Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and materials useful for depolymerizing a polymer. In one embodiment, for example, the disclosure provides a method for depolymerizing a polymer containing electrophilic linkages, wherein the method comprises contacting the polymer with a nucleophilic reagent in the presence of a guanidine-containing compound. The methods and materials of the disclosure find utility, for example, in the field of waste reclamation and recycling.

Abstract: A polycarbonate resin which is excellent in terms of optical properties, hue, thermal stability, and mechanical properties and a transparent film formed from the resin are provided. The invention relates to a polycarbonate resin which has a glass transition temperature of 110-150° C. and a reduced viscosity, as measured at 20° C. with respect to the methylene chloride solution having a concentration of 0.6 g/dL, of 0.30-0.46, and which, when being molded, gives a film wherein the ratio of the retardation thereof measured at a wavelength of 450 nm (Re450) to the retardation thereof measured at a wavelength of 550 nm (Re550) is 0.50-0.93.

Abstract: A dihydric phenol compound represented by the following formula (2), a phosgene compound, and an aliphatic tertiary amine are mixed together using a hydrophobic organic solvent to produce bischloroformate that is represented by the following formula (1) and has an average number of repeating units (n) of 1.99 or less. In the formulae (1) and (2), Ar is a divalent aromatic group.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of polycarbonate for the production of an optical recording medium in which secure high speed operation, a transcriptability of the pit/groove structure of >85% and sufficient disc flatness can be achieved and the polycarbonate is based on bisphenol A and the polycarbonate contains a release agent in an amount less than 2000 ppm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new method and compositions from the method consisting of block copolycarbonate/phosphonates that exhibit an excellent combination of flame resistance, hydrolytic stability, high Tg, low melt viscosity, low color and high toughness. Also disclosed are polymer mixtures or blends comprised of these block copolycarbonate/phosphonate compositions and commodity and engineering plastics and articles produced therefrom. Further disclosed are articles of manufacture produced from these materials, such as fibers, films, coated substrates, moldings, foams, adhesives and fiber-reinforced articles, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Polycarbonate includes repeat units represented by Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3, respectively: wherein: R1 and R2 are the same or different and are each independently substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C6 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C3 to C6 cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C6 to C12 aryl or halogen, a and b are the same or different and are each independently an integer from 0 to 4, and Q is substituted or unsubstituted C5 to C10 cycloalkyl.

Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to an image forming apparatus comprising a seamless intermediate transfer belt, and methods for making the same. The seamless intermediate transfer belt comprises a film forming A-B diblock copolymer. In other embodiment, the seamless intermediate transfer belt comprises the film forming A-B diblock copolymer and carbon black dispersion. The prepared seamless intermediate transfer belt of present disclosure provides increased mechanical strength to resist scratch/wear failure and early onset of fatigue-bend cracking development under normal dynamic intermediate transfer belt machine cycling conditions in the field, and thus extend the service life of the belt.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a copolycarbonate that is excellent in heat resistance, thermal stability and moldability and that uses a renewable resource as a raw material. This invention is a copolycarbonate including 50 to 99 mol % of a carbonate constituent unit (1) of the following formula and 50 to 1 mol% of a carbonate constituent unit (2) derived from an aliphatic diol having a boiling point of 180° C. or higher under reduced pressure of 4×10?3 MPa.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the pretreatment of material surfaces in order to minimize the interaction between polycarbonate and metal and, in the processing and synthesis of polycarbonate, to obtain a high-quality polymer which in particular does not become discolored and is free of insoluble constituents.

Abstract: A method for preparing terpolymer of poly (biphenyl sulfone ether) and poly (ether sulfone) comprises: adding high-temperature organic solvent into a flask, stirring and heating to 80° C., adding 4,4?-dichlorodiphenylsulfone,4,4?-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl-1,1?-biphenyl and 4,4?-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone with solid content of 20-35%; stirring until monomers are completely dissolved, heating to 100° C., adding salt-forming agent and xylene; stirring while heating so that salt-forming reaction begins in the system, wherein the system temperature is controlled between 190° C. and 210° C.; when the amount of water discharged reaches the theoretical value, the first stage of salt-forming reaction is finished; heating the system to 230-236° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are random copoly(phosphonate carbonate)s with the high molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution exhibiting a superior combination of properties compared to prior art.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for devolatilizing solvent-containing polycarbonate solutions. By employing the inventive apparatus, polycarbonates with low residual values of volatile constituents are produced from solvent-containing polymer melts, which improved optical properties, especially yellowness index, with the aid of an apparatus combination of a heatable tubular devolatilizer and a vented extruder.

