Abstract: Curing of phthalonitrile monomers and prepolymers is accelerated by inclusion of an acid curing agent. Cured phthalonitrile polymers have high thermal oxidative stability and are useful as resins in various compositions and as adhesives.

Abstract: Sizing for carbon fibers with uncapped or capped linear polyamideimides.The uncapped linear polyamideimides useful as carbon fiber sizings generally contain repeating units having the general formula: ##STR1## Wherein R.sub.2 =a trivalent organic radical and generally benzenetriyl;R.sub.3 =a divalent organic radical; andn=an integer sufficiently large to provide a strong, tough coating.Useful capped, linear polyamideimide oligomers may be formed by including end caps with an unsaturated functionality (Y) containing a residue selected from the group consisting of: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 =lower alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, halogen, or mixtures thereof;j=0, 1, or 2;i=1 or 2;G=--CH.sub.2 --, --O--, --S--, --SO.sub.2 --, --SO--, --CO--, --CHR--, or --CR.sub.2 --;T=methallyl or allyl;Me=methyl; andR=hydrogen, lower alkyl, or phenyl.Prepregs and composites having carbon fibers sized with such polyamideimides are also described.

Abstract: Polymerization or cure of di-phthalonitrile monomers or prepolymers by a curing agent selected from (a) an acid and an amine, (b) a salt of an acid and an amine, and (c) mixtures of (a) and (b). In a preferred embodiment, the curing agents are amine salts which are reaction products of an aromatic amine and an aromatic sulfonic acid. The use of the novel curing agents enhances curing rates and results in polymers which have high Tg.

Abstract: A melanin that is soluble in an aqueous solution at a pH of at least 5 to 9 at a temperature of 0.degree. to 100.degree. C. The melanin is further characterized by being capable of being filtered through at least a 0.45 micron size filter. Still further, the melanin is characterized by having a molecular weight of greater than 10,000 kilodaltons. The melanin is useful for providing a naturally-appearing tan to mammalian skin and hair. The melanin is also useful for providing a sun-screen to mammalian skin and hair.

Abstract: AB-polybenzoxazole monomer, such as 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, can be synthesized in high yields from a hydroxy-benzoic acid or related compound in a three-step process of (1) nitration, (2) hydrolysis of the ester, and (3) reduction of the nitro moiety. The monomer is conveniently recovered as a phosphate salt in high purity by precipitating and recrystallizing from a phosphoric acid solution. The monomer may be polymerized in high concentrations in polyphosphoric acid containing high levels of P.sub.2 O.sub.5 to yield a high molecular weight polymer without dehydrohalogenation.

Abstract: A method for preparing high molecular weight polyethermide polymers in a dual solvent system is disclosed. The inventive method provides for polymerizing a diamine monomer and a dianhydride monomer in a solvent system comprised of at least two solvents, a first solvent is selected for its solubility characteristics such that the polyethermide polymer is highly soluble therein and a second solvent is selected for its relatively high boiling point characteristics such that when the second solvent and first solvent are mixed together, the boiling point of the dual solvent system is at least as high as the temperature at which polymerization of said monomers occurs. In one embodiment, a diamine monomer of 4,4'-sulfonyl dianiline (SDAN) is reacted with a dianhydride monomer of bisphenol A dianhydride (BPADA) in the presence of a catalyst and a chain stopper in a dual solvent system comprised of chloroform and ortho-dichlorobenzene. The resulting polyethermide has an intrinsic viscosity exceeding 0.

Abstract: Novel polyiminocarbonates having molecular weights exceeding 70,000 daltons. Novel solution polymerization and interfacial polymerization processes for the preparation of polyiminocarbonates in which cyanate compounds are reacted with diphenol compounds in the presence of a strong base catalyst.

Abstract: PBZ polymers are synthesized by the reaction of AA- and BB-monomers. The BB-monomer is conveniently synthesized and isolated as a phosphate salt having a uniform number of phosphate ions associated with each BB-monomer ion. Such high purity monophosphate and diphosphate salts can be obtained by precipitating the monomer from an aqueous acid solution by adjusting the pH balance or from a mixture of phosphoric acid and a volatile, polar, saturated organic liquid at a relatively low temperature.

