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: 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: 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: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a nylon block copolymer composition by polymerization of lactam in the presence of a lactam-polymerization catalyst and an activator, characterized in that the activator used is a combination of:1. a high molecular weight lactam-terminated activator with a molecular weight of at least 1500, and2. a low molecular weight lactam-terminated activator with a molecular weight of at most 750.The process according to the invention can, in particular, be used in a reaction injection moulding process, in which liquid reaction component are introduced into a mould where fast polymerization to a moulded object takes place.

Abstract: N-alkylamide-substituted amines, such as nitrilotripropionamide, are either self-polymerized or copolymerized with other monomers, such as amino acids, in the presence of a stoichiometric amount of aqueous ammonia and at a temperature of at least 200.degree. C. and autogenous pressure to form substantially linear polyamides, such as poly-.beta.-alanine and nylon-3/6.

Abstract: The thermosetting resin composition of the present invention is prepared by mixing an aromatic cyanamide compound with a cyclic ester compound and/or a cyclic amide compound. Although a solventless type composition is preferable, the present invention is not limited thereto. The cured product of the present invention can be prepared by heating and curing said thermosetting resin composition. The obtained cured product of the present invention usually contains melamine rings, isomelamine rings and linear polyester and/or a linear polyamide units.

Abstract: A method for producing a differentially dyeable polyamide is disclosed. The method comprises selectively reacting a polyamide's free amines with an N-halogenating agent. Polyamides produced according to the process of this invention will have distinct areas thereon that show varying degrees of receptivity to acid dyes and can thereby be differentially dyed using a single dyebath.

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: 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: Methods of foaming and fully curing polyimide resins entirely by the application of microwave energy. Foamable polyimide resins may be prepared by esterifying a suitable dianhydride, reacting the product with a suitable diamine, drying the resulting product and heating to spontaneously form a foam. In the past, such materials could be foamed but could not be satisfactorily cured to a resilient foam entirely by microwave energy. Post-foaming direct application of thermal energy was required to produce a satisfactory foam. We have found that adding a suitable oxoimine, such as caprolactam, to the reaction mixture results in a foam material which is fully and completely cured entirely by the application of microwave energy, considerably simplifying the process and reducing costs.

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: 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: 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: Polymers of caprolactam, having high impact strength, obtained by means of anionic polymerization, containing a rubbery phase distributed homogeneously inside the polymer consisting of alternating copolyesteramides with elastomeric properties, and a related production process, comprising dissolving or swelling the elastomeric phase in monomer caprolactam, and submitting the mixture to a polymerization at temperatures variable within the range of from 120.degree. C. to 180.degree. C., in the presence of a basic initiator, and of an activator.

Abstract: A plastic part composed primarily of a polyamide resin such as 6-nylon blended with another mutually-soluble resin, the part capable of withstanding environmental stress cracking caused by deicing salts containing calcium chloride. The resin blend has a saturation water absorbability of less than 6.0%. Under use conditions, such plastic parts, typically in the form of radiator parts, water separators and the like, have very few cracks and have an excellent strength and thermal resistance.

Abstract: Novel block copolyetheramides which are homogeneous and flexible at low temperatures and have melting or softening points of at least 170.degree. C., glass transition temperatures of at most -5.degree. C. and viscosities in the molten state of at least 500 poises, are facilely prepared by copolymerizing (I) admixture of a lactam having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms with a solution of a salt of a fatty acid dimer and a polyoxyalkylenediamine in a solvent medium comprising (i) a mixture of water and an aliphatic alcohol having less than 5 carbon atoms, (ii) a water/alcohol/lactam mixture, (iii) a lactam in molten state or (iv) a water/lactam mixture wherein the lactam is water soluble, the stoichiometry of said salt being adjusted such that the pH thereof is within .+-.0.05 pH units of its equivalence point and (II) a minor amount of a strong inorganic oxyacid or a strong organic oxyacid other than a carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A catalytic process for the production of high molecular weight nylon-type polyamides from omega-aminonitriles has been discovered. The process comprises contacting an omega-aminonitrile, water and a catalytic amount of an oxygenated phosphorus compound catalyst.

