Abstract: A method for producing p-xylene, comprising: a dimerization step of bringing a first raw material comprising isobutene into contact with a dimerization catalyst to generate C8 components comprising diisobutylene; a cyclization step of bringing a second raw material comprising the C8 components into contact with a dehydrogenation catalyst comprising Pt in the presence of water to obtain a reaction product comprising p-xylene; and a collection step of collecting p-xylene from the reaction product.

Abstract: A method for preparing the modified polyester. The modified polyester segments include terephthalic acid segment, ethylene glycol diol segment and branched diol segment, in which the branched diol segment refers to a diol segment in which a branch is located on a non-terminal carbon in the glycol segment and the branch is a linear carbon chain having 5 to 10 carbon atoms. The method includes preparing terephthalic acid glycol ester through the esterification of terephthalic acid and branched diol using the concentrated sulfuric acid as the catalyst. Then get ethylene terephthalate through the esterification of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. After stirring and mixing the two, the modified polyester can be obtained through polycondensation reaction of a low vacuum stage and a high vacuum stage using the catalyst and stabilizer.

Abstract: Methods or preparing para-xylene from biomass by carrying out a Diels-Alder cycloaddition at controlled temperatures and activity ratios. Methods of preparing bio-terephthalic acid and bio-poly(ethylene terephthalate (bio-PET) are also disclosed, as well as products formed from bio-PET.

Abstract: The invention relates to the on-line control of the molecular weight in continuous solid state polymerization processes. In particular it is directed to a polyester process or to a polyamide process, and more specifically to a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) or a poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) or a nylon 6,6 continuous solid-state polymerization (SSP) process. An in-line viscometer melts and measures the molecular weight of the SSP resin and adjusts one or more of the process variables, i.e. reactor time, inert gas purity and inert gas temperature to maintain a constant resin molecular weight.

Abstract: Provided is a method of depolymerizing polyesters from post-consumer products, such as beverage bottles, to produce a high purity reaction product. For the depolymerization reaction, the polyesters are reacted with an alcohol having 2 to 5 carbons and an amine organocatalyst at a temperature of about 150° C. to about 250° C. In one application, the use an organocatalyst with a boiling point significantly lower than the boiling point of the reactant alcohol allows for the ready recycling of the amine organocatalyst. In another application, performing the depolymerization reaction under pressure at a temperature above that of the alcohol allows for accelerated depolymerization rates and the recovery of the organocatalyst with no further heat input.

Abstract: A method for the production of solid polyester polymer particles comprising: a) polycondensing a molten polyester polymer composition in the presence of a polycondensation catalyst composition comprising antimony species; b) continuing the polycondenzation of the molten polyester polymer composition to an It.V. of 0.68 dL/g or more; and c) after reaching an It.V. of 0.68 dL/g or more, adding a catalyst stabilizer or deactivator to the polymer melt; and d) after reaching an It.V. of 0.68 dL/g or more, solidifying the melt into solid polyester polymer particles which do not contain organic acetaldehyde scavengers. In a further embodiment, after solidification of the polyester from the melt phase polycondenzation process: e) the amount of residual acetaldehyde in the particles in the solid state is reduced to a level of 10 ppm or less without increasing the It.V. of the particles by more than 0.03 dL/g.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a (2-hydroxy-3-methyl-4-oxobutoxy) phosphonate (2H3M40P) pathway, p-toluate pathway, and/or terephthalate pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce 2H3M40P, p-toluate or terephthalate. Also provided herein are processes for isolating bio-based aromatic carboxylic acid, in particular, p-toluic acid or terephthalic acid, from a culture medium, wherein the processes involve contacting the culture medium with sufficient carbon dioxide (C02) to lower the pH of the culture medium to produce a precipitate comprised of the aromatic carboxylic acid.

Abstract: There is provided flakes of an ester mixture comprising bis-(hydroxyethyl)-terephthalate, dimers, tamers, tetramers, pentamers and higher oligomers of ethane-1,2-diol and terephthalate acid.

