Abstract: A method for the preparation of poly(benzoxazole)s, poly(benzimidazoles)s, and poly(benzthiazole)s. In the presence of solvent and catalyst, reacting carbon monoxide, an aromatic halide reactant having the general formula X.sup.1 --Ar.sup.1 --Z.sup.1 and an aromatic amine reactant having the general formula Z.sup.2 --Ar.sup.2 --M.sup.1, wherein X.sup.1 and Z.sup.1 are non-ortho, Z.sup.2 and M.sup.1 are non-ortho, one of Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 is X.sup.2 and the other one is M.sup.2, --Ar.sup.1 -- and --Ar.sup.2 -- are each independently selected from the group consisting of aromatic and heteroaromatic moieties having a total of ring carbons and heteroatoms of from 6 to about 20, X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of --I and --Br, and M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 are each independently selected from moieties having an --NH.sub.2 radical and, ortho to the --NH.sub.2 radical, a radical selected from the group consisting of --NH.sub.2, --OH, and --SH.

Abstract: Ortho ester-capped polyphenylene ethers are prepared by the reaction of a polyphenylene ether with a reactive compound containing an ortho ester group, preferably a 4-(2-methoxy-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl group. Chlorotriazines containing the ortho ester substituent are particularly preferred as capping agents. The capped polyphenylene ethers form copolymer-containing compositions with polyesters and other polymers containing carboxylic acid groups.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a polyphenylene ether with low nitrogen content and low odor properties employs, for oxidative coupling of a 2,6-disubstituted phenol, a novel catalyst comprising a copper compound, a diamine, a tertiary amine, a quaternary compound and an unsaturated compound. The new polyphenylene ether is suitable for polymer blending, with, for example, styrenic resins, to make low odor blends.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastic, aromatic polycarbonates in which mesogenic compounds corresponding to the following formula ##STR1## are incorporated as chain terminating agents, to their preparation by the known processes for the preparation of polycarbonates, and to their use for the production of moulded articles for optical purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for the production of bifunctional polyphenylene oxides bearing OH groups as functional groups at both ends of the chain.

Abstract: An odor free polyphenylene ether is made from polymerization grade phenolic monomer which has been crystallized from a solvent. An amine free catalyst is used to polymerize the monomer. The polyphenylene ether is useful as a packaging material for food which is to be stored at a low temperature and/or cooked in the package at a high temperature.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ethers are capped by reaction in the melt, with application of vacuum, with at least one trimellitic anhydride salicylate ester, preferably the 4-(phenyl salicylate) ester. The preferred melt processing method is extrusion with vacuum venting. By this method, the polyphenylene ether is capped with reactive dicarboxylate groups and also with salicylate groups, improving its thermal stability. The capped polyphenylene ether is capable of forming copolymers with polyamides, and said copolymers are useful as compatibilizers for polyphenylene ether-polyamide blends.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new thermally stable polyphenylene oxide (PPO) and to its use as thermoplastic material.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ethers are capped by reaction in the melt with at least one derivative of 3-hydroxytrimellitic acid, preferably the 5-hydroxy or 5-acetoxy derivative of trimellitic anhydride or of a monoester thereof. The capped polyphenylene ether is capable of forming copolymers with polyamides.

Abstract: A phenolic resin composition comprising units of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a halogen and R.sub.2 is a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and said units of formula (I) are made by condensing the corresponding halogen-substituted resorcinol of formula (A): ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 is defined above, with the corresponding para-lower alkyl-substituted 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)-phenol of formula (B): ##STR3## wherein R.sub.2 is defined above, and wherein the mole ratio of A:B is from about 0.5:1 to 1.7:1. This phenolic resin may be mixed with photoactive compounds (e.g. 1,2-naphthoquinone diazide sensitizers) to prepare a light-sensitive composition useful as a positive-working photoresist.

