Abstract: Macrocyclic polyimide oligomers are prepared by the reaction of at least one diamine with at least one tetracarboxylic acid or dianhydride thereof in equimolar amounts, under conditions of high dilution of said reagents. The macrocyclic oligomers are capable of conversion into linear polyimides by heating with a primary amine in the presence of a macrocyclic polyimide polymerization catalyst, typically an alkaline earth or transition metal or salt thereof.

Abstract: Macrocyclic polyimide oligomers are prepared by the reaction of at least one diamine with at least one tetracarboxylic acid or dianhydride thereof in equimolar amounts, under conditions of high dilution of said reagents. The macrocyclic oligomers are capable of conversion into linear polyimides by heating with a primary amine in the presence of a macrocyclic polyimide polymerization catalyst, typically an alkaline earth or transition metal or salt thereof.

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

Abstract: A method for preparing a polymer including the step of reacting carbon monoxide and a reactant pair having respective general formulas ##STR1## and or a reactant having the general formula ##STR2## in the presence of catalyst and free iodo or bromo ions. X is a nonortho halide selected from --Br and --I. n is an integer from 0 to 4. R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and cycloalkyl. R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of ##STR3## and Each R.sup.5 is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl and aryl, m is an integer from 1-12, and j is an integer between 0 and 300. R.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of substituted aryl, unsubstituted aryl, substituted heteroaryl, and unsubstituted heteroaryl.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polymer including the step of reacting carbon monoxide and a reactant pair having respective general formulas ##STR1## a reactant having the general formula ##STR2## in the presence of catalyst and free iodo or bromo ions. X is --Br or --I. n is an integer from 0 to 4. R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and cycloalkyl. R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of ##STR3## wherein each R.sup.5 is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl and aryl, m is an integer from 1-12, and j is an integer between 0 and 300.

Abstract: A process for forming an ultra-high molecular weight nylon 6 by polymerizing .epsilon.-caprolactam, which comprises heating substantially anhydrous .epsilon.-caprolactam at a temperature of from 100.degree. to 200.degree. C. in the presence of (a) a main catalyst selected from a Grignard compound and a halogenated magnesium lactamate, (b) a co-catalyst selected from an acyl lactam compound and an isocyanic acid ester and (c) at least one activator selected from the group consisting of amides, sulfoxides, thioethers and phosphoric esters. According to this inventive process, an ultra-high molecular weight nylon 6 can be produced within a short period of time, making use of industrially advantageous compounds which are stable in air, hardly dangerous and inexpensive. Being free from cross-linkings, the ultra-high molecular weight nylon 6 obtained by the process of this invention is soluble in various solvents and is useful as a starting material for the production of high strength and high modulus materials.

Abstract: A method for preparing poly(imide-amide)s comprising reacting carbon monoxide, an aromatic or heteroaromatic diamine, and an aromatic or heteroaromatic di(trifluoromethane sulfonate), in the presence of solvent and a catalyst One of the aromatic reactants has a nucleus including a phthalimide ring system. The catalyst is a compound of a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium and nickel.

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: Finely divided nylon-4 particles are prepared from a solution of polypyrrolidone in 2-pyrrolidone by precipitation in water. The washed particles are contacted with iodine to provide a water insoluble complex for use in biocidal pharmaceutical compositions which slowly release elemental iodine over time.

Abstract: Aromatic copolyamides, soluble in organic polyamide solvents, comprise at least 95 mol % of the recurrent structural units of the formulae ##STR1## and up to 5 mol % of structural units containing m-bonds. Here, --Ar--and --Ar'-- are divalent, unsubstituted or substituted aromatic radicals, the valency bonds of which are in the para-position or in a comparable coaxial or parallel position, and --R is a lower alkyl radical.

Abstract: Aromatic copolyamides, soluble in organic polyamide solvents, comprise at least 95 mol % of the recurrent structural units of the formulae ##STR1## and up to 5 mol % of structural units containing m-bonds. Here --Ar--is a divalent, unsubstituted or substituted aromatic radical, the valency bonds of which are in the para-position or in a comparable coaxial or parallel position, and --R--and --R' are different from one another and are lower alkyl radicals or lower alkoxy radicals.

Abstract: There is provided the process for producing an imide-based prepolymer having high solvent solubility by reacting an unsaturated bisimide of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein D is a divalent group having a carbon-to-carbon double bond, and A is a divalent group having at least two carbon atoms, with a diamine in the presence of a radical scavenger.

