Abstract: In a method for ring opening polymerization in which the polymerization proceeds with the ring opening of a cyclic compound as a monomer, a hydrolase is used as a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyhydroxyl compounds having a hydroxyl group content of 2 to 10% by weight and a viscosity at 23.degree. C. of 250 to 80,000 mPa.s by the radically initiated polymerization at a reaction temperature of 80.degree. to 220.degree. C. ofa) 100 parts by weight of a mixture of olefinically unsaturated monomers containing at least 1% by weight of monomers containing alcoholic hydroxyl groups in the presence ofb) 5 to 500 total parts by weight, which may be present at the beginning of the reaction or added during the reaction, of one or more cyclic compounds which, in the presence of initiator compounds containing alcoholic hydroxyl groups, are capable of a ring-opening polymerization reaction andc) 2 to 300 parts by weight, which may be present at the beginning of the reaction or added during the reaction, of one or more polyhydric alcohols having a molecular weight of 62 to 1000.

Abstract: In the preparation of polyester by conducting ring-opening polymerization of a cyclic ester compound in the presence of a hydroxyl compound as a molecular weight regulator in the reaction system, the molecular weight of polyester can be accurately controlled in the desired range by previously estimating the amount of free carboxylic acid contained in the cyclic ester compound and controlling the amount of the hydroxyl compound on the basis of the estimated amount.

Abstract: A polymer, particularly a biomedical polymer for the fabrication of medical and surgical devices and for use as a coating, is described. The polymer is derived from the reaction product of one or more lactone monomers and castor oil preferably: (a) .epsilon.-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate or an ether lactone; (b) castor oil; and (c) glycolide, lactide or 1,4-dioxanone. The preferred polymer is derived from .epsilon.-caprolactone, castor oil, and glycolide.The polymer in preferred embodiments is ideally suited for use as a coating for a surgical suture, particularly an absorbable, braided multifilament suture and surgical needles. For this application, glycerol is advantageously added to the reactive monomer mix from which the polymer is derived.

Abstract: A water and UV light degradable copolymer of monomers of lactic acid and a modifying monomer selected from the class consisting of ethylene and polyethylene glycols, propylene and polypropylene glycols, P-dioxanone, 1,5 dioxepan-2-one, 1,4 -oxathialan-2-one, 1,4-dioxide and mixtures thereof. These copolymers are useful for waste disposal and agricultural purposes. Also disclosed is a water degradable blend of polylactic acid or modified polylactic acid and high molecular weight polyethylene oxide wherein the high molecular weight polyethylene oxide is present in the range of from about 2% by weight to about 50% by weight, suitable for films. A method of applying an active material selected from the class of seeds, seedlings, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and mixtures thereof to an agricultural site is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a copolymer containing a 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) unit and a 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx) unit, a three-component copolymer containing at least a 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) unit and a 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx) unit, and a four-component copolymer containing at least a 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) unit and a 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx) unit. The use of a microorganism of the genus Aeromonas according to the present invention makes it possible to produce a wide variety of plastic materials ranging from rigid plastics to elastic plastics by selecting copolymer components and adjusting their composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a copolymer containing a unit represented by Formula (1): ##STR1## wherein Y represents a hydrocarbon residue having 1 to 13 carbon atoms which may have 1 to 4 double bonds. A method for production thereof comprises the steps of culturing microorganisms of the genus Pseudomonas under limitation of nutrients other than carbon sources using a medium containing long-chain fatty acids having 14 to 22 carbon atoms or lower alcohol esters thereof, or triglycerides comprising long-chain fatty acids having 14 to 22 carbon atoms as carbon sources; washing the bacterial cells after completion of cultivation; extracting the bacterial cells; and recovering a polyester from the extracts.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition comprises the cured reaction product of an epoxy resin and a lactone-imidazole complex. For example, complexes of butyrolactone and caprolactone with 1-isopropyl-2-methyl imidazole were formed wherein the mole ratio of lactone:imidazole ranged from 1:1 to 2:1. The complexes are less reactive than the imidazole alone, giving them an extended pot life. The compositions are useful for making filament windings where an extended working time is required. Other applications include those in which it would be impractical to use the more reactive unmodified imidazole as the sole curing agent.

