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: The object of the present invention is to provide a high quality polyester resin having high productivity, stability and safety, a catalyst for polyester production with high catalytic activity, a method for producing the polyester resin with the catalyst, a polyester resin obtained with the catalyst, and a hollow molded container having the polyester resin. The polyester resin of the present invention satisfies specific parameters regarding polymerizability, stability, and metal content. The catalyst for polyester production satisfies specific parameters. The catalyst particularly preferably has: (a) a solid titanium-containing compound which has a maximum solubility in ethylene glycol of 1,000 ppm or more in terms of converted titanium amount when dissolved in ethylene glycol with heating at 150° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of preparing linear polymers such as polyalkylene oxides containing a terminal amine in high purity. One preferred method includes reacting a polyalkylene oxide such as polyethylene glycol containing a terminal azide with a phosphine-based reducing agent such as triphenylphosphine or an alkali metal borohydride reducing agent such as sodium borohydride in a solvent to reflux. The resultant polymer-amines are of sufficient purity so that expensive and time consuming purification steps required for pharmaceutical grade polymers are avoided.

Abstract: A method for reducing the permeation rate of a permeable species through a polymeric material includes identifying a solubility-increasing species in the polymeric material having a reversible affinity for the permeable species, and removing or altering at least a portion of the solubility-increasing species in the polymeric material. In one application, the permeable species is water, and the solubility-increasing species is hygroscopic. A example of a polymeric material is an elastomeric polymer. The solubility-increasing species may be removed in part from an existing piece of the polymeric material by leaching it out. The polymeric material may instead be manufactured with a reduced content of the solubility-increasing species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin surface treating agent containing as an effective component at least one cerium compound selected from tetravalent and trivalent cerium compounds. The surface treating method of the present invention is a method of bringing a surface of a resin into contact with a surface treating agent containing as an effective component at least one cerium compound selected from tetravalent and trivalent cerium compounds, and thereafter treating the surface with an acidic aqueous solution. This activates the resin surface and thereby increases a strength of adhesion of, for instance, a polyimide-based resin film with metal wires, as well as a strength of adhesion of a polyimide-based resin film with another resin. Thus, a resin surface treating agent that provides excellent productivity and reduces processing costs, as well as a surface treating method using the same, are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of extending the shelf-life of constructs, in particular bioabsorbable stents, comprising semi-crystalline polymers by increasing the crystallinity of the polymers.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing an aqueous solution of polyaminoamide-epichlorohydrin resin comprising adjusting the pH of the solution to less than about 3 with strong acid and then adding to the solution a weak acid in a mole ratio of total protons available from the weak acid to total protons available from the strong acid of about 0.05 to about 2.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a crystallizable plastic material is disclosed. The process includes the step of melting an amorphous plastic material, pelletizing the material, crystallizing it and then post condensing the plastic material with the proviso that the plastic material is not subjected to heating after the melting step but prior to the crystallization step and then subjecting the plastic material to sieving after the crystallization step.

Abstract: A method of producing a polyarylene oxide comprising a step of oxidative polymerization of a monomer represented by the general formula (1) in an organic solvent in the presence of a transition metal compound, wherein, Ar represents a benzene ring or a naphthalene ring, R1 represents a hydrocarbon group optionally substituted, a hydrocarbonoxy group optionally substituted, or a halogen atom; a represents an integer of 0 to 5, and when a is 2 or more, R1s may be the same or different, adjacent R1s may mutually bond to form a ring; R2 represents a single bond or an arylene group; R3 represents a hydrocarbon group optionally substituted or a trialkylsilyl group.

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: Processes are disclosed for oxygen-tailoring polyethylene blow molding resin. Polyethylene resin is conveyed through a feed zone, a melt-mixing zone and a melt zone, wherein the temperature of the polyethylene resin is from about 216° C. to about 260° C. in the melt zone. The resin is contacted with oxygen in an amount of at least about 20 parts by weight oxygen per million parts by weight resin. The oxygen-treated resin can be used to make polyethylene blow molded articles having improved melt strength, processability, and die swell.