Abstract: An improved process for producing aromatic polyethers by condensation polymerizing aromatic dihydroxy compounds represented by the general formula: HO--Ar--OH and aromatic dichloro compounds represented by the general formula: Cl--Ar.sup.1 --Y--Ar.sup.2 --Cl, or condensation polymerizing monohydroxymonochloro aromatic compounds represented by the general formula: HO--Ar.sup.1 --Y--Ar.sup.2 --Cl (in the above formulae, Ar, Ar.sup.1, Ar.sup.2 are as defined in the specification) in the presence of alkali metal compounds comprising a combination of alkali metal carbonates comprising carbonate and/or hydrogencarbonate of an alkali metal, e.g., potassium, and alkali metal fluorides.In accordance with the present process, high molecular weight aromatic polyethers can be efficiently produced from aromatic chloro compounds which are inexpensive and easily available.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a phenolic resin which comprises reacting a phenol with a peroxidase or an oxidase enzyme and a peroxide in an organic solvent containing medium to generate phenolic radicals which react to form a phenolic resin.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyphenylene ether is disclosed, comprising oxidatively polymerizing a phenol in an organic solvent in the presence of a catalyst for oxidative polymerization, finely dispersing the resulting polyphenylene ether containing the organic solvent in an aqueous dispersion medium containing an acid compound, and heating the aqueous dispersion to remove the solvent from the polyphenylene ether. The resulting polyphenylene ether has excellent powder properties and contains a reduced amount of a catalyst residue.

Abstract: In a process in which a poly (arylene sulfide) is synthesized by reacting a dihaloaromatic compound and an alkali metal sulfide in a polar organic solvent, the curing ability of the product polymer is significantly enhanced by introducing a small proportion of a hydroxyl group-containing polyhaloaromatic compound to the reaction mixture when a conversion of at least 60% has been achieved with respect to the dihaloaromatic compound present in the reaction mixture. The product polymer may be advantageously employed in various molding, forming or coating processes to provide the produced articles with increased strengths. The hydroxyl groups introduced into the polymer enable the polymer to be modified, if desired.

Abstract: A process for the production of polyphenylene ethers with reduced inherent color by the addition of a boron compound after the termination of the oxidative coupling reaction and removal of the metallic catalyst residues.

Abstract: Method for functionalizing a thermoplastic aromatic polycarbonate, copoly(ester carbonate), polyarylate, poly(arylene oxide) or polyarylethersulfone by reacting a precursor polymer that contains dicyclopentadiene with maleic anhydride, and the products so formed.

Abstract: A process for producing a copoly(arylene sulfide) corresponding to the structure[--A--S--).sub.1-x (--A--S--S--).sub.x ].sub.nwherein A is a divalent substituted or unsubstituted aromatic radical, x is in the range of 0.5 to 0.001 and n is at least 200, comprising reacting within a reaction zone a mixture of a diiodoaromatic compound and elemental sulfur at a polymer producing temperature wherein the reaction zone contains an oxygen-containing gas flowing at a rate in the range of 0.001 to 0.08 ft3/hr/mol of oxygen per mole of sulfur.

Abstract: A polymeric antioxidant which comprises a monomeric unit having a formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is methyl or ethyl; and a monomeric unit having a formula (II): ##STR2## which imparts an excellent resistance against heat- or light-aging to a synthetic fiber and a resin.

Abstract: Carboxylated polyphenylene ethers are prepared by reaction of the polyphenylene ether with an ester such as a 4-alkyl or 4-aryl ester of trimellitic anhydride. The methyl, ethyl and o-carbophenoxyphenyl esters are preferred; the latter caps the polyphenylene ether in addition to carboxylating it. The reaction takes place in the presence of a triaryl phosphite, at a temperature in the range of about 225.degree.-350.degree. C.

