Abstract: A process for preparing polyamides by reacting starting monomers selected from dicarboxylic acids and diamines or salts of the dicarboxylic acids and diamines, amino carboxylic acids, amino nitriles, lactams and mixtures thereof, in the presence or absence of water and/or of functionalizing compounds capable of attaching to carboxyl or amino groups, comprises performing the reaction in an ionic liquid as solvent without use of additional accelerants which, based on the monomers, are present in an amount of more than 50 mol %.

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: The invention is based on the discovery that certain polyester-linked compounds are useful as components in underfill compositions for the microelectronic packaging industry.

Abstract: Among other things, a process for producing an agglomerated superabsorbent polymer particle and an agglomerated superabsorbent polymer particle are disclosed. The process comprises the steps of: (A) bringing superabsorbent polymer fine particles having at least about 40 wt. %, a particle size of less than about 150 ?m into contact with a fluid comprising to more than about 10 wt. % a cross-linkable, uncrosslinked polymer based on polymerized, ethylenically unsaturated, acid group-bearing monomers or salts thereof; and (B) cross-linking the uncrosslinked polymer by heating the superabsorbent polymer fine particles and the fluid to a temperature from about 20 to about 300° C., so that the cross-linkable, uncrosslinked polymer at least partially crosslinks.

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 are polyestercarbonate copolymers comprising a carbonate unit of Formula (I), an ITR ester unit of Formula (V), and optionally a different carbonate unit of Formula (VI): wherein Ra, Rb, p, q, A, h, j, k, Rc, r, and R1 are as described herein. The polyestercarbonate copolymers have a combination of scratch resistance, good flow, and good weatherability.

Abstract: Polyolefin waxes bearing (meth)acrylate groups, process for preparing them and their use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymeric membrane composition utilizing the non-hazardous compound 4-aminophenyl disulfide (“APD”), a method of making the polymeric membrane, and a process for separating components of a feedstream utilizing the polymeric membrane. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to utilizing the polymeric membrane composition in a process for the separation of aromatics from a hydrocarbon feedstream containing aromatics and aliphatic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalytic compositions for esterification, transesterification and polycondensation reactions, a process for the catalysis of said reactions employing such catalytic compositions and polyesters or resins obtainable by this process.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN) polymers with fast crystallizing properties, which helps in crystallization of amorphous PEN resin prior to its solid state polymerization (SSP).

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for preparing polyareneazole polymers including contacting a molar excess of a free base in water with a terephthalic acid salt to form an aqueous mixture, adjusting the pH to precipitate a monomer complex, contacting the monomer complex with metal powder, and polymerizing the monomer complex. Polyareneazoles, filaments and yarns are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the preparation of a polyester, which 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, where a metal phosphonic acid complex compound of the formula is employed in the first step, in the second step or in both the first and second steps as a reaction catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process to prepare a poly(carbonate-co-urea) copolymer comprising reacting in the melt: (a) a dihydroxy reaction component comprising a dihydroxy compound, (b) a diaryl carbonate reaction component comprising a diaryl carbonate, (c) a urea reaction component comprising a urea compound in the presence of (d) a transesterification catalyst during at least part of the reaction and removing a phenolic byproduct to produce a poly(carbonate-co-urea) copolymer, wherein the urea and dihydroxy compounds are reacted in a molar ratio: (total moles of urea compound)/((total moles of urea compound)+(total moles of dihydroxy compound)) of less than or equal to 0.5.

Abstract: Processes for isolating, formulating, and shaping macrocyclic oligoesters were developed which allow efficient production of macrocyclic oligoesters substantially free from solvent, which may include additives, fillers, and catalysts.

Abstract: An enzymatic process for preparing aliphatic polycarbonates via terpolymerization or transesterification using a dialkyl carbonate, an aliphatic diester, and an aliphatic diol or triol reactant. A catalyst having an enzyme capable of catalyzing an ester hydrolysis reaction in an aqueous environment is subsequently added to the reaction mixture. Next, polymerization of the reaction proceeds for an allotted time at a temperature?100° C. Finally, the copolymer is isolated from an the catalyst via filtration.

