Abstract: Unsaturated polyamide polymers are provided which are comprised of a polyamide chain terminated at one end by a group containing at least one double bond. The polymers are particularly useful in the preparation of molded object coatings, water tight joints, grafting onto thermoplastic polymers or copolymers, and the like.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing .epsilon.-caprolactam to form a nylon-6 polymer in which a reactant stream containing .epsilon.-caprolactam and a lactam polymerization initiator is brought into polymerizing admixture with a reactant stream containing .epsilon.-caprolactam and a lactam magnesium halide, wherein sufficient 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinyl compound is added to the admixture either as 2-pyrrolidinone, 2-oxo-pyrrolidinyl magnesium halide or 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinyl capped initiator compound to enhance the rate of polymerization of the .epsilon.-caprolactam.

Abstract: A sequential polyamino acid resin having a remarkably high molecular weight and special amino acid sequence as repeating unit in the resin can be produced by conducting polycondensation of a peptide active ester acid salt in an aprotic polar solvent in the presence of a tertiary amine and phosphorus pentoxide.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a combination of molecular weight controllers to be used in the production of a stabilized polyamide having a low content of monomers and oligomers and a high dye-taking capability by polymerization of caprolactam. The combination comprises: (a) a primary monofunctional amine having its boiling point at 180.degree. C. above, and a basic dissociation constant K.sub.b .gtoreq.1.7.times.10.sup.-5 ; (b) a monofunctional organic acid having a K.sub.a >1.5.times.10.sup.-5 ; and (c) an aminoacid containing at least ten carbon atoms having the --NH.sub.2 group salified by a monofunctional organic or inorganic acid which has K.sub.a >1.0.times.10.sup.-2. With this combination, a polyamide is obtained which, following residence in the molten state, has a monomer content of 0.25% or less and a dimer content of 0.15% or less.

Abstract: Nylon-type polyamides are produced from a diamine and a diamide in contact with an oxygenated phosphorus compound catalyst. For example, high quality nylon-6,6 is manufactured by contacting hexamethylenediamine and adipamide in water with an oxygenated phosphorus compound at an elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A sequential polyamino acid resin having a remarkably high molecular weight and special amino acid sequence as repeating unit in the resin can be produced by conducting polycondensation of a dipeptide active ester acid salt in an aprotic polar solvent in the presence of a tertiary amine and phosphorus pentoxide.

Abstract: An improved process for the anionic polymerization of lactams is described. Particular azetidinedione compounds are employed as promoters and their use not only permits low polymerization temperatures but gives rise to faster polymerization reactions than prior art procedures allow.The rapid polymerization of caprolactam in accordance with the present invention makes the process particularly suited to RIM procedures for preparing molded polyamides.

Abstract: High molecular weight block copolyamides useful in the production of fibers of high strength and modulus, having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein X is --CH.sub.2 --.sub.m, wherein m is 0 to 12, ##STR2## wherein Z is C(CH.sub.3).sub.2, zero, oxygen or SO.sub.2, are prepared from N,N'-bis(4-aminophenyl) terephthalamide having the formula: ##STR3## which is itself prepared by condensing aniline with dimethyl terephthalate or terephthalic acid, nitrating the product produced thereby and finally hydrogenating the resultant compound.

Abstract: A block copolyamide having effectively improved impact strength is obtained by polymerizing a mixture comprising substantially from about 50 to about 95 parts by weight of lactam and from about 50 to about 5 parts by weight of polyol in the presence of catalyst for an anionic polymerization and activator represented by the following formula (I); ##STR1## wherein A denotes a bifunctional organic residue having at least one kind of heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O, S, F, Cl, Br and I, and Y and Y' denote an acyl group selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## respectively, and n and n' denote an integer of 3 to 11 respectively, or by polymerizing, in the presence of catalyst for anionic polymerization, a mixture comprising substantially from about 50 to about 95 parts by weight of lactam and from about 5 to about 50 parts by weight of prepolymer obtained by a reaction of polyol and activator represented by the above formula (I), wherein A denotes a bifunctional aromatic residue having

Abstract: Polyimide resins suitable for use as composite matrix materials are formed by copolymerization of maleic and norbornenyl endcapped monomers and oligomers. The copolymers can be cured at temperatures under about 300.degree. C. by controlling the available concentration of the maleic end-capped reactant. This control can be achieved by adding sufficient amounts of said maleic reactant, or by chemical modification of either copolymer, so as to either increase Diels-Alder retrogression of the norbornenyl capped reactant and/or holding initiation and polymerization to a rate compatible with the availability of the maleic-capped reactant.