Abstract: A random copolymer comprising, as repeating units,(i) 20 to 90 mol % of 3-hydroxybutyrate unit (3HB) having the formula (I): ##STR1## (ii) 5 to 70 mol % of 3-hydroxyvalerate unit (3HV) having the formula (II): ##STR2## and (iii) 1 to 15 mol % of 4-hydroxyvalerate unit (4HV) having the formula (III): ##STR3## wherein the total of the units 3HB, 3HV, and 4HV is 100 mol %, and having a weight average molecular weight within the range of from 10,000 to 2,500,000 and a production process thereof.

Abstract: Macrocyclic polyarylate oligomers containing a mixture of isophthalate and terephthalate moieties are prepared by reaction of a mixture of isophthaloyl and terephthaloyl chloride with one or more bisphenols under specific reaction conditions. They are characterized by a reduced degree of crystallinity and therefore lower processing temperatures than the corresponding isophthalate oligomers.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium salts of a non-nucleophilic anion having an .alpha.-substituted benzyl group attached to the quatenary nitrogen atom or having a heterocycle including the quaternary nitrogen atom are useful as a cation polymerization initiator having a heat latency. A variety of resinous compositions containing this initiator is also disclosed.

Abstract: Polyurethane resins having excellent hydrolysis resistance are prepared from copolymerized caprolactone polyol obtained by the copolymerization of .epsilon.-caprolactone with trimethylcaprolactone having side chains as a diol component. The polyurethane resins so-obtained have excellent hydrolysis resistance, and retain high levels of mechanical strength, more excellent resistance under high heat and moisture conditions, etc., thereby maintaining a good balance of properties and are useful in a very wide variety of forms including spandex, rigid or flexible urethane foams, thermoplastic urethane elastomers, thermosetting urethane elastomers, adhesives, synthetic leather, and paints, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for producing an olefin-terminated polyester. In one of the processes which comprises reacting an olefin-terminated diester compound with a lactone in the presence of a polymerization catalyst with transesterification ability, the lactone is in a limited amount added to the reaction system. In another process which comprises reacting an olefin-terminated diester compound, a lactone compound, a cyclic acid anhydride and an epoxy compound in the presence of a polymerization catalyst with transesterification ability, the lactone, cyclic acid anhydride and epoxy compound are each in a limited amount added to the reaction system. In accordance with this invention, olefin-terminated polyesters having high terminal modification rates can be synthesized.

Abstract: A cross-linkable hot-melt adhesive is prepared by mixing an acid graft modified propylene/olefin copolymer with an epoxy cross-linking agent and a tertiary amine catalyst. The adhesive is cross-linked at an elevated temperature such as when melt mixing the components.

Abstract: Copolyestercarbonates are prepared by the reaction of at least one cyclic polycarbonate oligomer with at least one cyclic polyester oligomer in the presence of a cyclic polycarbonate polymerization catalyst at temperatures in the range of about 280.degree.-375.degree. C. Mixtures of bisphenol A polycarbonate and bisphenol A isophthalate or terephthalate oligomers are preferably employed, and the preferred catalysts are tetraarylborate salts such as tetra-n-butylammonium tetraphenylborate.

Abstract: Preparation of a macromolecular monomer of a lactone having an alpha-beta monoolefinically unsaturated "head" is effected at low temperature with a strong oxonium salt, such as a trialkyloxonium (TAO) hexafluorophosphate catalyst, with essentially no formation of cyclic oligomers and an insignificant amount of diacrylate. Cationic ring-opening polymerization of lactone monomer in conjunction with an unsaturated alcohol (propagator) having an acryloyl or methacryloyl double bond, produces a polylactone macromer having an ethylenic double bond at one end and a hydroxyl group at the other. The polymerization proceeds by polyaddition of the lactone to the OH group which is the propagating species. The macromer so formed allows the preparation of a macromer of block copolymer of the polylactone with a polyether such as epichlorohydrin, using the same TAO catalyst. In such a macromer of block copolymer, the polylactone ester block is next to the double bond, followed by the polyether block.

Abstract: The invention relates to resorbable homopolymers and copolymers which are substantially free from polymerization catalysts and processes for preparing them.