Abstract: A method for drying a material such as a polymer hydrogel which passes through a cohesive phase as it dries is disclosed. The method comprises agitating a composition while removing liquid until the solids content of the composition reaches a level at which the composition enters a cohesive phase, halting agitation, removing liquid from the composition in the absence of agitation, and resuming agitation. Practice of the present invention can eliminate the problems associated with adhesion of a material to itself and to process equipment during the cohesive phase.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a polyester carbonate copolymer suitable for an optical lens that has high refractivity and transparency and low birefringence and little optical strain, and optical lenses formed therefrom. This invention is a polyester carbonate copolymer for an optical lens, which comprises 67 to 95 mol % of a unit of the following formula (I) and 33 to 5 mol % of a unit of the following formula (II) and has a specific viscosity of 0.12 to 0.30, wherein Y in the formula (II) is a phenylene group or a naphthalenediyl group.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and materials useful for polymerizing a monomer. In one embodiment, for example, the disclosure provides a method for polymerizing a monomer containing a plurality of electrophilic groups, wherein the method comprises contacting the monomer with a nucleophilic reagent in the presence of a guanidine-containing catalyst. The methods and materials of the disclosure find utility, for example, in the field of materials science.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a polyphenylene ether, which comprises a step of preparing a polymerization solution composed of 10-25 parts by mass of a phenolic compound (M) and 75-90 parts by mass of an aromatic solvent (A) with the total of the compound and the solvent being 100 parts by mass, and 0.1-10 parts by mass of a catalyst (C) containing a metal salt; a step of performing an oxidative polymerization of the phenolic compound (M) by passing an oxygen-containing gas through the polymerization solution; a step of stopping the polymerization by mixing an aqueous chelating agent solution into the polymerization solution; a step of subjecting a diphenoquinone compound produced as a by-product to a quinone binding process or removal by reduction; and a step of obtaining a polyphenylene ether by separating the aqueous phase through liquid-liquid separation. In the method for producing a polyphenylene ether, 0.001-0.

Abstract: A dihydric phenol compound represented by the following formula (2), a phosgene compound, and an aliphatic tertiary amine are mixed together using a hydrophobic organic solvent to produce bischloroformate that is represented by the following formula (1) and has an average number of repeating units (n) of 1.99 or less. In the formulae (1) and (2), Ar is a divalent aromatic group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-aging, impact-modified polycarbonate compositions and molding compositions comprising: A) from 60 to 86 parts by weight (based on the sum of components A+B+C) of aromatic polycarbonate and/or aromatic polyester carbonate, B) from 4 to 12 parts by weight (based on the sum of components A+B+C) of graft polymer comprising: B.1 from 10 to 50 wt. % (based on the graft polymer B) of a shell of at least one vinyl monomer, and B.2 from 90 to 50 wt. % (based on the graft polymer B) of a graft base of silicone-acrylate composite rubber, C) from 10 to 30 parts by weight (based on the sum of components A+B+C) of a polymer or copolymer based on vinyl monomer, and D) from 0 to 20 parts by weight of polymer additives. Components B and C are present in a ratio of the parts by weight of B:C in the range from 1:1.3 to 1:3.5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to copolycarbonates having improved surface hardness, processes for the preparation thereof and the use thereof for the production of blends, shaped articles and extrudates.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to methods for the manufacture of melt polymerized branched polycarbonates. The methods disclosure herein introduce branching agent into the melt process as a dissolved component in a solution comprised of a solvent and dissolved branching agent. Also disclosed are systems and apparatuses for performing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for continuously preparing diaryl carbonates from dialkyl carbonates and at least one monohydroxyl compound in the presence of catalysts, and to the use thereof for preparation of polycarbonates. The alkylene glycol obtained in the preparation of the dialkyl carbonate used is recycled by oxidative carbonylation with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to give the cyclic alkylene carbonate which is in turn converted to the dialkyl carbonate. More particularly, the process utilizes the alkylene glycol obtained for the diphenyl carbonate preparation process (DPC process).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polycarbonate resin comprising a structural unit represented by the following general formula (I), wherein the structural unit of general formula (I) occupies 5 to 100 mol % relative to all the structural units, and the limiting viscosity of the polycarbonate resin is 0.3 to 2.0 dl/g: wherein in the formula, R1 through R8 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen group, an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 through 9, an aryl group having a carbon number of 6 through 12, an alkenyl group having a carbon number of 2 through 5, an alkoxy group having a carbon number of 1 through 5, or an aralkyl group having a carbon number of 7 through 17.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric materials having enhanced properties. In some cases, the materials may comprise polymers having shape-persistent portions which may enhance the mechanical properties of the material. The materials may exhibit higher stiffness or strength and ductility values, resulting in higher energy absorption and enhanced protection, as well as, longer lifetimes for product usage. In some cases, the materials may be optically transparent and lightweight, making them suitable for various applications including protective materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an article comprising a lens having a width of 0.1 millimeters to 100 millimeters, a length of 0.5 millimeters to 500 millimeters, and a thickness of 0.2 millimeters to 5 millimeters; and the lens transmits light having a wavelength of 600 nanometers to 1600 nanometers, wherein the lens comprises a polymer and the polymer comprises a polyimide comprising structural units derived from specific combinations of compounds wherein the lens is transparent and dimensionally stable at a wall thickness of 0.2 millimeters to 5.0 millimeters and remains transparent and dimensionally stable after being (a) exposed to a precondition of 60° C./60% relative humidity for 120 hours and (b) then subjected to a lead free solder test having a peak temperature of 260° C. for up to 30 seconds.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a polycarbonate containing a plant-derived component excellent in hue by using a plant-derived anhydrosugar alcohol represented by the following formula (1) or a composition thereof as a raw material: wherein R1 to R4 each independently represent a group selected from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group and an aryl group.