Abstract: This invention relates to reaction injection molding of a mixture of lactams in presence of a catalyst and a promotor which is carried out by mixing at least two lactams in a liquid state with the catalyst and promoter before injecting the mixture into a preheated mold. The use of a mixture of lactams results in a supercooled mixture which remains liquid at ambient temperature for at least 2 hours.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyamides having improved impact strength and elongation comprising polymerizing an -lactam in the presence of (1) an alkali catalyst and (2) the reaction product of (a) a polyfunctional co-catalyst such as a polyisocyanate and (b) a polyoxyalkalene amine. The polyamides of the present invention are particularly useful for making strong tough molded or cast articles.

Abstract: Polyamides can be formed in good yields by the copolymerization of at least one alpha, beta-unsaturated nitrile with at least one amino acid. These polymers are suitable for use as fibers, plastics, films and molding resins.

Abstract: Polyamides such as nylon-6 type polyamides are prepared by the reaction or copolymerization of a major amount by weight of a lactam and a minor amount by weight of a graft copolymer of maleic anhydride on a low molecular weight liquid conjugated diene polymer or copolymer or of a copolymer of a conjugated diene and a monovinyl aryl monomer or a nitrile. For example, a graft of maleic anhydride on liquid butadiene/acrylonitrile copolymer is copolymerized with epsilon-caprolactam using an anionic lactam polymerization catalyst (a lactamate salt) like the reaction product of ethyl magnesium bromide and epsilon-caprolactam. The present invention may be useful in a RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) process. The resulting polyamides have improved impact strength and water resistance. They can be used to make automobile and truck bodies and parts.

Abstract: This invention provides a single stage melt polymerization process for the production of an improved type of high molecular weight polybenzimidazole, which involves the use of a tin-containing polymerization catalyst.The process provides poly-2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5'-bibenzimidazole of improved color and Plugging Value, and is further characterized by an Inherent Viscosity of at least about 0.5 dl/g, and a weight average molecular weight of at least about 100,000.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of fiber-forming polycaprolactam by polymerizing .epsilon.-caprolactam, and an aqueous extract containing .epsilon.-caprolactam and caprolactam oligomers, which extract has been obtained by extracting polycaprolactam with water, wherein the aqueous extract contains from 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of oligomers of caprolactam, based on the monomeric caprolactam in the aqueous extract.

Abstract: Poly-2-pyrrolidone polymer and compositions having improved thermal stability via the capping of at least a portion of the amino and/or carboxy end group of the polymer and processes for preparing such polymers and compositions. The processes are characterized by the reaction of the polymer with alkanolamines and/or alkyl polyamines. The products afford improved melt processability.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new process for preparing a copolyamide comprising polymerizing an alpha, beta-unsaturated nitrile and water with a molar excess of a lactam. In one embodiment, acrylonitrile, water and caprolactam are polymerized to form a nylon-3,6.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new process for preparing a copolyamide comprising polymerizing an alpha, beta-unsaturated nitrile and water with a molar excess of a lactam. In one embodiment, acrylonitrile, water and caprolactam are polymerized to form a nylon-3,6.

Abstract: An aromatic and/or heterocyclic polyamide-amide type polar solvent composition is prepared by prepolymerizing an aromatic or heterocyclic diamine with an aromatic or heterocyclic or heterocyclic dicarboxylic acid chloride in a smaller molar equivalent than that of the diamine to prepare a prepolymer solution having a solution viscosity of 20 poise or less; by removing a by-product, hydrochloric acid, from the resultant prepolymer solution by neutralizing it with ammonia to such an extent that the pH of a mixture of 10 g of the neutralized mixture with 200 ml of water becomes 3.7 to 8.0; by high polymerizing the prepolymer with an additional amount of aromatic or heterocyclic dicarboxylic acid chloride, and; finally, by converting the entire amount of hydrochloric acid and 10 to 70% NH.sub.

Abstract: Poly-2-pyrrolidone polymer compositions having improved melt processability via the capping of at least a portion of the amino and/or carboxy end group of the polymer and the incorporation therewith of certain epoxide organic isocyanate and/or polyol additive compositions. The melt extrusion of such compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A curable resin composition comprising (i) a catalytic composite comprising a peroxide and other catalytic component and (ii) a mixture or a preliminary reaction product of (a) a polyfunctional cyanate ester, prepolymer of the cyanate ester or coprepolymer of the cyanate ester and an amine and (b) a polyfunctional maleimide, prepolymer of the maleimide or coprepolymer of the maleimide and an amine and optionally (c) other component is disclosed. The composition cures rapidly at a low temperature and is preferable from view point of quantity production and workability. The composition is excellent in respect of adhering property, heat-resistance, moisture-resistance and chemical-resistance, and is useful for preparing laminated products, molded products, paint, powder paint, adhesive or varnish.

