Abstract: A process is provided for producing an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer by which impurities such as catalyst residue and by-products and solvent are removed to a high degree. A high-quality, homogeneous product can be efficiently produced by including a washing step including: introducing a paste containing an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer and an alcohol into a washing tank; applying a shear force to the paste to knead the paste while contacting the paste with washing water so that a surface of the paste is repeatedly displaced by an inner part thereof; and discharging the alcohol to an outside of the tank together with the washing water to obtain a water-containing ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer composition having a small alcohol content.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluorovinyl ether functionalized aromatic diesters and derivatives thereof. The compounds disclosed have utility as functionalized monomers and comonomers in polyesters, polyamides, and the like. It has been found that incorporation of the monomers into polymers provides improved soil resistance to shaped articles produced from the polymers.

Abstract: A method for producing a photochromic polyester, the method including: a) providing a reaction solution having at least one ester monomer, a photochromic compound having or functionalized to have at least one hydroxyl group, and a metal-free catalyst; b) reacting the at least one ester monomer and the photochromic compound using the metal-free catalyst to produce a polymeric product, where the polymeric product has a photochromic polyester; and c) separating the polymeric product from the reaction solution. A photochromic polyester includes a photochromic compound covalently linked to a polyester and the polyester is obtained by polymerizing a lactone.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for efficient continuous production of aliphatic polyester having good quality. The invention relates to a continuous production method of aliphatic polyester, wherein the polyester is obtained through a preparation step of slurry containing aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and aliphatic diol, an esterification reaction step and a polycondensation reaction step, wherein temperature range of the slurry during the preparation step thereof is from the coagulation point of the aliphatic diol to 80° C., and moisture content in the slurry is from 0.01 to 10% by weight.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced shrinkage in the transverse direction with little to no concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, plasticizers, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of cast and tenner manufacture is disclosed, which includes a temperature conditioning step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a polyester resin, comprising carrying out a hot-water treatment and a heat treatment, in this order, of polyester prepolymer particles obtained by melt polycondensation of a dicarboxylic acid component and a diol component. The hot-water treatment comprises bringing the polyester prepolymer particles with an intrinsic viscosity of from at least 0.10 dL/g to at most 1.0 dL/g and with a density of at most 1.36 g/cm3 into contact with hot water at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the polyester prepolymer particles and less than 100° C., under the condition satisfying the following formula (1): 40?(T?Tg)t?6000??(1) wherein t is a hot-water treatment time (second), T is the temperature of the hot water (° C.) and Tg is the glass transition temperature (° C.) of the polyester prepolymer particles.

Abstract: Provided in this invention are polyethylene terephthalate resins which can suppress the formation of acetaldehyde as a by-product in melt molding of the resins and can provide the molded products reduced in acetaldehyde content. A polyethylene terephthalate resin which has an intrinsic viscosity [?2] of not less than 0.70 dl/g and not more than 1.50 dl/g and an acetaldehyde content [AA0 (ppm by weight)] of not more than 10 ppm by weight, and has such properties that the acetaldehyde content [AA1 (ppm by weight)] of the molded product obtained by injection molding the resin at 280° C. with its moisture content adjusted to 30±20 ppm by weight and the acetaldehyde content [AA2 (ppm by weight)] of the molded product obtained by injection molding the resin at 280° C. with its moisture content adjusted to 120±20 ppm by weight satisfy the following formula (1): [(AA1?AA2)/AA1]×100?30??(1).

Abstract: The invention provides methods of extracting a biodegradable polyester with a supercritical fluid effective to obtain a purified biodegradable polyester, such as a purified biodegradable poly(lactide-glycolide) (PLG). The supercritical fluid can be carbon dioxide at an elevated pressure, or can be carbon dioxide with one or more cosolvents. Methods for carrying out stepwise purification of the biodegradable polyester at multiple pressures or multiple temperatures, or both, are also provided. When the polyester is PLG, a purified PLG copolymer is obtained having a narrowed molecular weight distribution with respect to the unpurified polyester. The purified PLG copolymer can have a polydispersity index of less than about 1.7, less than about 2% monomers, and less than about 10% oligomers. The purified PLG copolymer can exhibit a reduced initial burst effect when incorporated into a controlled release formulation such as a flowable implant adapted to be injected into body tissues.

Abstract: An oligomer removing agent for polyester-based fiber materials comprises a polyester copolymer which is obtained by polycondensation of a dibasic acid component containing 15-65 mol % of a sulfonate group-containing dibasic acid and a dihydric alcohol component containing polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of 900-3500, and which has a 200° C. melt viscosity of 5000-23,000 mPa·s and has 10-40 mass % polyoxyethylene chains in the molecule. The oligomer removing agent is able to overcome the problems caused by deposition of polyester oligomers, when added to the dyeing bath in a dyeing step for polyester fiber materials or for fiber materials that are composites thereof with other fiber materials.

