Abstract: A devolatilizer nozzle comprising at least one perforated flow tube having a non-circular cross-section. In an embodiment, the non-circular cross-section has equal to or greater than 3 sides. The non-circular cross-section of said nozzle may be a triangle, diamond, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, or octagon. A majority of the perforations in the flow tube of said nozzle may have a maximum strand angle of equal to or less than 45 degrees. The nozzle may further comprise tapered holes, which may be formed by a water jet. The nozzle may further comprise a plurality of parallel flow tubes. The nozzle may comprise 304 stainless steel, AL-6XN stainless steel, or LDX 2101 stainless steel.

Abstract: A process for continuously stripping a polymer dispersion comprising a heat exchanger with minimal internal obstructions for the stripper. The process is particularly adapted to dispersions that are heat and shear sensitive. The process is able to extract hydrophobic VOC's more efficiently than a single, jacketed tube design.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of dialkyl carbonates as solvents for expanded polystyrene and to a new process for the recycling of expanded polystyrene. Said process comprises the volume reduction of expanded polystyrene by dissolution with a dialkyl carbonate, or a blend of dialkyl carbonates, the removal of the insoluble components by filtration, the selective precipitation of polystyrene with a non-solvent or a blend of non-solvents, the separation, drying and extrusion of the precipitated polystyrene. This process allows the recovery of pure polystyrene without altering its properties.

Abstract: A method for processing polyester wastes, especially used polyester bottles, which comprises shredding, washing, drying and melting the waste mixture to obtain a starting raw material wherein a modifying agent selected from the group comprising a combination of polysiloxane and a plasticizer selected from the group of phthalates, or a combination of silazanes and silanes is added to the shredded and dried waste mixture, the amount of the modifying agent being 4 to 6% by weight, based on the waste mixture.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a selectively-releasable adhesive includes a copolymer formed from a multifunctional alcohol and a multifunctional carboxylic acid, wherein the copolymer has been cured the equivalent of up to approximately 20 hours at 120° C. and 100 millitorr.

Abstract: Provided is an imprint method that includes the steps of softening resist in an object to be processed, by using compressed gas or supercritical fluid, the object including a substrate and the resist applied onto the substrate, and transferring a predetermined pattern onto the resist by pressing a mold that forms the predetermined pattern against the resist in the object.

Abstract: A novel process produces a novel hydrogenated nitrile rubber (B) which features a very narrow molecular weight distribution and a correspondingly low value for the polydispersity index. The preparation process encompasses the treatment of a hydrogenated nitrile rubber (A) with ultrasound, whereupon the resultant hydrogenated nitrile rubber (B) has a lower weight-average molecular weight (Mw) than the hydrogenated nitrile rubber (A). The resultant hydrogenated nitrile rubber (B) has excellent suitability for the production of mouldings via processing by extrusion processes or by injection-moulding processes.

Abstract: The conventional techniques for recycling an electrical equipment including a hardened epoxy resin and electroconductive material has involved conventional problems that a catalyst is degraded to an extent that it can be no longer reused when a water is contained in a dissolving system. Moreover, moisture, when present in the dissolving system for treating an electrical equipment including an electroconductive material of aluminum, may react with aluminum to produce an aluminate compound which is transformed into aluminum oxide (alumina) under heating, which, in turn, may cause abnormal temperature rise to melt aluminum. This may be accompanied by formation of hydrogen which can cause danger of explosion. The present invention manages moisture content in the dissolving system by drying an object to be treated, a catalyst and a solvent prior to the dissolving treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enhanced process for the recycling of expanded polystyrene. Said process essentially comprises the reduction in volume of expanded polystyrene by means of dissolution in a solvent, separation of the insoluble components, selective precipitation of the polystyrene with an anti-solvent, separation, drying and extrusion of the precipitated polystyrene, recovery by distillation and recycling of the solvent. The process is characterized in that the anti-solvent is a butanol selected form n-butanol, iso-butanol or sec-butanol and the solvent is dimethyl carbonate, alone or in a mixture containing up to 25% by weight of butanol.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides a heat treatment method of a thermoplastic resin film comprising running a strip shaped thermoplastic resin film in a longitudinal direction and heating the thermoplastic resin film while holding the edge of the film in a width direction to conduct a heat treatment, wherein a tension of the thermoplastic resin film in the width direction is controlled to be constant. According to the aspect of the invention, since a thermoplastic resin film during a heat treatment is held with a constant tension in a width direction, the thermoplastic resin film during the heat treatment can be prevented from sagging or pulling excessively. Therefore, occurrence of variability of optical characteristics can be prevented, and thus a thermoplastic resin film excellent in optical characteristics can be produced.

