Abstract: This invention relates to polymeric thermoplastic moldable compositions comprising poly(alkylene carbonates), which are useful in manufacturing of articles which may be manipulated and shaped by their user, but regain their shape after distortion. These compositions are free from toxic compounds and have a glass transition temperature from about 15° C. to about 132° C. These compositions are useful in manufacturing of articles such as toys, utensils to convey solids or liquids to the mouth, soothing articles (i.e., teething rings and pacifiers) and articles which support food (i.e., candy/confection sticks or holders.) They are most useful in manufacturing of children's toys and products.

Abstract: In a process of producing polyethylene terephthalate by esterification of terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol and polycondensation, the vapors formed are rectified, the liquid phase is recirculated to the process, and the lower-boiling components are condensed. To obtain an almost completely stripped condensate, condensate is circulated and stripped the same with air, and the exhaust air is subjected to a catalytic oxidation.

Abstract: The present invention describes the incorporation of several types of soft-block materials into resorcinol phthalate-co-polycarbonate polymers. In preferred embodiments, the soft-block materials contain aliphatic moieties or silicones as flexibilizing units. Several methods of incorporation into the copolymer structure are described including co-reaction of diols with iso/terephthaloyl chloride, replacement of the normal chainstopper with a p-alkylphenol, replacement of a portion of the bisphenol A with an aliphatic ester-bisphenol, and co-reaction of aliphatic diacid chlorides. The polymers of the present invention have good flow characteristics at temperatures generally used for coating, and have good thermostability and weatherability.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for detecting the location of an interface between phases. In one embodiment, the process comprises: introducing a reaction mixture into a vessel wherein the reaction mixture is the product of an at least two phase interfacial reaction, and a difference in densities between at least two of the phases is less than or equal to about 1 g/cc, separating the reaction mixture into the phases with an interface located therebetween, measuring electrical inductance of the reaction mixture at different latitudinal locations; and determining the location of the interface.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding composition comprising polycarbonate and 50 ppm to 300 ppm, in relation to the weight of the composition, of diphenyl carbonate is disclosed. The composition is especially suitable for the preparation of extruded sheets, in particular coextruded.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of bisphenols comprises introducing a combined feed stream comprising a feed stream and a recycle stream into a reactor system comprising at least one reactor containing a catalytic proportion of an acid catalyst and wherein the combined feed stream comprises a carbonyl compound and a stoichiometric excess of phenol; removing from the reactor system a reactor effluent; splitting the reactor effluent into a crystallization feed stream and an effluent recycle stream; extracting from said crystallization feed stream a bisphenol adduct, remainder comprising a mother liquor stream; dehydrating said mother liquor stream and said effluent recycle stream in a dehydrator wherein excess water and carbonyl compound are removed; and recycling the dehydrated mother liquor and the dehydrated effluent recycle stream back to the combined feed stream to effect improved production of p,p-bisphenol, along with increased reactor selectivity and reduced promoter quantities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing polycarbonates in the presence of one or more alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal catalysts, and subsequently removing the catalyst residues by chelation, to yield a clear polycarbonate product that is free from catalyst residues, and is thus suitable for use as a binding material in the ceramics industry where residual amounts of catalysts in the binder are burdensome.

Abstract: Polycarbonate substrates, the preparation of which is based on 1,1-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl) -3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, and their use for producing shaped articles with particularly high purity and extremely high surface brilliance and also the shaped articles which can be produced from the polycarbonate substrate are described.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of optical data carriers made of a particualr polycarbonate is disclosed. The polycarbonate is prepared by the phase boundary process that entails reacting at least one dihydroxydiarylalkane in the form of its alkali metal salts with phosgene in the heterogeneous phase in the presence of sodium hydroxide solution and an organic solvent. The process is characterized in that the feedstock have but low content of Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, Ca, Mg, Al metals or homologues thereof, and in that the organic solvent is separated off, and in that the polycarbonate which is obtained is worked up. The resulting polycarbonate is particularly useful in producing optical data carriers.

Abstract: A polycarbonate comprised of a repeating unit represented by Formula (I) with R1, R2, R3 and R4 being, for example, alkyl; Ar being, for example, aryl; and m representing the number of groups.

Abstract: Optical articles, including light management films, prepared from brominated polycarbonate material are disclosed. The brominated polycarbonate provides a film exhibiting good light transmittance, high refractive index, good flame resistance, and good mechanical properties.