Abstract: Hydrotreating catalysts and processes useful for the conversion of methoxylated aromatic compounds to simple aromatic compounds are provided. The catalysts comprise transition metal selected from the group consisting of Group 8 metals, Group 9 metals, Group 10 metals, Group 11 metals, and mixtures thereof, and catalyst support selected from the group consisting of shape-selective zeolite, silica, titania, zirconia, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the processing of plastic material, with a receptacle or cutter-compactor (1) into which the material to be treated can be introduced, in the lower region of which a discharge opening (10) is provided, through which the processed material can be ejected from the receptacle (1), for example into an extruder (11). According to the invention, the receptacle (1) is divided into at least two chambers (6a, 6b, 6c, . . . ) separated from each other by an intermediate base (2?, 2?, . . . ), wherein at least one mixing or comminution tool (7a, 7b, 7c, . . . ) is arranged which acts upon the material in each chamber (6a, 6b, 6c, . . . ), with which the material can be converted into a softened but permanently lumpy or particle-shaped and not melted state and wherein means (5?, 5?, . . . ) are provided which effect or permit an exchange or a transfer of the softened, lumpy, not melted material between each directly adjacent chamber (6a, 6b, 6c, . . . ).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for preparing macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) directly from monomer via heterogeneous catalysis, rather than by depolymerizing a polyester. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, cyclic poly(butylene terephthalate) (cPBT) is produced by reacting butanediol (BDO) and dimethylterephthalate (DMT) in an organic solvent—for example, ortho-dichlorobenzene (oDCB). The mixture flows over (or otherwise contacts) the catalyst-coated fiberglass or silica gel, e.g., which is packed in a column or bed. MPO is produced in the reaction mixture, while residual linears and catalyst residue remain in the column/bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a bio-PET polymer comprising the following steps: Step A) providing at least one diacid compound, comprising a terephtalate compound; Step B) providing at least one diol compound, comprising monoethylene glycol; wherein—at least one of the terephtalate compound and/or the monoethylene glycol is obtained from at least one bio-based material, and—at least one of the diacid compound and/or the diol compound further comprises at least one crystallization retarding compound; and Step C) copolymerizing a mixture of the diacid compound and the diol compound to obtain a bio-PET polymer comprising diacid units and diol units, comprising up to 7.5 mol % of unit(s) corresponding to the at least one crystallization retarding compound, based on the total number of moles of diacid units contained in the bio-PET.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing a polyether-polyester block copolymer with a di(C 1-C 4)alkyl ester of aromatic dicarboxylic acid, an aliphatic diol or aliphatic polyol and a polyether having at least one terminal hydroxyl group in an inert solvent. In the present invention, the inert solvent 5 is used to prevent the di(C 1-C 4)alkyl ester of aromatic dicarboxylic acid from sublimation instead of excessive polyol, such that the subsequent removal of excessive polyol under high temperature and high vacuum is avoided.

Abstract: Polyester compositions described herein have properties which are particularly suitable for extrusion blow molding (EBM). These properties relate primarily to the rate of crystallization and melt strength or melt viscosity. Articles prepared from the polyester compositions exhibit good clarity, aesthetics, and other physical properties. The polyester compositions also exhibit broad molecular weight distribution (MWD), resulting in improved processability and melt strength. The crystallization rate allows for good drying characteristics while also enabling the use of regrind. In addition, the compositions exhibit improved recyclability, such as in existing PET recycling streams. In one aspect, articles are prepared in an extrusion blow molding method by combining a dry first polyester copolymer component, a dry second polyester component, and a chain extender to form a feed material suitable for extrusion blow molding.

Abstract: Bio-based terephthalic acid (bio-TPA), bio-based dimethyl terephthalate (bio-DMT), and bio-based polyesters, which are produced from a biomass containing a terpene or terpenoid, such as limonene are described, as well as the process of making these products. The bio-based polyesters include poly(alkylene terephthalate)s such as bio-based poly(ethylene terephthalate) (bio-PET), bio-based poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (bio-PTT), bio-based poly(butylene terephthalate) (bio-PBT), and bio-based poly(cyclohexylene dimethyl terephthalate) (bio-PCT).