Abstract: A method for producing a polymer organic electronic material comprising: synthesizing a polymer organic electronic material by condensing a precursor monomer for the polymer organic electronic material in the presence of a metal catalyst, preparing a polymer organic electronic material solution by dissolving the polymer organic electronic material in an organic solvent, and removing metal ions, which originate from the metal catalyst, from the polymer organic electronic material solution by using an ion exchange resin; a polymer organic electronic material which can be obtained by the method; and an organic electroluminescent device which uses the polymer organic electronic material.

Abstract: A process for producing a radiation-sensitive resin composition includes the steps of providing a filter apparatus equipped with a filter composed of a polyamide resin filter and a polyethylene resin filter connected in series, circulating a precursor composition for the radiation-sensitive resin composition in the filter apparatus so that the precursor composition is passed through the filter two or more times to thereby effect filtration with the result that foreign matter is removed from the precursor composition.

Abstract: A process for producing fibers comprises spinning a solution (I) comprising polyurethane dissolved in ionic liquid into a coagulation bath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing polystyrene. The method includes the steps: using at least one scrapped surface heat exchanger (160) to heat a solution of polystyrene dissolved in an organic solvent to provide a heated solution of polystyrene dissolved in the organic solvent, and separating the dissolved polystyrene from the organic solvent. The apparatus includes: a holding tank at least partly filled with a solution of polystyrene dissolved in an organic solvent, at least one scrapped surface heat exchanger (160), and a separator.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods for the preparation, purification, and processing of poly(heteroaromatic) block copolymers, as well as compositions prepared by these methods. Methods relate to preparation of multiblock and triblock copolymers of intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) containing at least one block of a poly(heteroaromatic) polymer and at least two blocks of a non-conducting polymer. This invention provides polymer solutions or dispersions of improved stability and better film-forming properties. The poly(heteroaromatic) block copolymers are obtained in their conducting or doped form, and are retained in a solvated, wet form throughout the production and purification processes. Stable solutions or dispersions of the purified copolymers in organic solvents, water, or mixtures thereof are provided.

Abstract: Amphiphilic monomeric compounds and corresponding homopolymers and copolymers capable of assembly and invertible configuration in introduction to and change in fluid medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a high-molecular polycondensate from a solidified polycondensate prepolymer by solid phase polycondensation. According to said method, the polycondensation cleavage products of the solid phase polycondensation reaction are extracted from the product by means of a process gas, and the process gas is then cleaned of the polycondensation cleavage products and essentially recycled. According to the invention, the specific energy input is less than 120 kWh/t, preferably less than 110 kWh/t and especially between 70 and 100 kWh/t. The invention also relates to an installation for producing a high-molecular polycondensate, said installation comprising a heating appliance (1), followed by a crystallisation appliance (2), a reaction appliance (4), and a cooling appliance (5).

Abstract: A process for thermally crystallizing a polyester polymer by introducing pellets into a liquid medium having a temperature of at least 140° C. within a liquid medium zone and crystallizing the submerged pellets at or above the vapor pressure of the liquid medium without increasing the molecular weight of the pellets, and while the pressure on at least a portion of the pellets is equal to or greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid medium, separating at least a portion of said pellets and at least a portion of the liquid medium from each other. The crystallization is desirably conducted in the liquid medium zone without mechanically induced agitation. Optionally, the pellets are wormed by an underfluid pelletizer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a non-adhering granulate above the glass-transition temperature comprising a polyester material, in which the polyester material is introduced into a cooling water flow as a melt and is separated from the cooling water after passing through a cooling stretch. The dwell time of the polyester material in the cooling stretch is 0.2-5 sec, and the cooling water has a pressure of at least 2 bar along the cooling stretch. For the thus obtained granulate, post-crystallization is not required, at least not in every case. It has been shown that the granulate does not adhere, even without post-crystallization and mechanical movement if no additional external input of energy takes place. Even during heating under pressure, no adhesion could be observed.

