Abstract: Process for the preparation of polyimides or of their polypeptide hydrolysates which are at least 80% biodegradable, by thermal polycondensation of at least one amino acid, optionally followed by hydrolysis, the thermal polycondensation step being carried out in the presence of at least one "acid catalyst" chosen fromsulphuric, nitric, phosphorous, sulphurous, hydrofluoric, silicic and sulphonic acids, organic sulphonic acids containing less than 50 carbon atoms, amino acids bearing a non-carboxyl strong acid function, organic phosphonic acids, organic carboxylic acids having a pK.sub.

Abstract: A polymeric composition includes a polyamide; an unmodified polypropylene or unmodified polyethylene; optionally a carboxylic acid or maleic anhydride-grafted ethylene-propylene-diene elastomer; and a carboxylic acid or maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene or polypropylene.

Abstract: Polyetheresteramides, characterized in that they comprise both of the following repeating entities: ##STR1## in which X represents the residue of a polyamide-diacid oligomer with an Mn of between 300 and 8000, Y represents the residue of a polyetherdiol with an Mn of between 200 and 5000, and Z represents the residue of a polyetherdiamine with an Mn of between 200 and 5000, wherein the proportion by mass of the entities Z resulting from the condensation of the polyetherdiamine with respect to the total amount of the entities resulting from the polyetherdiol and polyetherdiamine, i.e. Z/(Z+Y), is between 1 and 50%. The polyetheresteramides according to the invention can be used as is and are suitable for the production of mouldings, extrudates, films, sheaths, or composite materials such as multi-layer film. They can also be mixed with other polymers and in particular with polyamides.

Abstract: Polyanils of the general formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.24 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.24 -alkoxy, Cl, Br, CF.sub.3 or NO.sub.2,R.sup.2 is para-phenylene, a fused aromatic ring system of 10 to 30 carbon atoms or ##STR2## R.sup.3 is a chemical bond, S, O, NH, CH.sub.2, CH.dbd.CH, CO, SO or SS andn is an integer from 5 to 100,and their acid addition salts of the general formula II ##STR3## where X.sup.- is ClO.sub.4.sup.-, BF.sub.4.sup.-, AsF.sub.6.sup.- or ##STR4## and R.sub.4 is C.sub.1 --C.sub.8 -alkyl are disclosed. The polyanils are useful as electrically conductive materials and for nonlinear optical purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive, biocompatible, biodegradable and non-toxic composition for surgical use, in particular for binding tissues, which composition is of the following general formula: ##STR1## in which: R is a hydrocarbon chain containing from 1 to 50 carbon atoms,R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are identical or different and are chosen from the following groups: ##STR2## R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.

Abstract: A method of preparing a lass of PPV derivatives includes preparing a soluble precursor of a PPV derivative and converting the soluble precursor to a PPV derivative. The converting includes performing either a thermal treatment in a range of temperatures from approximately 25.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. at a reduced pressure or an acid-catalyzed ultraviolet radiation treatment.

Abstract: Aramids which after drawing have high tensile strengths and tensile moduli are made from units derived from selected 2,2'-disubstituted-4,4'-diaminobiphenyls, p-phenylenediamine, oxydianiline and terephthalic acid. Also disclosed is a process for drawing such aramids at least 1.5%, which results in the drawn aramid having significant crystallinity and higher tensile strength. The aramids are useful for ropes and composites.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing polysuccinimides by forming a polymerization mixture of poly(alkylene glycol), aspartic acid and, optionally, one or more other amino acids; heating the mixture to an elevated temperature; and maintaining the mixture at the elevated temperature to form polysuccinimides.

Abstract: Described are carboxyl-terminated polyetheramides of the formula: ##STR1## where R is a moiety from an alcohol or hydroxy compound having a valence of k; R' is independently hydrogen or lower alkyl from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R" is independently a straight or branched alkylene or aromatic moiety averaging from about 2 to 36 carbon atoms; x averages from about 2 to 100; z averages from about 20 to about 250; k averages from about 1 to 3; m is 0 or 1; and p is independently 5 to 11. Because the carboxyl-terminated polyetheramides are all carboxyl-terminated, they do not gel. They are expected to have good impact strength as well as differing solubilities depending on the polyetheramine incorporated.

Abstract: Novel cyclic imino ether compositions containing one or more mesogenic moieties, when polymerized, result in products having improved properties.

