Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a polyamide molding compound which includes the following method steps: addition and dissolving of m-xylylene diamine and dicarboxylic acids, which include adipic acid and aromatic dicarboxylic acids, with water and additives in a dissolving chamber and production of a mixture, the sum of the aromatic dicarboxylic acids added being 2 mol-percent to 15 mol-percent (in relation to the addition of dicarboxylic acids); transfer of the mixture into a reaction vessel and polycondensation of the mixture in this reaction vessel; granulation of the polycondensate; drying of the granulate. This method is distinguished in that the polycondensation is performed at a pressure of at most 10 bar and a temperature of 255° C. to 270° C., the pressure being built up while heating the reaction vessel to 255° C. to 270° C. and—immediately after the mixture has reached the maximum temperature—being reduced to atmospheric conditions while maintaining a temperature of 255° C. to 270° C.

Abstract: Aromatic aliphatic ether solvents, such as anisole, methylanisole, and phenetole, have been found useful in formulating coating solutions of polymeric dielectric materials and as a clean up solvent in the coating process. A process for forming a dielectric film on a substrate includes depositing a coating solution of a dielectric material in a formulation solvent onto a surface of the substrate and depositing an aromatic aliphatic ether solvent onto an edge portion of the surface of the substrate. The process is used to form films of dielectric materials including arylene ether dielectric polymers, hydridosiloxane resins, organohydridosiloxane resins, spin-on-glass materials, partially hydrolyzed and partially condensed alkoxysilane compositions which are cured to form a nanoporous dielectric silica material, and poly(perhydrido)silazanes.

Abstract: In a process for preparing polytetrahydrofuran having terminal OH groups (PTHF) from the corresponding polytetramethylene ether having acyloxy end groups by transesterification with alcohols in the presence of a sodium-containing catalyst followed by passing the alcoholic PTHF solution in the presence of a catalytic amount of water directly through at least one ion exchanger to remove the sodium ions, the removal of the sodium ions is carried out in a fully continuous ion exchange unit which comprises: a plurality of ion exchange cells (Z) which are arranged on a rotary platform and are each provided with a distribution element and a collection element and a central valve (V) having a stator disk (S) and a rotor disk (R) via which the introduction and discharge of all liquid streams into or out of the ion exchange unit occurs, and feed and discharge lines from each ion exchange cell (Z) to the central valve (V).

Abstract: A process for producing alkali metal polymaleimide salts by alkaline hydrolysis of maleimide polymers prepared by polymerization of maleimide monomers in the presence of a metal oxide and alcohol initiator or a base. In particular, the process produces alkali metal polymaleimide salts with particular ratios of C—N and C—C connected maleimide-derived monomer units which are dependent on the particular initiator used to synthesize the maleimide polymer. The alkali metal polymaleimide salts, which have chelating and anti-scaling properties, are useful as chelating agents and detergent builders and as such are suitable biodegradable replacements for synthetic polymers and sodium polyaspartate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reducing low molecular weight impurities, namely caprolactam and its oligomers, from Nylon-6 pre-polymer during the preparation of Nylon-6 polymer.

Abstract: A method of disposing of a biodegradable plastic comprises the step of exposing the biodegradable plastic to a hot alkaline solution. The biodegradable plastic is a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer comprising two randomly repeating monomer units wherein the first randomly repeating monomer unit has the structure: wherein R1 is H or a C1-2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; and the second randomly repeating monomer unit has the structure: wherein R2 is a C3-19 alkyl or a C3-19 alkenyl. At least 50% of the randomly repeating monomer units have the structure of the first randomly repeating monomer unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified polyamides, and more particularly to polyamides containing units of the type obtained by reacting a diacid with a diamine, modified with a multifunctional compound. The finished articles shaped from these polyamides or from compositions based on these polyamides have excellent mechanical properties and also a very good surface aspect. The modified polyamide according to the invention is obtained by melt-blending polyamides of different natures, in the presence of a multifunctional compound.