Abstract: Metal complexing agents are used to purify polymers including conducting polymers to provide very low metal content. The process comprises precipitating the polymer in solution into a solvent system comprising the metal complexing agent. Very low levels including undetectable levels of metals such as nickel and magnesium can be achieved. High purity polymers are used in electronics and photovoltaic applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating polymeric materials comprises a treatment chamber adapted to maintain a selected atmosphere at a selected temperature; a means for supporting the polymeric material within the chamber; and, a source of ozone-containing gas, which decomposes at the selected temperature yielding at least one reactive oxidative species whereby the polymer is stabilized and cross linked through exposure to the oxidative species in the chamber at the selected temperature. The ozone may be generated by a plasma discharge or by various chemical processes. The apparatus may be configured for either batch-type or continuous-type processing. The apparatus and method are especially useful for preparing polymer fibers, particularly PAN fibers, for later carbonization treatments as well as to make flame-retardant fabrics.

Abstract: An aliphatic polyester copolymer comprising an aliphatic carbonate unit (a) and an aliphatic polyester unit (b), and a molded body composed of said aliphatic polyester copolymer. The aliphatic polyester copolymer is excellent in heat resistance while having adequate mechanical properties and properties in the molten state.

Abstract: A process to remove metal contaminants from a hydrocarbon solution of polyethylene is disclosed. The process comprises adding a primary alcohol and a ?-diketone to a solution of polyethylene at a temperature within the range of 120° C. to 300° C. and contacting the solution with basic alumina. The process removes metal contaminants and minimizes degradation and condensation products, which can have a detrimental effect on polyethylene properties. The process provides polyethylene with low metal residues and good properties.

Abstract: A method of crystallizing a plurality of crystallizable polymer pellets includes a step in which the pellets are contacted with a temperature adjusting fluid in a crystallizer. The fluid adjusts the temperature of the pellets by having a temperature sufficient to allow at least partial crystallization of the plurality of polymeric pellets while maintaining the average pellet temperature of the plurality of pellets below the melting temperature of the pellets. A crystallizer implementing the methods of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A method of crystallizing a plurality of crystallizable polymer pellets includes a step in which the pellets passed through regions that are temperature adjusted by a heat transfer jacket. The heat transfer jacket adjusts the temperature of the pellets by having a temperature sufficient to allow at least partial crystallization of the plurality of polymeric pellets while maintaining the average pellet temperature of the plurality of pellets below the melting temperature of the pellets. A crystallizer implementing the methods of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A method of recycling commingled plastics waste containing min. 30 wt. % of polyolefins to a tough thermoplastic material, based on the compatibilization of the polymer components of commingled plastics waste with an admixture of 2-15 wt. % of an ethylene--propylene copolymer or a styrene--butadiene block copolymer or a combination of an ethylene--propylene copolymer and a styrene--butadiene copolymer in any weight ratio, together with 0.1-2.5 wt. % of a secondary aromatic amine and by subsequent blend processing in the melt.

Abstract: Processes for the recovery of a sulfopolyester polymer from an aqueous dispersion and a sulfopolyester concentrate are provided. Particularly, a sulfopolyester concentrate, from which the sulfopolyester may be recovered and reused, are formed by processes such as evaporation and/or nanofiltration. Final recovery of the sulfopolyester may be achieved by further evaporation of water and/or salt precipitation. In addition, the recovered sulfopolyester and articles manufactured from the recovered sulfopolyester are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying a polymer by carrying out a thermally-induced reaction in a mixing apparatus having a high shear environment and devolatilization capabilities. Also disclosed are the resulting materials.

Abstract: A process for producing a poly(arylene sulfide), comprising the respective steps of a washing step of washing a polymer separated from a reaction mixture containing the polymer formed with an organic solvent, which is arranged after a polymerization step, a purification step of purifying the organic solvent recovered after the washing step to lower the content of an alkaline compound mixed therein, and a step of recycling the purified organic solvent through the washing step of the poly(arylene sulfide).

Abstract: A method for producing a masticated rubber, which comprises the steps of masticating rubber at a shear rate of from 500 to 4,500 (l/s); and obtaining masticated rubber having a weight-average molecular weight of from 100,000 to 1,300,000.

Abstract: [Problems] To produce a resin composition from a waste plastic material composed of a major portion of a thermoplastic resin and a small amount of incompatible solid foreign material. [Means for solving problems] A reclaimed resin composition which is produced by mixing a pulverized waste plastic material containing a major portion of a thermoplastic resin and a small amount of a non-thermoplastic solid foreign material with a light-shielding component and a light-shielding filler to give a mixture and melting the mixture under heating, and a sheet made from which shows a relationship between a lightness and a light transmittance satisfying the following condition: (A×B)?4000 wherein A means a lightness of a sheet of 3 mm thick having been made of the reclaimed resin composition, and B means a total light transmittance (%) of a sheet of 50 ?m thick having been made of the resin composition.