Abstract: Chemically protected dihydroxyacetone and/or dimers are used to make polycarbonates, poly(acetal carbonate)s, poly(spiroacetal)s, polyesters and polyurethanes.

Abstract: A composition including an initiator and an unsaturated sulfopolyester amine resin, and processes for preparing and using thereof.

Abstract: N-heterocyclic carbenes are effective catalysts for the polymerization of macrocyclic polyester oligomers. The catalysts provide rapid polymerization, high monomer conversion, high molecular weight, and a mechanically sound material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing actinic-radiation-curable and/or dual-cure poly(meth)acrylates by preparing a poly(meth)acrylate containing hydroxy-functional side chains and transesterifying or esterifying the poly(meth)acrylate containing hydroxy-functional side chains with a (meth)acrylate or (meth)acrylic acid. The present invention further relates to the actinic-radiation-curable and/or dual-cure poly(meth)acrylates themselves and to the use of the actinic-radiation-curable and/or dual-cure poly(meth)acrylates in the preparation of dispersions or as a component in coating formulations and topcoats comprising at least one actinic-radiation-curable and/or dual-cure poly(meth)acrylate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyester based on a polycondensation product of terephthalic acid and/or terephthalic acid derivatives comprising bivalent alcohols. Said polyester is characterised in that (I) between 40 and less than 90 mol. % of ethylene glycol, propane-1,3-diol and/or butane-1,4-diol is combined with (II) between 60 and more than 10 mol. % alkane-1,2-diol, exclusively ethylene glycol, and the polyester has a melting point of between approximately 145 and 250° C. (in accordance with DIN EN ISO 53765). It has a comparatively low melting point, such that it can be retreated at the lower melting temperature. This prevents undesired secondary and decomposition reactions during the retreatment, and enables energy costs to be reduced. The inventive polyester is especially suitable for producing fibres or filaments by melt-spinning, and films, bottles and other moulded parts according to an injection moulding method. The fibres can be treated to form a high-quality nonwoven material.

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 binder resin for an electrostatic image developing toner is obtained by polycondensation reaction of at least two polycarboxylic acids and at least one polyol, wherein the at least two polycarboxylic acids include at least one of a first specific polycarboxylic acid and a second specific polycarboxylic acid in an amount of from about 3 mol % to less than about 50 mol % based on a total amount of the at least two polycarboxylic acids, the binder resin includes a catalyst-derived metal in an amount of from about 0 ppm to about 10 ppm, and the binder resin has a glass transition temperature Tg of from about 45° C. to about 80° C.

Abstract: Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene compositions of highly beneficial sintering characteristics are disclosed and methods for making and processing same. Additionally, products comprising these compositions are described.

Abstract: A process for preparing a hyperbranched polymer having a weight-average molar mass of at least 30,000, includes coupling a first prepolymer having at least three functional end groups with a second prepolymer having at least two functional end groups by a dehydration condensation reaction between the end groups in the prepolymers. The number of arms and/or molar mass of the functionalized prepolymers can accurately be adjusted, thus affecting the properties of the resulting hyperbranched polymer in a desired way. The polymer can be equipped e.g. with hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts. Also, the number of functional end groups, that optionally can be used for further chemical reactions, in the hyperbranched polymer can easily be adjusted to a desired level. The hyperbranched high molar mass polymer can be prepared in high yields without the use of organic solvents or linking compounds, which is advantageous from an environmental as well as an economical point of view.