Abstract: .epsilon.-Caprolactam is melt polymerized in the presence of water and from about 0.01 mole percent to less than about 0.6 mole percent of an amine boiling at a temperature greater than 245.degree. C. An amine may be a primary or secondary amine wherein the NH has attached thereto, for example alkyl radicals, cycloalkyl radicals, and the like. The resultant polymer has a methanol extractable content of 3 weight percent or less.

Abstract: A new type of poly-2-pyrrolidone suitable for melt spinning and a process for its preparation. The new poly-2-pyrrolidone is characterized in that the polymer in the virgin state has a relative viscosity (1 gram of polymer in 100 ml of 96% sulphuric acid at 20.degree. C.) of between 2.2 and 7.0, shows a weight loss of less than 5% by weight when heated from 20.degree. C. to the onset temperature of thermal degradation at a rate 4.degree. C. per minute, the ratio between the relative viscosities after and before melt spinning ranges between 0.50:1 and 0.95:1, and the relative viscosity after melt spinning is at least 1.90. The new poly-2-pyrrolidone is prepared by polymerization of 2-pyrrolidone in the presence of an anionic catalyst and an accelerator wherein N-(2-caprolactim)-caprolactam is used as the accelerator in an amount of between 0.05 and 5.0 mole percent relative to the monomer, and the polymerization is carried out at a temperature of between about 25.degree. and 70.degree. C.

Abstract: Process which accelerates the activated and non-activated polymerization of 2-pyrrolidone. A prepared polymerization charge containing monomer and components of the initiation system is first allowed to polymerize at a temperature above the monomer melting temperature, then is cooled below the melting point of the mixture, and then the crystalline reaction mixture is heated to a polymerization temperature of 25.degree. to 60.degree. C.

Abstract: An initiator for the anionic polymerization of heterocyclic monomers comprises the product from the association of an alkali metal amide and the salt from at least one hydroxylated compound with the same alkali metal in an aprotic solvent. The hydroxylated compound is a primary alcohol, a secondary or tertiary alcohol, an ether alcohol, an amino alcohol, a polyether alcohol, a polyamino alcohol, a polyaminoetheralcohol, or an enol from a ketone.

Abstract: A method is described for the anionic polymerization and copolymerization of .omega.-aminoacid lactams. This end is attained at elevated temperatures in the presence of a polymerization initiator of the formulaMeZX.sub.m L.sub.nwherein Me is an alkali metal, Z is boron or aluminum, X is an alkoxy group and L is an organic residue derived from a lactam and being of the formula ##STR1## wherein a is an integer in the range 3-11, m is an integer in the range of 0-3, (m+n) is 4 and n is (4-m).

Abstract: Polyvinylbutyral sheeting, plasticized with a hydrolyzable ester, having low acid concentration through the use of formic acid salt as an adhesion control agent.

Abstract: Novel polyimide prepolymers are produced by reacting an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid imido acylchloride with a difunctional amine to produce the corresponding acid amide. Condensation of said reactants is preferably effected in solution in a low boiling solvent. The resulting prepolymer is hardened and completely polymerized by heating, preferably between about 80.degree. C. and about 400.degree. C., to yield a cross-linked, substantially infusible and insoluble polyimide resin and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: A novel method of utilizing quaternary ammonium compounds to accelerate the polymerization of 2-pyrrolidone is disclosed. The method consists of dehydrating the hygroscopic quaternary ammonium compound by adding it to 2-pyrrolidone and distilling over, under vacuum, a portion of the pyrrolidone whereby the water is removed and then adding the residue to a conventional anhydrous polymerization mixture composed of an alkali metal salt of 2-pyrrolidone dissolved in 2-pyrrolidone and effecting polymerization by adding a polymerization initiator and heating the mixture to a temperature ranging from about room temperature to about 60.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of recovering and recycling quaternary ammonium accelerators for the polymerization of 2-pyrrolidone is disclosed. The method consists of removing the quaternary ammonium compound together with unpolymerized 2-pyrrolidone by washing the polymer with a solvent for both, such as water or methanol, neutralizing the solution immediately after washing and then removing the solvent at a sufficiently low temperature so that the quaternary ammonium compound is not decomposed.