Abstract: A method of making polycarbonate comprises polymerizing, in a melt polymerization reaction, an aromatic dihydroxy compound and a diaryl carbonate in a presence of a polymerization catalyst and producing a by-product vapor stream comprising the dihydroxy compound, the diaryl carbonate and a diaryl carbonate by-product, adding a low vapor pressure compound to the by-product vapor stream to produce a modified by-product vapor stream, introducing the modified by-product vapor stream to a separation unit, removing the volatile diaryl carbonate by-product from the modified by-product vapor stream in the separation unit to form a treated by-product stream and returning the treated by-product stream to the polymerization reaction. Alternatively, the low vapor pressure compound can be added directly to the separation unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer having excellent solvent resistance which can be produced by using a polycarbonate diol having a repeating unit represented by the formula (1) and/or (2), having a hydroxyl group at both termini, and having a number average molecular weight of from 300 to 50,000: wherein R1 represents a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 2 to 50 carbon atoms; and n represents an integer of 2 to 50, wherein R2 represents a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 10 to 50 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The invention is directed to shaped articles fabricated from polyamides comprising fluoroether functionalized aromatic moieties. Particular polyamides include nylon 6, 6 and nylon 6 copolyamides that comprise fluoroether functionalized aromatic amide repeat units. The shaped articles hereof are characterized by reduced surface tension and are useful for imparting soil resistant films, molded parts, fibers, fabrics, and carpets.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polymerization systems for the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides comprising 1) a catalyst including a metal coordination compound having a permanent ligand set and at least one ligand that is a polymerization initiator, and 2) a chain transfer agent having two or more sites that can initiate polymerization. In a second aspect, the present disclosure encompasses methods for the synthesis of polycarbonate polyols using the inventive polymerization systems. In a third aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polycarbonate polyol compositions characterized in that the polymer chains have a high percentage of —OH end groups and a high percentage of carbonate linkages. The compositions are further characterized in that they contain polymer chains having an embedded polyfunctional moiety linked to a plurality of individual polycarbonate chains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for recycling a coupling catalyst, preferably an amine catalyst in an interfacial polycarbonate manufacturing process. Specifically, the amine catalyst is recycled in an acidic wash water solution.

Abstract: A polycarbonate polymer includes: a monomer unit represented by a formula (1A) below; and a monomer unit represented by a formula (2). A haze of a solution that is obtained by dissolving the polycarbonate polymer in THF (tetrahydrofuran) at a concentration of 10 mass % is 5% or less (according to JIS K7105, optical path length of 10 mm). In the formula (1A), R and R? each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms; n1 is an integer in a range of 2 to 4; and n2 is an integer in a range of 25 to 220; and in the formula (2), Ar represents a divalent aromatic group.

Abstract: Disclosed are bisphenol compounds, such as tetramethylcyclobutane diol-bisphenol, and processes for making and using them.