Abstract: The solvent-resistance and thermal stability of polyamideimides of the general formulae: ##STR1## is improved by capping the amideimides with a crosslinking functionality (Y) containing a residue selected from the group of: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 =lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl (either including hydroxyl or halo-substituents), halogen, or mixtures thereof;j=0, 1, or 2;G=--CH.sub.2 --, --O--, --S--, --SO.sub.2 --, --SO--, --CO--, --CHR--, or --CR.sub.2 --;R=hydrogen, lower alkyl, or phenyl;T=methallyl or allyl;Me=methyl;R.sub.2 =a trivalent organic radical; andR.sub.3 =a divalent organic radical.The amideimide oligomers may be linear or multidimensional, and can be processed into blends, prepregs, or composites. Methods of making these amideimides and intermediates useful in the syntheses are also described.

Abstract: Hydroxypolyamides can be obtained in a simple and economical way in a chloride-free manner when(a) aromatic amino hydroxy carboxylic acids or(b) aromatic diaminodihydroxy compounds and aromatic dicarboxylic acids or(c) aromatic diaminodihydroxy compounds, aromatic dicarboxylic acids and aromatic amino hydroxy carboxylic acids are converted in the presence of 1-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1.2-dihydroquinoline, 1-1'-carbonyldioxy-di-1.2.3-benzotriazole or dicyclohexyl carbodiimide/1-hydroxy-1.2.3-benzotriazole.

Abstract: Polybenzazole polymers can be advanced rapidly to high molecular weight at relatively high temperatures and high shear in a dehydrating solvent acid.

Abstract: Bis-phthalonitrile resins are cured using ionic metal phthalocyanine acceators. The ionic metal phthalocyanines are nontoxic and accelerate the cure rate of the resins without adversely affecting cured polymer strength. Di-Na, di-Li, Mg and Cd phthalocyanines in particular provide excellent cure acceleration. Also, the metal phthalocyanine can be made soluble in the resin by appropriate substitution of the aromatic rings, thus providing for homogenous polymerization.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparing hydroxybenzoic acid polyer resins with a high degree of heat resistance and a high degree of polymerization, and is characterized in that: with the aid of intermediate transformation of phenol and by means of esterification, polyester can directly be obtained by polycondensation from the only starting material hydroxybenzoic acid. The transfer medium phenol existing in the distillates mixture can directly and repeatedly be used without any compensation. The product obtained in this invention is low cost, having a high degree of polymerization, 80-90% yield and in less than 1 hr, with 3% weight loss percentage at 400.degree. C. It can be used for various industrial and engineering purposes wherever heat-resistant, abrasion-resistant, self-lubricating, good heat conducting, dielectric, solvent and radiation resisting properties are required.

Abstract: High temperature polymeric materials, which are easily process into void-free components, are needed for use in composites for advanced aerospace applications. These materials could bridge the gap between currently-used polymeric materials and ceramics or metal. Phthalonitrile resins can be used as high temperature polymeric material and 1,3-bis(3-aminophenoxy)benzene can be used as a curing agent to reduce voids and benzene can be used as a curing agent to reduce voids and blisters formed from volatiles during polymerization.

Abstract: Aromatic anhydride copolymers containing at least two aromatic diacid units, which are soluble in chloroform or dichloromethane to concentrations between approximately 0.5 to 50% weight/volume, melt at temperatures below 180.degree. C., and have low crystallinity are disclosed. The copolymers may contain between 0 and approximately 30% aliphatic diacid units. All copolymers are insoluble in carbon tetrachloride, i.e., less than 0.1% polymer by weight/volume solvent). The desired properties are the result of adding between 10 and 90% of a second aromatic diacid, to the copolymer composition which introduces irregularity in the polymer chains that dramatically alter the polymer properties, decreasing the crystallinity and melting point and increasing the solubility in the common solvents, dichloromethane or chloroform. An additional decrease in Tg and MP, with an increase in flexibility, is obtained by adding small amount of aliphatic diacid, up to about 30%.

Abstract: A class of amide group-containing aromatic dihalide compounds are sulfidized together with a class of aromatic dihalide compounds to provide a novel class of aromatic sulfideamide polymers increased in crystalline melting point (T.sub.m). The polymers exhibit excellent resistance to high temperatures, resistance to solvents, flame-retardant properties and improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: Hydroxycarboxylic acid derivatives of the formula ##STR1## are particularly suitable for use as color developers in recording materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing high molecular weight homopolyamides from a nylon salt formed from substantially equimolar proportions of a diamine and a dicarboxylic acid. The process comprises: (a) dispersing the nylon salt in its finely divided state having uniformly preblended therein a solid hypophosphite catalyst in a liquid aliphatic hydrocarbon, and polycondensing the dispersion either (b) at a temperature above 100.degree. C. but below the lower of the two temperatures representing the melting point of the nylon salt and the eventual polyamide product respectively where the polyamide product is a crystalline, or, (c) at a temperature up to 60.degree. C. above the glass transition temperature of the polyamide product where such product is amorphous.