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: 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: Thermosetting mixtures which contain (a) 10 to 90% by weight of at least one aromatic di- or polycyanate compound or a prepolymer thereof,(b) 90 to 10% by weight of at least one compound of the formula I or II ##STR1## or of a prepolymer of a compound of the formula I or II and, based on the sum of (a) and (b),(c) 0 to 50% by weight of at least one compound of the formula III ##STR2## in which R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 independently of one another are each a hydrogen atom or methyl, n is 1 or 2 and m is 2 or 3, R is hydrogen or an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic radical, R' is an aliphatic radical, m- or p-phenylene or m- or p-phenylenoxy and R" is an m-valent organic radical with 2-14 30 C atoms, are suitable for the production of shaped articles, such as prepregs or laminates, coatings and glueings.

Abstract: A novel star block copolymer represented by the general formula as shown below and a process for the production thereof are described. The copolymer has superior physical properties, particularly impact strength and, furthermore, is reduced in coloration. Thus the copolymer can find numerous uses; for example, it can be used in preparation of fibers, foams, automotive parts, and electrical components. The copolymer is produced by copolymerizing a star-shaped polyether prepolymer and a lactam, said prepolymer being prepared by reacting a star-shaped polyoxyalkylene having at least 3 terminal hydroxy groups and an N-chlorocarbonyl lactam, in the presence of an anionic polymerization catalyst. ##STR1## In this formula, all the symbols are as defined hereinbefore.

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 process for manufacturing a nylon-type polyamide from a dinitrile, a diamine and water in the presence of a catalyst is improved by using as a catalyst an ester of oxygenated phosphorus compound in conjunction with a strong base. For example, high quality nylon-6,6 is manufactured by contacting adiponitrile, hexamethylene diamine and water with an ester of an oxygenated phosphorous compound and sodium hydroxide at an elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: Polyamides are produced from diamines, dinitriles, and water in contact with a two-component catalyst system comprising (1) at least one copper containing compound and (2) at least one oxygen containing compound of phosphorus or sulfur.

Abstract: A polyamide is produced by polymerizing at least one of an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid and ammonia, 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 comprising a pentaammine cobalt (III) complex.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of compositions of the formula: ##STR1## wherein n is 2 to 4 and X is --O--, --S-- or ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 is an aliphatic or aromatic moiety as a curing agent for epoxy resins to form a thermoset material which has a reduced shrinkage.

Abstract: Antimicrobial activity is imparted to nylon during its preparation by adding to the nylon-forming monomer(s), a zinc compound (e.g. zinc ammonium carbonate) and a phosphorus compound (e.g. benzene phosphinic acid). The compounds are added in amounts sufficient to form in situ a reaction product containing at least 300 ppm of zinc, based on the weight of nylon prepared. Fibers made from the resulting nylon contain the reaction product uniformly dispersed therein and have antimicrobial activity of a permanent nature.

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: The invention relates to a process for the production of polybenzamides from amino benzoic acids in the presence of metal halides.

Abstract: Imide functional polyphenols are prepared by reacting an excess of a phenol with an unsaturated diimide which is prepared by reacting an unsaturated polycycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid anhydride with a diamine.These materials are useful in the preparation of castings, coatings, laminates and the like.

Abstract: A novel transition metal complex catalyst comprised of a transition metal attached to a ligand containing electron withdrawing substituents is employed in a polymerization process for producing nylon type polyamides.

Abstract: A process for producing polyamides comprising contacting a polyamide forming system with a transition metal complex catalyst at a temperature sufficient to cause polymerization. The transition metal complex catalysts are at least one binucleating ligand attached to at least one transition metal containing nucleus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing an N-substituted carbamoyl-lactam compound having the formula: ##STR1## by admixing a polyhydroxy compound having the formula R(OH).sub.n with a polyisocyanate having the formula OCH--R'--NCO, wherein saidn has a value of at least 3,R' is a di-valent hydrocarbon group having 6-25 carbon atoms, andY is a C.sub.3 -C.sub.14 alkylene group,and reacting the product thereof with a lactam. The n value may advantageously range from 3 to 10. The invention also relates to certain novel n-substituted carbamoyl-lactam compounds which can advantageously be used in the preparation of nylon 6 block copolymers, and are particularly useful in reaction injection molding nylon 6.

Abstract: The process for manufacturing a nylon-type polyamide from a dinitrile, a diamine and water in the presence of a catalyst is improved by using as a catalyst an oxygenated phosphorus compound and an oxygenated boron compound. For example, high quality nylon-6,6 is manufactured by contacting adiponitrile, hexamethylene diamine and water with boric acid and phosphorous acid at an elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: An improved method of molding involves utilizing as the catalyst and initiator components of a polymerizable composition, a Grignard catalyst and a dual initiator system.

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: 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: Compositions for the preparation of block copolylactams comprising lactam, lactam polymerization initiator and an effective amount of a viscosity enhancing compound selected from the group consisting of the lactamates and .omega.-amino acid salts of barium, calcium and strontium.