Abstract: A phosphazene-based polymer hydrogel with a chemical cross-linkings formed by radiating ultraviolet (UV) and/or mixing with cross-linking agent and/or enzyme, and a method of preparing the same are provided. The hydrogel shows a sol-gel behavior and has an excellent solidity by containing the phosphazene-based polymer that is capable of cross-linking at a certain concentration.

Abstract: Dispersing agents especially useful as cement plasticizers are copolymers obtained by polymerizing a) 5 to 70 percent by weight of ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acids, carboxylic acid amides, dicarboxylic acids, or their anhydrides and/or (meth)acrylic acid monoesters of dialcohols, b) 1 to 40 percent ethylenically unsaturated, sulfonate-functional or sulfate-functional compounds, c) 10-80 percent of ethylenically unsaturated compounds of polyethylene glycols containing 1 to 300 ethylene oxide units, and terminal OH groups or —OR? ether groups, d) 5 to 80 percent of ethylenically unsaturated compounds of polyalkylene glycol containing 1 to 300 C3-4 alkylene oxide units and terminal OH groups or —OR? ether groups, the percentages totaling 100 percent by weight.

Abstract: New polyols; oligomers, and polymers made from the polyols; and binders made from the new polyols, oligomers, or polymers that can be used in binders, where the binders typically include one or more polyols, and a polyfunctional acid or a polyfunctional nitrile.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a resin particle capable of unprecedentedly realizing both excellent heat resistant keeping property and melting property. The present invention is a method for producing a resin particle (X) comprising the step of treating a resin particle (B) containing a resin (A) composed of a crystalline part (a) containing, as an essential constitutional component, a lactone ring-opening polymer (p), and a noncrystalline part (b), with liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide (C), and removing (C), wherein a heat of fusion measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of the obtained (X) satisfies the following relational formula (1): 0?H2/H1?0.9??(1) [in the relational formula (1), H1 represents a measurement value of a heat of fusion (J/g) at the time of the initial temperature elevation measured by DSC; and H2 represents a measurement value of a heat of fusion (J/g) at the time of the second temperature elevation measured by DSC].

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: The invention discloses specific polyester resins which are obtained by the technique of reacting polyesterpolyol oligomer of specific monomeric composition further with polyvalent carboxylic acid (anhydride) and the like; thermosetting water-borne coating compositions using the polyester resins, and coating film-forming methods using the thermosetting water-borne coating compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for thermally treating polyester pellets to obtain partial crystallization, whereby the polyester melt is supplied to an underwater granulating system and granulated; the thus obtained granulate are fed from the underwater granulating system into a water-solids separator. The dried granulate is then fed into a treatment device at a granulate temperature higher than 100 degrees C., without external energy or heat being supplied. The intrinsic heat of the granulate is used as the heat treatment leading to partial crystallization. The crystallization device is embodied as an at least lightly inclined reactor, into which granulate is fed at a temperature higher than 100 degrees C. The granulate passes through the reactor from the loading point to the discharge point under its own weight and exits the reactor with a temperature higher than 130 degrees C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for continuously washing poly(vinyl butyral) in which a poly(vinyl butyral) slurry is passed through multiple continuous stirred tank reactors, each of which is adjusted to specific processing parameters that allow for continuous input, washing, and removal of poly(vinyl butyral). The resulting poly(vinyl butyral) can then be dried to form a powder resin that can be used in place of conventional poly(vinyl butyral) resin. In an alternative embodiment, a counter current screw washing unit is provided that passes wash water over the poly(vinyl butyral) in a direction opposite to the flow of the poly(vinyl butyral), thereby allowing the continuous washing of the poly(vinyl butyral) resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to slow-crystallizing, titanium-catalyzed polyethylene terephthalate resins that are useful for making high-strength, high-clarity bottles that possess improved resistance to stress cracking and thermal creep. The polyethylene terephthalate resins possess improved reheating profiles and are especially useful for making polyester articles that have exceptional clarity, dimensional stability, and thermal stability.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide polylactic acid containing a stereocomplex crystal and having excellent moldability, a high molecular weight, high crystallinity and a high melting point and a process for manufacturing the same. It is another object of the present invention to provide a composition comprising the polylactic acid and a molded product of the polylactic acid. The present invention is characterized from polylactic acid having a weight average molecular weight of 80,000 to 500,000 and a melting peak at 195° C. or higher which accounts for 80% or more of the total of melting peaks in the temperature elevation step when measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and a process for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A polyester resin composition having an equivalent spherical diameter of 1 mm to 50 mm, a degree of crystallization of not less than 65% and less than 99%, an intrinsic viscosity of not more than 0.7 dl/g and a cyclic trimer content of not more than 0.4% by weight. This polymer resin composition has an excellent color tone, causes no significant viscosity lowering or viscosity rise, and can withstand a process which is exposed to a long-term thermal history. A polyester resin composition having a viscosity suitable for extrusion in a general-purpose manner, a production process thereof, and a polyester film are also provided.