Abstract: A new copolymer polyamide resin having very low water absorption which comprises copolymerized therein 99 to 5 parts by weight of polyamide polymeric component having at least one kind of repeating unit represented by the formula (1) or (2) below and 1 to 95 parts by weight of polyolefin component having an average molecular weight of 500 to 10,000, both terminals of said polyolefin being carboxylic acid groups, amino groups, or hydroxyl groups.--NH(CH.sub.2).sub.n CO-- (1)(where n is an integer from 5 to 11.)--NHXNHCOYCO-- (2)(where X is C.sub.m H.sub.2m (m is an integer from 6 to 12), isophorone group, phenylene group, or cyclohexylene group; and Y is C.sub.1 H.sub.2l (l is an integer from 4 to 10), phenylene group, or cyclohexylene group.) The resin can be used to make moldings, adhesives and coatings.

Abstract: Novel polyamide block copolymers are provided which comprise a central block of a soft segment derived from the residue of a polymeric polyol or polyamine joined to terminal hard segment polyamide blocks. The linkages which join the blocks are of a novel type and are the opened form of certain bis azetidine-2,4-dione rings.The block copolymers can be prepared very rapidly via anionically polymerizing lactams on to prepolymer soft segments containing terminal azetidine-2,4-dione rings.The speed with which the polymerizations can be carried out make the block copolymers particularly useful for the RIM preparation of molded parts.

Abstract: Oxyalkylated polyamidoamines are obtained by reacting a polyamine with caprolactam and oxyalkylating the product with alkylene oxides, and are used for rapidly dewatering crude oil.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for carrying out continuous demonomerization and postpolymerization of Polyamide 6 melts and a reactor for carrying out this process. The reactor of this invention has a cylinder with a horizontal axis around which an interior rotor shaped like a cage rotates. The reactor can be partially filled with polymer melt. There is a multitude of elements along the periphery of the rotor which partly dip into the melt and serve to convey the melt through the reactor, generate new surfaces and mix and homogenize the melt as the polymer melt undergoes demonomerization and postpolymerization under vacuum.

Abstract: Polylactams are prepared continuously by a process in which a lactam containing from 1 to 25% by weight of water is heated in a prepolymerization zone under a pressure of from 1 to 10 bar at from 220.degree. to 280.degree. C. for 1 to 10 minutes, water being vaporized at the same time, with the proviso that the degree of conversion on emergence from the prepolymerization zone is not less than 85%, the prepolymer and the vapor are separated continuously, and the prepolymer is passed into a polymerization zone and is polymerized further under superatmospheric pressure at from 240.degree. to 290.degree. C.

Abstract: Acrylamide and methacrylamide are either self-polymerized or copolymerized with other monomers, such as amino acids, in the presence of a stoichiometric amount of aqueous ammonia and at a temperature of at least 200.degree. C. under autogenous pressure to form substantially linear polyamides, such as poly-.beta.-alanine and nylon-3/6.

Abstract: High molecular weight linear aromatic amorphous copolymers comprising copolymers of p- , m-hydroxymethylbenzoic acid and mixtures thereof and a polyamide are prepared in ratios of 1:20 to 20:1. The resulting polymers have an inherent viscosity of at least 0.4 dl/g in a 60/40 phenol/tetrachloroethane solvent at 30.degree. C., good molding properties and improved hydrophylic properties as compared with nylon-6.

Abstract: Poly(imide)-containing polymers suitable for use in molding or casting applications are formed by polymerization of an anhydride-containing precursor of the formula ##STR1## wherein Y is a divalent hydrocarbon group or a divalent hydrocarbon group containing oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, silicon, phosphorus or halogen atoms;R is phenyl or C.sub.1-10 alkyl; andX is an oligomer or polymer-forming reactive moiety with reactive nitrogen-containing polyfunctional comonomers.