Abstract: Polycarbonates are produced by reacting a monomeric carbonate component with at least one diphenol or dialcohol in the presence of a transesterification catalyst, wherein the molten component is mixed with the transesterification catalyst by stirring and a transesterification product is produced, which is polycondensated. For polycondensation, the transesterification product is passed through a preliminary reactor, at least one intermediate reactor and one final reactor, the reactors being connected in series and having a substantially horizontal driven shaft with stirrers attached thereto. It is ensured that in the preliminary reactor and in the final reactor a dwell time of the melt of 5 minutes to 2 hours is maintained, that the temperatures in the preliminary reactor are maintained in the range from 220 to 300° C. and in the final reactor in the range from 240 to 350° C.

Abstract: A thermally-formed molded article comprising a branched polycarbonate having improved thickness uniformity is disclosed. The polycarbonate has a melt volume rate of 1.5 to 10 and a viscosity parameter of 1.75 to 3.0. Also disclosed is a process for the production of the article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously producing an alkyl aryl ether and a diaryl carbonate by reacting a dialkyl carbonate and an aromatic alcohol in presence of a transesterification catalyst.

Abstract: A continuous process for producing oligocarbonate is disclosed. The process entails in sequence the steps of a) reacting a dihydroxyaryl compound with a diaryl carbonate in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a melt and avoiding removal of released monohydroxyaryl compound and b) withdrawing the monohydroxyaryl compound by flash evaporation and c) heating the melt obtained under vacuum in an evaporator equipped with sump receiver and d) repeating at least once steps b) and then c) each at gradually increased temperatures and lowered pressures.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polycarbonate by the phase boundary process is disclosed. The process entails reacting at least one dihydroxydiarylalkane in the form of its alkali metal salts with phosgene in the heterogeneous phase in the presence of sodium hydroxide solution and an organic solvent. The process is characterized in that the feedstock have but low content of Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, Ca, Mg, Al metals or homologues thereof, and in that the organic solvent is separated off, and in that the polycarbonate which is obtained is worked up. The resulting polycarbonate is particularly useful in producing transparent shaped articles.

Abstract: A subject for the invention is to provide a branched aromatic polycarbonate which is excellent in hue and in melt characteristics such as melt strength.

Abstract: A polycarbonate molding having improved optical properties is disclosed. The molding features an angle of deflection &agr;&egr; (min) determined in a accordance with DIN 52305-A-AS of ≦2.0 and a refractive index D&egr; (min) determined in accordance with DIN 52305-A-AZ of ≦0.05. The molding is prepared from a molding composition that contains a branched polycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 25,000 to 40,000 and melt volume rate of 2 to 20 cm3/10 min (300° C.; 1.2 kg) determined in accordance with ISO 1133.

Abstract: A polycarbonate resin molding material for optical use which is pellets formed from a polycarbonate resin and having a bulk density of 0.72 kg/l or more and an optical disk substrate formed therefrom. According to the present invention, use of the above pellets makes it possible to obtain an optical disk substrate which rarely experiences the production of a silver streak, reduce the molding cycle and smoothen the molding operation.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer molding composition useful for producing an article, where the molding composition comprises a polyorganosiloxane-polycarbonate block copolymer and a flow modifier; wherein the flow modifier is at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyalkylene glycol, a low weight average molecular weight polycarbonate polymer, or mixtures thereof; and further wherein the flow modifier reduces surface imperfections when molded into the article.

Abstract: A phenolic compound having a branched structure is disclosed. The compound conforms to HO—Ar1—X—Ar2—[Y—W]n  (1) wherein Ar1 and Ar2 independently denote an optionally substituted mononuclear or polynuclear aromatic moiety, X and Y independently denote a single bond or a divalent radical, W denotes an optionally substituted mononuclear or polynuclear aromatic moiety or an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic radical, and n is 1 to 5, is useful as a terminal group in polycarbonates, polyester carbonates and polyesters. Also disclosed is a process for producing such resins where the disclosed compound is a chain terminator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymeric material obtained by melt-kneading, using a kneading apparatus, a resin composition containing an organic polymer having no metal alkoxy group and a metal alkoxide compound. The organic-inorganic hybrid polymeric material, a polymeric material containing this component, and a molded products obtained therefrom are suitable for high-performance and high-function plastic applications. Simple and practical processes for producing them at high productivity and at low cast are also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous process for mixing polymer melts with additives, in particular polycarbonate melts with additives in liquid form, in solution or in dispersion is described. The additives are added to a main stream of polymer melt and are then mixed, preferably directly, with the main stream in a static mixer.