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: 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 catalyst and initiator composition for lactam polymerization is composed of a Grignard catalyst for lactam polymerization and initiator system containing(a) at least one material represented by the following structural formula: ##STR1## (b) at least one material represented by the following structural formula: ##STR2## wherein q and v are independently an integer of at least 1; Z and W are independently selected from a compound or polymeric material, said compound being composed of at least two elements in chemical combination which contain up to two repeating structural units, said polymeric material being a macromolecule formed by the chemical union of at least two coreactants and having at least three repeating structural units; with the proviso that at least a portion of either or both of the materials (a) or (b) is a polymeric material. In the above formulas, R, R', R", R'" are independently hydrogen, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 aliphatic radical, C.sub.3 to C.sub.10 cycloaliphatic radical, C.sub.6 to C.sub.

Abstract: This invention is an improvement to the continuous method to polymerize caprolactam at temperatures over 220.degree. but below 280.degree. C. in the presence of free water, a catalyst capable of generating phosphoric acid at the reaction conditions, in the hydrolyzer to form a prepolymer, with subsequent stripping of water and other low boiling compounds, and with completion of polymerization in a final finisher under a vacuum. The improvement comprises limiting the amount of free water fed to the polymerization process to less than about 1.5 percent but above 0.

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: 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: 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: Novel amorphous copolyamides are provided which are the product of reaction of (A) a lactam, (B) a bisimidazoline, and (C) a dicarboxylic acid, wherein the proportions of reactants based on 100 mole percent are from about 43 to about 82 mole percent of lactam (A) and the remaining 18 to 57 mole percent divided between said (B) and said (C) in substantially equimolar proportions.The copolyamides are characterized by better resistance to elevated temperatures than 100 percent polycaprolactam polyamides but at the same time are easily molded because of their amorphous character.

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: A process for the production of polyquinazolone-based polymers by reacting bisquinazolone with a diamine or a diamine substituted with a carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid or metal salt thereof in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst or a phosphorus-containing dehydrating agent, where the polymers are useful to produce permselective membranes.

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: A process is disclosed for the discontinuous production of a polyamide having the generic formula: ##STR1## and an inherent viscosity of at least 3, wherein 50 to 100% of the radicals R are p-phenylene radicals and 0 to 50% are n-butylene radicals. Terephthaloyl chloride, and optionally adipoyl chloride, are reacted in stoichiometric amounts with a solution of paraphenylenediamine and/or of 4,4'-diaminoadipanilide in a mixture of N-methylpyrrolidone-2 and calcium chloride which is homogeneous and substantially anhydrous, with a molar ratio of CaCl.sub.2 / unit: ##STR2## of at least 0.7, and under conditions such that the final composition contains 5 to 16% by weight of polymer, relative to the N-methylpyrrolidone-2. The polymer obtained can be converted into films, fibers and high-performance yarns for reinforcing composite materials or articles made of rubber.

Abstract: A continuous process is disclosed for the production of poly-(para-phenylene terephthalamide) and its copolymers, having an inherent viscosity of at least 3. Molten terephthaloyl chloride, and optionally adipoyl chloride, are reacted in stoichiometric amounts with a solution of para-phenylenediamine and/or of 4,4'-diaminoadipanilide, and optionally of a prepolymer formed from at least one chloride and at least one diamine from amongst those mentioned above, in a mixture of N-methylpyrrolidone-2 and calcium chloride which is homogeneous and substantially anhydrous, with a molar ratio of CaCl.sub.2 /unit: ##STR1## of at least 1, and preferably at least 1.15, and under conditions such that the final composition contains at least 5% by weight of polymer, relative to the N-methylpyrrolidone-2, where R represents p-phenylene or p-phenylene and up to 50% of n-butylene of the total polymer units.

Abstract: Provided are polyamides having properties which make them useful as adhesives, sizing agents, paper strength enhancers and as resins. These polyamides are prepared by heating an alpha-(N,N-disubstituted amino)-E-caprolactam, alone or in combination with one or more comonomers, in the presence of an anionic polymerization catalyst, and are characterized by a repeating unit reprsented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R' are each a lower alkyl group or a cyclic amine residue, and also having a relative viscosity of at leasrt 1.5.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing 2-pyrrolidone to form a particulate material suitable for melt extrusion processes is disclosed. The process involves agitating to form particles at a critical point during the polymerization in which a friable gel exists. The gel is formed as a result of the addition of polymerization accelerators to the polymerization mixture but as the accelerated polymerization proceeds the gel soon hardens to a tough cake which can no longer be broken up by agitation. If the polymerizing mixture is agitated before the formation of the gel only very fine particles are formed.

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.