Abstract: A method for the polymerization of Nylon 6 from caprolactam and water using a catalyst composition comprising a primary catalyst, which can be an alkali metal hypophosphite or an alkali-earth metal hypophosphite, and an amine cocatalyst. The amine cocatalyst can be selected from the group consisting of phenylene diamines, hindered amines, poly(hindered amines), Group I benzotriazoles, and Group II benzotriazoles. The catalyst composition used in this invention is most useful when used in conjunction with the reactive extrusion technology which requires a very fast polymerization rate to take full advantage of this evolving technology.

Abstract: The heat resistant adhesive of the invention comprises polyamic acid and/or polyimide which are prepared by using 1,3-bis(3-aminophenoxy)benzene as an aromatic diamine component and 3,3', 4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride and/or 3,3',4,4'-diphenylethertetracarboxylic dianhydride as tetracarboxylic acid dianhydrides, and further by blocking the polymer chain end with dicarboxylic anhydride or a monoamine compound; or comprises a polyimide solution containing the polyimide in a good solvent.The adhesive of the invention is a heat-resistant adhesive capable of adhering under mild temperature/mild pressure conditions. The adhesive of polyimide solution can provide desired adhesion by simple procedures such as applying to the adherend and heating under pressure and exhibits excellent adhesive strength.

Abstract: Lactam-lactone copolymers are provided that range in properties from plastic to elastomer which are formed by reacting components of a polymerizable composition comprising: a lactam monomer; a lactone monomer; a C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 lactam magnesium halide catalyst; and an initiator.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the production of thermoplastic, caprolactam containing molding compositions by hydrolytic polymerization of caprolactam in stirrer autoclaves in which a molten mass is polymerized at pressures of 5 to 20 bar and temperatures of 220.degree. to 280.degree. C., the molten mass is transferred into an intermediate vessel to which vacuum is applied for continued polymerization and removal of volatile portions. Subsequently, the mass is continuously fed into a multi-screw extruder, in order to attain at increased temperatures and vacuum the desired polymerization degree and the desired monomer and oligomer contents. In a subsequent zone of the extruder, when desired, additional agents are worked in, whereafter a further degasification occurs in the end zone of the extruder, whereafter the mass is extruded, quenched, subdivided and dried. The method and apparatus use relatively little energy as compared with the prior art.

Abstract: Polycaprolactam having a regulated amino end group content is produced in a continuous process in which caprolactam is polymerized at 240.degree.-290.degree. C. in the presence of water as initiator and in the presence of a dicarboxylic acid as chain regulator by polymerizing caprolactam in a single stage in the presence of from 0.3 to 5% by weight of water and from 0.1 to 0.6% by weight of terephthalic acid and/or isophthalic acid, each percentage being based on caprolactam, at a uniform pressure through the entire polymerization time of from 1.0 to 1.9 bar, measured in the vapor phase above the polymerization zone, while maintaining a water content of from 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, until the sum total of the amino and carboxyl end group contents is from 115 to 150 meq/kg, with the proviso that the amino end group content does not drop below 25 meq/kg, measured on extracted polycaprolactam.

Abstract: An addition type imide resin prepolymer is obtained by a reaction of unsaturated bisimide of 1.0 mol to diamine of 0.25 to 0.43 mol and an addition of polyamine having three or more benzene rings. The prepolymer is thereby made to contain substantially no unreacted diamine component which affects human body of operators, and to have remarkably excellent heat resistance and adhesive properties, while effective to restrain a production of any component of a molecular weight exceeding 15,000.

Abstract: Polyimide precursor compositions incorporating at least one compound of fula (1), at least one compound of formula (2), at least one compound of formula (3) and at least one compound of formula (4) ##STR1## in which one of the groups R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 represents a hydrogen atom and the other, in the same way as the groups R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, which can be the same or different, in each case represent a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, m is a number between 5 and 20, n is an integer between 1 and 5 and R.sup.5 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydrocarbon group with 1 to 16 carbon atoms, or a group of formula R.sup.6 --O-- in which R.sup.6 represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms. The preferred composition contains 30 to 70% by weight of dry matter of compounds of formulas (1), (2) and (3), in which the groups R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and one of the groups R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is a methyl or ethyl group and the compound of formula (4) is benzyl alcohol.

Abstract: A denatured bismaleimide resin of repeating units represented by the following formula (I) and process for preparing same which comprises the Michael addition reaction of a bismaleimide and an aromatic secondary diamine: ##STR1## wherein, n represents an integer of 1 to 3, A represents a divalent group having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms,A' represents a divalent group having less than 20 carbon atoms which includes at least one or more aromatic groups, andR represents aliphatic having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The invention relates to high molecular weight thermoplastically deformable branched aliphatic polyamides prepared by polycondensation of lactams and/or polyamide-forming diamine/dicarboxylic acid reaction mixtures and/or amino acids in the presence of small amounts of specific diamino-alcohols and approximately equivalent amounts of polycarboxylic acids (preferably dicarboxylic acids), and to a process for their preparation, which is distinguished by considerably shortened polycondensation times, without crosslinked products being formed. If appropriate, the process additionally utilizes a solid phase after-condensation, in which rapid further condensation to products which are indeed branched but are soluble in m-cresol and have an increased melt viscosity takes place.