Abstract: The preset invention relates to the process for the separation and recovery of polyethylene glycol (PEG) from spent aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs). The present invention more particularly relates to the recovery of PEG from SPENT aqueous two-phase systems by the application of microwave energy.

Abstract: A thiophene compound represented by formula (I): in which A represents a C1-5-alkylene bridge; R represents a —R1—(C?O)—R2 group; —R1— represents a —R3— or —R4—X—R5— group; R2 is hydrogen, a hydroxy group, a thiol group, —NR6R7, —OR8 or a —SR9 group; R3, R4 and R5 are independently an alkylene group or an arylene group; X is a —O—, —S— or ?NR10; R6 and R7 are independently hydrogen, an optionally substituted amino group or an optionally substituted alkyl group; R8 and R9 are independently an optionally substituted alkyl group (optionally with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, amide, ether, ester or sulfonate group), an optionally substituted aryl group or a —SiR11R12R13 group; R10 is an alkyl, aryl or acyl group; and R11, R12 and R13 are independently an optionally substituted alkoxy or alkyl group; polymers derived therefrom; a process for polymerizing a thiophene according to formula (I), optionally chemically or electrochemically; and solutions, dispersions, pas

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid initiator to be used in anionic lactam polymerization. Said liquid initiator contains a reaction product of carbodiimide with a protic compound and a base in an aprotic solvation agent.

Abstract: A method for processing a polycondensate to give a granulate formed as pellets is disclosed, whereby the polycondensate is fused in the course of the method and then later resolidified. In an exemplary method, a total time during which the temperature of the polycondensate is above the melting point thereof is less than about 60 seconds. This method can be carried out by a multi-shaft extruder, whereby the degrassing and/or drying of the polycondensate in the solid state occurs at a pressure below atmospheric pressure and/or with addition of an inert gas. The time period, during which the polycondensate remains in the extruder, after being melted therein, amounts to, for example, less than about 15 seconds.

Abstract: Chemical reactions are carried out with molten fluoropolymer, most conveniently in an extruder, wherein the reaction zone in the extruder is isolated from the melting zone, and the molten fluoropolymer is subdivided in the reaction zone sufficiently that contact and reaction between the reactant and the molten fluoropolymer in the reaction zone is essentially free of mass transfer limitation, followed by devolatilization in isolation from the reaction zone, and cooling the devolatilized fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A process for treating a composition containing a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin that has a low level of CPD-producing species and good gelation stability is disclosed. A polyamine-epihalohydrin resin is prepared with a ratio of epihalohydrin:amine of less than about 1.1:1.0; The resin is then subjected to a base treatment followed by an acid treatment resulting in a resin that has good gelation storage stability and produces low levels of CPD.

Abstract: A method for forming a conjugated polymer which is doped by a dopant includes the steps of (a) adding a doping agent comprising a dopant moiety to a solution containing the conjugated polymer or a precursor thereof and, optionally, a second polymer, the dopant moiety being capable of bonding to the conjugated polymer, precursor thereof or the second polymer; (b) allowing the dopant moiety to bond to the conjugated polymer, precursor thereof or the second polymer to perform doping of the conjugated polymer, wherein the amount of doping agent added in step (a) is less than the amount required to form a fully doped conjugated polymer.

Abstract: This invention provides a new electroluminescent conjugated polymers grafted with highly efficient phosphorescent organometallic complexes (such as iridium, platinum, osmium, rubidium, etc.) and charge transport moieties (such as oxadiazole, thiadiazole, triazole, pyridine, pyrimidine, substituted or non-substituted tertiary arylamines, substituted or non-substituted quarternary arylammonium salts, substituted or non-substituted tertiary heterocyclic aromatic amines, substituted or non-substituted quarternary heterocyclic aromatic ammonium, etc.). The emissive polymers (fully conjugated or limited conjugating length) covering the full visible range can be prepared. The polymeric light emitting diodes with these materials can be used as indicators, light source and display for cellular phones, digital camera, pager, portable computer, personal data acquisition (PDA), watch, hand-held videogame, billboard, etc.

