Abstract: The invention relates to a process of preparing glycol carboxyethylmethylphosphinate, which comprises a) reacting elemental yellow phosphorus with methyl chloride in the presence of an alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide to form a mixture which includes the alkali and/or alkaline earth metal salts of methylphosphonous, phosphorous and hypophosphorous acids as main constituents, b) esterifying the methylphosphonous acid from the mixture obtained by a), c) removing the methylphosphonous ester from the mixture, d) adding the thus obtained methylphosphonous ester to an acrylic ester, e) hydrolyzing the diester thus obtained, f) esterifying the resulting carboxyethylmethylphosphinic acid with ethylene glycol directly to the glycol carboxyethylmethylphosphinate. The invention also relates to the use of the glycol carboxyethylmethylphosphinates prepared according to the invention as reactive flame retardants for polymers.

Abstract: Macrocyclic oligoesters and compositions comprising macrocyclic oligoesters are prepared from intermediate molecular weight polyesters. In one embodiment, a diol is contacted with a dicarboxylic acid or a dicarboxylate in the presence of a catalyst to produce a composition comprising a hydroxyalkyl-terminated polyester oligomer. The hydroxyalkyl-terminated polyester oligomer is heated to produce a composition comprising an intermediate molecular weight polyester which preferably has a molecular weight between about 20,000 Daltons and about 70,000 Daltons. The intermediate molecular weight polyester is heated and a solvent is added prior to or during the heating process to produce a composition comprising a macrocyclic oligoester. An optional step is to separate the macrocyclic oligoester from the composition comprising the macrocyclic oligoester.

Abstract: A transparent film whose thickness is in the range from 1 to 500 ?m and which comprises, as principal constituent, a crystallizable thermoplastic, wherein the film comprises at least one UV stabilizer as light stabilizer and at least one optical brightener, and to the use of the film, and also to a process for its production.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester solution composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a solvent (A) and 0.01 to 100 parts by weight of an aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester (B), wherein the solvent (A) is a solvent containing 30% by weight or more of a chlorine-substituted phenol compound represented by the following general formula (I): wherein A represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a tri-halogenated methyl group, and i represents an integer of 1 or more and 4 or less, a film obtained from the aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester, and a process for producing the film.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a biaxially oriented polyester film suitable as a base film for high density magnetic recording media, small in track deviation and excellent in traveling durability and preservability, and to provide a production method thereof. The object of this invention can be achieved by a biaxially oriented polyester film, characterized in that the dimensional change rate (A) in the transverse direction of the film is in a range of −0.3 to 0% when the film is allowed to stand at 49° C. and 90% RH for 72 hours, while being loaded with 32 MPa in the machine direction.

Abstract: A poly(ethylene aromatic dicarboxylate ester) resin usable for the production of fibers, films and bottle-formed articles, is produced by polycondensing a diester of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid with ethylene glycol by using a catalyst including a non-reacted mixture or reaction product of a titanium compound component including at least one member selected from titanium alkoxides and reaction products of the titanium alkoxides with aromatic polyvalent carboxylic acids or anhydrides thereof, with a specific phosphorus compound, in which catalyst the contents of titanium and phosphorus elements are controlled.

Abstract: A polyester composition, a preform, and a bottle, containing a polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyethylene naphthalate and activated carbon to enhance the rate for reheating the composition is provided. Activated carbon may be added in the presence of active phosphorus containing compounds, or at any stage in the melt phase after prepolymerization and after the polyester polymer is solidified. Polyester concentrates containing activated carbon may be added to bulk polyesters to make preforms suitable for blowing into bottles.

Abstract: There are disclosed polyester processes using a pipe reactor and corresponding apparatuses. In particular, there are disclosed processes and corresponding apparatuses including an esterification pipe reactor with a recirculating reaction zone (RR zone) and a plug reaction profile reaction zone (PRPR zone), especially when operated with a significant part of the overall conversion taking place in the plug reaction profile reaction zone (PRPR zone).