Abstract: The invention relates to high molecular weight (co)polyamides and to a process for the accelerated production of polyamides during melt polycondensation using a combination of aminocaprolactam (ACL) and/or lysine components and polycarboxylic acids and known catalysts and also, if desired, for the accelerated solid-phase post-condensation of the catalyst-containing (co)polyamides and to the polyamides produced by the processes.

Abstract: A molecular weight controller having particular application in the polymerization of a lactam, i.e., epsiloncaprolactam, to a polyamide, i.e., poly(epsiloncaprolactam). The molecular weight controller comprises a primary monofunctional amine, i.e., benzylamine, a primary monofunctional acid, i.e., acetic acid, and a salified aminoacid containing an aromatic, a cyclohexane, or cyclopentane moiety, i.e., 4-(aminomethyl)benzoic acid salified with p-toluenesulfonic acid. The resulting polyamide has a reduced water extractable content.

Abstract: Imide prepolymer compositions containing an unsaturated component (A) and diamine component (B) at the (A)/(B) molar ratio of 0.9-1.5 and 0.01-5.0% by weight, based on the sum of said components (A) and (B), of at least one radical polymerization inhibitors, and preferably further 0.01-5.0% by weight, based on the sum of said components (A) and (B), of at least one compound selected from the group of carboxylic acid and carboxylic acid anhydride.The imide prepolymer compositions of the present invention which contain the above-defined components in specific proportions are tough and excellent in adhesive strength to glass cloths and metals and in heat resistance.

Abstract: A water-soluble organic polybase which is useful for the cationization of asbestos-free, cellulose fiber filter media is prepared by reacting a mixture of a compound of the formulaR.sup.2 --CO--R.sup.1 --COOHand a polyalkyleneimine with a difunctional alkylating agent, wherein R.sup.1 is a single bond or alkylene having 1 to 10 carbon atoms and R.sup.2 is inter alia a moiety of the formulaH.sub.2 N--(CH.sub.2).sub.u --NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.u --NH).sub.wwherein u is the number 2, 3, 4 or 5 and w is the number 0, 1, 2 or 3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymaleimide compounds having the following chemical structure: ##STR1## wherein n represents an integer of from 0 to about 50 and to a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: Polyamides are prepared from a carbonitrile and an amine by reacting by heating a mixture of a carbonitrile which is a dinitrile, an equivalent amount of a primary or secondary amine which is a diamine, and at least a stoichiometric amount of water in the presence of an effective amount of a catalyst. The catalyst is a complex containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, rhodium and molybdenum, and at least one group selected from the group consisting of hydride, phosphine, carbonyl, ammonia, and hydroxyl.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for producing a polyamide comprising polymerizing at least one monomer of polyamide in the presence of(1) a hydrocarbon polymer having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a carboxyl group, a derivative group of carboxylic acid, an amino group, and a hydroxyl group, or(2) a polymer produced by reacting the hydrocarbon polymer with a polyamide, or polymerizing at least one monomer of polyamide in the presence of the hydrocarbon polymer.

Abstract: A copolyamide resin containing a dimerized fatty acid as a copolymer component, which has (1) at least 25 equivalent %, based on the total number of terminal groups, of hydrocarbon groups having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms at its terminals, (2) a content of a dimerized fatty acid of from 0.1 to 40% by weight based on the total amount of the resin, and (3) a melt viscosity as measured at 240.degree. C. of from 2,000 to 15,000 poise.

Abstract: Saturated polyesters containing terminal carboxyl groups and, per molecule, at least one side chain, containing imide groups, of the formula I ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, for example, together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached, are a cyclohexane ring and R.sup.3 is ethylene, the side chains of the formula I being attached via ester linkages to tribasic or tetrabasic aromatic carboxylic acids present in the polyester main chain, the average molecular weight M.sub.w of the polyester being between 3,000 and 20,000 and the polyester having an acid number of 10 to 200. The polyesters are suitable, for example as a composition containing epoxide resins, for use as casting resins or in surface protection, particularly for the preparation of heat-resistant and weather-resistant powder paints.