Abstract: A method for treating extremely small particles of plastic comprises providing a quantity of plastic particles having an average mean particle size ranging from about 0.0005 inch to about 0.05 inch in diameter, heating the plastic particles to a temperature sufficient to cause at least a portion of the plastic particles to adhere to one another, and forming the adhered plastic particles into pellets, said pellets having substantially the same average surface-to-volume ratio as the bulk, un-adhered plastic particles.

Abstract: A process for removing residual monomers from polyoxymethylene homo- or copolymers, comprising the following process steps: a) the residual monomers are removed in gaseous form as vapors from the polymer in a devolatilization apparatus, b) the residual monomer vapors are removed through a vapor pipe, c) the residual monomers are condensed from the vapors in a condensation apparatus at from 1.09 to 102.4 bar and from 102 to 230° C., the temperature not falling below 102° C. at any point of the condensation apparatus, and those surfaces of the condensation apparatus which come into contact with the vapors being coated with a liquid film of condensed residual monomers.

Abstract: A method for drying a material such as a polymer hydrogel which passes through a cohesive phase as it dries is disclosed. The method comprises agitating a composition while removing liquid until the solids content of the composition reaches a level at which the composition enters a cohesive phase, halting agitation, removing liquid from the composition in the absence of agitation, and resuming agitation. Practice of the present invention can eliminate the problems associated with adhesion of a material to itself and to process equipment during the cohesive phase.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to purify a polymeric material by filtering a melt comprising poly(arylene ether) and poly(alkenyl aromatic) through a melt filtration system. The method provides a filtered polymeric composition having reduced levels of particulate impurities. The filtered polymeric composition prepared is suitable for use in data storage media applications.

Abstract: A method for treating extremely small particles of recycled polyethylene terephthalate comprises providing a quantity of RPET particles having an average mean particle size ranging from about 0.0005 inch to about 0.05 inch in diameter, heating the RPET particles to a temperature sufficient to cause at least a portion of the RPET particles to adhere to one another, and forming the adhered RPET particles into pellets, said pellets having substantially the same average surface-to-volume ratio as the bulk, un-adhered RPET particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a white electroluminescent polymeric material and preparation thereof. Based on the physical idea that white light emission can be achieved by regulating the relative luminous intensities of blue- and orange-light emitting units located in a single polymer molecule, the present invention provides three types (main chain type, pendant chain type, and terminal group type) of high efficiency and stable white electroluminescent polymeric material systems.

Abstract: Disclosed are dried porous crumbs of a hydrogenated block copolymer which is obtained by hydrogenating a block copolymer comprising (a) at least one polymer block composed mainly of aromatic vinyl monomer units and (b) at least one polymer block composed mainly of conjugated diene monomer units, and which has a molecular weight of 70,000 or more. The dried porous crumbs have a water content of 1% by weight or less and having the capability of absorbing an oil in an amount of 1.0 or more, in terms of the ratio of the weight of an oil, which is absorbed by the dried porous crumbs when the dried porous crumbs are immersed in the oil at 25° C. under atmospheric pressure for 1 minute, to the weight of the dried porous crumbs. Also disclosed is a method for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for isolating a PHA. The method comprises combining the PHA, a first solvent and a second solvent to form a combination, the first solvent and the second solvent being capable of forming an azeotrope with the second solvent; and heating the combination to substantially remove the first solvent from the combination. Alternatively, the method comprises combining the PHA, a first solvent, a second solvent and a third solvent to form a combination, the first solvent and the second solvent being capable of forming an azeotrope with the third solvent; and heating the combination to substantially remove the first solvent and the second solvent from the combination.

Abstract: Process for the solvent treatment of a plastic, by dissolving the plastic with a solvent and with at least one phase separation agent compatible with the solvent to form a solution, precipitating the plastic by contacting the solution with at least one non-solvent so as to obtain a solvent/non solvent mixture containing precipitated plastic particles, and substantially eliminating the solvent from the mixture and recovering solid plastic particles. After dissolution but before substantially eliminating the solvent a stripping takes place during which at least a substantial portion of the PSA is removed from the solution or from the mixture using a stripping composition.

Abstract: Polymers containing polyesters and, optionally, agents for use with medical articles and methods of fabricating the same are disclosed. The medical article generally comprises an implantable substrate having a coating, and the coating contains a polymer comprising a polymeric product of a reaction comprising a polyol and a polycarboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent compositions which exhibit swelling, deswelling, and reswelling behavior. More specifically, absorbent compositions of this invention swell and absorb fluids after exposure to aqueous fluids, deswell and release fluids from the swollen absorbent compositions, and may also reswell and absorb fluids. The swelling-deswelling-reswelling behavior allows enhanced liquid distribution in absorbent composites.