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: Methods of making low density modified polyimide/polyimide-amide foams and the resulting compositions. An N-substituted aliphatic imide is prepared by reacting a suitable aromatic dianhydride with a suitable oxime. A polyimide forming material is prepared by dissolving the N-substituted aliphatic imide in an esterifying solvent, then adding a suitable aromatic diamine. This material is dried to a powder. A suitable hydrated compound which is stable up to at least about 100.degree. C. is mixed with the powder. A foam is then produced by heating the material to reaction temperature for a period sufficient to produce a stable foam. The material melts, then spontaneously expands into a foam which becomes self supporting and cures to a resilient flexible foam. The addition of the hydrated compound is found to result in an exceptionally low density foam.

Abstract: A method of forming an amorphous crystallizable thermoplastic polymer composition. The polymer composition has a modulus of rigidity which decreases to a minimum value with increasing temperature and then begins to increase. The process includes heating polymer to below a temperature at which crystal formation occurs and form the polymer. The polymer composition is then heated to a temperature at which crystal formation can occur and be annealed. This process is useful to make articles having a thickness of from 0.127 cm (0.050 inches) to 1.27 cm (0.50 inches) such as sheets and tubes of the amorphous polymer and then reforming and annealing them.

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: A polyamide fiber excellent in strength, which is characterized by being made of a polyamide having a relative viscosity of not less than 3.5 (measured on a 96% by weight sulfuric acid solution having a polyamide concentration of 10 mg/ml at 20.degree. C.), showing an index of birefringence (.DELTA.n) of not less than 50.times.10.sup.-3 and having the following relationship between the break strength and the break elongation:Break strength (g/d).times.(Break elongation (%)).sup.1/2 .gtoreq.46.0, the index of birefringence in the section of fiber satisfying the following relationship:.DELTA.n.sub.A -.DELTA.n.sub.B .gtoreq.0.5.times.10.sup.-3(wherein .DELTA.n.sub.A is the index of birefringence of fiber at the position of r/R=0.9, .DELTA.n.sub.B is the index of birefringence of fiber at the position of r/R=0.0, R is the radius of the section of fiber and r is the distance from the central axis of the section of fiber).

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: Impact modified polyamide/polyether block copolymers have increased impact strength for corresponding polyol concentration, which can be achieved using certain difunctional and tri-functional symmetrical triazine derivatives as the co-catalyst/coupling agent, and lactamyl salts as the catalyst. Also disclosed is an improved anionic polymerization process, especially suitable for reaction injection molding.

Abstract: Methods of making low density modified polyimide/polyimide-amide foams and the resulting compositions. An N-substituted aliphatic imide is prepared by reacting a suitable aromatic dianhydride with a suitable oxime. A polyimide forming material is prepared by dissolving the N-substituted aliphatic imide in an esterifying solvent, then adding a suitable aromatic diamine. This material is dried to a powder. A suitable hydrated compound which is stable up to at least about 100.degree. C. is mixed with the powder. A foam is then produced by heating the material to reaction temperature for a period sufficient to produce a stable foam. The material melts, then spontaneously expands into a foam which becomes self supporting and cures to a resilient flexible foam. The addition of the hydrated compound is found to result in an exceptionally low density foam.

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 process for the production of polyamides by the polycondensation of aqueous solutions of salts of diamines and dicarboxylic acids by continuously introducing the aqueous salt solution into a precondensate melt under atmospheric pressure and simultaneously distilling off the water and maintaining the temperature of the melt at a minimum temperature of 180.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for removing caprolactam and its oligomers from cooling water containing these compounds, wherein gases are introduced into the cooling water and the foam which forms is separated off.

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: Improved synthetic spun fibers are disclosed. The fibers have improved properties, especially with respect to the strength-elongation properties, the texturability by means of friction units or gas jet turbulence and the subsequent treatability of the fibers without the interpolation of a separate stretching operation. The fibers are produced from polyester and polyamides.