Abstract: Polycarbonate substrates having low concentration of defects are disclosed. The substrates are suitable for producing molded articles characterized by low cloudiness.

Abstract: A polycarbonate comprised of a repeating unit represented by Formula (I) 1

Abstract: Golf balls comprising thermoplastic, thermoset, castable, or millable elastomer compositions are presently disclosed. These elastomer compositions comprise reaction products of polyisocyanates and telechelic polymers having isocyanate-reactive end-groups such as hydroxyl groups and/or amine groups. These elastomer compositions can be used in any one or more portions of the golf balls, such as inner center, core, inner core layer, intermediate core layer, outer core layer, intermediate layer, cover, inner cover layer, intermediate cover layer, and/or outer cover layer.

Abstract: Thermally stable block copolyestercarbonates comprising chain members derived from at least one dihydroxy-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon moiety and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid moiety, said polymer being substantially free of anhydride linkages linking at least two mers of the polyester chain segments, are prepared by a method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a hydroxy-terminated polyester intermediate comprising structural units derived from at least one dihydroxy-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon moiety and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid moiety; and (b) conducting a reaction of the polyester intermediate with phosgene in a reaction mixture comprising water, a substantially water-immiscible organic solvent, and a base, wherein base and phosgene are added simultaneously to the reaction mixture at a substantially constant molar ratio of base to phosgene for a time period of at least about 60% of the total amount of phosgene added.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wholly aromatic polyester carbonate and a process for its production. An aromatic dicarboxylic acid, an aromatic diol, and a diaryl carbonate are used as starting materials in specific molar ratios, a prepolymerization step, a crystallization step, and a solid-phase polymerization step are essential steps, and a compression molding step is an optional step. This makes it possible to produce with good productivity a wholly aromatic polyester carbonate that has low coloration and a high degree of polymerization.

Abstract: Methods for roll-to-roll deposition of optically transparent and high conductivity metallic thin films are disclosed. In general, a method according to the present invention comprises: (1) providing a flexible plastic substrate; (2) depositing a multi-layered conductive metallic film on the flexible plastic substrate by a thin-film deposition technique to form a composite film; and (3) collecting the composite film in continuous rolls. Typically, the thin conductive metallic film is an InCeO—Ag—InCeO film. Typically, the thin-film deposition technique is DC magnetron sputtering. Another aspect of the invention is a composite film produced by a method according to the present invention.

Abstract: Aliphatic polycarbonate homo- and co-polymers are obtained by ring-opening homo- or co-polymerization of cyclic carbonates by DMC catalysis. These polymers are useful in the production of polyurethanes.

Abstract: In the present invention, a retardation film is produced by adjusting the mixing ratio of at least two kinds of mutually compatible polymers A and B and by forming the resulting mixture into the film. The polymers A and B are copolymers comprising respective two common repeating units and different in copolymerization composition. According to the present invention, the retardation film having the desired wavelength dispersion can industrially and simply be produced. Furthermore, there can be provided the high-quality retardation film capable of controlling the wavelength dispersion of the retardation at a high level.

Abstract: An automotive glazing panel is provided by a polycarbonate substrate having a coating system including an inner layer blocking IR and overlying coating material blocking UV radiation and providing a scratch resistant outer coating layer.

Abstract: A method of recycling fusible polycondensation resin waste in a fusion polymerization apparatus is disclosed. The method of recycling polycondensation resins comprises adding polycondensation resin waste directly to a fusion polymerization apparatus to carry out the polycondensation reaction. The polycondensation resin waste may be supplied from any point of the polycondensation apparatus to carry out the exchange reaction and/or the polycondensation reaction between the resin being prepared in the apparatus and the resin waste supplied. The method may be carried out in a continuous fusion polycondensation system with more than one polymerization reactor connected in series.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing polycarbonate, said method comprising (A) oligomerising in the presence of a catalyst at least one dihydroxyaromatic compound at a temperature in a range between about 220-280° C. and a pressure in a range between 180 mbar and 20 mbar, said catalyst comprising a tetraarylphosphonium compound and optionally a co-catalyst, to provide an oligomeric polycarbonate having a number average molecular weight, Mn, in a range between about 1000 and about 6000 daltons; and (B) in a second step heating the oligomeric polycarbonate formed in step (A) at a temperature range between about 280 and about 310° C. and a pressure in a range between about 15 mbar and about 0.1 mbar, to provide a polycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight, in a range between about 15,000 and about 50,000 daltons, said product polycarbonate comprising less than 1000 parts per million Fries product.

