Abstract: The present disclosure provides a positive electrode slurry containing polyether polyol, where the polyether polyol has the following constitutional formula: where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a block copolymer, the method comprising subjecting a lactide monomer to a ring-opening polymerization in the presence of a poly(3-hydroxypropionate) initiator to prepare a polylactide-poly(3-hydroxypropionate)block copolymer.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymers with advantageous physical and chemical properties are described, as well as methods for making such polymers. In one embodiment, a new chemical synthesis route to technologically important biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) with high isotacticity and molecular weight required for a practical use is described. The new route can utilize racemic eight-membered cyclic diolide (rac-DL), meso-DL, or a rac-DL and meso-DL mixture, derived from bio-sourced dimethyl succinate, and enantiomeric (R,R)-DL and (S,S)-DL, optically resolved by metal-based catalysts. With a stereoselective racemic molecular catalyst, the ROP of rac-DL under ambient conditions produces rapidly P3HB with essentially perfect isotacticity ([mm]>99%), high crystallinity and melting temperature (Tm=171° C.), as well as high molecular weight and low dispersity (Mn=1.54×105 g/mol, Ð=1.01).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing block copolymers, either by the sequential addition of monomers, or using a “one-pot” method. The invention also relates to novel methods for producing polyesters by ring opening lactides and/or lactones and by copolymerizing anhydrides and epoxides.

Abstract: Stents fabricated from polymer composites toughened by a dispersed phase are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a modified friction reducer into the wellbore. A modified friction reducer comprising a degradable polymer having functional degradable moieties, a polymer having a molecular weight of from about 5M to about 30M, a polymer having a PDI of from about 1.0 to about 2.5, a weakly crosslinked polymer, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isocyanate functional prepolymer that can be achieved through a) a reaction of an H functional starter compound having at least one Zerewitinoff active H atom with an alkylene oxide and a comonomer to a preliminary stage bearing hydroxyl groups, wherein said comonomer is selected from the group comprising lactides, glycolides, cyclical dicarboxylic acid anhydrides as well as combinations thereof and wherein said comonomer is integrated through statistical copolymerization into the polymer chain(s) of the preliminary stage bearing hydroxyl groups, and b) a reaction of the preliminary stage bearing hydroxyl groups from step a) with a polyfunctional isocyanate to an isocyanate functional prepolymer. The invention additionally relates to a process for producing this isocyanate functional prepolymer, a tissue adhesive system containing such an isocyanate functional prepolymer and a dispensing system having at least two chambers and this type of tissue adhesive system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of modified polymers by incorporating a compositional modifier into a polymer to produce the modified polymer. More particularly, the invention relates the preparation of condensation type copolyesters or copolyamides by joint short length polyester or polyester oligomers or short length polyamide or polyamide oligomers with a modifier which contains hydroxyl acids blocks.

Abstract: The present invention discloses new catalyst systems based on complexes of divalent metals supported by chelating phenoxy ligands for immortal ring-opening polymerisation of cyclic esters and cyclic carbonates.

Abstract: Provided are novel dinuclear indium catalysts of formula (A) that are capable of living and immortal ring opening polymerization and copolymerization of cyclic ester monomers for the preparation of biodegradable polymers and copolymers, in particular polyesters. Also disclosed are polymerization methods and polymer products. These dinuclear indium catalysts allow less costly, highly reactive living polymerization of cyclic ester monomers with possible high turn over rates and/or substantial stereo chemical and microstructure control.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a polyester or copolymer containing ester functionalities. The process can comprise: providing an optionally substituted lactone having a ring size of from 6 to 40 carbon atoms; and subjecting said lactone to metal mediated ring-opening polymerization using as catalyst a compound according to general formula (I): wherein M can be Al, Cr, Mn and Co; X and X? are independently a heteroatom; Y and Y? can be, independently, selected from O, N, S, P, C, Si, and B; Z can be selected from hydrogen, borohydrides, aluminum hydrides, carbyls, silyls, hydroxide, alkoxides, aryloxides, carboxylates, carbonates, carbamates, amidos, thiolates, phosphides, and halides; L1 and L2 can be independently an organic ligand linking X and Y together and linking X? and Y? together, respectively; and L3 is an optional organic ligand linking Y and Y? together.