Abstract: A method for stably producing an aromatic polycarbonate, which comprises continuously reacting an aromatic dihydroxy compound with a diaryl carbonate in a closed, reactor-pipeline system, the closed, reactor-pipeline system comprising: a plurality of reactors which are liquid-tightly connected through a pipeline toward an outlet for a final aromatic polycarbonate product, the pipeline comprising one or more pipes, wherein the plurality of reactors include at least two reactors connected in series, and at least one filter secured in the pipe or pipes of the reactor-pipeline system, wherein the or each filter is simultaneously or separately taken out to the outside of the reactor-pipeline system and subjected to washing in the outside of the reactor-pipeline system, followed by returning of the resultant washed filter into the inside of the pipe or pipes of the reactor-pipeline system, the washing being performed with the below-mentioned washing agents used in the following order: an aqueous solution of a basic

Abstract: A poly(arylene ether) may be fractionated into higher and lower molecular weight fractions by forming a mixture that includes a poly(arylene ether) starting material, a first solvent that is dichloromethane, bromochloromethane, dibromomethane, or a mixture thereof, and a second solvent different from the first solvent having a Hildebrand solubility parameter of about 16 to about 22 megapascal1/2. The mixture separates into fractions containing higher and lower molecular weight poly(arylene ether)s.

Abstract: The present invention is to prevent the rapid viscosity rise generated at the time of dissolving or dispersing in a solvent a polymer obtained by reacting a material polymer having an acidic functional group and a hydroxyl group in the principal chain part with an isocyanate compound, in particular, a photo-curing polymer obtained by reaction with a radical polymerizable group-containing isocyanate compound. A highly stable polymer can be obtained by reacting a material polymer having a principal chain including at least a component unit having an acidic functional group and a component unit having a hydroxyl group with an isocyanate compound, and further reacting the same with an alcohol. Moreover, by producing a material polymer using a non-nitrile azo-based or peroxide-based polymerization initiator and/or introducing an isocyanate compound using a polymerization inhibitor selected from the compounds represented by the above-mentioned formulae (10) and (16), the transparency can be improved.

Abstract: Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene compositions of highly beneficial sintering characteristics are disclosed and methods for making and processing same. Additionally, products comprising these compositions are described.

Abstract: Sulfonated polyethersulfones and polymer compositions comprising sulfonated polyethersulfones and at least one inorganic heteropolyacid are useful as proton exchange membranes for fuel cells. The polyethersulfones include structural units derived from at least one biphenol monomer and a monomer of formula I wherein X is O, S or NR1; Y is N or CR5; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkylaryl, substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl or substituted arylalkyl, or R3 and R4, taken together, form a 5- or 6-membered substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or aromatic ring; R5 is hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkylaryl, substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl or substituted arylalkyl; and L is a direct bond or a divalent aromatic linker containing 6-12 carbons.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a desolvation method for removing a solvent efficiently from a polymer solution. In the present desolvation method where the solvent is removed from the polymer solution by steam stripping using an apparatus comprising a pipe which connects a gas phase portion of a desolvation tank at the downstream and a liquid phase portion of a desolvation tank at the upstream, and an opening-degree adjusting mean (for example, pressure adjusting valve) fixed to this pipe, pressures are controlled such that a pressure difference (?P=P2?P1) between pressures of each gas phase portion of desolvation tanks at the downstream and at the upstream is allowed to be larger by from 0.005 to 0.6 MPa, preferably from 0.05 to 0.3 MPa than a pressure difference when the opening-degree adjusting mean is fully opened.

Abstract: Coatings for an implantable medical devices such as stents and methods of fabricating thereof are disclosed. The coatings comprise a biologically absorbable poly(ester amide), which is a polymeric product of a reaction between a diol-diamine and a dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating polymeric materials comprises a treatment chamber adapted to maintain a selected atmosphere; a means for supporting the polymeric material within the chamber; and, a source of plasma-derived gas containing at least one reactive oxidative species whereby the polymer is stabilized and cross linked through exposure to the oxidative species in the chamber at a selected temperature. The polymer may be directly exposed to the plasma, or alternatively, the plasma may be established in a separate volume from which the reactive species may be extracted and introduced into the vicinity of the polymer. The apparatus may be configured for either batch-type or continuous-type processing. The apparatus and method are especially useful for preparing polymer fibers, particularly PAN fibers, for later carbonization treatments.