Abstract: A composition of matter suitable for implantation in the body to effect zero order drug release comprising a drug and a polymer of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R' can be the same or different and are hydrophobic organic linkages and n and m are integers of 1 or greater.

Abstract: A novel hydrophobic polymeric matrix is provided which is suitable for use after implantation in vivo in a subject for the controlled release and delivery of biologically active substances such as drugs, antibiotics, steroids and the like. Alternatively, the matrix can be used outside the body for release of fragrances, pesticides and the like. The implantable matrix comprises a polymeric polyanhydride formulation whose internal anhydride linkages are hydrolytic in nature in varying degrees in accordance with the chemical composition of the backbone, pH and temperature of the environment. As the individual anhydride linkages become hydrolyzed, the matrix erodes predominantly by surface erosion into non-toxic biocompatible degradation products with concomitant release of the biologically active substance.

Abstract: Condensation products of benzyl chlorides and aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids are suitable for use as color developers in pressure- or heat-sensitive recording materials.

Abstract: Polyetherimide precursor compositions are prepared by a reacting mixture of at least two diamines selected from the group consisting of o-phenylenediamine, m-phenylenediamine and 4-aminophenyl ether with the esterification product of a low molecular weight alkanol such as methanol and an ether tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, preferably 3,4-dicarboxyphenyl ether dianhydride. Said polyimide precursor compositions may be converted to polyimides useful in composite formation, by gently heating to remove excess alkanol and subsequently baking at temperatures in the range of about 275.degree.-375.degree. C.

Abstract: Aromatic polyamides based on phenoxyterephthalic acid and a process for preparing them. Polyamides and copolyamides based on phenoxyterephthalic acid are resistant to chemicals and can be processed as thermoplastics with no problems.

Abstract: There are provided novel homopolyanhydrides of carboxyaryloxyalkanoic acids, e.g. p-carboxyphenoxyacetic acid or 6-(p-carboxyphenoxy)hexanoic acid, capable of being formed into shaped articles. The homopolyanhydrides may be prepared by heating under reflux a solution of the acid monomer in acetic anhydride to form a mixed anhydride of the acid monomer and acetic acid and melt polycondensing the prepolymer by heating it under vacuum in an inert atmosphere. Due to their property of hydrolytic cleavage at predictable rates, the homopolyanhydrides are suitable as polymer matrices providing for the controlled release of an agent such as a drug.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing homopolyanhydrides or regularly alternating copolyanhydrides by condensing a bis(trimethylsilyl) ester of a dicarboxylic acid, e.g., an alkylenedicarboxylic acid such as sebacic acid or a bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)alkane such as 1,3-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)propane, with a dicarboxylic acid chloride, e.g., an alkylenedicarboxylic acid chloride such as sebacoyl chloride or a phenylenedicarboxylic acid chloride such as terephthaloyl chloride or isophthaloyl chloride, to yield the polyanhydride and chlorotrimethylsilane as a by-product. The process may be carried out in the presence of a condensation catalyst, e.g., a highly ionized organic or inorganic fluoride, such as tetrabutylammonium fluoride.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for the preparation of polyketone and poly(ketone-sulfone) polymers by the reaction of at least one dicarboxylic acid with certain aromatic compounds containing at least four benzene residues in the presence of a perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid and (1) an oxide of phosphorus and/or (2) a perhaloalkanoic anhydride.

Abstract: Rapid process for the formation of heterocyclic aromatic polymers by contacting one or more appropriate multifunctional aromatic compounds, such as a diaminobenzenediol, a terephthaloyl halide and/or an aminohydroxybenzoic acid, with a sulfonic acid and a dehydrating agent.

Abstract: Provided are novel para-ordered aromatic heterocyclic polymers having repeating groups of the following formula ##STR1## wherein Y is --O--, --S--, or --NH--, n is 1 or 2, and Q is ##STR2## wherein Z is --O-- or --S--. There are also provided methods for preparing the above polymers.

Abstract: A cross-linked resin produced by the reaction of a bis(2-oxazoline) compound with a dicarboxylic acid anhydride, and optionally also with at least one selected from the group consisting of a dicarboxylic acid, a hydroxy-carboxylic acid, a diol and water, in the presence of at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of an organic phosphorous acid ester, an organic phosphonous acid ester and an inorganic salt at an elevated temperature. The cross-linked resin has a high mechanical strength and a high resistance to organic solvents.The resin composition comprising the cross-linked resin and reinforcements and/or fillers combined therewith has outstanding heat-resistance and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A new process for preparing polyketones (1) from at least one aromatic compound and at least one aromatic, aliphatic, and/or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid or (2) from at least one self-polymerizable aromatic monocarboxylic acid or (3) from a mixture of (1) and (2) is disclosed.