Abstract: Poly(glycolide) polymers are disclosed. The polymers generally include a polymerized alkynyl-substituted glycolide having a polymer backbone with one or more alkynyl groups appended thereto. The alkynyl groups provide reactive sites for further functionalization of the polymer, for example by reaction with azide derivatives (e.g., azide-substituted organic compounds). Alkynyl and azide groups react via the “click” chemistry mechanism to form functional groups covalently bonded to the polymer via a triazole link. The polymers are biodegradable and can be used to deliver drugs or other therapeutic substances (e.g., large biomolecules such as single strand RNA) at targeted locations in a patient's body and/or at controlled release rates.

Abstract: The invention provides a metal alkoxide complex of Formula (I), wherein X, M, R1, R2, R3, m, n, y and z are as defined in the Description. The invention also provides a catalyst composition comprising the metal alkoxide complex and a hydroxy-containing compound, wherein the molar ratio of the metal alkoxide complex to the hydroxy-containing compound is 1:01-1000. The invention also provides a production method of poly-?- caprolactone or polyactide, wherein an ?-caprolactone monomer or a lactide monomer is reacted in the presence of the metal alkoxide complex or catalyst composition to obtain poly-?-caprolactone or polylactide. The metal alkoxide complex and the catalyst composition thereof can be used to catalyze the synthesis of poly-?- caprolactone or polylactide with a high efficiency.

Abstract: To provide a method for producing a polymer, which contains: bringing an intermediate polymer, which has been obtained through ring-opening polymerization of a ring-opening polymerizable monomer, into contact with, and melting the intermediate polymer in a compressive fluid having a density of 230 kg/m3 or greater, at temperature lower than a melting point of the intermediate polymer, at a ratio of 0.05 to 10, to dissolve a low-molecular-weight compound contained in the intermediate polymer in the compressive fluid, to thereby extract the low-molecular-weight compound, wherein the ratio is a ratio of a mass of the intermediate polymer to a mass of the compressive fluid.

Abstract: Process for bulk polymerization of lactide at a temperature between 160° C. and 195° C. in the presence of a zinc-based catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polysiloxane-polylactide block copolymer and a preparation method thereof, in which the polysiloxane-polylactide block copolymer has improved impact resistance and flexibility, compared to the conventional polylactide resins and can be prepared by ring-opening polymerization of lactide monomers in the presence of a polymerization initiator of polysiloxane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing lactic acid polymers of highly crystallinity and molecular weight, the process comprising melt polymerization of a lactide to form prepolymers having active end groups followed by solid state polymerization. The polymerization is carried out in the presence of a catalyst complex comprising a lactide, an organic metal-oxo compound and a lactic acid oligomer. The residual lactide after the melt polymerization is removed by heating the reaction mixture in the temperature range of 98° C. to a temperature less than the melting point of the prepolymer. The metal to oligomer ratio in the catalyst complex is in the range of 0.1 to 10, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5, more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.5.

Abstract: Process and methods for making glycolic acid chemical intermediates and derivatives from biomass are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an organometallic complex and a catalyst composition capable of producing polylactide resins with improved properties at a higher conversion rate, a method of producing the organometallic complex, polylactide resins having enhanced hydrolysis resistance and heat resistance together with superior mechanical properties, a preparation process therefor, and polylactide resin compositions including the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an organometallic complex and a catalyst composition capable of producing polylactide resins with improved properties at a higher conversion rate, a method of producing the organometallic complex, polylactide resins having enhanced hydrolysis resistance and heat resistance together with superior mechanical properties, a preparation process therefore, and polylactide resin compositions including the same.

Abstract: A composition used for preparing foaming material comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a polylactic acid and a foaming agent, which posses certain tensile strength, elongation in break and expansion ratio as well as full bio-degradability, thus can be used in packaging industry.

Abstract: A composition which comprises polylactide and has excellent heat stability, color and hydrolytic resistance. The composition comprises (i) polylactide, (ii) a metal catalyst and (iii) a hypophosphorous acid-based deactivator or a metaphosphoric acid-based deactivator.