Abstract: A process for the enzyme-catalyzed preparation of cyclic ester oligomers from dicarboxylic acids and/or dicarboxylic acid derivatives and diols, hydroxycarboxylic acids and/or hydroxycarboxylic acid esters, and/or linear ester oligomers in the presence of a solvent comprising a tertiary alcohol and a non-alcoholic solvent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous process for production of poly(trimethylene terephthalate), wherein gaseous 1,3-propanediol by product resulting from the process is condensed in a condenser, and a portion of the condensed by-product is recycled back into the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of polycarbonate by the melt transesterification method, polycarbonate having a small buildup of electrostatic charge and obtainable by this process and shaped articles or extrudates, in particular optical data stores or diffuser discs, comprising this polycarbonate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous process for production of poly(trimethylene terephthalate), wherein gaseous 1,3-propanediol by-product resulting from the process is condensed in a condenser, the total amount of any trimethylene terephthalate cyclic dimer and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) in the condensed by-product 1,3-propanediol is adjusted, and a portion of the condensed by-product is recycled to the condenser while another portion is recycled back into the process.

Abstract: A toner for developing an electrostatic image of the present invention contains toner particles obtained by forming coagulated particles by mixing a resin particle dispersion solution containing dispersed resin particles and a coloring agent dispersion solution containing dispersed coloring agent particles and fusing the coagulated particles by heating them and is characterized in that at least the surfaces of the toner particles have a chemical structure formed by reaction with a compound having a carbodiimido group. The invention also provides a resin particle dispersion solution to be used for the production of toner.

Abstract: This invention provides alignment materials for liquid crystal display device of vertical alignment mode and methods for the preparation of the same, and more particularly, it provides diaminobenzene derivatives represented by the following formula 1: wherein n is an integer of 1 to 5 and R is an alkyl or alkoxy group of 3 to 5 carbon atoms, which align liquid crystal in uniform and vertical way, have not only excellent mechanical properties such as heat resistance and surface strength but also high pretilt angles of liquid crystal and in particular, can make response rate of liquid crystal fast, methods for the preparation of the same and liquid crystal alignment films using the same.

Abstract: A promoter for a polycondensation reaction used together with a catalyst in a polycondensation reaction, the promoter for a polycondensation reaction comprising a pyrogallol compound having a benzene ring of which three hydrogen atoms adjacent to each other are substituted by hydroxyl groups; and a polycondensation resin obtained by polycondensing raw material monomers using the promoter as defined above and the catalyst. A polycondensation resin can be produced using the promoter of the present invention together with a catalyst in a polycondensation reaction, and the polycondensation resin can be used in various applications including, for example, films, sheets, fibers, toner materials for electrophotography, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a particle dispersion for an electrostatic image-developing toner containing either polycondensation resin particles, which are prepared by polycondensation of polycondensable monomers in an aqueous medium, or condensation compound particles, which are prepared by dehydration condensation of a condensable compound in an aqueous medium. The particles have a median diameter of approximately 0.05 to 2.0 ?m. A dispersion containing the polycondensation resin particles is produced by dispersing resin particles, aggregating the resin particles, and coalescing the aggregated particles by heating.

Abstract: Biodegradable polyester with desired physical properties. A mutant poly(3-hydroxyalkanoic acid) synthase comprising an amino acid sequence of (a) or (b) below. (a) A mutant amino acid sequence derived from SEQ ID No. 1, wherein at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of glutamic acid at position 130, serine at position 325, serine at position 477 and glutamine at position 481 is substituted by another amino acid. (b) A mutant amino acid sequence derived from SEQ ID No. 1 wherein at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of glutamic acid at position 130, serine at position 325, serine at position 477 and glutamine at position 481 is substituted by another amino acid, wherein at least one amino acid other than the amino acids at positions 130, 325, 477 and 481 is deleted, substituted and/or added, wherein the mutant amino acid sequence has the activity to biosynthesize biodegradable polyester.