Abstract: Polyester compositions, especially polyethylene terephthalate homopolymer and copolymers, are disclosed containing titanium catalysts and catalyst deactivator added late in the manufacturing processing having reduced acetaldehyde generation rates. The polyester compositions are low in free acetaldehyde, making them suitable for fabrication into beverage containers for relatively tasteless beverages such as bottle water. Furthermore, the polyesters are polymerized to a high inherent viscosity in reduced processing time, without the necessity of further polymerization in the solid state, and in the absence of acetaldehyde scavengers leading to polyester polymers having reduced color.

Abstract: A process for producing higher molecular weight polyester includes heating a polyester to form a melt, and applying and maintaining a vacuum of between about 5 mm and about 85 mm of mercury to the melt while passing bubbles of gas through the melt until molecular weight has increased. The process may involve esterification of a diacid component and a diol component at elevated temperature. After the acid functional groups have essentially reacted, a vacuum of about 5 mm of mercury or less was applied and excess diol stripped off during transesterification, thereby increasing molecular weight.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing plastic materials by providing a biology based feedstock and reacting the biology based feedstock to form a feedstock capable of reaction to form the plastic material, wherein the plastic material is selected from polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a semicrystalline polymer, said method comprising the following steps: producing a polymer melt from a crystallizable polymer; shaping particles and solidifying the polymer melt, the step of shaping the particles being carried out before or after solidification; cooling the particles; treating the particles to reduce their tendency to agglomerate; crystallizing the particles. The invention is characterized in that the treatment is carried out by shaking at a temperature T1 which is below the glass transition temperature of the polymer plus 10° C., i.e. T1<Tg+10° C.

Abstract: This specification discloses a complete method to manufacture polyester articles from freshly harvested ligno-cellulosic biomass. The process steps include pretreating the biomass and the converting the lignin to one of several possible organic steams by deoxygenating and dehydrogenating the lignin in the presence of a Raney Nickel catalyst, separating the organics, and then processing the organics into polyester feedstocks and converting those feedstocks to polyester.

Abstract: In this invention, a portion of the products from a pyrolysis reactor are reacted in a process to form one or more chemical intermediates.

Abstract: A process for producing an IPA/PET copolymer fiber that is homogenous having a substantially level, single IPA copolymer content, said fiber having improved pilling resistance and dye uptake.

Abstract: A stable catalyst solution suitable for catalyzing the polycondensation of reactants to make polyester polymers comprising: (i) M, wherein M is represented by an alkaline earth metal or alkali metal and (ii) aluminum metal and (iii) a polyhydroxyl solvent having at least 3 carbon atoms and at least two primary hydroxyl groups, the longest carbon chain being a hydrocarbon; such as 1,3-propane diol, 1,4-butane diol, 1,5-pentane diol, or combinations thereof, wherein the molar ratio of M:Al ranges from 0.75:1 to less than 1.5:1. The catalyst solution is desirably a solution which does not precipitate upon standing over a period of at least one week at room temperature (25° C.-40° C.), even at molar ratios of M:Al approaching 1:1. There is also provided a method for the manufacture of the solution, its feed to and use in the manufacture of a polyester polymer, and polyester polymers obtained by combining certain ingredients or containing the residues of these ingredients in the composition.

Abstract: A method for the production of solid polyester polymer particles comprising: a) polycondensing a molten polyester polymer composition in the presence of a polycondensation catalyst composition comprising antimony species; b) continuing the polycondensation of the molten polyester polymer composition to an It.V. of 0.68 dL/g or more; and c) after reaching an It.V. of 0.68 dL/g or more, adding a catalyst stabilizer or deactivator to the polymer melt; and d) after reaching an It.V. of 0.68 dL/g or more, solidifying the melt into solid polyester polymer particles which do not contain organic acetaldehyde scavengers. In a further embodiment, after solidification of the polyester from the melt phase polycondensation process: e) the amount of residual acetaldehyde in the particles in the solid state is reduced to a level of 10 ppm or less without increasing the It.V. of the particles by more than 0.03 dL/g.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is the design for an internal mixing device which increases the plug flow like behaviour of the rotating inclined reactor.