Abstract: N-(Substituted phosphinyl) polyamides and a method for their production are disclosed. The N-(substituted phosphinyl) polyamides are characterized by the recurring unit structure represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein A is in part hydrogen and in part a substituted phosphinyl radical. One method of producing the N-(substituted phosphinyl) polyamides is treating N-chlorinated polyamide with substituted phosphinyl compounds. The disclosed N-(substituted phosphinyl) polyamides exhibit excellent thermal stability fire resistance, good processability, high water absorption and permeability. The N-(substituted phosphinyl) polyamides are useful for making flame resistant textile materials.

Abstract: Modified polyimide adhesives useful for high efficiency bonding at moderate temperatures. Basically, the adhesives are prepared by reacting suitable quantities of an oxime, an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride and an aliphatic tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, esterifying the resulting bisimide with a reactive solvent esterifying agent and mixing therewith a suitable diamine. This copolyimide adhesive may be dried to a selected viscosity before or after coating onto one or both surfaces to be bonded together. When the surfaces are pressed together under moderate pressure and heated for a suitable period at a temperature in the range of about 230.degree. to 320.degree. C. an excellent, flexible bond is obtained, having high peel strength and excellent resistance to high temperatures.

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: A process for producing an anionic copolymer containing urethane and carboxylic acid ester moieties with or without carbonate moieties, carbonamide moieties, or both carbonate and carbonamide moieties, having weight average molecular weights from 1,000 to 150,000, determined by light diffusion method, which comprises heating an anhydrous mixture of 20 to 80% by weight of lactam and 80 to 20% by weight of a cyclic carbonate at temperatures between 100.degree. and 250.degree. C. in the presence of 0.001 to 1% by weight, based on the quantity of monomers, of an alkaline catalyst and copolymers produced thereby which are useful as adhesives, plasticizers and lacquers.

Abstract: A heat resistant resin produced by reacting (A) a polyamideimide resin with (B) an alcohol component and (C) an acid component with heating is soluble in a cresol type solvent and gives coatings excellent in heat resistance, thermal shock resistance, wear resistance, resistance to hydrolysis, etc., suitable for enamelled wire.

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: Methods of making modified polyimide/polyimide-amide foams and the resulting compositions. An N-substituted aliphatic imide is prepared by reacting a suitable aromatic dianhydride with a suitable oxoimine. A polyimide forming material is prepared by dissolving the N-substituted aliphatic imide in an esterifying solvent, then adding a suitable aromatic diamine. This material is dried to a powder or film. A foam is produced by heating the material to reaction temperature for a period sufficient to produce a stable foam. The material melts, then spontaneously expands into a foam which becomes self supporting and cures to a resilient flexible foam. Depending upon heating conditions, a polyimide, polyimide-amide or mixture thereof may be produced, resulting in foams having varying physical properties.

Abstract: Methods of making modified polyimide/polyimide-amide foams and the resulting compositions. An N-substituted aliphatic imide is prepared by reacting a suitable aromatic dianhydride with a suitable oxoimine. A polyimide forming material is prepared by dissolving the N-substituted aliphatic imide in an esterifying solvent, then adding a suitable aromatic diamine. This material is dried to a powder or film. A foam is produced by heating the material to reaction temperature for a period sufficient to produce a stable foam. The material melts, then spontaneously expands into a foam which becomes self supporting and cures to a resilient flexible foam. Depending upon heating conditions, a polyimide, polyimide-amide or mixture thereof may be produced, resulting in foams having varying physical properties.

Abstract: Methods of making modified polyimide/polyimide-amide foams and the resulting compositions. An N-substituted aliphatic imide is prepared by reacting a suitable aromatic dianhydride with a suitable oxoimine. A polyimide forming material is prepared by dissolving the N-substituted aliphatic imide in an esterifying solvent, then adding a suitable aromatic diamine. This material is dried to a powder or film. A foam is produced by heating the material to reaction temperature for a period sufficient to produce a stable foam. The material melts, then spontaneously expands into a foam which becomes self supporting and cures to a resilient flexible foam. Depending upon heating conditions, a polyimide, polyimide-amide or mixture thereof may be produced, resulting in foams having varying physical properties.