Abstract: Several novel PHA polymer compositions produced using biological systems include monomers such as 3-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxypropionate, 2-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxyvalerate, 4-hydroxybutyrate, 4-hydroxyvalerate and 5-hydroxyvalerate. These PHA compositions can readily be extended to incorporate additional monomers including, for example, 3-hydroxyhexanoate, 4-hydroxyhexanoate, 6-hydroxyhexanoate or other longer chain 3-hydroxyacids containing seven or more carbons. This can be accomplished by taking natural PHA producers and mutating through chemical or transposon mutagenesis to delete or inactivate genes encoding undesirable activities. Alternatively, the strains can be genetically engineered to express only those enzymes required for the production of the desired polymer composition. Methods for genetically engineering PHA producing microbes are widely known in the art (Huisman and Madison, 1998, Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, 63: 21-53).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process to prepare a poly(carbonate-co-urea) copolymer comprising reacting in the melt: (a) a dihydroxy reaction component comprising a dihydroxy compound, (b) a diaryl carbonate reaction component comprising a diaryl carbonate, (c) a urea reaction component comprising a urea compound in the presence of (d) a transesterification catalyst during at least part of the reaction and removing a phenolic byproduct to produce a poly(carbonate-co-urea) copolymer, wherein the urea and dihydroxy compounds are reacted in a molar ratio: (total moles of urea compound)/((total moles of urea compound)+(total moles of dihydroxy compound)) of less than or equal to 0.5.

Abstract: A polyester composition comprising a reaction product of: 65-94.5 weight percent of a polyester having a weight average molecular weight of greater than or equal to 70,000 g/mol, of the formula wherein each T is a C6-10 aromatic group derived from a dicarboxylic acid and D is a C2-4 aliphatic group derived from a dihydroxy compound; 5-30 weight percent of an impact modifier copolymer comprising units derived from a C2-20 olefin and units derived from a glycidyl(meth)acrylate; and 0.5-5 weight percent of a particulate fluoropolymer encapsulated by a copolymer having a Tg of greater 10° C. and comprising units derived from a monovinyl aromatic monomer and units derived from a C3-6 monovinylic monomer; and wherein the composition has less than 70 weight percent of a polyester derived from a dicarboxylic acid and an aliphatic diol selected from the group consisting of 1,3-propylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, decamethylene glycol, cyclohexanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing lower-color polytrimethylene ether glycol, comprising contacting said polytrimethylene ether glycol, or its precursor reaction-mixture, with a hydride compound during at least one stage of the process of manufacture, or on the polytrimethylene ether glycol resulting form such process, such that the polytrimethylene ether glycol demonstrates a reduced color (as compared to using no hydride compound).

Abstract: The invention provides a PHA copolymer including at least a 3-hydroxy-?-carboxyalkanoic acid represented by a formula (19) or (32) and simultaneously at least a unit represented by a formula (2) or a formula (3) in a molecule, a precursor PHA copolymer having a corresponding vinyl group or a corresponding alkoxycarbonyl group, a biosynthesis method thereof by microorganisms, and a method of producing a desired PHA copolymer from the precursor PHA copolymer: (wherein k, m, n are integers; R18 represents H, Na, K, R27? represents (A); R1 represents a substituent on a cyclohexyl group and represents H, CN, NO2, a halogen atom, CH3, C2H5, C3H7, CF3, C2F5, or C3F7; R includes a residue including a phenyl structure or a thienyl structure; these being independent for each unit).

Abstract: Disclosed are vinyl ethers and related compositions. The vinyl ethers are the conjugate addition reaction product of reactants comprising a vinyl ether group-containing acrylic ester and a nucleophile.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate containing in a molecule at least one unit represented by the chemical formula (1). The polyhydroxyalkanoate is a biodegradable plastic with enhanced melt-processability and exhibits excellent charging stability, high chargeability, and enhanced dispersibility when used as a charge control agent of a toner in an electrophotographic process. (R denotes -A1(—SO2R1)x. R1 is selected from OH, a halogen atom, ONa, OK, and OR1a. R1a and A1 are selected from a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon structure, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring structure, and a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic structure. Further, m and x are integers selected from 1 to 8, and when two or more units exist, each of R, R1R1a, A1, m, and x is defined as above independently for each of the units.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for polyimide resin containing a norbornene group is disclosed. Take Nadic anhydride to react with diamine compound to form dinorbornene polyimide. Then the dinorbornene polyimide reacts with diisocyanate compounds to produce polyimide resin containing a norbornene group. The polyimide resin containing a norbornene group has good adhesion and electrical properties and is applied to glass fiber, copper foil, coating agents, molding materials and adhesives for generating printed circuit boards by hot pressing.