Abstract: When two 4-naphthoxyphenyl moieties are connected through a polar linking group, Y, it does not interfere with an oxidation process which results in dehydrogenative polymerization to yield polyarylene polyether (PAPE) polymers having a weight average mol wt greater than 10,000. Homo- and copolymers having a repeating unit in which a 4,4'-di(1-naphthoxyphenyl) moiety is connected through its phenyl rings to a bivalent polar residue are described. A specific monomer is selected from the group consisting of 4,4'-di(1-naphthoxy)diphenyl sulfone (DNDPS, Y=SO.sub.2) and, 4,4'-di(1-naphthoxy)benzophenone (DNBP, Y=CO). Because the process provides thermoplastic PAPE polymers having a Tg in the range from about 250.degree. C. to about 350.degree. C. with excellent physical properties, the polymers are suitable for use in the fabrication of composites for aerospace vehicles subjected to elevated temperatures.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ethers are capped by reaction at a temperature in the range of about 175.degree.-350.degree. C. with at least one carboxylic acid anhydride in the presence of a catalytic amount of at least one highly basic and/or nucleophilic amine. The capping reaction advantageously takes place in the melt. Blends of polyphenylene ethers with polystyrenes may also be capped.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel method for producing a polyphenylene ether, in which a phenol compound is reacted with an oxidizing agent in a reaction medium in the presence of a highly active catalyst comprising at least one copper compound, at least one 1,3-diamine compound selected from N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-1,3-diaminopropanes and at least one halogen compound selected from a bromine compound and a chlorine compound, wherein the reaction medium contains at least one alcohol selected from the group consisting of methanol and ethanol. The novel method can be advantageously employed for efficiently producing a polyphenylene ether which has a desirable color and gives a composition improved with respect to Izod impact strength in combination with a rubber-reinforced polystyrene and the like. Major application of such a composition is found in the field of generally known engineering plastics.

Abstract: Described herein is an improved process for preparing poly(aryl ethers) and poly(aryl ether ketones) by the reaction of a mixture of at least one bisphenol and at least one dihalobenzenoid compound, and/or a halophenol, in which the improvement comprises providing to the reaction medium, a combination of sodium or an alkaline earth metal carbonate and/or bicarbonate and a potassium, rubidium, or cesium salt of an organic acid or combinations of various organic salts thereof. The process yields high molecular weight, linear, poly(aryl ethers) and poly(aryl ether ketones) possessing excellent thermal stability and physical properties.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ethers are capped by reaction in the melt with an ester of salicylic acid, anthranilic acid or a substituted derivative thereof; esters of salicylic acid, and especially salicylic carbonate and linear polysalicylates, are preferred. The capping reaction typically takes place at a temperature in the range of about 225.degree.-325.degree. C., employing about 5-12% by weight of the ester based on polyphenylene ether.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polyphenylene ether by quenching a transition metal catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction of a di-ortho-substituted phenol, and separation of the metal component. The process comprises:(1) removing the oxygen required for the coupling reaction,(2) contacting the reaction solution with hydrogen sulfide, a solution containing sulfide ions or a mixture thereof, and(3) separating the resulting precipitate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the method of manufacturing polyphenylene ethers by an oxidative coupling reaction of monomeric phenols in a solvent mixture comprised of an aromatic hydrocarbon with 6-8 carbon atoms and an aliphatic alcohol with 1-4 carbon atoms in a volumetric ratio of the hydrocarbon to the alcohol of 92.5:7.5 to 50:50, in the presence of a catalyst comprised of cupric chloride, a secondary diamine, and morpholine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of substituted polyarylethers from par-substituted phenols.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ethers are prepared from monohydric phenols, which possess alkyl substituents in the two ortho-positions and, if desired, in the meta-position, but not in the para-position, by an oxidative coupling reaction with oxygen at from 15.degree. to 50.degree. C. and under from 1 to 10 bar in the presence of a catalyst complex, of a solvent and, if required, of an activator, by a method in which the conversion of the phenols is carried out in two more reaction zones, in which some or all of the solvent, the catalyst complex and the phenols and, where relevant, the activator is initially taken and is circulated by means of a conveying unit, and about 60-100% of the stoichiometric amount of oxygen required for the oxidative coupling is introduced into the first reaction zone and from 0 to about 40% of the said stoichiometric amount is introduced into the second reaction zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-stage method for concentrating solutions of polyphenylene ethers (5-15 wt. %) in organic solvents, wherein the first stage is operated with recycle and the second stage is operated in a single pass with no recycle side streams, to produce an accurately adjusted final concentration of between 50 and 60 wt. %.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ether resin compositions exhibiting improved melt behavior without degradation of other thermal properties are provided by combining a polyphenylene ether polymer and an alkyl or aralkyl sulfonate of an alkali metal, where the alkyl or aralkyl radical has 5 to 25 carbon atoms.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new process for the preparation of bifunctional polyphenylene oxides.