Abstract: A process for forming polymers of 2-pyrrolidone in pellet form via bulk polymerization is disclosed. Polymerization accelerators are empolyed to markedly shorten the polymerization time thus making possible a compact continuous polymerization apparatus which produces pellets of high polymer content requiring no further polymerization. The pellets are formed by forcing the polymerizing mixture through small tubes to form rods of polymer which are then cut into short lengths.

Abstract: N-Hydroxyalkyltrimellitic acid imides of high purity are prepared by reacting trimellitic acid anhydride with a monoalkanolamine in an aqueous medium comprising an amount of not less than about 0.025 liter of a certain specific solvent or solvent mixture per 1 mole of the trimellitic acid anhydride and can be advantageously used for production of their polymers having a high thermal stability and a good color tone.

Abstract: Molded articles of polymerized lactams are prepared by pumping of a catalyst containing partial lactam melt at a temperature of .+-. 1.degree. C. of a temperature in the range of 160.degree. C. to 170.degree. C. and a lower temperature activator containing partial lactam melt at a temperature of .+-. 1.degree. C. of a temperature in the range of 160.degree. C. to 170.degree. C. to which activator addition is delayed relative to catalyst addition, with separate gear pumps to a mixing zone maintained between 170 and 175.degree. C., the pumps connected to the mixing zone by straight feed tubes positioned at an angle of inclination to the horizontal of a maximum of 10.degree., each feed tube having a volume of at least one-third greater than the pump to which it is connected and form the mixing zone into a mold. At least part of the gases released are returned to themixing zone by the tube systems and gear pumps. Apparatus to carry out the method is also provided.

Abstract: Polyphosphazene polymers are prepared which contain repeating units represented by the formulas: ##STR1## wherein X is represented by: ##STR2## wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of ##STR3## and --SO.sub.2 -- and p=0 or 1; when p=0, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from a group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic, aryl, araryl, and alkylaryl radicals or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 can form a cyclic amide containing radical wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 taken together are selected from a group consisting of --CH.sub.2).sub.n where n=2 to 12, wherein R.sub.3 is a lower alkyl radical or hydrogen; and when p=1, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 taken together form a linkage in a cyclic imide containing radical selected from a group consisting of --CH.sub.2).sub.n, where n'=2 or 3 and ##STR4## where R.sub.3 is as defined above, R.sub.

Abstract: The process of making a catalyst for the polymerization of 2-pyrrolidone by contacting an alkali metal pyrrolidonate, a quaternary ammonium carboxylate and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: There is disclosed the use of certain quaternary ammonium sulfates and bisulfates as polymerization accelerators in the polymerization of 2-pyrrolidone employing alkali metal pyrrolidonates as primary catalysts together with CO.sub.2, SO.sub.2 or MoO.sub.3 as activators. Methods for recycling both the unchanged monomer and the accelerator are disclosed.The structural formula for the operable quaternary ammonium salts is: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are alkyl, aryl and aralkyl radicals, including mixtures thereof, and n is 1 or 2 depending on the valence of X, and X is a bisulfate or sulfate.In addition to accelerating the rate of polymerization these substances also act as color suppressors when SO.sub.2 is used as the activator. For this purpose X in the above formula may also be a halide. Less than 0.01 mol per mol of alkali metal pyrrolidonate is needed in this use.Cesium or rubidium pyrrolidonates are also disclosed as color suppressors when using SO.sub.2 as the activator.

Abstract: Processes for the production of polyamides by polymerizing lactams in the presence of a catalyst and anisocyanatoallophanate as activator.

Abstract: A process for the activated anionic polymerization of lactams wherein as activator a fluid partially masked aliphatic araliphatic or cycloaliphatic polyisocyanate being masked with 0.5-0.7 equivalents of lactam per equivalent of NCO groups is used.

Abstract: Novel polyamides are prepared having end groups especially selected to impart special properties to the polymer. These polyamides are prepared by utilizing anionic polymerization processes and the end groups can be of a type that, under existing methods, normally will hinder or completely stop the anionic polymerization reaction. The hindering effect of these end groups is largely overcome through the formation of novel initiator compounds that enables the polymerization reaction to proceed with extreme rapidity at comparatively low temperatures despite the presence of these end groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a poly(hydrazone-hydrazide) prepared from difunctional acid chlorides and 4-(hydrazonomethyl)benzoic acid hydrazide. The poly(hydrazone-hydrazide) contains repeating units corresponding to the structure: ##STR1## Films of this polymer have unobviously high tensile and tear strengths without the necessity of biaxially orienting the film.