Abstract: A polymerization process to derive a thermal-stabilized poly(1,4-dioxan-2-one) and cyclic ester monomer copolymer using a coordination-insertion catalyst/initiator. 1,4-dioxan-2-one and cyclic ester monomer, each containing less than 100-ppm water and having an acid value less than 0.5 mg KOH/g, and preferably less than 0.2 mg KOH/g, are copolymerized. Preferably the cyclic ester monomer is ?-caprolactone and the reaction is in an extruder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition suitable for catalysis in a process for the manufacture of polyester containing as Component I a carrier substance on which catalytically effective metal compounds are adsorbed and as Component II a phosphonic acid compound.

Abstract: A process to produce polyester product from alkylene oxide and carboxylic acid. More specifically this process relates to a process to produce polyethylene terephthalate where terephthalic acid and ethylene oxide are reacted to form a partially esterified terephthalic acid product and then the partially esterified product is further reacted with ethylene glycol to produce polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymeric membrane composition utilizing the non-hazardous compound 4-aminophenyl disulfide (“APD”), a method of making the polymeric membrane, and a process for separating components of a feedstream utilizing the polymeric membrane. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to utilizing the polymeric membrane composition in a process for the separation of aromatics from a hydrocarbon feedstream containing aromatics and aliphatic compounds.

Abstract: A method to form a polymeric material is disclosed. The method provides a water immiscible solvent and one or more condensation monomers, where those one or more condensation monomers are essentially insoluble in the water immiscible solvent. The one or more condensation monomers may be either a solid or a liquid at room temperature. The method forms a reaction mixture comprising a suspension of one or more solid condensation monomers, or an emulsion of one or more liquid condensation monomers, in the water immiscible solvent. The method includes heating the reaction mixture to form the polymeric material product. That polymeric material is then separated from said reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production method of biodegradable plastic in which polylactic acid is directly synthesized from lactic acid without employing the conventional route of polylactic acid synthesis from lactic acid via lactide, and apparatus for use in production thereof. In this way, time required for the synthesis of polylactic acid is strikingly shortened and the production cost is reduced. In the production method of biodegradable plastic, polylactic acid, the main component of biodegradable plastic, is obtained by means of condensation polymerization by dehydration of the raw material, lactic acid, under high temperature and reduced pressure in the presence of a metal catalyst.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyester, the process comprising the steps of (1) fermenting a saccharide with a microorganism to obtain at least one substituted ?-hydroxy acid represented by the formula: HO—CHR—COOH (wherein R represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms), and (2) polymerizing the substituted ?-hydroxy acid or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: Thermally stable polymers comprising resorcinol arylate chain members are prepared using an interfacial method comprising the steps of: (a) combining at least one resorcinol moiety and at least one catalyst in a mixture of water and at least one organic solvent substantially immiscible with water; and (b) adding to the mixture from (a) at least one dicarboxylic acid dichloride while maintaining the pH between 3 and 8.5 through the presence of an acid acceptor, wherein the total molar amount of acid chloride groups is stoichiometrically deficient relative to the total molar amount of phenolic groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for polyester production capable of producing a polyester with high catalytic activity, a process for producing a polyester using the catalyst and a polyester produced thereby. The catalyst comprises a solid titanium compound obtained by dehydro-drying a hydrolyzate obtained by hydrolysis of a titanium halide and which has a molar ratio (OH/Ti) of a hydroxyl group (OH) to titanium (Ti) exceeding 0.09 and less than 4. In the process, the polyester is obtained by polycondensing an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, or an ester-forming derivative thereof, and an aliphatic diol, or ester-forming derivative thereof, in the presence of the catalyst. The resulting polyester has excellent transparency and tint, a titanium content of 1 to 100 ppm, a magnesium content of 1 to 200 ppm and a magnesium to titanium weight ratio of not less than 0.01.