Abstract: Polyphenylene oxides are prepared by the catalytic reaction of oxygen with a monohydroxyaromatic compound such as 2,6-xylenol in a continuous-flow tubular reactor containing multiple agitated zones. In the case of a copper catalyst system, it is often preferred to pre-mix the non-gaseous constituents of the reaction mixture in an inert atmosphere, and also to use a reactor with various agitator and zone dimensions in various regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a polyphenylene ether, in which the oxidative coupling reaction of a di-ortho-substituted phenol is carried out in a solvent comprised of a chlorinated hydrocarbon, an aromatic solvent, or a mixture of one of these solvents with an alcohol or ketone. The reaction is terminated by removing or using up the oxygen-containing reaction gas, adding hydrazine to the reaction mixture, and filtering out the resulting precipitate. The precipitate may be reused along with a suitable amine, to comprise a catalyst for a subsequent oxidative coupling reaction.

Abstract: High molecular weight polyphenylene ethers are prepared from monohydric phenols by an oxidative coupling reaction with oxygen in the presence of a solvent and of a catalyst complex consisting of a copper salt and an organic amine of the general formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 -alkylidene, preferably C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 -alkylidene, or alkenylidene, R.sup.2 is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 -alkyl, preferably C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, or C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 -cycloalkyl, each of which is unsubstituted or substituted by functional groups, and n is an integer from 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2. Preferred functional groups are --OR.sup.3, --NHR.sup.3 or --SR.sup.3, in which R.sup.3 is H C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 -alkyl or C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 -cycloalkyl, and the most suitable amines are 3-tert.-butoxypropylamine, 4-tert.-butoxybutylamine, 3-tert.-butoxy-2-methylpropylamine, 3-tert.-butoxy-2,3-dimethylpropylamine, 3-tert.-butoxy-2-methyloctylamine and N-methyl-N-(4-tert.-butoxybutyl)-amine.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ethers are produced by oxidative polymerization of phenols in the presence of a catalyst comprising the combination of divalent manganese salts, an oxine or derivatives thereof, an alkanolamine, and an alkaline compound. This catalyst has an increased polymerization activity and achieves a higher productivity. In addition, the catalyst enables the polymerization to conduct at relatively high temperatures.

Abstract: Process for the production of polyphenyleneoxide, in which:oxygen, or a gas containing molecular oxygen is fed into a liquid reaction medium, solvent of the 2,6-xylenol and of the catalyst cupric salt complexed with an organic base, but nor solvent or substantially not solvent of the polyphenyleneoxide;from time to time samples are collected of the reaction mixture, said samples are treated with a liquid solvent, capable of dissolving polyphenyleneoxide and of stopping the growth of the macromolecules, until a clear and homogeneous solution is obtained;the through time of the so obtained solution is measured in a capillary tube viscometer and the value is determined of the viscosity and/of the molecular weight of polyphenyleneoxide by the comparison with standard values; andon the basis of the so determined value of the viscosity and/or of the polyphenyleneoxide molecular weight interventions are effected on the oxidative polymerizing reaction of 2,6-xylenol.

Abstract: Copper (I)-xylenoxide complexes are prepared by the reaction of mesitylcopper and a monohydroxy aromatic compound, said complexes are useful for preparing polyphenylene oxides when part of a catalyst system which contains a diamine.

Abstract: Methods for preparing copper(I)-diamine-phenoxide complexes within solution, such as the polymerization medium of polyphenylene oxides, are described which utilize a copper-diamine-halide complex, an alkali metal hydroxide and a monohydroxy aromatic compound to generate effective catalysts without the scrupulous exclusion of moisture and air.

Abstract: Polyphenylene oxides are prepared by the catalytic reaction of oxygen with at least one monohydroxyaromatic compound in a system which includes an organic solvent and an aqueous phase comprising a solution of at least one inorganic halide salt, preferably sodium bromide. This system enables the reaction to be conducted in the presence of the aqueous phase without deactivating the oxidative coupling catalyst. This system preferably also contains a minor amount of at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of cationic surfactants having an HLB within the range of about 12-15 and amphoteric surfactants. The presence of a surfactant facilitates polymer recovery by promoting formation of readily filterable solid polymer particles in the aqueous system.