Abstract: Copolymers exhibiting the following combinations of properties, including without limitation, ?-caprolactone in an amount ranging from about 12 to about 70 mole percent, glycolide in an amount ranging from about 30 to about 88 mole percent, crystallinity ranging from about 10 to about 50% as measured by WAXD or about 10 to about 50 J/g as measured by DSC, and an inherent viscosity ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.45 dL/g as measured in a 0.1 g/dl solution of HFIP at 25° C.; a method for melt blowing such copolymers and nonwoven constructs produced therefrom are described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of polyetherester polyols prepared with hybrid catalysts, the polyether esters obtained from the process and the use of such materials in polyurethane applications. The hybrid catalysts used in this invention comprise double metal cyanide complex catalysts (DMC) and at least one co-catalyst.

Abstract: To provide a method capable of producing stereocomplex polylactic acid, the method being capable of using carbon neutral materials that are not competitive from foods, such as saccharides, without the use of a method for designing optical resolution, which requires complicated operations and high cost and is difficult to perform mass production. The production method of the present invention comprises: a step of reacting glycerin with sodium hydroxide in high-temperature and high-pressure water to produce a racemic sodium lactate aqueous solution; a step of separating sodium from the racemic sodium lactate aqueous solution to recover racemic lactic acid; a step of dimerizing the racemic lactic acid to produce a lactide mixture containing meso lactide and racemic lactide; a step of separating meso lactide from the mixture to recover racemic lactide; and a step of polymerizing the racemic lactide with a salen-metal complex as a catalyst to produce stereocomplex polylactic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing the content of a metal catalyst in a biodegradable and absorbable polymer that can be applied on an industrial scale and a method for producing a biodegradable and bioabsorbable polymer having a metal catalyst content of less than 1 ppm in terms of a metal. The method includes the steps of (1) copolymerizing lactide and ?-caprolactone at a molar ratio ranging from 40/60 to 60/40 or 65/35 to 85/15 in the presence of the metal catalyst to produce a copolymer; and (2) washing the copolymer with a mixed solvent comprising acetic acid and isopropanol at a volume ratio ranging from 25/75 to 45/55 or 45/55 to 55/45 at less than 40° C., and drying the copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel carbohydrate lactone, functionalized aliphatic polyesters and copolymers formed therefrom, and processes for the preparation thereof from renewable resources.

Abstract: Provided are methods forming polymers. The methods include, for example, tandem carbonylation and polymerization reactions, where epoxides are catalytically carbonylated to form lactones and the lactones catalytically polymerized to form polymers without the need to isolate or purify the lactone intermediate. Also provided are methods for catalytically polymerizing beta-propiolactone. Homopolymers and copolymers can be formed using the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of group 3 post-metallocene complexes based on sterically encumbered bis(naphthoxy)pyridine and bis(naphthoxy)thiophene ligands in the ring-opening polymerisation of polar monomers such as, for examples, lactones, lactides, cyclic carbonates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a condensation and washing device with which in particular the process vapors which occur during the production of polylactide can be processed and cleaned. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a polymerization device for the production of polylactide and also to a method for processing process vapors which occur during the production of polylactide; possibilities for use of both the condensation and washing devices and of the method are likewise mentioned.

Abstract: Method for the production of L,L-, D,D-, D,L- and meso-dilactides, comprising the polycondensation and/or polytransesterification of an L-, D- or D,L-lactic acid or of esters thereof to polyesters of higher molecular weights of the L-, D- and D,L-lactic acid (polylactic acids) and cyclizing depolymerization of the polylactic acids to dilactides, wherein the polyesters of higher molecular weights of the L-, D- and D,L-lactic acids are produced in the presence of hydrolysis-stable metal compounds as catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing the content of a metal catalyst in a biodegradable and absorbable polymer that can be applied on an industrial scale and a method for producing a biodegradable and bioabsorbable polymer having a metal catalyst content of less than 1 ppm in terms of a metal. The method includes the steps of (1) copolymerizing lactide and ?-caprolactone at a molar ratio ranging from 40/60 to 60/40 or 65/35 to 85/15 in the presence of the metal catalyst to produce a copolymer; and (2) washing the copolymer with a mixed solvent comprising acetic acid and isopropanol at a volume ratio ranging from 25/75 to 45/55 or 45/55 to 55/45 at less than 40° C., and drying the copolymer.