Abstract: A melt phase process for making a polyester polymer melt phase product by adding an antimony containing catalyst to the melt phase, polycondensing the melt containing said catalyst in the melt phase until the It.V. of the melt reaches at least 0.75 dL/g. Polyester polymer melt phase pellets containing antimony residues and having an It.V. of at least 0.75 dL/g are obtained without solid state polymerization. The polyester polymer pellets containing antimony residues and having an It.V. of at least 0.70 dL/g obtained without increasing the molecular weight of the melt phase product by solid state polymerization are fed to an extruder, melted to produce a molten polyester polymer, and extruded through a die to form shaped articles. The melt phase products and articles made thereby have low b* color and/or high L* brightness, and the reaction time to make the melt phase products is short.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a process for processing post-consumer polymer. The polymer is contacted with a control medium having a carrier gas and a reactive vapor. Such a process is useful for processing post-consumer polymers with lower energy and reactants than with liquid reactants, and also promotes decontamination of the recycled polymer during the reaction.

Abstract: A process for the solid phase continuous polymerization of polyester in order to achieve a molecular weight increase, measurable by the intrinsic viscosity IV increase of the polyester, wherein the use of at least a reactor (15) is provided, the reactor (15) being cylindrical, rotary around its own central axis (S), substantially horizontal, slightly inclined so as to produce the polymerization of the polyester granules passing through the reactor by gravity thanks to the inclination and the rotation of the reactor (15), inside the reactor there being produced a purge gas flow having the same or the opposite direction with respect to the flow of the polyester granules.

Abstract: An optical film comprising a copolycarbonate composed of 25 to 90 mol % of unit (A) of the following formula, and 10 to 75 mol % of unit (B) of the following formula, wherein the substituents are defined herein, and the optical film satisfies the following expression (1), R(450)<R(550)<R(650) (1), wherein R(450), R(550) and R(650) are in-plane retardation values of the film at wavelengths of 450 nm, 550 nm and 650 nm. The optical film exhibits a desired chromatic dispersion, low photoelasticity and excellent melt processability.

Abstract: A sugar mixture comprising: monosaccharides; oligosaccharides in a ratio ?0.06 to total saccharides; disaccharides in a ratio to total saccharides ?0.05; pentose in a ratio to total saccharides ?0.05; at least one alpha-bonded di-glucose; and at least one beta-bonded di-glucose. Also disclosed are methods to make and/or use such mixtures.

Abstract: A polyester resin toner-forming composition containing a biopolyol is described. The biopolyol can enhance branching, crosslinking or both.

Abstract: The invention relates the use of a copolyester elastomer comprising hard blocks comprising polyester segments, polymeric soft blocks and urethane linkages, in applications with a thermal overload requirement specifying a thermal overload temperature above the melting temperature of the copolyester elastomer. The invention also relates to films as well as tubes and electrical cables, such as convoluted tubes and electrical cables for use in cable harness systems. The invention more further relates to polymeric materials with high heat properties that can be used in the tubes and cables and to tubes and cables at least comprising a layer consisting of the polymeric materials.

Abstract: PHA adhesive compositions, and related methods and articles are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for manufacturing low-acid polyalkylene terephthalate, for example, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The invention also provides methods and systems for preparing macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) from low-acid polyalkylene terephthalate. Finally, the invention provides methods and systems for preparing MPO via reaction of a diol and a dialkyl ester in an organic solvent to form non-isolated, low-acid polyalkylene terephthalate which undergoes cyclization (depolymerization) to form MPO.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polycarbonate polymer comprising: an isosorbide unit, and an aliphatic unit different from the isosorbide unit, wherein the isosorbide unit and aliphatic unit are each carbonate, or a combination of carbonate and ester units and the aliphatic unit is derived from an aliphatic oligomer having a molecular weight of 900 to 4000.