Abstract: A combined process for the preparation of polycarbonate from bisphenols and diaryl carbonates, the monophenol liberated being reacted again for the preparation of the diaryl carbonate and the alkali metal halide forming in the preparation of the diaryl carbonate being converted by electrochemical oxidation, optionally over a gas diffusion electrode, into chlorine and alkali hydroxide solution, the chlorine being recycled into the preparation of the phosgene and the alkali hydroxide solution being recycled into the preparation of the diaryl carbonate.

Abstract: A powder which is capable of being used in a layer-by-layer process in which regions of the respective pulverulent layer are selectively melted and, after cooling, are fixed, contains a mixture of diacid-regulated polyamide and diamine-regulated polyamide and/or diacid-regulated copolyamide and diamine-regulated copolyamide.

Abstract: A polyester resin having excellent dimensional stability against environmental changes and excellent dimensional stability in the processing step while having excellent moldability and a biaxially oriented polyester film comprising the same. The polyester resin comprises a recurring unit represented by the following formula (A) and a recurring unit represented by the following formula (B) as the main constituents: —O—C(O)—R1—C(O)—O—R2—O—??(A) —O—C(O)—R3—C(O)—O—R2—O—??(B) (R? is a phenylene group or naphthalenediyl group, R2 is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms or cyclohexylene group, and R3 is 6,6?-(alkylenedioxy)di-2-naphthoic acid), wherein the content of the recurring unit (B) is not less than 5 mol % and less than 50 mol %, and the ratio of adjacent recurring units (A) and (B) is less than 0.9 based on a value obtained by doubling the product of the content of the recurring unit (A) and the content of the recurring unit (B).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded article by melting and molding a granule of a polycarbonate resin at a temperature of 280 to 380° C., wherein the granule satisfies condition (a): when 100 parts by weight of the granule is cleaned with 100 parts by weight of a 1N nitric acid aqueous solution, the amount of an Fe compound eluted into the cleaning liquid of the 1N nitric acid aqueous solution is 1 to 100 ppb in terms of an Fe atom based on the granule. The molded article exhibits excellent color and transparency.

Abstract: There is disclosed an intermediate transfer member that includes a layer of a poly(imide-carbonate) copolymer having dispersed therein conductive particles. The layer can be a surface layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer having excellent solvent resistance which can be produced by using a polycarbonate diol having a repeating unit represented by the formula (1) and/or (2), having a hydroxyl group at both termini, and having a number average molecular weight of from 300 to 50,000: wherein R1 represents a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 2 to 50 carbon atoms; and n represents an integer of 2 to 50, wherein R2 represents a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 10 to 50 carbon atoms.

Abstract: There is provided an aromatic polyester suitable for optical applications, which has not only high heat resistance and transparency, but also enhanced fluidity at a relatively low molding temperature of less than 300° C. despite its high molecular weight to be substantially colorless after the molding process. The aromatic polyester of the present invention comprises polyhydric phenol residues and residues of aromatic polycarboxylic acid, acid halide or acid anhydride thereof; wherein the polyhydric phenol residues comprise polyhydric phenol residues represented by Formula (I): —O—Ar—W1x—Ar—O— and/or Formula (II): —O—Ar—O—, and bulky polyhydric phenol residues represented by Formula (III): —O—Ar—W2—Ar—O—; wherein the molar ratio of the polyhydric phenol residues represented by Formula (I) and/or Formula (II) to the polyhydric phenol residues represented by Formula (III) is in the range of 100:0 to 30:70 (exclusive of 100:0).

Abstract: The invention relates to polycarbonates that comprise defect structures and cyclic oligomers and have improved properties. The invention also relates to molded articles and extrudates made from said polycarbonates.

Abstract: A resin composition includes a polycarbonate resin derived from an ether diol residue such as isosorbide and has excellent impact resistance, heat resistance, heat stability and moldability. The resin composition includes a rubber polymer (component B) in an amount of 1 to 30 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin (component A) which contains a recurring unit represented by the following formula (1) as the main constituent and has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 145 to 165° C. and a 5% weight loss temperature (Td) of 320 to 400° C.

Abstract: A process is described for producing polycarbonate and utilizing at least some of the process waste water by concentrating the sodium chloride-containing waste water phases for the electrolysis using osmotic membrane distillation, if appropriate with simultaneous dilution of the sodium hydroxide solution obtained from the electrolysis for the polycarbonate production process.

Abstract: A composition comprises a blend of 20 to 90 wt. % of a polycarbonate, 10 to 80 wt. % of a polyester wherein the weight percent of the polycarbonate and the polyester are each based on the total weight of the polycarbonate and the polyester. A sample of the composition having a thickness of 2.5 mm has a luminous transmittance of greater than or equal to 80% and a haze of less than 20% when measured in accordance with ASTM D 1003.