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

Abstract: The method for detecting rotary speed includes: a step (I) for deeming the difference between input power (P) and loss power (A) to be a first order approximation value (PM1) of the mechanical output of an induction motor, and for obtaining a first approximation value (N1=NS(1?S1)) (NS is the synchronous speed) of the rotary speed from the functional relationship (PM1=?S1) of the output (PM) and slip (S) known for the induction motor; a step (II) for obtaining loss power (B1) based on the value (N1); and a step (III) for deeming a second order approximation value (PM2) of the motor output to be P?(A+B1), and for obtaining a second order approximation value (N2=NS(1?S2)) of the rotary speed from the functional relationship (PM2=?S2) (? is the motor constant) of the output (PM) and slip (S).

Abstract: A method of preventing bubble formation during or after thermoforming polyester sheet comprising heating the polyester sheet to about 100-165° F. for at least about 1 hour prior to thermoforming the sheet.

Abstract: A polyester production process employing an esterification system that utilizes a horizontally elongated esterification vessel as an esterification reactor and/or a vapor-liquid disengagement vessel.

Abstract: Polyester compositions described herein have properties which are particularly suitable for extrusion blow molding (EBM). These properties relate primarily to the rate of crystallization and melt strength or melt viscosity. Articles prepared from the polyester compositions exhibit good clarity, aesthetics, and other physical properties. The polyester compositions also exhibit broad molecular weight distribution (MWD), resulting in improved processability and melt strength. The crystallization rate allows for good drying characteristics while also enabling the use of regrind. In addition, the compositions exhibit improved recyclability, such as in existing PET recycling streams. In one aspect, articles are prepared in an extrusion blow molding method by combining a dry first polyester copolymer component, a dry second polyester component, and a chain extender to form a feed material suitable for extrusion blow molding.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the processing of plastic material, with a receptacle or cutter-compactor (1) into which the material to be treated can be introduced, in the lower region of which a discharge opening (10) is provided, through which the processed material can be ejected from the receptacle (1), for example into an extruder (11). According to the invention, the receptacle (1) is divided into at least two chambers (6a, 6b, 6c, . . . ) separated from each other by an intermediate base (2?, 2?, . . . ), wherein at least one mixing or comminution tool (7a, 7b, 7c, . . . ) is arranged which acts upon the material in each chamber (6a, 6b, 6c, . . . ), with which the material can be converted into a softened but permanently lumpy or particle-shaped and not melted state and wherein means (5?, 5?, . . . ) are provided which effect or permit an exchange or a transfer of the softened, lumpy, not melted material between each directly adjacent chamber (6a, 6b, 6c, . . . ).

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is polyester compositions containing: (I) at least one polyester which comprises: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: (i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; (ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and (iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and (b) a glycol component comprising: (i) 1 to 99 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and (ii) 1 to 99 mole % of cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and (II) at least one thermal stabilizer chosen from at least one of alkyl phosphate esters, aryl phosphate esters, mixed alkyl aryl phosphate esters, reaction products thereof, and mixtures thereof; wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %.

Abstract: The invention relates to a partially crystalline polyethylene terephthalate having a degree of polymerization which is greater than 80, particularly greater than 100, produced from a diol component and a dicarboxylic acid component, wherein according to the invention the DSC melting point, when measured with a heating rate of 10° C./Min during the first passage and second passage, is less than the melting temperature (Tm) of a comparable standard polyethylene terephthalate which is dependent upon the comonomer content.