Abstract: A polyesterification method comprises steps of mixing, by combining N,N-dialkylformamide dialkyl acetal with a tin catalyst, so as to transfer an alkoxy group from the N,N-dialkylformamide dialkyl acetal to the tin catalyst to obtain a Sn coordination complex; and polymerization, by conducting a ring-opening polymerization of a ester under the catalysis of the Sn coordination complex, and finally to obtain a polyester compound; wherein, the chemical formula of the N,N-dialkylformamide dialkyl acetal is (RO)2CHNR2, with the R being an alkyl group.

Abstract: The use of a catalytic ring-opening lactide and glycolide (co)oligomerization system consisting of a strongly acidic ion-exchange resin-type polymeric catalyst and a (co)oligomerization additive, and a lactide and glycolide (co)oligomerization method using said catalytic system, are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique of providing color to a polylactic acid resin which is promising as a plant-derived material for automotive interior/exterior parts. When a polylactic acid material is used as a covering fiber material of an automotive interior part, coloring is necessary for harmonization with other parts in the car. According to the disclosed technique, color is provided to a polylactic acid resin using a combination of a catalyst and an initiator when it is polymerized from lactide. The disclosed method is time-saving and economical since a colored resin can be polymerized and thus the complicated process of dyeing a white resin using a disperse dye and washing and drying the same can be avoided.

Abstract: Norbornene monomers with epoxy groups and polymer materials thereof are disclosed. The Norbornene monomers with epoxy groups are prepared by Diels-Alder reaction. The Norbornene monomers with epoxy groups are highly active for ring-opening-metathesis polymerization (ROMP), and the molecular weight and PDI value of the obtained polymers are controllable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing D-type lactide from liquid D-type lactic acid, and a method for producing D-type polylactic acid having a weight average molecular weight of about 50,000˜20,000 g/mol from the produced D-type lactide. The method of the present invention is advantageous in that D-type lactide can be obtained at a high yield by a simple method, compared to the conventional production methods. Consequently, production cost of D-type polylactic acid that is finally obtained from D-type lactide can be reduced.

Abstract: Process for bulk polymerization of lactide at a temperature between 160° C. and 195° C. in the presence of a zinc-based catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conditioning double metal catalysts which are used in the production of polyether polyols. The conditioning enhances the performance of the catalyst, so that lower concentrations of the DMC catalyst can be used in polyether polyol production.

Abstract: Copolymers exhibiting the following combinations of properties, including without limitation, ?-caprolactone in an amount ranging from about 12 to about 70 mole percent, glycolide in an amount ranging from about 30 to about 88 mole percent, crystallinity ranging from about 10 to about 50% as measured by WAXD or about 10 to about 50 J/g as measured by DSC, and an inherent viscosity ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.45 dL/g as measured in a 0.1 g/dl solution of HFIP at 25° C.; a method for melt blowing such copolymers and nonwoven constructs produced therefrom are described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing D-lactide from liquid D-lactic acid and a method for manufacturing D-polylactic acid with a weight-average molecular weight 50,000-20,000 g/mol from the prepared D-lactide. The disclosed method is advantageous in that D-lactide can be prepared in high yield through a relatively simple process as compared to the existing method. Thus, the cost for producing D-polylactic acid from the D-lactide can be reduced.