Abstract: Polyester compositions based on 1,3-propanediol and aromatic and aliphatic diacids that can contain a large fraction of biologically derived content are disclosed. Transesterification between polyesters in blends of such compositions is greatly reduced using phosphorous-containing additives. The blends have properties similar to poly(ethylene terephthalate).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for recovering succinic acid in crystal form from a fermentation broth comprising succinic acid, comprising the steps of a) bringing the fermentation broth to a pH of between 1 and 4, b) crystallizing the succinic acid from the fermentation broth to form succinic acid crystals, c) dissolving the succinic acid crystals at a temperature of between 30 and 90 degrees Celsius to form an aqueous solution comprising dissolved succinic acid, d) crystallizing the succinic acid from the solution to recover succinic acid in crystal form. The invention further relates to succinic acid in crystal form, comprising a sugar content of 1 to 100 ppm and a nitrogen content of 1 to 80 ppm.

Abstract: Polyester-carbonate copolymers are prepared by copolymerizing lactide with a 1:4-3:6 dianhydrohexitol in the presence of a carbonate precursor and a polymerization catalyst. The copolymers have an elevated glass transition temperature, relative to polylactide resins.

Abstract: A method for producing polyester resin includes: esterifying an alcoholic component, and an acid component containing polyvalent carboxylic acid and/or an ester-forming derivative thereof in a reaction solution. A condition of reaction pressure is changed from a pressurized state to a normal pressure state, or to a depressurized state under a condition (I) that an acid-based extent of reaction of the esterification is 76-94%, and a condition (II) that an undissolved acid component is present in the reaction solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing the solid state polymerization (SSP) rates of metal catalyzed polyesters. The method comprises in a first step, reacting a dicarboxylic acid or a C1-C4 dicarboxylic diester with a diol at a suitable temperature and pressure to effect esterification or transesterification to prepare a precondensate and in a second step, reacting the precondensate to effect polycondensation at a suitable temperature and pressure to prepare a high molecular weight polyester and in a third step, further increasing the molecular weight and viscosity of the polyester under SSP conditions of a suitable temperature and pressure, where a metal catalyst is added in the first step or in the second step as a reaction catalyst, and where a certain phosphinic acid compound is added in the first step, in the second step or just prior to the third step. The polyester product exhibits low aldehyde formation during melt processing steps as well as excellent color.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new classes of monomeric compounds, which may be polymerized to form novel biodegradable and bioresorbable polymers and co-polymers. These polymers and co-polymers, while not limited thereto, may be adapted for radioopacity and are useful for medical device applications and controlled release therapeutic formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the continuous production of high-molecular polyesters by esterification of dicarboxylic acids and/or transesterification of dicarboxylic acid esters with diols and/or mixtures thereof in the presence of catalysts with formation of a prepolymer in a tower reactor and polycondensation thereof to form a high-molecular polyester in a polycondensation reactor, a prepolymer with >40 to 70 repeat units (DP) being produced in the tower reactor and this prepolymer being polycondensed in only one further reactor to form a polyester with >150 to 205 DP.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a purified 2-aryl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl) phthalimidine of formula (I) wherein R1 is hydrogen or a C1-25 hydrocarbyl group and R2 is a hydrogen, a C1-25 hydrocarbyl group, or a halogen, and wherein the method comprises dissolving a crude phthalimidine compound in an aqueous base solution; precipitating the dissolved, crude phthalimidine compound from the aqueous base solution by adding an acid in an amount effective to lower the pH of the solution to 9.0 to 12.0, to provide a semicrude phthalimidine compound; and isolating the semicrude phthalimidine compound from the aqueous base solution, to provide the purified 2-aryl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine of formula (I), and having a phenolphthalein compound content of less than 2,500 ppm, based on the weight of the purified 2-aryl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine.

Abstract: A multi-layer polymer film for printing and copying of the present invention comprising a two-layer polymer base film composed of layer A and layer B laminated on one side of the layer A, the layer B containing a filler in an amount of 50 to 3000 ppm and the layer A containing no filler or a filler in an amount of at least 1000 ppm and less than the B layer; an image receiving layer coated on the exposed surface of the layer A; and an antistatic layer coated on the exposed surface of the layer B, wherein the layer A having the image receiving coating layer and the layer B having the antistatic coating layer have average degrees of surface roughness (Ra) ranging from 10 to 60 nm and 50 to 150 nm, respectively, exhibits improved properties in terms of runnability, printing, optical (haze), antistatic, friction coefficient and anti-blocking properties, which can be advantageously used as an OHP film.