Abstract: Polyaryletherketones are synthesized by Friedel-Crafts chemistry using a catalytic quantity of a strong acid (e.g. trifluoromethanesulphonic acid) in a solvent of lower acidity preferably comprising a second acid of strength at least equal to chloroacetic acid. Suitable second acids can be recovered for reuse, and only a small (catalytic) amount of the expensive strong acid is required.

Abstract: Aromatic sulfide amide polymers composed of a repeating unit having the formula (I) and a repeating unit having the formula (II) below, having an inherent viscosity ranging from 0.02 to 10 dl/g. ##STR1## wherein, Ar.sup.1, Ar.sup.2, Ar.sup.3 and Ar.sup.4 are same or different aromatic rings and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.

Abstract: Ordered copolymers of tere- and isophthalyl halides with diphenyl ether where the phthalyl groups alternate or where the terephthalyl or isophthalyl groups are in blocks are disclosed. These novel ordered copolyetherketones exhibit a higher level of crystallization and more rapid crystallinity behavior than corresponding random copolyetherketones. They also form completely miscible blends with certain aromatic polyetherimides.

Abstract: Thermosettable prepolymers or polymers are prepared by reacting (A) the reaction product of (1) a heterocyclic material having one or more rings, at least one nitrogen atom and at least two substituent groups which have at least one reactive hydrogen atom attached to a carbon atom which is attached to a heterocyclic ring such as 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine; (2) a cycloaliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid mono- or dianhydride such as pyromellitic dianhydride; and (3) a material containing a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one group selected from (a) a heterocyclic material having one or more rings, at least one nitrogen atom and at least one substituent group which has at least one reactive hydrogen atom attached to a carbon atom which is attached to a heterocyclic ring such as 2-methyl-5-vinyl pyridine or (b) a cycloaliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid mono- or dianhydride group such as cis-5-norbornene-endo-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride; with (B) an aqueous or alcoholic solution of

Abstract: The intercondensation of aryldiamine and a mixture of oxydiphthalic anhydride and aromatic bis(ether anhydride), such as 2,2-bis[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]-propane dianhydride, have been found to provide tough flexible transparent copolymer having T.sub.g 's from about 217.degree. C. to 300.degree. C.

Abstract: New poly-dicarboxylic acid anhydrides, which are suitable as bio-degradable matrix materials for the controlled release of medicinal agents in humans. The anhydrides have the following formula: ##STR1## where ##STR2## where n=an integer of two or more, for the first three radicals, or one or more for the fourth.

Abstract: A cross-linked resin produced by the reaction of a bis(2-oxazoline) compound with a dicarboxylic acid anhydride, and optionally also with at least one selected from the group consisting of a dicarboxylic acid, a hydroxy-carboxylic acid, a diol and water, in the presence of at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of an organic phosphorous acid ester, an organic phosphonous acid ester and an inorganic salt at an elevated temperature. The cross-linked resin has a high mechanical strength and a high resistance to organic solvents.The resin composition comprising the cross-linked resin and reinforcements materials and/or fillers combined therewith has outstanding heat-resistance and mechanical properties.

Abstract: High molecular weight polyanhydrides, defined as polyanhydrides having a molecular weight average greater than 20,000 or an intrinsic viscosity of greater than 0.3 dl/g in an organic solvent at room temperature, are formed by melt polycondensation of highly pure isolated prepolymers under optimized reaction conditions, particularly time and temperature with removal of the condensation product. Higher molecular weights are obtained by inclusion of a catalyst with the prepolymers in the melt polymerization. Catalysts used for transterification, ring opening polymerization and related polymerizations may be utilized.The high molecular weight polyanhydrides have improved physico-mechanical properties and are especially well suited for biomedical applications, particularly in controlled release devices for drug delivery.

Abstract: Polyetheramideimide is provided and method for making. There are utilized aromatic bis(etheranhydride) and diaminobenzanilide or mixtures thereof with an organicdiamine. The polyetheramideimide has been found to have improved solvent resistance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing polyamides from aromatic dicarboxylic acids and aromatic diamines in the presence of catalytic amounts of a phosphorous-containing catalyst and a 4-diakylaminopyridine as cocatalyst, at temperatures above 180.degree. C., is described.