Abstract: There are disclosed polyester processes using a pipe reactor and corresponding apparatuses. In particular, there are disclosed processes and corresponding apparatuses including an esterification pipe reactor operated in an upflow or downflow mode, especially in a regime including stratified flow.

Abstract: A plastic lens material comprising at least one group having formula (1) as a terminal group and a group having formula (2) as a repeating unit wherein each R1 independently represents an allyl group or a methallyl group and each A1 is an independent organic residue and represents one or more organic residues derived from a divalent carboxylic acid or dicarboxylic anhydride having an alicyclic structure and/or an aromatic ring structure; wherein each A2 is an independent organic residue and represents one or more organic residues derived from a divalent carboxylic acid or dicarboxylic anhydride having an alicyclic structure and/or an aromatic ring structure, and each X is an independent organic residue and represents one or more organic residues derived from a polyhydric alcohol having an ether bond within the molecule, provided that X can further have a branched structure having a group of formula (1) as a terminal group and group of formula (2) as a repeating unit.

Abstract: The amorphous polyester chip of the present invention is characterized by a moisture content of not more than 300 ppm and a fine particle content of not more than 500 ppm. According to the amorphous polyester chip of the present invention, a formed product having a uniform polymer composition can be produced with superior processing operability.

Abstract: A random polytrimethylene ether ester prepared by polycondensation of 1,3-propanediol reactant and about 10 to about 0.1 mole % of aliphatic or aromatic diacid or diester, as well as its manufacture and use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed in this invention is a heat-shrinkable polyester film comprising a polyester film support and a coat layer formed on one or both sides of the polyester film support, said coat layer comprising a quaternary ammonium sulfate and a polysiloxane resin.

Abstract: Disclosed are fibers and films prepared from polyesters of a dicarboxylic acid, preferably terephthalic acid, and a diol selected from 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, or 1,3-propanediol. The fibers and films contain a multifunctional epoxide additive and, optionally, an antioxidant, and show an increased dry heat stability when exposed to elevated temperatures in the presence of air while preserving excellent hydrolytic stability. Also disclosed is a process for stabilizing polyester fibers by melt blending a polyester and epoxide additive and melt spinning. The fibers and films are particularly useful in applications requiring elevated temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an aqueous dispersion of polyester resin with an excellent molecular weight stability, its production method, and an aqueous coating composition. An aqueous dispersion of polyester resin having an acid value of 8 to 40 mg KOH/g and a weight average molecular weight of 9,000 or more contains an organic solvent less than 0.5% by mass. A method for producing the aqueous dispersion of polyester resin comprising a step of at first obtaining an aqueous dispersion of polyester resin containing not lower than 0.5% by mass of an organic solvent by adding the polyester resin and a basic compound to an aqueous medium to make the resulting mixture aqueous and a step of removing the organic solvent from the aqueous dispersion. An aqueous coating composition can be obtained by adding a curing agent to the foregoing aqueous dispersion of polyester resin.

Abstract: In a process for the continuous preparation of polybutylene terephthalate from terephthalic acid and 1,4-butanediol comprising: a) direct esterification of terephthalic acid with 1,4-butanediol in a reactor cascade comprising at least two reactors, b) precondensation of the esterification product obtained in stage a), and c) polycondensation of the precondensate obtained in stage b), the reaction pressure decreases and the temperature does not increase along the reactor cascade in stage a).

Abstract: The polyester polyols according to the invention with an average equivalent weight in the range from 200 to 4,000, which were prepared by reacting &agr;,&ohgr;-dicarboxylic acids with butane 1,4-diol, hexane 1,6-diol, propane 1,3-diol or pentane 1,5-diol and with polyols having 3 to 6 hydroxyl groups, are used for the preparation of PUR pourable elastomers with improved resistance to hydrolysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an unsaturated polyester resin composition comprising an unsaturated polyester (A) and a polymerizable unsaturated monomer (B), wherein the “shrinkage stress upon cooling” of a cured article thereof is 17 MPa or less and the ratio of the “shrinkage stress upon cooling/elastic limit” is 1 or less. The cured article has excellent gloss retention and yellowing resistance.

