Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the continuous extraction of polyamides, in which the residue of low molecular weight components left in the polyamide is very small. It also relates to a two-part extraction tube suitable for this purpose, in which the upper part is connected to the lower part by a transition tube of smaller diameter and a counterflow extraction is carried out in the upper part and a direct flow extraction in the lower part under particular conditions.

Abstract: Cationic crosslinkable polyamidoamine resins which are obtainable by reaction of(A) a water-soluble polyamidoamine prepared from(1) aliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acids or functional derivatives thereof, such as anhydrides, esters or half-esters, and .omega.-aminocarboxylic acids containing at least 3 C atoms or lactams thereof, and(2) a polyamine mixture of (.alpha.) polyamines which contain at least two amino groups which are capable of amide formation and at least one further secondary or tertiary amino group, and (.beta.) polyamines which contain only two amino groups which are capable of amide formation,(B) with an epihalogenohydrin, in a molar ratio of 0.7 to 3.5 mol of epihalogenohydrin per mol of basic nitrogen in component (A),(C) with an inorganic base and(D) with 0.2 to 9.0 mol of a halogen-free mineral or carboxylic acid, the acid being added in at least an amount to give a pH of at least 5,are used as agents for imparting wet strength to paper.

Abstract: Novel polyamide polymers incorporating moieties of a [4.4] spirodilactam with spiro ring nitrogens in the 1- and 6- spiro ring positions and moieties of a primary diamine are produced by reaction of the primary diamine and a spirodilactam precursor selected from 4-oxoheptanedioic acid compounds or [4.4] spirodilactones having spiro ring oxygen atoms in the 1- and 6- spiro ring positions.

Abstract: A process for separating low molecular weight compounds from a crude polycaproamide melt comprises heat treating the melt in vacuo with superheated steam, in an extruder having a plurality of degassing zones, under precise conditions of temperature, pressure and configuration, such that the occurrence of side reactions and dehydration of the melt are substantially eliminated, the molecular weight of the polymer during the heat treatment in vacuo, during transport and subsequent processing remains substantially unchanged, a residual content of low molecular weight compounds of .ltoreq.1.8% is achieved, and the operating flexibility of the process is increased.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastically deformable branched aliphatic polyamides prepared by the hydrolytic polycondensation of lactams in the presence of small quantities of .alpha.-amino-.epsilon.-caprolactam (ACL) and approximately equivalent quantities of polycarboxylic acids (preferably dicarboxylic acids) and to a process for their preparation which is distinguished by considerably reduced polycondensation times without giving rise to cross-linked products. The process optionally in addition employs a solid phase after-condensation in which rapid further condensation takes place to the products with increased melt viscosity which are branched but are still soluble in m-cresol.

Abstract: A process for producing modified, impact-resistant polyamides showing an increased polymerization rate, which consists in polymerizing an .omega.-lactam in the presence of:(a) a mixture of an organic di-isocyanate and an organic mono-isocyanate, the isocyanate groups of both of which are blocked with an .omega.-lactam;(b) a poly-oxy-alkylene-amine having an aminic functionality lower than 3, and(c) an alkaline catalyst.

Abstract: Process of preparing modified polyamides endowed with improved mechanical properties, which process resides in polymerizing an .omega.-lactam in the presence of(a) a polyisocyanate having the isocyanate groups blocked by an .omega.-lactam,(b) a poly-oxy-alkylene-amine, and(c) an alkali metal catalyst.A further object of the invention is the products obtained by means of such a process.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel class of thermoplastic polycyclic sulfone polymers incorporating within the polymer chain two different types of cyclic structures. More particularly, it provides polyspirodilactamsulfones wherein moieties of an aryl sulfone alternate with moieties of an oxyaryl-substituted 1,6-diaza[4.4] spirodilactam and, optionally, moieties of a di(oxyphenyl) compound.

Abstract: A polymerization process to produce polyol polymer useful in the formulation of thermoset coatings, including the polymer so produced, is disclosed. The polymers are characterized as having at least one main chain and a plurality of side chains attached thereto. The polymerization process comprises combining in a solvent, at an elevated temperature and for a predetermined period of time, an addition-polymerizable monomer (that is also a free-radical initiator) together with an ethylenically-unsaturated monomer (having a nucleophilic or an electrophilic moiety), to initiate addition copolymerization of the addition-polymerizable monomer with the ethylenically-unsaturated monomer, whereby propagation of the reaction forms the main chain of the polymer.