Abstract: In producing a polyether in the presence of a double metal cyanide complex catalyst, a narrow molecular weight distribution of the polyether can be obtained. Producing a polyether with at least one hydroxy group includes subjecting a cyclic monomer, such as an alkylene oxide, to a ring-opening addition polymerization with an initiator having a hydroxy group, in the presence of a double metal cyanide complex catalyst.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing a polyether, which comprises subjecting an alkylene oxide and the like to ring-opening addition polymerization to an initiator in the presence of a double metal cyanide complex catalyst (DMC catalyst), which can be carried out by use of a DMC catalyst at a low concentration, and accordingly the amount of the DMC catalyst remaining in a polyether to be obtained can be reduced. A process for producing a polyether, which comprises subjecting an alkylene oxide and an oxygen-containing heterocyclic compound other than an alkylene oxide, to ring-opening addition polymerization to an initiator having a hydroxy group in the presence of a DMC catalyst, wherein prior to the ring-opening addition polymerization, the DMC catalyst and the initiator are subjected to mixing treatment at a temperature of from 125° C. to 180° C. under an absolute pressure of at most 0.06 MPa for from 10 minutes to 24 hours.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a polyester or copolymer containing ester functionalities. The process can comprise: providing an optionally substituted lactone having a ring size of from 6 to 40 carbon atoms; and subjecting said lactone to metal mediated ring-opening polymerization using as catalyst a compound according to general formula (I): wherein M can be Al, Cr, Mn and Co; X and X? are independently a heteroatom; Y and Y? can be, independently, selected from O, N, S, P, C, Si, and B; Z can be selected from hydrogen, borohydrides, aluminum hydrides, carbyls, silyls, hydroxide, alkoxides, aryloxides, carboxylates, carbonates, carbamates, amidos, thiolates, phosphides, and halides; L1 and L2 can be independently an organic ligand linking X and Y together and linking X? and Y? together, respectively; and L3 is an optional organic ligand linking Y and Y? together.

Abstract: An aromatic polyester resin composition, including: a melt-kneaded product of 99-70 wt. parts of an aromatic polyester resin and 1-30 wt. parts (providing a total of 100 wt. parts together with the aromatic polyester resin) of a polyglycolic acid resin, wherein the aromatic polyester resin is an aromatic polyester resin polymerized with a germanium compound (catalyst), and the polyglycolic acid resin is a polyglycolic acid resin obtained by ring-opening polymerization of glycolide. As a result, gas generation during the melt-processing of a composition obtained by adding a relatively small amount of polyglycolic acid resin to an aromatic polyester resin is effectively suppressed to provide an aromatic polyester resin composition with a good gas-barrier property.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, there is a method of making a polyester. The method can include providing a monomer solution, the monomer solution including one or more cyclic esters in a concentration ranging from about 1 to about 100% and one or more solvents in a concentration ranging from about 99% to about 0%. The method of making a polyester can also include providing a packed-bed reactor including one or more immobilized enzymes, wherein the packed-bed reactor has an inlet and an outlet. The method can further include circulating the monomer solution through the packed-bed reactor to generate a solution enriched with polyester, such that the one or more immobilized enzymes convert the one or more cyclic esters to polyester in the packed-bed reactor during circulation and collecting the solution enriched with polyester exiting through the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an organometallic complex and a catalyst composition capable of producing polylactide resins with improved properties at a higher conversion rate, a method of producing the organometallic complex, polylactide resins having enhanced hydrolysis resistance and heat resistance together with superior mechanical properties, a preparation process therefor, and polylactide resin compositions including the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the manufacture of stable lactide particles, more specifically lactide particles which are stable enough to be stored and transported at room temperature and have a quality high enough for use as starting material for polylactic acid. The lactide particles are obtained via a flaking process, comprising the contacting of a continuous flow of molten lactide with a surface on which the lactide solidifies and subsequently is removed from said surface.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing polylactic acid comprising the step of a ring-opening polymerization of lactide in the presence of an alkylaluminum compound represented by the following formula (1): R1nAlX3-n??Formula (1) (wherein n represents an integer of 1 to 3; R1 may be the same or different and independently represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; X may be the same or different and independently represents a halogen atom or a hydrogen atom; and Al represents an aluminum atom) as a ring-opening polymerization catalyst. The ring-opening polymerization of lactide further effectively proceeds in the presence of at least one kind of metal compounds selected from the group consisting of aluminum compounds (except the alkylaluminum compounds represented by the above formula (1)), zinc compounds, titanium compounds, zirconium compounds, magnesium compounds, and calcium compounds.

Abstract: The present case relates to a process for the purification of lactide from a crude lactide vapor product stream which process comprises a rectification/condensation step leading to a lactide-enriched condensate.