Abstract: The strength of wood composites, including hybrid composites comprising wood members bonded to reinforced polyester members, is improved by modifying the polyester components with a polyisocyanate. Wood composites adhesively bonded with polyester resins modified according to this invention are particularly desirable for use in applications where exterior exposure is contemplated.

Abstract: A liquid-crystalline polyester solution composition comprises an aprotic solvent and liquid-crystalline polyester. The liquid-crystalline polyester includes at least one of repeating unit selected from the group consisting of a repeating unit derived from aromatic diamine, a repeating unit derived from aromatic amine having a hydroxyl group and a repeating unit derived from aromatic amino acid, in from 10 to 35 mol % in the liquid-crystalline polyester.

Abstract: Process of producing polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) by esterification of terephthalic acid (TPA) with trimethylene glycol (TMG) in the presence of a catalytic, titanium compound, precondensation and polycondensation. The esterification is effected in at least two stages, where in the first stage a molar ratio of TMG to TPA of 1.25 to 2.5, a content of titanium of 0 to 40 ppm, a temperature of 245 to 260° C. as well as a pressure of 1 to 3.5 bar are adjusted. In the at least one subsequent stage a content of titanium is adjusted which is higher than in the initial stage by 35 to 110 ppm. For generating the vacuum in the polycondensation and in the precondensation, there are used vapor jet pumps operated with TMG vapor.

Abstract: To provide a molding method for non-painting molded article of automotive outer panel with high quality appearance and molded article thereof. The molding method for non-painting molded article of automotive outer panel (high quality appearance) is characterized by carrying out extrusion in metallic mold (wherein, Tb>Tc), where the tool temperature (Tb) was adjusted 0° C. to 100° C. higher than heat deformation temperature of injection thermoplastic resin, while heating. After cooling, the tool temperature (Tc) was lower down by 0° C. to 100° C. than heat deformation temperature of injection thermoplastic resin while extraction, during the injection molding of molten composition containing thermoplastic resin composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to resin intermediates and their preparation. The invention also relates to hydroxyl-functional, water-dispersible polymers formed from the intermediates and compositions containing the water-dispersible polymers. A preferred composition of the invention is a zero volatile organic content (VOC), ambient-cure enamel composition which contains a hydroxyl-functional, water-dispersible polyester.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of low styrene content resins prepared by first reacting an unsaturated carboxylic acid, its corresponding anhydride or mixtures thereof with a monohydric alcohol, DCPD and water and reacting the product of the first step with a polyol and optionally an oil containing unsaturation, its corresponding fatty acid or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process by which a carboxylic acid/diol mixture is obtained from a carboxylic acid/solvent slurry without isolation of a substantially dry carboxylic acid solid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process by which a terephthalic acid/ethylene glycol mixture is obtained from a terephthalic acid/solvent slurry without isolation of a substantially dry terephthalic acid solid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reducing the self-adhesiveness of polytrimethylene terephthalate pellets, which can be carried out in a continuous or batch manner comprising the steps of:

Abstract: Sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters are provided. The copolyesters are produced from a mixture of aromatic dicarboxylic acids, aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, ethylene glycol, other glycols, and components containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative. The copolyesters have lower sulfonation than known sulfonated polyesters, and provide advantageous thermal properties for some end uses. The sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters are useful in forming coatings or films on various substrates, and in packaging. Some compositions comprising the sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters are biodegradable, as are some of the sulfonated aromatic-aromatic copolyesters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent, biaxially oriented polyester film with a base layer B, at least 80% by weight of which is composed of a thermoplastic polyester, and with at least one outer layer A. The outer layer A is composed of a copolymer or a mixture of polymers/copolymers which contains ethylene 2,6-naphthalate units in a range of from 90 to 98% by weight and up to 10% by weight of ethylene terephthalate units, and/or units derived from cycloaliphatic or aromatic diols and/or dicarboxylic acids. Its thickness is more than 0.7 &mgr;m and makes up less than 25% by weight of the total film and the Tg2 value of the polyester film is above the Tg2 value of the base layer, but below the Tg2 value of the polyester for the outer layer. The transparent film has low permeability to atmospheric oxygen and exhibits very good adhesion between the individual layers. It is particularly suitable for packaging purposes, specifically for packaging foods or other consumable items.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of heat-stable, antimony-free polyesters of neutral color and the products which can be prepared by this process A process for the preparation of heat-stable, antimony-free polyesters of neutral color by esterification of aromatic dicarboxylic acids or transesterification of lower aliphatic esters of aromatic dicarboxylic acids with aliphatic diols and subsequent polycondensation in which a possible transesterification is carried out in the presence of 20 to 120 ppm, based on the catalyst metal, of a transesterification catalyst, after the esterification or transesterification has ended, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid and/or phosphonic acids or a derivative thereof are added to the esterification or transesterification batch as a completing agent in an amount which is 100% of the amount equivalent to the transesterification catalyst employed and up to 99% of the amount equivalent to the cobalt to be employed, up to 80 ppm of cobalt in the form of a cobalt compound are then adde

Abstract: Provided is a main chain type liquid crystal polyester which comprises at least two units selected from an aromatic diol unit, an aromatic dicarboxylic acid unit, and an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid unit as essential units and a structural unit having a cationically polymerizable unit in at least one of the terminal ends. The main chain type liquid crystalline polyester, when used as an optical material, is excellent in the capability of retaining a liquid crystal orientation having been aligned and fixed under practical service conditions and exhibits an excellent mechanical strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for decreasing the cyclic oligomer content level in the manufacturing process of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and in the PET products produced from said process by adding calcium phosphate at least one selected from the group consisting of a Ca3(PO4)2 structure and a Ca5OH(PO4)3 structure, and a carboxy phosphonic acid having a structure (1) as follows: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are alkyls or hydrogen atoms and R is an alkyl. The method of the prevent invention restrains the production of cyclic oligomers in the polyester chips produced and also decreases the cyclic oligomers regenerated in the rear-end melting process stage of the invention.

Abstract: Polyester films which comprise a stabilizer for inhibiting oxidative degradation, at least some of which has been covalently incorporated into the polymer chain of the polyester through polycondensation during formation of the polyester, have not only high resistance to oxidation but also very few surface defects and high stability during processing, and are suitable not only for use as a packaging material but for a wide variety of other technical applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a liquid crystalline polyester which is produced from an aromatic carboxylic acid, an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, an aromatic diol and/or an aromatic hydroxylamine, including a polymerization step (1) for producing a prepolymer of the liquid crystalline polyester and a solid-state polymerization step (2) for elevating the polymerization degree of the resultant prepolymer, the number of aromatic ring terminal groups of the prepolymer satisfying the following equation (i): [(the number of aromatic ring terminal groups)/[(the number of carboxylic terminal groups)+(the number of aromatic ring terminal groups)]]×100≧7(%) (i). According to the invention, all-aromatic type liquid crystalline polyesters can be produced within a short time and at low cost.

Abstract: A composition and a process for producing the composition are disclosed. The composition comprises (1) repeat units derived from a carbonyl compound and a glycol and (2) one or more ultrafine metal oxides. The process can comprise (1) contacting, in the presence of a catalyst and optionally one or more ultrafine metal oxides, a carbonyl compound such as dicarboxylic acid with a glycol under a condition sufficient to produce polyester wherein the glycol can be pretreated with a metal oxide or (2) incorporating an ultrafine metal oxide into or onto polyester. Also disclosed is a process for substantially removing, or reducing the content of, an aldehyde in a glycol which comprises contacting the glycol with at least one metal oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of hydrogenating a polyester oligomer containing terephthalic acid residues wherein terephthalic acid residues are converted to residues of 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of polyesters containing 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid residues by first hydrogenating a polyester oligomer containing terephthalic acid residues and then reacting the resulting oligomer with one or more polyester-forming reactants to produce a higher molecular weight polyester.