Abstract: Polyphenylene oxides are prepared by the catalytic reaction of oxygen with a monohydroxyaromatic compound such as 2,6-xylenol in a solvent for reactants and product, in a two-stage process. The first stage is effected continuously in at least one and preferably not more than two back-mixed (e.g., tank) reactors, and the second stage in one or more batch reactors or, preferably, in a reaction system with limited back-mixing, typically a cylindrical reactor containing multiple agitated zones. In the case of a copper catalyst system, it is also preferred to pre-mix the non-gaseous constituents of the reaction mixture in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ethers, prepared by oxidative polycondensation of alkylphenols, in the presence of copper-amine catalysts, are decolorized from the reaction by-products and purified from the residues of catalytic copper by treatment, in an acid medium, with one or more thiolic compounds comprised in the general formula.R--(SH).sub.nwherein:n=a whole number ranging between 1 and 6, extremes includedR=an alkyl, an aryl, an alkaryl, an aralkyl, a cycloalkyl, a heterocyclic group, a hydrocarbon radical having several non-condensed benzene rings, optionally substituted by alkyl and/or alkoxy, hydroxy, aminic, sulphonic, carboxylic, nitric, sulphydrilic radicals, halogens.

Abstract: Process for the production of polyphenylene oxide by means of the oxidative polymerization of 2,6-xylenol, with either oxygen or a gas containing molecular oxygen, in the presence of a catalyst, by continuously operating in a circulation system, and with the precipitation of the polymer in the liquid reaction medium.

Abstract: A polymer mixture comprising(a) a base resin selected from the group consisting of polyphenylene ether resins and polyphenylene ether modified with alkenyl aromatic resins; and(b) an amount of antistatic agent effective for improving the antistatic character of said polymer mixture wherein said antistatic agent is a compound of the formula R--SO.sub.3 X, where R is an alkyl or aralkyl radical having 5 to 25 carbon atoms and X is an alkali metal.

Abstract: A process for the production of polyphenylene oxides by the oxidative coupling of a diorthosubstituted phenol of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R' are an n-alkyl radical with 1 to about 6 carbon atoms or a phenyl radical in the presence of an oxidizing gas and an activated copper(II)-amine catalyst made of copper(II) salts, secondary aliphatic or cyclic amines having about 4 to 10 carbon atoms, and hydrobromides of the same or different secondary aliphatic or cyclic amines having about 4 to 10 carbon atoms, in a solvent mixture of a C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 aromatic hydrocarbon and a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 aliphatic alcohol.

Abstract: High molecular weight polyphenylene ethers are prepared from a monohydric phenol by an oxidative coupling reaction with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst complex obtained from a copper salt and an organic amine, and in the presence of a solvent, by a process in which the metal component of the catalyst is removed after the polymerization by adding one or more organic ammonium salts of the general formula ##STR1## where A.sup..crclbar. is an anion or polyanion of an organic carboxylic, sulfonic or phosphonic acid, R.sup.1 is hydrogen, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms or aryl and R.sup.4 is alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms or aryl.

Abstract: The present invention deals with polymer blends comprising a polyphenylene ether and optionally polystyrene or a rubber modified polystyrene. It has been found that the addition of an alkyl or aralkyl-sulfonate to such blends improves the environmental stress cracking resistance of such blends.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for the production of polyphenylene oxides.

Abstract: A continuous process for preparing polyphenylene ether resins without removing water is described in which only two continuously vigorously stirred reactors are used with the average residence time in the two reactors being correlated to yield resin having an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 0.35 deciliter/gram.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of high molecular weight polyphenylene ethers from alkyl-substituted monohydric phenols by an oxidative coupling reaction with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst complex of a copper salt and an organic amine, subsequent stopping of the reaction and removal of the metal component of the catalyst by addition of chelating and/or salt-forming agents, wherein the polymer solution is treated with a compound having the general structure: ##STR1## where R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 can be identical or different and each is OH, NH.sub.2, NHR.sup.5, where R.sup.5 is alkyl or cycloalkyl, or SH, and where R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 are identical or different, being hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, carbonyl, carboxyl, carboxyalkyl or nitrile, and can be linked to form a ring, advantageously in an amount of from 0.1 to 100 mmoles and advantageously in from 1 to 20% strength aqueous solutions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of bifunctional polyphenylene ethers.