Abstract: A process for producing an alkali-soluble graft polymer is disclosed. The graft polymer has at least one main chain and a plurality of side chains attached thereto. The process comprises combining at least one vinylic monomer that is capable of forming free radicals, at least one ethylenically-unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer that is capable of addition-copolymerization with the vinylic monomer in the presence of the thus-formed free radicals, and cyclic ester molecules that are capable of ring-opening in the presence of the carboxylic acid monomer, to produce a polymerizable mixture. the polymerizable mixture to subjected to a preselected temperature and pressure for causing the monomers to free-radically addition-copolymerize to form the main chain while the cyclic ester molecules graft thereon, thereby forming the side chains of the graft polymer. The process is characterized in that the main-chain and side-chain formations of the graft polymer occur substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: An organic condensation polymer made by reacting in solution of first compound having at least two anionic carbon sites bonded to each other either directly or through a chain of 1 to 30 carbon atoms, including a bisacetylide or a first compound having an anionic carbon site and a latent anionic carbon site bonded to each other either directly or through a chain of 1 to 30 carbon atoms, such as organometallic cyclopentadienides, with a second compound containing at least two electrophillic carbon sites bonded to each other either directly or through a chain of 1 to 30 carbon atoms, including diesters, dihalides, diamides or dianhydrides of polycarboxylic acids, and diisocyanates.

Abstract: Preparation of a macromolecular monomer of a lactone allows the preparation of copolymers of lactones with commonly available olefinically unsaturated monomers. There is no known method for the preparation of such copolymers. A cationic ring-opening polymerization of a lactone in conjunction with an unsaturated alcohol (propagator) having an acryloyl, allyl or styryl double bond, produces a polylactone macromer having an ethylenic double bond at one end and a hydroxyl group at the other. The polymerization proceeds by polyaddition of the lactone to the OH group which is the propagating species. The polylactone may include a polymeric or non-polymeric spacer. The propagator is a primary or secondary alcohol which, if cyclic may have a single internal double bond in one ring. The catalyst is an oxonium salt, or etherate of boron trifluoride. The macromer may be copolymerized with a wide variety of olefinically unsaturated monomers to form a macromer copolymer with pendant polylactone chains.

Abstract: Cyclic polyester and especially polyarylate oligomers, typically having degrees of polymerization from 2 to about 7, are prepared by reacting a bisphenol such as bisphenol A or 6,6'-dihydroxy-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylspiro(bis)indane with a dicarboxylic acid chloride such as isophthaloyl or terephthaloyl chloride in the presence of a catalyst, under conditions of low concentration. The cyclic oligomers may be polymerized to linear polyesters by contact with a transesterification catalyst at a temperature in the range of about 200.degree.-300.degree. C.

Abstract: Cyclic polycarbonate oligomer compositions are polymerized with lactones in the presence of a catalyst for the polymerization of either. Usually, the lactone is first polymerized at a lower temperature, followed by the cyclic polycarbonate at a higher temperature.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions containing a reactive monomer derived from the reaction product of a hydroxyalkyl acrylate or methacrylate and a lactone. These compositions can be reacted with other ethlenically unsaturated monomers to produce curable oligomers and polymers than can be made into high quality industrial finishes by incorporation of various conventional crosslinking agents, plus other normally used formulating ingredients.

Abstract: A process for producing a lactone polymer which comprises reacting an ester compound synthesized from an alcohol and an acid or acid anhydride thereof with a lactone and a ring-opening polymerization initiator without being accompanied by condensation. The thus produced lactone polymer is effective for preventing shrinkage of thermosetting resins, particularly unsaturated polyester resins.

Abstract: An unsaturated poly (alpha-hydroxy acid) copolymer is prepared by reacting a cyclic diester of an alpha-hydroxy acid having 2 to 5 carbon atoms with an ethylenically-unsaturated epoxide. The reaction is conducted at a temperature of 50.degree. to 250.degree. C. in the presence of an effective amount of a ring-opening catalyst and an effective amount of a free-radical polymerization inhibitor.

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: Described herein is a process for the polymerization of a reactive monomer derived from the reaction product of a hydroxyalkyl acrylate or methacrylate and a lactone with other ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The resulting polymeric compositions can be made into high quality industrial finishes by incorporation of various conventional crosslinking agents, plus other normally used formulating ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention provides substantially difunctional hydroxyl-terminated polyether-esters and a process for preparing the same. The process comprises reacting ethylene carbonate with a substituted or unsubstituted epsilon-caprolactone in the presence of a catalytic amount of a specified catalyst at a temperature of at least about 200.degree. C. The catalyst comprises an alkali metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, or a mixture thereof. The products of the invention are pourable liquid urethane-forming polyols at room temperature.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition comprising (a) an epoxy resin, (b) a lactone obtained by decarboxylation condensation reaction of a saturated alicyclic 1,2-dicarboxylic acid anhydride, and if necessary (c) a curing agent for the epoxy resin and (d) a curing accelerator gives a cured article showing almost no or very slight curing shrinkage.