Abstract: Novel, heat-stable imido polymers, well adopted, e.g., as coating or molding resins, comprise the polymerizates of (a) at least one N,N'-bismaleimide, (b) at least one diprimary diamine, and (c) at least one N-(meth)-allyloxyphenylmaleimide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bis(hydroxyphthalimide) prepared by reacting 4-hydroxyphthalic anhydride and an organic diamine in the presence of an organic solvent under heating. The bis(hydroxyphthalimide) has two intramolecular imide rings and active hydrogens, and is thus polymerizable to form a variety of polycondensation products each having imide rings by condensation. The bis(hydroxyphthalimide) is also reacted with a dicarboxylic acid dihalide to form a polyesterimide, through condensation, which is excellent in transparency and heat resisting property.

Abstract: This invention relates to a curable resin composition comprising (a) a component selected from the group consisting of a dicyanate-terminated aromatic polysulfone oligomer, a dicyanate-terminated aromatic polyketone oligomer and mixtures thereof, (b) a cyanate ester component selected from the group consisting of polyfunctional aromatic cyanate ester monomers having at least two cyanate groups bonded to their aromatic ring, prepolymers of the cyanate esters and prepolymers of the cyanate ester monomers and amines, and (c) a bismaleimide component selected from the group consisting of bismaleimides, bismaleimides prepolymers and prepolymers of the bismaleimides and amines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a caprolactam that is not appreciably subject to re-equilibration during melt spinning of textile fibres. In the process such an amount of chain length regulating agent is used that the relative viscosity of the polyamide increases by not more than 0.5 units after 20 hour heat treatment in the solid phase in an inert gas atmosphere at between 110.degree. C. and 190.degree. C., after extraction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an under-hood material for motorcars, prepared by molding a polymide resin comprising a caproamide component and/or a hexamethylene adipamide component as the major component thereof and having hydrocarbon groups of 6 to 22 carbon atoms as the end groups thereof, wherein (a) the number of the hydrocarbon groups is 5 to 100% of the total number of the end groups of the polyamide and (b) a relative viscosity of the polyamide is 2 to 6.

Abstract: A process for preparing a nylon-6 block copolymer in which a solution comprising an acyllactam, epsilon-caprolactam and magnesium chloride is brought into reactive admixture with a solution of magnesium dilactam in epsilon-caprolactam. The acyllactam magnesium chloride solution is prepared by reaction of an acid halide functional material and magnesium dilactam.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a polyamide resin of a relative viscosity of from 2.5 to 6, having hydrocarbon group(s) of 6 to 22 carbon atoms as the end group(s) thereof, the number of the hydrocarbon group(s) being 40 to 100% of the total number of the end groups of the polyamide, and a process for producing the polyamide resin.

Abstract: Thermosettable prepolymers are prepared by reacting (1) an aromatic heterocyclic material having one or more rings and at least one nitrogen atom and at least two reactive substituent groups which have at least one reactive hydrogen atom attached to a carbon atom which is attached to a heterocyclic ring such as 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine or 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine, (2) a cycloaliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid cyclic mono- or dianhydride such as pyromellitic dianhydride and (3) a material containing a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one group selected from (a) a heterocyclic material having one or more rings and at least one nitrogen atom and at least one substituent group which has at least one reactive hydrogen atom attached to a carbon atom which is attached to a heterocyclic ring such as 2-methyl-5-vinylpyridine, and (b) a cycloaliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid cyclic monoanhydride or dianhydride such as cis-5-norbornene-endo-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride.

Abstract: The invention concerns a simple process for preparing an ester acyllactam and/or esteramide acyllactam by the catalytic condensation of imide and alcohol, characterized in that a polyol and an acyllactam compound are reacted in the liquid state in the presencce of a halide, carboxylate or acetylacetonate from beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, boron, aluminium, zinc or cadmium.The invention is important for the preparation of compounds which may be used in the preparation of nylon block copolymers, more in particular in RIM-nylon systems (Reaction Injection Moulding), since when the compounds obtained according to the present invention are used in a RIM system, a very fast lactam polymerization takes place, and it therefore also relates to the preparation of nylon block copolymers.

Abstract: Process for preparing polyamide by anionically polymerizing lactam in the presence of an alkaline metal catalyst, an activator and at least one low molecular weight ester compound. The polymerization process is rapid and yields polyamides having good impact strengths. The process significantly reduces moulding time in reaction injection moulding.