Abstract: Linear polycarbonate resin virtually free of surface defects that impair the suitability of the resin for demanding optical application is disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for the manufacture of the resin. The surface defects included in the resin are in the form of transparent fluorescing particles, the particle count of which portion that are 15 and 250 ?m in size, is up to 1.8 counts/g, said count being determined by exciting the residue remaining after filtering a solution of said polycarbonate in methylene chloride through a Teflon filter of 5 ?m pore size at a wavelength of 400-440 nm, 25× overall magnification and illumination time of 40 millisec. The polycarbonate is suitable for making films of improved optical properties.

Abstract: A liquid-phase process is provided for the synthesis from glutarimidines of diaminopyridines and related compounds, which are used industrially as compounds and as components in the synthesis of a variety of useful materials. The synthesis proceeds by means of a dehydrogenative aromatization process.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photosensitive body which has both good image stability and wear resistance under high temperature and high humidity conditions can be obtained by using a novel polycarbonate resin, which contains a structural unit represented by the general formula (I) below and having a long-chain unsaturated hydrocarbon group having a double bond, as a binder resin for a charge transport layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive body. In the formula (I), R1-R4 preferably represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, respectively; a represents a number of 7-20; and R6 represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or a phenyl group. Particularly preferably, the structural unit represented by the general formula (I) below is derived from 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-10-undecene or 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-10-undecene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid-crystalline polyester having a structural unit represented by the formula (i), a structural unit represented by the formula (ii) and a structural unit represented by the formula (iii): wherein Ar1 is, at each occurrence, a member selected from the group consisting of a 2,6-naphthalenediyl group, a 1,4-phenylene group and a 4,4?-biphenylene group; and Ar2 and Ar3 are, at each occurrence, a member selected from the group consisting of a 2,6-naphthalenediyl group, a 1,4-phenylene group, a 1,3-phenylene group and a 4,4?-biphenylene group; wherein 40% by mole or more of all the groups Ar1, Ar2 and Ar3 are 2,6-naphthalenediyl groups; and wherein the polyester has a flow initiation temperature of from about 280 to about 320° C.

Abstract: An optical grade article comprises a thermoplastic composition comprising a poly(aliphatic ester)-polycarbonate copolymer comprising 10 to 25 wt % of a soft block ester unit derived from a C20-44 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof, 34 to 77 wt % of a carbonate unit derived from 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine, 0 to 76 wt % of a carbonate unit derived from a dihydroxyaromatic compound not identical to the 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine, wherein the weight percentages of soft block ester units, 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine units, and dihydroxyaromatic compound units is 100 weight percent of the monomeric units of the poly(aliphatic ester)-polycarbonate, the refractive index of the thermoplastic composition is greater than 1.590, and the glass transition temperature of the poly(aliphatic ester)-polycarbonate is from 120 to 155° C. A camera lens also comprises the poly(aliphatic ester)-polycarbonate.

Abstract: An aromatic polycarbonate that is obtained by transesterification between a high-purity diphenyl carbonate and an aromatic dihydroxy compound. A specific industrially useful process for the production of a high-purity diaryl carbonate in which a diaryl carbonate having low contents of intermediate boiling point and high boiling point impurities is produced is disclosed. As a starting material, a reaction mixture containing an alkyl aryl carbonate obtained through a transesterification reaction between a dialkyl carbonate and an aromatic monohydroxy compound is used. The process in which separation by distillation is carried out uses three distillation columns in a specified order. Moreover, it is particularly preferable if a reactive distillation column and the three distillation columns, each of which has a specified structure, and the three distillation columns are each operated under specified distillation conditions.

Abstract: Provided are a polycarbonate resin composition containing a glass filler, which is excellent in transparency, strength, and heat resistance and provided with high flame retardancy even without using a flame retardant, and a polycarbonate resin molded article obtained by molding the resin composition. The flame-retardant polycarbonate resin composition contains a combination including (A) 55 to 95 mass % of an aromatic polycarbonate resin containing a polycarbonate-polyorganosiloxane copolymer and (B) 45 to 5 mass % of a glass filler having a refractive index smaller or larger than a refractive index of the aromatic polycarbonate resin by 0.002 or less, and (C) 0.05 to 20.0 parts by mass of a silicone compound having a reactive functional group with respect to 100 parts by mass of the combination. The polycarbonate resin molded article has a thickness of 0.3 to 10 mm which is obtained by molding the composition.