Abstract: Thermosettable prepolymers are prepared by reacting (A) a heterocyclic material containing one or more rings and one nitrogen atom or a mixture of such materials wherein at least one of such materials contains at least two reactive substituent groups having at least one reactive hydrogen atom attached to a carbon atom which is attached to the ring such as 2,4,6-trimethyl pyridine; with (B) a cycloaliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid mono- or dianhydride such as phthalic anhydride. These prepolymers or resins, can be homopolymerized without coreactants or copolymerized with N,N'-bis-imides such as 1,1'-(methylenedi-4,1-phenylene)-bismaleimide, to produce products, mat castings or composites having good mechanical and thermal properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to completely aromatic polyesters in which at least one end of the molecular chains is composed of the radicals ##STR1## The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of polyesters of this type and to the shaped articles produced therefrom.The polyesters according to the invention are also open to subsequent solid-phase condensation.

Abstract: Polymeric materials are repolymerized by intensely admixing the polymer with an additive having the formula: ##STR1## wherein M is titanium or zirconium, R, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each a monovalent alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl, aryl or alkaryl group having up to 20 carbon atoms or a halogen or ether substituted derivative thereof, and, in addition, R.sup.2 may also be an oxy derivative or an ether substituted oxy derivative of said groups; A, B, and C are each a monovalent aroxy, thioaroxy, diester phosphate, diester pyrophosphate, oxyalkylamino, sulfonyl or carboxyl containing up to 30 carbon atoms; and a+b+c=3. The repolymerized polymers have improved physical properties and higher heat distortion temperatures, experience less thermal degradation and show greater solvolysis resistance than the polymers prior to the repolymerization.

Abstract: The production of oxybenzoyl polyesters is facilitated by the incorporation of a phosphite, particularly an organic phosphite, during the production enabling the production of molded articles from these polyesters of improved appearance and excellent properties.

Abstract: A catalytic process for the production of high molecular weight nylon-type polyamides from omega-aminonitriles has been discovered. The process comprises contacting an omega-aminonitrile, water and a catalytic amount of an oxygenated sulfur compound catalyst. In one embodiment, sulfuric acid is utilized to polymerize 6-aminocapronitrile to nylon-6, at an elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A process for producing a novel cross-linked resin which comprises: reacting a bis(2-oxazoline) compound with a reactive compound which has at least one active hydrogen in the molecule, the reactive compound being at least one selected from the group consisting of a sulfonamide, an acid imide, an aromatic hydroxy-carboxylic acid and a bisphenol sulfone compound, in a molar ratio of the reactive compound to the bis(2-oxazoline) compound of not more than about 2, at an elevated temperature. About 5 to about 95 mole % of the reactive compound is replaceable by a dicarboxylic acid.The cross-linked resin may be usable for the production of machinery parts such as rolls and gears and embedded moldings of electrical machinery and apparatus parts as well as for electric insulating materials and dental uses. The cross-linked resin may further find applications in, for example, adhesives and various coating compositions.

Abstract: A diether-linked bisorthodinitrile monomer having the formula: ##STR1## is mixed with an amine curing agent and heated to a temperature sufficient o induce polymerization. The resulting polymer has a range of conductivity which is a function of the cure time and temperature.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of the photosensitive polyamic acid derivatives which are polyimide precursors, comprising the sequential steps:(1) Partially derivatizing an aromatic dianhydride with a reactive monomer containing a photosensitive moiety;(2) Condensation polymerizing the partially derivatized aromatic dianhydride with aromatic diamine to form polyamic acid;(3) Isoimidization of the polyamic acid;(4) Condensation of the polyisoimide to polyamic acid derivative by reaction with additional reactive monomer; and(5) Separation of the polyamic acid derivative.

Abstract: This invention provides a two stage melt polymerization process for the production of an improved type of high molecular weight polybenzimidazole, which involves the use of an arylhalophosphine or arylhalophosphite polymerization catalyst.The process provides poly-2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5'-bibenzimidazole of improved color and Plugging Value, and is further characterized by an inherent viscosity of at least about 1.0 dl/g, and a weight average molecular weight of at least about 100,000.

Abstract: This invention provides a two stage melt polymerization process for the production of an improved type of high molecular weight polybenzimidazole, which involves the use of an arylhalophosphine or arylhalophosphite polymerization catalyst.The process provides poly-2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5'-bibenzimidazole of improved color and Plugging Value, and is further characterized by an inherent viscosity of at least about 1.0 dl/g, and weight average molecular weight of at least about 100,000.