Abstract: A process for the production of aliphatic oligocarbonate diols is disclosed. The optionally catalyzed high yield process entails the multistage transesterification of aliphatic diols with dimethyl carbonate. In the process DMC-methanol mixtures that have been distilled off are recycled to the reaction solution with further conversion and depletion of the contained DMC in the same or in a following reaction batch.

Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent comprising diluent, unreacted monomers and polymer solids, comprising a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank with a conical bottom defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to that of horizontal equal to or greater than the angle of slide of the slurry/polymer solids and an exit seal chamber of such diameter (d) and length (l) as to maintain a desired volume of concentrated polymer solids/slurry in the exit seal chamber such as to form a pressure seal while continuously discharging a plug flow of concentrated polymer solids/slurry bottom product of the first flash tank from the exit seal chamber through a seal chamber exit reducer with inclined sides defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to th

Abstract: The present invention provides noctilucent polyurethane chips and a method of manufacturing the same, which provide pedestrians and drivers or bicycle riders with clear sights even at night or while raining, thus significantly reducing the danger of accidents. Also, the noctilucent polyurethane chips and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention serve to care for natural resources and prevent environmental pollution by recycling waste polyurethane, and by using phosphorescent substances as a raw material of pavement, the noctilucent polyurethane chips having aesthetic view and excellent functionality are provided.

Abstract: The invention comprises a linear or branched polymer derivative comprising a water soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone that incorporates an optionally protected vicinal diol, which is either embedded in the polymer backbone or is attached as a pendant group, wherein each linking group (linker) between the polymer backbone and the vicinal diol is a chain comprising at least two saturated carbon atoms. The invention further comprises a method of using said polymer derivative to form an aldehyde and either a second aldehyde or a ketone by way of oxidative cleavage.

Abstract: A method of modifying a polymeric material whereby the polymeric material is modified to give a highly durable surface without decreasing its strength. Namely, a polymeric material is modified by the method comprising a combination of an impregnation step, an activation step, a step of grafting a monomer and a step of a treatment with a hydrophilic polymer. Thus, the hydrophilic nature, adhesiveness, and so forth of polymeric materials such as polyolefins can be improved without causing any decrease in the practical strength. The thus obtained polymeric materials are usable in articles with a need for high water absorptivity and high adhesiveness, for example, water-absorbing materials and water-retaining materials for medical, sanitary, cosmetic articles or supplies, agricultural materials, synthetic papers, filters and fiber products for clothes, for improving adhesiveness of composite materials and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymeric material obtained by melt-kneading, using a kneading apparatus, a resin composition containing an organic polymer having no metal alkoxy group and a metal alkoxide compound. The organic-inorganic hybrid polymeric material, a polymeric material containing this component, and a molded products obtained therefrom are suitable for high-performance and high-function plastic applications. Simple and practical processes for producing them at high productivity and at low cast are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a polymeric fluorescent substance characterized by comprising the step of treating with an acid a polymeric fluorescent substance that is fluorescent in a solid state and has a polystyrene equivalent number average molecular weight of 1×104 to 1×108. A method for producing a polymeric fluorescent substance characterized by comprising the steps of treating with an acid a polymeric fluorescent substance that is fluorescent in a solid state and has a polystyrene equivalent number average molecular weight of 1×104 to 1×108 and treating it with an alkali. A method for producing a polymeric fluorescent substance characterized by comprising the steps of treating with an acid a polymeric fluorescent substance that is fluorescent in a solid state and has a polystyrene equivalent number average molecular weight of 1×104 to 1×108, treating it with an alkali and finally treating it with a substance that does not contain an acid or an alkali.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a device for the continuous manufacture of a polymer of an aromatic alkylene monomer e.g. styrene comprising a bulk polymerisation of the monomer and a devolatilization of the resulting polymer in at least two successive steps so as to separate the polymer from the unreacted monomer and the oligomers formed during the polymerisation. The process comprises conveying a first gas stream resulting from the first step of the devolatilization into a first zone Z1 for direct condensation and fractionation, removing a gas stream G1 comprising essentially the monomer from the top of Z1, and removing a liquid stream L1 rich in oligomers from the bottom of Z1, a portion of L1 being taken, cooled and then returned into Z1.