Abstract: The present invention provide a liquid crystalline polyester that can be used in production of a molded article having sufficient mechanical strengths in which the melted liquid crystalline polyester has sufficient fluidity in thin-walled portions when the thin-walled molded article is manufactured, and to provide a method for producing the liquid crystalline polyester. A liquid crystalline polyester obtained by copolymerizing 4-acyloxybenzoic acids (I) and 2-acyloxy-6-naphthoic acids (II) in the presence of an imidazole (V) can be used in production of a molded article in which the melted liquid crystalline polyester has sufficient fluidity in thin-walled portions when the thin-walled molded article is manufactured, and which has sufficient mechanical strengths as well, thereby completing the present invention.

Abstract: A material for a liquid-crystal alignment film which comprises as a first polyamide a C3 to C10 alkyl ester of a polyamic acid whose acid anhydride residual group is any of: and as a second polyamide a C3 to C10 alkyl ester of a polyamic acid whose acid anhydride residual group is: is provided. The use of this material materializes a liquid-crystal alignment film having a high pre-tilt angle of molecules to the substrate, and having superiority in respect of electrical properties such as voltage holding ratio and residual DC voltage, adherence to substrates, printability, and step-covering properties.

Abstract: A copolyester having an inherent viscosity of equal to or greater than about 0.3 formed from about 20 to about 60 mole percent based on the amount of aromatic dicarboxylic acid of one or more of isophthalic dicarboxylic acid or an alkyl diester thereof, about 40 to about 80 mole percent based on the amount of aromatic dicarboxylic acid of one or more of terephthalic acid or 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid or an alkyl diester thereof, about 10 to about 60 mole based on the total amount of dicarboxylic acids of one or more aliphatic dicarboxylic acids or an alkyl diester, about 0.1 to about 5 mole percent based on the moles of total dicarboxylic acid of one or more alkali or alkaline earth metal salts of 5-sulfoisophthalic dicarboxylic acid or an alkyl diester thereof, about 90 to 100 mole percent based on the total amount of glycols of one or more aliphatic glycols, and 0 to about 10 mole percent based on the total amount of glycols of one or more of di(ethylene glycol) and tri(ethylene glycol).

Abstract: A PCT copolyester composition having at least about 70 mole % terephthalic acid and at least about 70 mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and an inherent viscosity of greater than about 0.9 dL/g is prepared by solid state polymerizing a copolyester composition having a starting inherent viscosity of from about 0.4 to about 0.8 dL/g for a period of from about 1 minute to 100 hours and at a temperature of from about 140° C. to about 2° C. below the melting point of the copolyester to produce a copolyester having an inherent viscosity of greater than about 0.9 dL/g. Another aspect of the present invention is an extrusion blow molded article made from the copolyester prepared by the solid state polymerization process.

Abstract: Polyester fibers comprising a copolyester which simultaneously satisfies the following respective requirements (a) to (c), (a) a terephthalic acid component in an amount of 0 to 100 mol % and a 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid component in an amount of 100 to 0 mol % respectively based on the whole dicarbxylic acid component, wherein the total amount, of the terephthalic acid component and the 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid component, accounts for 90 mol % or more based on the whole dicarboxylic acid component, (b) a trimethylene glycol component accounts for 0 to 100 mol % and a 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol component accounts for 100 to 0 mol % respectively based on the whole glycol component, wherein the total amount, of the trimethylene glycol component and the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol component, accounts for 90 mol % or more based on the whole glycol component and (c) the sum total value of mol % of the 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid component and mol % of the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol component is 2

Abstract: A polymer comprising poly(alkylene-co-dianhydrosugar ester) dicarboxylate and its preparation by reacting an alkylene diol, terephthalic acid, and a moiety of formula 1 X-Ia-(A-I)n-Ab-X  Formula 1 wherein: A is the ester residue from an anhydrosugar alcohol or dianhydrosugar alcohol, I is the ester residue from a diacid or its dialkyl esters, X is H when linked to an A residue, OH when linked to an I residue derived from a dibasic acid, and OR when linked to an I residue derived from a dialkyl ester of the dibasic acid, R is a C1-C4 straight or branched chain alkyl group, a and b are independently 0 or 1, and n is 1 to 10 is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a polyester comprising the steps of:

Abstract: The present invention provides an image recording material as well as a protective film and an image display material using the same, the image recording material comprising at least: a transparent substrate; an image-receiving layer for forming an image by an electrophotographic system and disposed on one side of the substrate; and a function controlling means disposed on the other side of the substrate; wherein the image-receiving layer include a polyester resin which comprises a structural unit represented by the structural formula (I) and which has a number average molecular weight of 12,000 to 45,000: wherein n and m represent integers such that a molar ratio n/m is from 1 to 9.

Abstract: A process that can be used for direct esterification of a dicarboxylic acid such as terephthalic acid with a glycol such as 1,3-propanediol. The process comprises (1) contacting, at an elevated temperature, optionally in the presence of a preformed oligomer, the acid with the glycol to produce a product mixture comprising (i) a water-glycol vapor mixture, which or a portion of which exits the product mixture at the temperature to form a water-glycol vapor mixture and (ii) a liquid product mixture comprising an oligomer having a degree of polymerization of from about 1.9 to about 3.5 and comprising repeat units derived from the acid; (2) separating the glycol from the water-glycol mixture to produce a recovered glycol; and (3) returning the recovered glycol to the product mixture such that the liquid product mixture comprises an excess free glycol.

Abstract: A material for a liquid-crystal alignment film which comprises as a first polyamide a C3 to C10 alkyl ester of a polyamic acid whose acid anhydride residual group is any of: and as a second polyamide a C3 to C10 alkyl ester of a polyamic acid whose acid anhydride residual group is: is provided. The use of this material materializes a liquid-crystal alignment film having a high pre-tilt angle of molecules to the substrate, and having superiority in respect of electrical properties such as voltage holding ratio and residual DC voltage, adherence to substrates, printability, and step-covering properties.

Abstract: A glycol-organosilane composition and a process for producing the composition are disclosed. The composition comprises or is produced by combining (a) a glycol and (b) an organosilane. This composition is preferably substantially soluble in glycol and water. Also disclosed is a polyester composition and a process to produce the composition. The composition comprises repeat units derived from (a) a carbonyl compound or its oligomer, (b) a glycol, (c) a crosslinker, and (d) optionally a comonomer. The crosslinker can be the glycol-organosilane, a carbonyl compound containing 3 or more carboxyl groups, or an alcohol containing 3 or more hydroxyl groups. The comonomer is a dicarboxylic compound, a diol compound, or a carbonyl alcohol. The polyester composition can be used to increase the rate of polymerization, to increase pilling resistance and strength of polyester, to decrease crystallization rate and improve object forming process such as fibers and containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for producing certain very low inherent viscosity polyesters. Also provided are the low inherent viscosity polyesters in discrete particulate form, and processes for producing the particulate polyesters. The discrete particulate materials are desirable for use in further processes.

Abstract: A process for producing a partially ester-exchanged SIPM such as an alkali metal bis(2-hydroxyethyl) 5-sulfoisophthalate produced from an alkali metal dimethyl 5-sulfoisophthalate in an alcohol is disclosed. The partially ester-exchanged SIPM in an alcohol can be used to copolymerize with oligomer of terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate and an alcohol. Also disclosed is a process for controlling the color of a dyeable polyester using a phosphorous compound.

Abstract: There are provided novel multilayer films comprising a layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer, such as an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester (AAPE), with or without filler, and a layer comprising a filled thermoplastic polymer. The polymers in the layers may be the same or different. The multilayer films are preferably characterized by having increased moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR). Also provided are novel articles of manufacture comprising the novel multilayer films.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for increasing the polymerization rate of polyester polymers in the solid state by adding a catalytic amount of zinc p-toluenesulfonate to a polyester polymer melt that is essentially free of antimony and germanium, before solid state polymerization.