Abstract: This specification describes an optical polycarbonate composition obtained by the melt polycondensation of a bisphenol and a carbonic diester in the presence of an alkaline compound catalyst, wherein said optical polycarbonate composition comprises (i) a compound expressed by the following Formula [A] in an amount of 30 to 2000 ppm; (ii) a compound expressed by the following Formula [B] in an amount of 30 to 4000 ppm; and (iii) a compound expressed by the following Formula [C] in an amount of 80 to 8000 ppm. The polycarbonate composition has a viscosity average molecular weight of between 12,000 and 18,000, and the portion with a molecular weight (as measured by GPC) of 1000 or less accounts for 0.5 to 1.5 wt %.

Abstract: This invention relates to an extrusion method preparing polycarbonates from a solution of an oligomeric polycarbonate. A mixture of bis(methyl salicyl)carbonate (BMSC), BPA and a transesterification catalyst are first equilibrated at moderate temperatures to provide a solution of polycarbonate oligomer in methyl salicylate. The solution is then fed to a devolatilizing extruder, where the polymerization reaction is completed and the methyl salicylate solvent is removed. The solution comprising the oligomeric polycarbonate can also be pre-heated under pressure to a temperature above the boiling point of methyl salicylate and subsequently fed to a devolatilizing extruder equipped for rapid flashing off the solvent. The method provides polycarbonate with greater efficiency than the corresponding process in which unreacted monomers are fed to the extruder. Additionally, the method of the invention does not require the isolation of a precursor polycarbonate comprising ester-substituted phenoxy terminal groups.

Abstract: 100 parts by weight of the polycarbonate produce by melt polycondensation of a carbonic acid diester and a dihydroxy compound and 0.0001 to 0.1 part by weight of a phosphite compound represented by following Formula (I) are formulated: wherein Rs are each one of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, and an oxyalkyl group, where the two Rs are not concurrently hydrogen atoms. The process of the invention can yield polycarbonate molding materials that have satisfactory hue and can be used in a wide variety of applications such for optical materials.

Abstract: Provided is a hard coat film which has an inorganic hard coat layer having excellent scratch resistance and weatherability and inhibited from generation of curling and which is particularly suited for sticking on outside faces of window glasses in lofty buildings. The hard coat film is prepared by laminating in order a primer layer and a hard coat layer comprising metal oxide particles and a cured matter of a silane compound on one face of a base material and further providing, if necessary, a coating layer having various functions on the above hard coat layer.

Abstract: A dental resin composition is disclosed, comprising a polycarbonate-modified diphenoxy diacrylate having a monomer structure (I): wherein R is CH3 or H; b is one or zero; A is (CH2)nO; n is an integer from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 5; X is an alkoxy or cycloalkoxy group having from one to six carbon atoms, for example, 2,2-propylene or —CH2—, or —S— or —O—; i is 1 or 0; and wherein M is —(C1-10 alkyl)O—, —(CH2)pO—, or —CH(CH3)CH2O—, m is an integer from 1 to 10, and p is an integer from 1 to 4. Preferably, R is methyl. The composition and described filler material are suitable for use in dental restorations, and provide improved wear resistance and other properties.

Abstract: The use of phenols having a branched structure as terminal groups in polycarbonates, polyester carbonates and polyesters is disclosed. Also disclosed are polycarbonates, polyester carbonates and polyesters having such branched terminal groups, the process for their production and molded parts made therefrom.

Abstract: Unexpected corrosion of downstream sections of a dialkyl carbonate manufacturing apparatus has been traced to alkyl chloroformate impurities, which slowly decompose to yield hydrochloric acid. An improved process and apparatus for dialkyl carbonate synthesis reduce corrosion by physically removing or chemically decomposing the alkyl chloroformate impurities within the corrosion-resistant upstream sections of the apparatus.