Abstract: An optically anisotropic film based on a two-phase polymeric material, and a method for the fabrication is provided. The two-phase polymeric material comprises a polymer matrix and a partially crystalline film of ordered, immobilized, organic molecules. The polymer matrix provides desired mechanical properties while the crystalline film provides desired optical properties of the fabricated material.

Abstract: Novel poly-o-hydroxyamides can be cyclized to give polybenzoxazoles which have a good diffusion barrier effect with respect to metals. The poly-o-hydroxyamides can be applied to a semiconductor substrate by customary techniques and converted into the polybenzoxazole in a simple manner by heating. This results in a good barrier layer with respect to diffusion of metals. This allows the diffusion barrier between conductor track and dielectric to be substantially dispensed.

Abstract: A method of removing and reclaiming a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst from a polyol is disclosed. A polymeric acid that is soluble in the polyol is introduced into the polyol during or after the polymerization reaction. The polymeric acid reacts with the double metal cyanide catalyst thereby causing the double metal cyanide catalyst and the polymeric acid to form an agglomeration in the polyol. The agglomeration is easily separated from the polyol via filtration, for example. The recovered agglomerated DMC catalyst can then be reconstituted using an acid solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a washing process for cleaning polymers containing N or amine, ammonium or spirobicyclic ammonium groups, comprising cationic groups containing N, in addition to suitable counterions, whereby the gelled-out polymers are obtained through polymerization and cross-linking by a) adding a base which is partially or fully deprotonated, b) the partially or fully deprotonated polymers are washed, then c) optionally, are reprotonated in an organic solvent or in an organic solvent/water mixture by adding an acid, whereupon d) optionally, they are washed in an organic solvent or an organic solvent/water mixture in order to shrink the gels and optionally, e) in connection with step c) or d), the steps a)-c) or -d) are repeated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for removing hydrogenation catalyst residue from hydrogenated polymers comprising: (I) treating a polymer cement comprising an unsaturated polymer in an inert water-immiscible liquid with a hydrogen source in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst; (II) contacting the polymer cement of step (I) with one or more aqueous solution(s) of a weak acid having a pKa greater than 1.5 (determined in water at 25° C.); (III) contacting the polymer cement of step (II) with one or more aqueous solution(s) of a weak base having a pKa smaller than 10.5; and (IV) separating the hydrogenated polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing a dithio group comprised at the end of a polymer chain, comprising the step of reacting a polymer comprising a dithio group at least one chain-end, with an amine compound, different from triethanol amine, in an organic solvent.

Abstract: A surface crosslinking treatment method of a water-absorbing resin powder is disclosed that can overcome various problems in production encountered in the production of surface crosslinked water-absorbing resin powders on an industrial scale and can produce a water-absorbing resin powder having excellent physical properties without causing deterioration in physical properties of resin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing a powder free natural latex article and the articles produced by the process. In one embodiment, the process of the present invention may be used to form a powder free natural latex glove which has very low levels of extractable protein without being subjected to a halogenation processes. The process includes forming a natural rubber article on a former and then, either before or after stripping the article from the former, contacting the article with a rinse solution comprising the ionic species of a disassociated metal salt. In one embodiment, the metal salt may be sodium chloride. Contact with the rinse solution may lower protein levels in the latex. When the article is stripped from the former prior to contact with the rinse solution, the rinse solution may also remove any residual powders from the glove in order to produce a powder free natural rubber article.

Abstract: A process for obtaining non thermoprocessable fine powders of homopolymer or modified PTFE, comprising the following steps: A) obtaining of the polymer latex under the gel form; B) washing of the polymer gel with acid aqueous solutions or neutral aqueous solutions; C) granulation of the gel washed by mechanical stirring, at a specific power in the range 1.5-10 kW/m3, until flotation of the PTFE fine powder, and separation of the floated fine powder; D) drying in an aerated oven of the floated fine powder at a drying temperature in the range 90° C.-160° C.