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

Abstract: 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 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: Method and apparatus for thermally processing polyester pellets, e.g., polyethylene terephthalate pellets, in order to achieve a partial crystallization, whereby the polyester melt is fed to an underwater pelletizer and pelletized, the pellets obtained are fed to a water/solids separating device and the dried pellets are fed at a pellet temperature of greater than 100°C. to an agitation device that the pellets leave at a pellet temperature of over 100°C.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for alkylating benzene. The process can include obtaining at least a portion of a stream from a transalkylation zone, combining the at least the portion of the stream from the transalkylation zone with a fuel gas stream, and providing at least a portion of the combined stream to a benzene methylation zone. Typically, the fuel gas stream includes an effective amount of one or more alkanes for alkylating at least partially from a hydrogen purification process tail gas.

Abstract: A system for processing large quantities of a reaction medium while maintaining the reaction medium in sheets. The system includes a reactor having a plurality of vertically-spaced downwardly-sloped trays over which the reaction medium flows while it is subjected to reaction conditions. The slope of the trays increases downwardly to accommodate for the increased viscosity of the reaction medium while the reaction medium flows downwardly through the reactor. An upper portion of the trays have a uni-directional configuration, while a lower portion of the trays have a bi-directional configuration. Further, the orientation of flow across the uni-directional trays is rotated by 90 degrees in at least one location as the reaction medium flows down the uni-directional trays.

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: 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: The invention provides polymer particles useful in a variety of applications, including coating applications such as packaging coatings. The polymer particles preferably have a volume-averaged particle size of less than 40 microns, more preferably less than 20 microns. In preferred embodiments, the polymer particles are precipitated particles, more preferably precipitated polyester particles, which are optionally free of low-molecular weight surfactant.

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: The invention relates to a process for making polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from ethylene glycol (EG), purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and optionally up to 6 mol % comonomer, using a mixed metal catalyst system and comprising the steps of a) esterifying EG and PTA to form diethyleneglycol terephthalate and oligomers (DGT), and b) melt-phase polycondensing DGT to form PET and EG, wherein the catalyst system substantially consists of 70-160 ppm of Sb-compound, 20-70 ppm of Zn-compound, and 0.5-20 ppm of Ti-glycolate as active components (ppm metal based on PET). With this process that applies reduced amount of metal catalyst components PET can be obtained with high productivity, which polyester shows favourable colour and optical clarity, also if recycling of EG is applied within the process.

Abstract: A polyester production system employing a vertically elongated esterification reactor. The esterification reactor of the present invention is an improvement over conventional CSTR esterification reactors because, for example, in one embodiment, the reactor requires little or no mechanical agitation. Further, in one embodiment, the positioning of the inlets and outlets of the reactor provides improved operational performance and flexibility over CSTRs of the prior art.

Abstract: Provided is a polymer compound having a furan ring having a degree of polymerization of 185 or more and 600 or less. This polymer compound has excellent mechanical strength (flexural strength).

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing plastic materials by providing a biology based feedstock and reacting the biology based feedstock to form a feedstock capable of reaction to form the plastic material, wherein the plastic material is selected from polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for producing a thermoplastic polyester, having the following steps: a) producing polyester pre-polymer particles; b) crystallizing the polyester pre-polymer particles for producing partially crystalline polyester pre-polymer particles; c) heating the partially crystalline polyester pre-polymer particles to a suitable reaction temperature for producing heated polyester pre-polymer particles; d) reacting the heated polyester pre-polymer particles for producing polyester polymer particles having an intrinsic viscosity between 0.70 and 0.95 dl/g. The reaction in step d) takes place in at least one reactor through which the particles flow by means of gravity. The dwell time in the reactor equals between 6 and 30 hours. The particles are supplied at least to step d) at a mass flow of between 40 and 100 t/h. The present invention is characterized in that a settling rate of the particles in the reactor equals between 2 and 6 m/h.

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: The invention relates to a composition comprising a modified, random copolyetherester containing a modified, random polytrimethylene terephthalate copolymer block that is derived from a polyethylene terephthalate component selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate copolymers and combinations thereof; and contains at least one residue derived from the polyethylene terephthalate component; and a polyalkylene oxide copolymer block that contains polyalkylene oxide and at least one residue derived from the polyethylene terephthalate component.