Abstract: An improved process for controlling and reducing the concentration of free carboxyl end groups in condensation polyester melt spun fiber is provided. The difunctional compound, serves to increase the intrinsic viscosity of the fiber. The process comprises admixing and reacting with molten polyester polymer an effective amount of a lactim compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein x and y may be alike or different and represent an integer of 2 to 15; andR.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently hydrogen, halogen, nitro, amine, C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.12 cycloalkyl, C.sub.7 -C.sub.9 alkyl aromatic, or C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aromatic.The lactim reacted polymer is then melt spun to form a fiber.

Abstract: Novel thermosetting resin compositions comprise (a) a cyanatoaryl-substituted 1,6-diaza[4.4]spirodilactam having cyanatoaryl-containing substituents on each spiro ring nitrogen atom and (b) at least one additional polymerizable monomer having two substituents with multiple bonds between adjacent atoms. The compositions cure upon application of heat to crosslinked resins having good properties.

Abstract: Novel thermosetting resin compositions comprise a mixture of a 1,6-diaza [4.4] spirodilactam having an arylcyclobutenealkyloxyaryl substituent on each spiro ring nitrogen atom and at least one other polymerizable monomer having at least two functional groups with multiple bonds between adjacent atoms. The cured compositions obtained by heating the resin compositions have relatively high glass transition temperatures and good physical properties.

Abstract: Novel polycarbonate polymers of relatively high glass transition temperatures comprise carbonyl moieties alternating with moieties of a 1,6-diaza [4.4] spirodilactam having an oxyaryl-containing substituents on each ring nitrogen atom and, optionally, moieties of di(oxyphenyl)alkane.

Abstract: A transparent polyamide containing terephthalic acid radicals or radicals of the mixture of terephthalic and isophthalic acids and a cycloaliphatic diamine radical and having the chain formations: ##STR1## in which: y.sub.1 +y.sub.2 is between 10 and 200 with y.sub.1 /(y.sub.1 +y.sub.2)>0.5;m, p, m' and p' are whole numbers equal to or greater than zero, such that: ##EQU1## is between 0.5 and 10, taken statistically over the marcomolecule; Z and Z' are the same or different and are either a polymethylene segment --(CH.sub.2)--.sub.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastically deformable, high molecular weight, slightly branched aliphatic polyamides prepared by the polycondensation of polyamide-forming, aliphatic diamine/dicarboxylic acid mixtures, optionally with the addition of lactams and special amino acids, in the presence of small quantities of .alpha.-amino-.epsilon.-caprolactam, and optionally their thermal solid phase after-condensation.

Abstract: A process for tempering unextracted polycaprolactam is disclosed which results in polycaprolactam having suitable physical and chemical properties for melt extrusion and spinning, without the need for conventional solvent/water extraction and drying of crude granules.

Abstract: Novel polymeric polyhydroxy polyethers containing moieties of 2,2-di(oxyphenyl)propane and a 1,6-diazaspiro[4.4] spirodilactam having oxyaryl substituents on each spiro ring nitrogen atom, which moieties are connected by 2-hydroxy-1,3-propylidene connecting groups, are characterized by relatively high glass transition temperatures.

Abstract: Novel linear polymeric polyhydroxy polyethers characterized by alternating moieties of (1) a 1,6-diaza [4.4] spirodilactam having oxyaryl-containing substituents on each ring nitrogen atom and (2) a 2-hydroxy-1,3-propylene connecting group, exhibit relatively high glass transition temperatures.

Abstract: Novel 1,6-diaza[4.4]spirodilactams having a hydroxyaryl substitutent on each spiro ring nitrogen atom and at least one alkenyl group located on an aromatic ring carbon atom which is ortho to the hydroxy of the hydroxyaryl substituents are produced by Claisen Rearrangement of an alkenyl ether of the hydroxyaryl-substituted spirodilactam having one fewer ortho-alkenyl substitueunt. The spirodilactam derivatives are precursors of useful cured products.

Abstract: Novel unsaturated derivatives of 1,6-diaza [4.4] spirodilactams having a monovalent unsaturated substituent on each spiro ring nitrogen atom react with curing agents to produce cured, crosslinked products having good properties.

Abstract: The present invention is for a 180.degree. C. class heat activated magnet wire bondcoat comprising the invention product of(a) ##STR1## (b) R--CHO wherein R is an aliphatic moiety (c) R'--OH wherein R' is an aromatic moietyand the resulting composition has repeating units of the formula ##STR2## Additionally disclosed are methods for making said bondcoat and magnet wire coated with said bondcoat.

Abstract: Copolyamides are prepared by the reaction of monocyclic spiro(bis)indane polyamide oligomers with lactams in the presence of basic reagents.

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-(aminomethylbenzoic acid salified with p-toluenesulfonic acid. The resulting polyamide has a reduced water extractable content.