Abstract: Organo-titanate catalysts are prepared that are useful to catalyze depolymerization of a polyester to produce macrocyclic oligoesters substantially free from macrocyclic co-oligoesters.

Abstract: A continuous coagulation process of PTFE or modified PTFE fine powders, comprising: a1) dilution in a lift of a PTFE latex up to a concentration from 5 to 25% w/w of PTFE, and optional filtration of the obtained diluted latex, b1) latex pressurization in the lift by an inert gas, preferably air, until a relative pressure, related to the atmospheric pressure, in the range 3-40 kg/cm2 (0.3-4 MPa), c1) addition of an acid electrolyte solution, d1) latex flowing from the mixer through a capillary tube under turbulent flow conditions, e1) granulation (coagulation) of the gel obtained in step d1) by mechanical stirring with a specific power from 1.5 to 10 kW/m3, maintaining the stirring until fine powder flotation, f1) separation of the underlying water from the fine powder.

Abstract: A method of removing and reclaiming a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst from a polyol is disclosed. A polymeric acid that is soluble in the polyol is introduced into the polyol during or after the polymerization reaction. The polymeric acid reacts with the double metal cyanide catalyst thereby causing the double metal cyanide catalyst and the polymeric acid to form an agglomeration in the polyol. The agglomeration is easily separated from the polyol via filtration, for example. The recovered agglomerated DMC catalyst can then be reconstituted using an acid solution.

Abstract: A two step method for solid state polymerization of dry crystalline thermoplastic polymers to form polymers with superior mechanical properties, first by mechanically fluidizing dry crystalline thermoplastic polymer particles in the absence of oxygen by means of blades moving through the fluidized polymer particles at velocities sufficient to heat the particles to an incipient melt temperature and maintain the temperature until solid state polymerization provides the desired molecular weight and before chemical degradation of the polymer occurs; and second by immediately quenching by application of liquefied cryogenic gases directly to the surfaces of the polymer particles in amounts sufficient to cool the particles to temperatures lower than the glass transition temperature of the polymer before crystals in the polymer aggregate into large spherulites.

Abstract: This invention relates to solvents which may be used to extract polymers that are made of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polymers derivatized with at least one —NOx group per 1200 atomic mass unit of the polymer. X is one or two. In one embodiment, the polymer is an S-nitrosylated polymer and is prepared by reacting a polythiolated polymer with a nitrosylating agent under conditions suitable for nitrosylating free thiol groups. The polymers of the present invention can be used to coat medical devices to deliver nitric oxide in vivo to treatment sites.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a polyaniline/high molecular weight polymeric sulfonic acid complex made by oxidative polymerization, and aqueous polyaniline dispersions, where the viscosity of the dispersion has been increased by the presence of the high molecular weight polymeric sulfonic acids during the polymerization process.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of neutral poly(ethylene-3,4-dioxythiophenes) of the general formula (I) in which R1 and R2, independently of one another, each represent H or C1 to C9-alkyl, it also being possible for R2 to be CH2—O—R3 with R3=H or C1 to C9-alkyl, cycloalkyl or aralkyl, when R1 represents H, and n represents 2 to 200, suitable thiophene monomers being reacted in an organic solvent with an oxidizing agent and the oxidizing agent being used in 50 to 99.9% of the stoichiometrically required amount. The neutral poly(ethylene-3,4-dioxythiophenes) thus obtainable are distinguished in particular by their solubility in organic solvents.

Abstract: Continuous process for preparing polyoxymethylene homo- or copolymers by bulk polymerization of the monomers in the presence of cationic initiators, and also, if desired, in the presence of regulators, where during the polymerization both the monomers and the polymer are present in molten form and, if desired, the polymer is then deactivated, and the melt is discharged, cooled and pelletized, which comprises discharging, cooling and pelletizing the polymer at an elevated pressure and in the presence of a liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing formaldehyde emission from thermoplastics mixed with polyacetal, which comprises melting the thermoplastic mixture in the presence of at least one stabilizer in a mixing assembly and subjecting it to further processing steps. During this process, formaldehyde emission deriving from decomposition of the polyacetal is markedly reduced by adding suitable additives/stabilizers.

