upon an oxidizer and a reducer forming a redox couple, in an organic solvent medium in the absence of air or in an aqueous medium, the oxidizer being selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides, and the reducer being selected from the group consisting of sulphinic acids and their derivatives and of hydrazine and its derivatives.The pasty to liquid materials obtained give, after having been vulcanized and possibly reinforced, elastomeric products.