Abstract: The present invention includes a reactive elastomeric block co-oligomer; a copolymer containing a lactam, a co-catalyst/coupling agent, and the elastomeric block co-oligomer; and processes to make the block co-oligomer, and the copolymer.The reactive elastomeric block co-oligomer is the reaction product of a polycarboxylic acid, and a reactive moiety which can include a reactive polyether or a reactive polysulfide.The block co-oligomer of the present invention has been found to be useful to make a polymer containing lactam monomers, at least one coupling catalyst compound, and the block co-oligomer with the use of a catalyst.The present invention includes a process of forming the block co-oligomer of a polycarboyxlic acid and a reactive moiety. The reactive moiety can include a reactive polyether of a reactive polysulfide.The present invention further comprises a process of forming the block co-oligomer, and the process to form the lactam-block co-oligomer copolymer.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a prepolymer amide, by hydrolytically polymerizing a lactam/water mixture of a C.sub.12 -aminocarboxylic acid lactam at a temperature in the range from 240-360.degree. C. and a steam pressure in the range of 30-180 bar, and wherein the water content of the lactam/water mixture is in the range of 7.5-30% by weight.

Abstract: Caprolactam and oligomers thereof are removed from nylon granules containing same in a process wherein(a) nylon granules are introduced at not less than 100.degree. C. at the top of a substantially upright treatment zone,(b) nylon granules are passed downward through the treatment zone while being heated to from 130.degree. to 210.degree. C.,(c) superheated steam is passed at from 130.degree. to 210.degree. C. upward through the treatment zone,(d) dry nylon granules are withdrawn at the bottom end of the treatment zone and steam containing caprolactam and oligomers thereof is withdrawn at the top of the treatment zone,(e) the caprolactam and oligomers thereof containing steam thus obtained is passed through a column giving an aqueous solution of caprolactam and oligomers thereof as bottom product and virtually caprolactam-free steam as overhead product.

Abstract: An optically transparent hydrogen forming material comprising a copolymer of an optically transparent polyester having a molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000 and at least one of polymerizable group in its molecule and N-vinyllactam. The hydrogel forming material has an excellent optical property, high gas-permeability and excellent mechanical property.

Abstract: In the invention, reaction raw-materials composed of a plurality of liquids are sequentially scraped with spiral grooves of one line or more provided in the peripheral face of the rotation shaft rotating within the cylinder wall with the discharge openings being formed therein. The reaction raw-materials are uniformly mixed within the grooves by shearing force or twist force through the rotation of the shaft. The reaction raw-material, if small amount, may be precisely mixed uniformly and is sequentially discharged after the mixing operation. This is suitable for reaction raw-materials which are short in the gelatin condition time from the mixing from the hardening. Some mixtures which are discarded without being used after the mixing may be reduced.

Abstract: (1) Pyrrolidonyl acrylate block polymers having the formula ##STR1## wherein n has a value of 1 to 3; X and X' are dissimilar and each is hydrogen or methyl; y and z each have a value of from 1 to 40, except that at least one of y and z is greater than 1 and R is hydrogen or methyl;(2) preparation of said polymers and(3) uses of said polymers.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for postpolymerization of granules of polyamide based on .epsilon.-caprolactam and formed by the anionic polymerization in melt and solves the problem of decreasing the content of low-molecular-weight substances in granules. At the same time, the invention pertains to an arrangement of equipment for performing the postpolymerization. The objective of the invention is a method for the continuous postpolymerization of polyamide based on .epsilon.-caprolactam and formed by the anionic polymerization in melt, wherein the postpolymerization proceeds in two stages, while the granules are heated in the first stage to the required temperature of postpolymerization 160.degree. to 200.degree. C. for 5 to 30 minutes during their vertical transport and allowed at this temperature for 2 to 6 hours in the second stage without mechanical intervention at their gravitation transport which is assisted by vibrations or a reservoir.

Abstract: Biuret-group-containing polyisocyanates based on non-aromatic diisocyanates, possibly mixed with liquid N-alkyl-lactams, as activators for activated anionic polymerization of lactams.

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: 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: 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 method for producing a differentially dyeable polyamide is disclosed. 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: Novel polyamide block copolymers are provided which comprise a central block of a soft segment derived from the residue of a polymeric polyol or polycarboxylic acid 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 monoazetidine-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: 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: An optically transparent hydrogel forming material comprising a copolymer of an optically transparent polyester having a molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000 and at least one of polymerizable group in its molecule and N-vinyllactam. The hydrogel forming material has an excellent optical property, high gas-permeability and excellent mechanical property.