Abstract: Polycarbonate substrates, the preparation of which is based on 1,1-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanone, and their use for producing shaped articles with particularly high purity and extremely high surface brilliance and also the shaped articles which can be produced from the polycarbonate substrate are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyphenylene ether resin containing residual aliphatic unsaturation as well as composites, blends, and articles made from the polyphenylene ether resin containing residual aliphatic unsaturation. Also included are reaction products between the polyphenylene ether resin containing residual aliphatic unsaturation and other resins and unsaturated resin formulations, e.g., thermosetting polyesters, acrylics, bismaleiimides, silicones, and allylics, and thermoplastics such as polyolefins, styrenics, rubbers, etc.

Abstract: A plastic lens, an optical molded article, a film or a sheet formed of a copolycarbonate resin comprising a structural unit (I) of the following general formula (I), and a structural unit (II) of the following formula (II), the structural unit (I) having a molar amount percentage of 15 to 85% on the basis of the total amount of the structural units (I) and (II). According to the present invention, there are provided a plastic lens, an optical molded article, and the like, which are excellent in physical properties such as transparency, thermal stability and impact resistance and are excellent in optical properties such as a balance between a refractive index and an Abbe's number and a photoelasticity constant.

Abstract: A new method of converting oligomeric chloroformates to high molecular weight polycarbonate is presented. By carefully controlling the relative concentrations and amounts of hydroxyl and chloroformate groups present in the oligomeric polycarbonate, the method of the invention provides for the efficient preparation of polycarbonate while minimizing phosgene usage. The product polycarbonates prepared by the method of the invention are fully capped with no additional phosgene required beyond that needed to prepare the oligomeric chloroformate starting material. The method of the present invention provides polycarbonates having non-detectable levels (<5 ppm) of aromatic hydroxyl endgroups, low polydispersity, and low levels of residual monomer and endcap, thereby obviating the need for monomer and endcap recycle.

Abstract: A near infrared-cutting material produced by forming, on a transparent substrate, a transparent resin film containing at least a near infrared absorbing-dye and a dye having a maximum absorption wavelength at 550 to 620 nm, wherein the amount of the solvent remaining in the transparent resin film is 5 ppm by weight to less than 500 ppm by weight; since the amount of the solvent remaining in the transparent resin film containing a near infrared-absorbing dye, etc. is minimized, the long-term stability of the near infrared-absorbing dye, etc. in the film at high temperatures is greatly improved.

Abstract: A process of using of a particularly substituted phenol as a chain terminator of a polymeric resin is disclosed. The chain terminator is a member selected from among ortho-substituted phenol, metha-substituted phenol, and their corresponding coupled esters. The polymeric resin is selected among polycarbonate, polyester carbonate and polyester. The thus chain terminated resin is suitable for producing molded parts and extrudates. Also disclosed are the process for producing these polymers and processes for producing the molded parts and extrudates.

Abstract: An improvement in the continuous two-phase interfacial condensation process for preparing polycarbonate is disclosed. In the process that entails at least one diphenol, phosgene, at least one chain terminator, and optionally branching agents and is carried out in the presence of a catalyst the improvement comprising maintaining the concentration of the catalyst at a level of at least 0.012 mol per mol of diphenol.

Abstract: A two step method for solid state polymerization of dry crystalline thermoplastic polymers to form polymers with superior mechanical properties, first by mechanically fluidizing dry crystalline thermoplastic polymer particles in the absence of oxygen by means of blades moving through the fluidized polymer particles at velocities sufficient to heat the particles to an incipient melt temperature and maintain the temperature until solid state polymerization provides the desired molecular weight and before chemical degradation of the polymer occurs; and second by immediately quenching by application of liquefied cryogenic gases directly to the surfaces of the polymer particles in amounts sufficient to cool the particles to temperatures lower than the glass transition temperature of the polymer before crystals in the polymer aggregate into large spherulites.

Abstract: One method for producing a data storage media, comprises: molding a material comprising plastic and a fluorescent material to form a substrate, and disposing a data layer on the substrate. The substrate has a transmissivity of about 85% or less at a readback laser wavelength when traversing a 1.2 mm thick colored substrate, and the has a fluorescent color emission wavelength which is not equal to the readback laser wavelength.