Abstract: A method for preparing a solid support material for carrying out a chemical reaction, said method comprising the following steps: (i) reacting an amino functionalised solid material with a carboxylic acid having at least two similarly protected amino groups to form amide bonds between them, (ii) removing protecting groups in a single step, (iii) optionally repeating steps (i) and (ii) one or more times using the product of the preceding step as the amino functionalised solid material, and (iv) connecting a linkage agent to at least some of the free NH2 groups of the product. The method increases the loading capacity of the solid support material. It is particularly useful in connection with peptide synthesis.

Abstract: There are disclosed a process for producing a polyarylene sulfide through polymerization condensation of a sulfur source and a dihalogenated aromatic compound by using a polymerization vessel equipped with baffles that are asymmetrically arranged in the polymerization vessel or in the form of round bar, or by using a polymerization vessel equipped with an agitational blade which is devoid of a notch in the vicinity of the tip portion of the blade, and is in such a configuration as substantially equalizing the spacing between the tip portion thereof and the opposite bottom portion and/or end portion of the polymerization vessel all over the tip portion thereof; and an apparatus used for the process. The process and apparatus enables to form a uniform dispersion state of polymer phase in the vessel and to produce polyarylene sulfide having a high molecular weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a high-molecular polyamide or polyester by melt-mixing polyamide or polyester having a lower molecular weight with a carbonyl bislactam having formula 1, in which n=an integer of between 3 and 15. With the process according to the invention a permanent increase in the molecular weight of a polyamide is obtained within 2 minutes, whereas this takes at least 10 minutes under comparable conditions using a bislactam according to the state of the art.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyimide platy object includes (a) providing a solution containing a solvent and a solute (i.e., a polyimide precursor or polyimide); (b) pouring the solution onto a supporting member; (c) removing a portion of the solvent from the solution at a first temperature lower than boiling point of the solvent, thereby forming a precursory platy object thereon, the precursory platy object having a self-supporting property and a first surface in contact with the supporting member and a second surface away therefrom and a first content of the solvent at the first surface and a second content (less than the first content by 2-10 wt %) of the solvent at the second surface; and (d) detaching the precursory platy object therefrom; and (e) heating the precursory platy object at a second temperature higher than boiling point of the solvent and is lower than decomposition temperature of the polyimide.

Abstract: The present invention is envisioned to improve sliding characteristics of polyether aromatic ketone resins and to provide their molded articles which are themselves resistant to damage and abrasion, cause no such damage or abrasion to their partner parts and can be easily molded. Thus, the present invention pertains to a polyether aromatic ketone resin composition comprising a polyether aromatic ketone resin and a high-hardness filler having a Mohs hardness of 6 or higher, the content of said filler being 1 to 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said ketone resin, and furthermore to a film or sheet made of the resin composition. The high-hardness filler having a Mohs hardness of 6 or higher is preferably particulate or spherical in particle shape. Also, the maximal particle size of said high-hardness filler is preferably not larger than 100 &mgr;m.

Abstract: Template-based methods fabricate organosilicate materials with mesoscopic structures. The methods include providing solutions of amphiphilic template molecules, mixing amphiphilic organosilicate precursors into the solutions to form mixtures, and evaporating solvent from the mixtures. The evaporation steps produce composites in which the amphiphilic organosilicate precursors have nontrivial mesoscopic structures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for reducing waste accumulation by using an environmentally degradable disposable material. The disposable material, which includes a hydroxycarboxylic acid-containing polymer, degrades hydrolytically during operative and disposal stages in a controlled manner such that the disposal degradation rate of the material is accelerated relative to the operative degradation rate of the material.

Abstract: A process for using low-molecular weight compounds that are water-extracted from (co)polyamides in the production of polyamide is disclosed. The process entails reacting these compounds with 10 to 15 wt. % water for a period of 3.5 to 6 hours at a temperature of 220° C. to 270° C., and polymerizing the resulting product along with caprolactam.