Abstract: Copolymers of propylene oxide and N-epoxy propyl lactams having the structures ##STR1## wherein R is ##STR2## a has a value of 1-3; p has a value of 1-2; m has a value of 0-1; k has a value of 2-200; w and z each have a value of 2-50 x and y have a value of 2-100; and also the process for preparing the aforementioned copolymers as well as their use as surfactants.

Abstract: Disclosed are lactam polymerization initiators comprising at least two lactam terminal groups of the formula: ##STR1## wherein Q is a lactam residue containing a C.sub.3 to C.sub.11 alkylene group and is bonded to a carbonyl through the nitrogen atom of the lactam; A is an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbyl or hydrocarbyl ether group; m is 0 or 1; when m is 0, n is 0 or 1 and p is 1; when m is 1, n is in the range of 1 to 3 and p=n; and an elastomeric backbone derived from a telechelic polyamine containing at least two primary or secondary amine groups. Also disclosed are a process for forming the same; nylon block copolymers produced therefrom; and a process for the polymerization thereof.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a polyamide powder comprising polymerizing in solution a reaction mixture comprising a monomer lactam or lactams capable of generating said polyamide in the presence of an N,N'-alkylene bisamide.

Abstract: A process for producing a lactam copolymer, which comprises copolymerizing an omega-lactam and a diene polymer having an amino or imino group at molecular ends by the action of an alkaline catalyst and a polyfunctional co-catalyst, the proportions of the components satisfying the following equations (I) and (II)a/c>1/4 (I)b/c>1 (II)wherein a, b and c represent the equivalent weights of the alkaline catalyst, the polyfunctional co-catalyst and the diene polymer, respectively, per equivalent of omega-lactam.

Abstract: Polyamide based coating powders having a practically uniform grain size distribution are prepared employing the precipitation procedure provided that the polyamide is dissolved in ethanol at 127.degree. to 135.degree. C. and that the solution is cooled while distilling the ethanol in such a manner that the reactor jacket temperature does not drop below the temperature of the reactor contents until the end of the precipitation stage.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved precipitation process in the manufacture of coating powders based on polyamides having at least ten aliphatically bound carbon atoms per carbonamide group. Rapid cooling takes place with stirring mainly by distilling the ethanol solvent until the temperature of precipitation is set in the range from 90.degree. to 113.degree. C. With the beginning of the saturation limit (about 125.degree. C.), the temperature difference between the coolant in the jacket and the solution inside is maintained at most at .+-.3.degree. C. The solution is maintained during the precipitation stage at constant temperature (isothermal procedure) by further distillation of the ethanol.

Abstract: Disclosed are lactam polymerization initiators comprising at least two lactam terminal groups of the formula: ##STR1## wherein Q is a lactam residue containing a C.sub.3 to C.sub.11 alkylene group and is bonded to a carbonyl through the nitrogen atom of the lactam; A is an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbyl or hydrocarbyl ether group; m is 0 or 1; when m is 0, n is 0 or 1 and p is 1; when m is 1, n is in the range of 1 to 3 and p=n; and an elastomeric backbone derived from a telechelic polyamine containing at least two primary or secondary amine groups. Also disclosed are a process for forming the same; nylon block copolymers produced therefrom; and a process for the polymerization thereof.

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 polycarboxylic acid 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 monoazetidine-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: Pulverulent polyamide coating compositions consisting of a mixture of similar polyamides having on the average at least nine aliphatically bound carbon atoms per carbonamide group and of different relative viscosity, the difference in relative viscosities amounting to at least 0.04 and at most 0.1 units.The mixtures are obtained by mixing powders prepared both by precipitation or by cold grinding or also by mixing the corresponding granulates which subsequently are then cold ground.

Abstract: Methods of making modified polyimide adhesives and laminating compositions. These adhesives are also particularly useful as the matrix material in high strength fiber reinforced composites. The adhesive compositions are prepared by initially reacting an oxoimine with one or more tetracarboxylic acid dianhydrides, which is primarily 1, 2, 3, 4-butanetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride. The resulting bisimide is dissolved in a non-reactive solvent and a suitable diamine is added to react with the bisimide, producing a liquid resin solution which is essentially a polyamide resin solution. This solution is useful as an adhesive or a fiber composite matrix which can be cured to a polyimide at moderate processing temperatures. The final adhesive bond or matrix is found to be flexible, strong and very resistant to flame, high temperatures, oils and solvents.

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: Poly(1-oxy-3-lactam vinylenes) of the formula ##STR1## wherein n is 1, 2, or 3 are disclosed formed by the polymerization of 1-(2-chloroacetyl)lactams having 5, 6, or 7 carbon atoms in the lactam ring. The polymers are useful reactants in polyester and polyurethane formation.