Abstract: Provided is a polybutylene terephthalate resin composition for insulating parts, which satisfies GWIT Standard over a thickness range of 0.75 to 3 mm, the thickness range having been accepted as difficult to satisfy the Standard. In detail, to (A) 100 parts by weight of a polybutylene terephthalate resin, there are added (B) 5 to 50 parts by weight of a halogen-based flame retardant, (C) 5 to 50 parts by weight of a flame retardant assistant, (D) 1 to 100 parts by weight of a nitrogen-based compound, and (E) 0 to 200 parts by weight of a fibrous reinforcement.

Abstract: A process for producing non-solid-stated polyester polymer particles having one or more properties similar to polyester polymer particles that have undergone solid-state processing.

Abstract: A fine agglomerates mixture formed from pyrolysis of recyclable polymeric material such as scrap tires, polymeric automotive components, used rubber materials, and plastic containers. The mixture contains a carbon content ranged between about 80% to about 95% by weight of the fine agglomerates mixture. The fine agglomerates mixture has agglomerate particles averaging less than or equal to 35 nm. The fine agglomerates mixture also has a nitrogen surface area greater than or equal to 73 m2/g and includes an inorganic functional filler in a range between about 5% to about 20% weight of the fine agglomerates mixture.

Abstract: A device and a method for producing high-quality polybutylene succinate are provided. The method for producing polybutylene succinate comprises the steps of: preparing a raw-material slurry by mixing succinic acid or a derivative thereof with 1,4-butanediol in a raw-material slurry preparation tank; storing the raw-material slurry in a raw-material slurry storage tank while maintaining flowability; carrying out an esterification reaction of the raw-material slurry in an esterification reactor; and synthesizing polybutylene succinate with a polycondensation reaction of the ester in a polycondensation reactor, in which the polycondensation reactor is divided, from the upstream side, into at least an initial polycondensation reactor, an intermediate polycondensation reactor, and a final polycondensation reactor, a catalyst is added in an amount from 1000 ppm to 3000 ppm in relation to succinic acid or a derivative thereof, the reaction time in the intermediate polycondensation reactor ranges from 0.

Abstract: Insulation fluids comprising polytrimethylene ether glycol esters are provided. The insulation fluids can be used in electrical apparatuses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for synthesizing polyesters or copolyesters having a mean molar mass in mass MW, greater than 10000, by means of a direct polyesterification reaction between a diacid, diester, hydroxyacid, or hydroxyester and a diol, or between hydroxyacids or hydroxyesters, said method being characterized in that said polyesterification reaction is carried out at a temperature of 60 to 150° C. at atmospheric pressure in a reaction medium including at least one acidic ionic liquid consisting of an anion and a cation, the electrical charges of which balance each other out, and wherein at least the cation is a strong acid according to the Bronsted definition, or comprises a grouping that is a strong acid according to the Bronsted definition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a branched polyethylene terephthalate-co-isophthalate for use in the manufacture of foamed articles. The branched polyethylene terephthalate-co-isophthalate can be characterized by a composition comprising i) a polyethylene terephthalate-co-isophthalate comprising from about 5 to about 15 weight % of an isophthalic acid, and ii) a branching agent comonomer, wherein the branching agent comonomer is a polyhydric alcohol having functionality of 3 or more and the polyhydric alcohol is present in an amount of from 0.005 to about 0.01 equivalents per mole of total diacids. Other embodiments of the present invention include foamed articles produced from these compositions and processes to produce these compositions and the foamed articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable polymers (e.g., polyesters and polyester amides) derived from functionalized biologically active compounds that can provide site specific delivery of bioactive compounds upon biodegradation in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye receptor layer composition for thermal transfer image-receiving sheets which includes (a) a resin dispersion containing a polyester-containing resin, (b) a glycol ether having a boiling point of from 160° C. to 280° C. and a vapor pressure at 20° C. of from 20 to 1,000 Pa and (c) an oxazoline group-containing compound, and is excellent in film-forming property; and a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet obtained from the composition which can be dried at a low temperature for a short period of time, exhibits a low heat fusibility, is excellent in releasability, printing sensitivity and imaging performance, and can produce images with a high density.

Abstract: Disclosed are an industrial high tenacity polyester fiber with superior creep properties and a method of preparing the fiber. The industrial polyester fiber has a mono-filament fineness of 5 to 15 dpf, an intrinsic viscosity of 0.8 to 1.25 dl/g, and a creep change rate of 4.7% or less, wherein the creep change rate is measured at 160° C. for 24 hours while giving a load corresponding to a strain of 3% after heat-treating the fiber at 220° C. for 2 minutes while giving a load of 1 g/d, and the load corresponding to the strain of 3% is based on a value obtained from a load-strain curve of the fiber before heat-treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymers derived from units of bisphenol compounds, such as tetramethylcyclobutane diol-bisphenol, and processes for making and using them.