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: A process for incorporating CaF.sub.2 into polyamides is described. The process involves reacting a calcium salt with a fluoride salt in molten polyamide.

Abstract: A finely powdered polyamide resin is manufactured by a method which comprises dissolving a polyamide resin in a water-containing isopropyl alcohol under increased pressure at temperatures of 150.degree. to 155.degree. C. and subjecting the resultant solution to vigorous agitation while cooling for thereby educing therein finely divided polyamide resin particles of diameters of the order of microns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the continuous polymerization of caprolactam in a reactor, wherein a reactor in which the first 60% of the reactor volume is equipped if possible completely but at least to one-third with static mixing installations is used.

Abstract: A method for the continous transfer of pourable solids such as granular solids by means of a liquid of lesser density is disclosed. The solid is mixed with and carried by the liquid through an inlet and a rotary zone. The rate of flow of the solids into the rotary zone is controlled by the selective withdrawal of liquid from the rotary zone. The rotary zone comprises rotating volumes that carry the solids and liquid to an outlet in the rotary zone. An additional liquid is injected adjacent the outlet so that the solids are emptied from the volumes into the outlet. An apparatus for carrying out the method according to the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a heat-sealing thermoplastic adhesive of a thermoplastic polymer which is resistant to washing and dry-cleaning, which contains from about 0.05 to about 5% by weight, based on the weight of said polymer, of at least one hydrophobic silicone compound.The invention further provides a process for heat-sealing a substrate which has been at least partly hydrophobized with a silicone compound, which comprises the steps of coating with a heat-sealing thermoplastic adhesive of a thermoplastic polymer which is resistant to washing and dry-cleaning and which contains from about 0.5 to about 5% by weight, based on the weight of said polymer, of at least one hydrophobic silicone compound, sintering, fixing and heat-sealing.The adhesives according to the invention are useful for the bonding of substrates which have been hydrophobically finished with silicone compounds, such as raincoat fabrics.

Abstract: Branched arylene sulfide polymers of low melt flow are produced by employing (1) a p-dihalobenzene, (2) a polyhalo aromatic compound having more than two halogen substituents per molecule, (3) an alkali metal sulfide, (4) an N-alkyl lactam, and (5) controlled amounts of water in the presence or absence of a sodium carboxylate. The resulting polymers without prior curing can be fabricated into shaped products having desirable properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the cationic polymerization of lactams either substituted or unsubstituted on the lactam ring, which contain 6-16 carbon atoms, in the presence of 0.05 - 10 mol. % based on the lactam of an anhydrous salt of Cu, Zn, B, Al, Ti, Si, V, Sb, Bi, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and an inorganic or organic anion such as phosphate, pyrophosphate, phosphite, sulfate, halide, carboxylate and sulfonate in the presence of 0.05 - 5 mol. % of a protic organic or inorganic acid such as pyrophosphoric, phosphorous, hydrohalic carboxylic and sulfonic. These additives can be added to lactam below 180.degree. C and the polymerization is carried out at 150.degree. - 320.degree. C for 0.1 - 200 hr. The above-specified salts, also their mixtures, can be used. The polymerization can be carried out with mixtures containing two or more lactams.

Abstract: A method of forming white polymers of controlled molecular weight when polymerizing 2-pyrrolidone using an alkaline catalyst and sulfur dioxide as the chain initiator is disclosed. The temperature at which the polymerization is carried out is critical and is carefully controlled. The SO.sub.2 which must also be controlled within limits is diluted with an inert gas to diminish its activity and make it easier to measure the small amounts involved. The viscosity and thermal stability of the polymers formed are as good as or better than those formed when CO.sub.2 is used as the initiator.

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: Process for polymerizing 2-pyrrolidone in high yield to produce a high molecular weight polymer having the advantageous physical properties of synthetic polymers, such as strength and wear-resistance, and the advantageous chemical properties of cotton, such as water-absorptivity and release, dye-receptivity and similar ironing capability. The process is a hydrogen transfer which is catalyzed by an anion and bone dry carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide gas and pushed to high yield with drying agents. Pure anhydrous 2-pyrrolidone is first reacted with an analytical grade alkali metal or its hydroxide or bicarbonate as an anion source to form a mixture comprising 2-pyrrolidone and the metal salt of 2-pyrrolidone; the mixture is then treated with the bond dry CO.sub.2, NO.sub.2 or SO.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: The process of making a catalyst for the polymerization of 2-pyrrolidone by contacting an alkali metal pyrrolidonate, a quaternary ammonium halide and carbon dioxide in a mol ratio of about 1:0.1-2:0.1-0.5. The alkali metal pyrrolidonate may be prepared by reacting an alkali metal hydroxide with 2-pyrrolidone. The polymerization of 2-pyrrolidone in the presence of this catalyst system produces poly-2-pyrrolidone of high molecular weight.