Abstract: Processes for the anionic polymerization of lactam accelerated by the presence of nitrothiophene and certain derivatives thereof. The processes are especially applicable to the preparation of poly-2-pyrrolidone which can be molded into filaments, films, and shaped articles in general.

Abstract: An aromatic polyamide having a high degree of polymerization is produced by polymerizing(A) a mixture of an aromatic diamine of the formula (1):H.sub.2 N--Ar.sub.1 --NH.sub.2 (1)and an aromatic dicarboxylic acid dihalide of the formula (2):XOC--Ar.sub.2 --COX (2)(b) a mixture of the aromatic diamine of the formula (1), the aromatic dicarboxylic acid dihalide of the formula (2) and a hydrogen halide salt of an aromatic amino carboxylic acid halide of the formula (3):XH.multidot.H.sub.2 N--Ar.sub.3 --COX (3)or(C) the hydrogen halide salt of the aromatic amino carboxylic acid halide of the formula (3) alone,Wherein Ar.sub.1, Ar.sub.2 and Ar.sub.

Abstract: Processes for the anionic polymerization of lactam accelerated by the presence of nitrobenzene and/or certain derivatives thereof. The processes are especially applicable to the preparation of poly-2-pyrrolidone which can be molded into filaments, films, and shaped articles in general.

Abstract: The invention relates to antistatic polyamide compositions comprising a polyamide and as an antistatic agent from 0.1 to 20%, preferably from 1.5 to 15%, by weight based on the total weight of the composition of urethanes with ether groups. The urethanes with ether groups are stable in melts of aliphatic polyamides for prolonged periods at temperatures of up to about 300.degree. C. and filaments and fibers of such polyamides or woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven or pile fabrics produced from these filaments or fibers show outstanding antistatic properties.

Abstract: 2-Pyrrolidone is continuously polymerized to a high-molecular-weight particulate product by the stirred polymerization of the carbonated alkaline polymerizate. The polymerizate is prepared by contacting an aqueous hydroxide with excess 2-pyrrolidone, maintaining the resultant alkaline mixture at an elevated temperature for sufficient time to reduce the 2-pyrrolidone dimer content of the mixture to within the desired limits, dehydrating the alkaline mixture to reduce the water content to within the desired limits, and contacting the alkaline mixture with carbon dioxide to form the carbonated alkaline polymerizate. The paste of particular polypyrrolidone and liquid polymerizate is continuously withdrawn from the reactor, neutralized with aqueous acid and washed with warm water.

Abstract: Copolymers of 2-pyrrolidone and C.sub.7 -C.sub.12 lactams are provided in solid form, at relatively high rates and molecular weights by polymerization in the presence of alkaline catalysts and carbon dioxide, by the inclusion of an auxiliary catalyst and a copolymerization promoter comprising certain onium salts and N-acyl lactams, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing of anionic polycaprolactam with a low content of water extractables and high stability of the degree of polymerization during melting by a two-stage polymerization using known basic initiators and known activators of the following types: ##STR1## where R is ##STR2## R.sup.1 = R or C.sub.1-4 alkyl, cycloalkyl or allyl, R.sup.2 = C.sub.1-4 alkyl or H atom, n is an integer 3-11 and x is an integer >3. The ratio of activator to initiator (e.g. sodium dihydromethoxyethoxyaluminate) ranges between 2.6 and 4.2, advantageously 2.8-3.5 The first polymerization stage proceeds at 150.degree.-200.degree. C. for .ltoreq.10 min, the polymer is then shaped and postpolymerized at 150.degree.-200.degree. C. for .ltoreq.90 min to achieve a monomer content near to the equilibrium content corresponding to the 2nd stage temperature.

Abstract: The invention is related to novel polycaprolactam filaments and fibres capable of being deeply dyed with acid dyes to give dye finishes with extreme fastness to light, characterized by the fact that they consist of physical mixtures of unmodified polycaprolactam and a basic polycaprolactam containing structural units corresponding to the formula: ##STR1## in which R represents an alkylene radical with 4 to 12 carbon atoms and x is an integer from 1 to 5, have relative solution viscosities of from 2.9 to 3.5 (as measured on solutions of 1 g of non-extracted polyamide in 100 ml of cresol at 25.degree. C) and contain free amino groups in a concentration range from 60 to 180 millivals per kg of polymer mixture.

Abstract: The process of making a catalyst for the polymerization of 2-pyrrolidone by contacting an alkali metal pyrrolidonate, a quaternary ammonium carboxylate and carbon dioxide.