Abstract: Polycaprolactone is prepared by polymerization of .epsilon.-caprolactone by a process wherein a mixture of .epsilon.-caprolactone with a monohydric or polyhydric alcohol is passed, at from 50.degree. to 160.degree. C., over a fixed-bed catalyst comprising essentially anhydrous bleaching earth in the form of moldings.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for the formation of polylactone polymers which are terminated on one end by a tertiary amine group, and on the other end by a hydroxyl group. An .epsilon.-caprolactone is reacted with an aromatic organic amine in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to novel .epsilon.-caprolactone co-polyesters which when combined with diisocyanates are useful as binders in solid urethane-type propellant formulations. Said co-polyesters are prepared by the reaction, (in the presence of a catalyst for the reaction) and a dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to the process and the product by process of the polymers formed by the polymerization of polycyclic ring-opening monomers. More particularly, this invention relates to the novel process and product by process of polymers that are produced with near zero shrinkage or expansion during polymerization and are immediately useful for production of strain-free composites, high strength adhesives, precision castings, binders for propellants and as additives to other monomer mixtures to produce a mixture that controls the amount of shrinkage or expansion upon polymerization.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for the formation of polylactone polymers which are terminated on one end by a tertiary amine group and on the other end by a hydroxyl group. An .epsilon.-caprolactone is reacted with a diamine in the presence of a catalyst, wherein one of the amine groups of the diamine is a tertiary amine and the other amine group is primary or secondary.

Abstract: Acrylate and methacrylate resins containing hydroxyl groups and modified by .epsilon.-caprolactone are produced by producing an adduct of a hydroxyalkylacrylate or methacrylate and .epsilon.-caprolactone in a first step and then in a second step radically copolymerizing this product with further acrylic acid or methacrylic acid esters and optionally vinyl aromatics in a suitable varnish solvent. The thus obtained copolymerizate solutions after addition of a polyvalent isocyanate are used to produce coatings on substrates and give a baked on lacquer coating with outstanding adhesion to the base.

Abstract: There are disclosed lubricated synthetic yarn and processes therefore wherein heteric copolymers of tetrahydrofuran and at least one C.sub.3 to C.sub.4 alkylene oxide initiated with a polyhydric alcohol are utilized as lubricants. The copolymers have a molecular weight of about 500 to about 10,000 and are initiated with polyhydric alcohols having a total of not more than 20 carbon atoms which are free of elements other than carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Said initiators have 2 to about 6 reactive hydrogen atoms. The heteric copolymers of the invention capped with at least one lower alkylene oxide residue are also useful as fiber lubricants.

Abstract: Thermoplastic, crosslinkable copolymer is produced by reacting an active-hydrogen containing initiator with a lactone monomer, such as epsilon-caprolactone, and a polyfunctional acrylate, such as neopentyl glycol diacrylate. The copolymer can be crosslinked by exposure to ionizing or actinic radiation or by free-radical peroxide catalysts. The degree of crosslinking can be controlled to produce a material which is thermoplastically processable and displays modified rheological properties which make it more easily processable than the corresponding lactone homopolymer.

Abstract: Aromatic onium salts, such as diaryliodonium salts, have been found to be effective thermal initiators for the polymerization of a variety of cationically polymerizable materials including epoxides, cyclic ethers, phenol formaldehyde resins, etc., when used in combination with various cocatalysts such as organic acids and copper salts.

Abstract: A novel process for polymerization or copolymerization of monomers is described, according to which the reaction is carried out in the presence of an anionic initiator and a macroheterocyclic complexing agent of formula ##STR1## in which: EACH R.sub.1 is a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group or an alkoxycarbonyl group, or the two R.sub.1 together can form a group of the general formula: ##STR2## THAT IS TO SAY FORMING A THIRD BRIDGE BETWEEN THE TWO NITROGEN ATOMS IN THE MOLECULE, A is a hydrocarbon group,D is an oxygen or sulfur atom or a hydrocarbon group, with the proviso that at least two of the groups D are oxygen or sulfur atoms and that, if each R.sub.1 is hydrogen, a hydrocarbon group or an alkoxycarbonyl group, one of these two groups D is oxygen or sulfur and the other is oxygen,n and p are integers ranging from 1 to 3, andm is 2 or 3.