Abstract: Methods of making water soluble polyimide resin compositions. A carboxy terminated bisimide is prepared by reacting a suitable aromatic dianhydride with a suitable oxoimine. The bisimide is then mixed with a sufficient quantity of a water soluble solvent to dissolve the bisimide. Water is added to make a solution of the desired viscosity. An aromatic diamine is added to this water solution. To the mixture is added a suitable quantity of a tertiary amine to stabilize the resin. The solution is coated onto a surface and dried to produce a smooth, flexible coating. The coating can then be heated to an appropriate temperature to produce a fully polymerized coating which is thermally stable and resistant to oils and solvents.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing .epsilon.-caprolactam to form a nylon-6 block copolymer 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. The lactam polymerization initiator is a telechelic oligomer or polymer containing a backbone which provides elastomeric segments in the nylon-6 block copolymer, and attached to the backbone are activated initiator groups which initiate the polymerization of .epsilon.-caprolactam in the presence of the lactam magnesium halide.

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: Composition for use in preparing a nylon-6 block copolymer in which a solution comprising an acyl-lactam, epsilon-caprolactam and magnesium chloride is brought into reactive admixture with a solution of magnesium dilactam in epsilon-caprolactam. The acyl-lactam magnesium chloride solution is prepared by reaction of an acid halide functional material and magnesium dilactam.

Abstract: Described is a process for improving the color of thermoplastic polymers by contacting the monomer(s) before or during polymerization with an alkali or alkaline earth metal formate.

Abstract: A polyamide is produced by polymerizing at least one of alpha, beta unsaturated carboxylic acid, an ammonium salt of an alpha, beta unsaturated carboxylic acid, an alpha, beta unsaturated nitrile and water, a beta-amino propionic acid or alkyl derivative thereof and an alpha, beta unsaturated amide and ammonia in the presence of a catalyst containing cobalt. Preferred catalysts comprise cobaltous carboxylates and cobaltic salts of the enol of beta-di-ketones.

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: An improved process for the continuous preparation of polycaprolactam, in which .epsilon.-caprolactam is partially polymerized, with the addition of a water-containing agent and acetic acid or propionic acid as a chain regulator, at a nylon-forming temperature, in a mechanically mixed zone in a vertical tubular reactor through which the reaction mixture flows downwards, and is then polymerized further, in additional heat exchange zones, until the desired degree of polymerization is reached, and polycaprolactam is then discharged as a melt, wherein a gaseous mixture of caprolactam, water and acetic acid or propionic acid is removed at the top of the tubular reactor and is fed to the middle of a column, water is removed at the top of the column, the bottom of the column is maintained at from 125.degree. to 145.degree. C., and the mixture obtained at the bottom of the column, and comprising caprolactam, acetic acid or propionic acid and a small amount of water, is recycled to the top of the tubular reactor.

Abstract: Polyamides having a modified dye affinity are disclosed as prepared by polymerizing polyamide-forming monomers with a mixture consisting or consisting essentially of a dicarboxylic acid having the general formula HOOC--R--COOH, in which R is an aromatic, cyclo-aliphatic or aliphatic radical, and of a salt of a sulphonic dicarboxylic acid having the general formula: ##STR1## in which R has the meaning specified hereinbefore, X is an alkali or alkaline earth metal or ammonium, and n is a whole number from 1 to 4.

Abstract: The process for preparing thermoplastic polyether amides or polyether ester amides from lactams, dicarboxylic acids and polyethers having hydroxyl end groups and amino end groups or polyethers having amine end groups is improved.First, a mixture of lactams having at least 8 C atoms with dicarboxylic acids is melted in a molar ratio of 100/7 to 100/120 at temperatures of 230.degree. to 300.degree. C. while being mechanically mixed, in an inert gas atmosphere at ordinary pressure and in the absence of water, until the lactams have been reacted to at least 99%. Then, the polyether bearing the hydroxyl end groups and/or the amino end groups is added in a molar ratio of 1/0.95 to 1/1.05, based on the amount of dicarboxylic acid contained in the molten mixture. Homogenizing is then carried out with further mixing at 230.degree. to 290.degree. C. Lastly, a polycondensation is carried out to completion at 250.degree. to 290.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyether amides of polyether ester amides by polycondensing polyamides bearing carboxyl end groups with polyethers bearing hydroxyl end groups and/or amino end groups at ordinary or reduced pressure, in the presence of catalysts, the polyamides bearing the end groups and the polyethers bearing the end groups first being treated at temperatures from about 200.degree. to 300.degree. C. at a water vapor pressure of 5 to 25 bars and with mechanical agitation, and wherein upon removing the water by expansion, the polycondensation is carried to completion. The present invention differs from the prior art in that the polyamides bearing carboxyl groups being used are prepared by melting a mixture of lactams having at least 8 C atoms with dicarboxylic acids in the molar ratio of 100/1 to 100/15 in the presence of a catalyst, in an inert gas atmosphere, at atmospheric pressure and in the absence of water at temperatures from 230.degree. to 300.degree. C.