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: The present invention provides a radiation-curable prepolymer. The radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention is prepared by reacting an isocyanate-capped polyurethane with an ethylenically unsaturated amine or an ethylenically unsaturated monohydroxy compound or a mixture thereof, wherein the isocyanate-capped polyurethane is a copolymerization production of: (a) at least one polyalkylene glycol; (b) at least one branching agent having at least three hydroxy groups; and (c) at least one di- or polyisocyanate. The radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention can find use in economically producing contact lenses which have durable, highly elastic soft contact lenses with desired physical properties. In addition, the present invention provides method for making a radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention and for making a medical device, preferably an ophthalmic device, more preferably a contact lens.

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: The present invention relates to a process for stripping residual volatile compounds contained in a thermoplastic polymer. The process comprises (1) forming the polymer in the form of a melt flowing as a main stream, (2) forming a foaming agent in the form of one or more secondary liquid streams, (3) adding the secondary stream(s) to the main stream by spraying so as to divide each secondary liquid stream into several fractional streams and thus to form a polymer melt/foaming agent pre-mixture, (4) introducing the pre-mixture into a static mixer, then into an expansion chamber at reduced pressure so as to separate the polymer melt from the residual volatile compounds and from the foaming agent, and (5) withdrawing the polymer melt from the expansion chamber. The invention also relates to an apparatus for removing residual volatile compounds contained in a thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing mass with low density and improved tensile strength on the basis of sulfur-containing polymers such as on the basis of polysulfide, polyether or/and polytioether that has a density of not more than 1.3 g/cm3 according to ISO 2781 and a tensile strength of at least 1.9 N/mm2 according to ISO 37 after curing. The invention further relates to a ground mass based on sulfur-containing polymers for producing a sealing mass that comprises at least one long-chain linear polymer and at least one short-chain branched polymer having a content in trifunctional molecules, or/and at least one multifunctional cross-linker with a number of functional groups n?3.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from synthetic resin material containers using a first organic solvent system and a second carbon dioxide system. The organic solvent is utilized for removing the contaminants from the synthetic resin material and the carbon dioxide is used to separate any residual organic solvent from the synthetic resin material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of low solvent sol-gel systems, comprising the following steps: (a) hydrolysis or condensation of a silane and/or an alkoxide and/or several alkoxides of Al, Ce, Ga, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb and Ta, (b) addition of water to the reaction mixture until phase separation sets in, and (c) separation of the condensate phase. The invention also relates to the sol-gel system thus obtained and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A process for purifying a crude polyether, comprising contacting a crude polyether obtained by addition polymerizing an active hydrogen-containing compound with an alkylene oxide compound in the presence of an alkali metal-containing basic catalyst to an adsorbent comprising a synthesized hydrous magnesium silicate compound which satisfies the following requirements (1) to (5) in order to reduce the alkali metal content of the crude polyether: (1) it is represented by the following formula I: (CaO)x.(MgO)y.(Al2O3)z.SiO2.mH2OI wherein x, y, z and m satisfy the following ranges: x<y, z<y, 0?x?0.1, 0.6?y?0.6, 0?z?0.1 and 0.1?m?1.5, (2) it is amorphous according to the analysis of its powder method X-ray diffraction diagram, (3) it has a BET specific surface area of 100 to 400 m2/g, (4) it has an alkali metal content of 0.1 wt % or less, and (5) it has an average particle diameter of 2 to 60 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the amount of residual monomers in aqueous polymer dispersions means of chemical post-treatment. Post-treatment in the aqueous polymer dispersion is carried out by adding a redox system which contains a) 0.005-5 wt. % of an oxidation agent which contains an organic peroxide. and b) 0.005-5 wt. % of a reduction agent which contains sulfinic acids or salts thereof. Additionally the redox system can, optionally, contain catalytic amounts of a polyvalent metallic ion which can be treated in several valent stages. Post-treatment can be carried out at a temperature ranging from 20-100.degree. C. and at a PH-value ranging from 2-9. The invention also relates to the use of the inventive post-treated polymer dispersion for producing adhesives, coatings, powders, constructive chemical products or for refining textiles or paper.

Abstract: In the continuous production of polyesters, the esterification/transesterification of dicarboxylic acids or esters of the dicarboxylic acids with diols is performed in at least one reaction stage, the prepolycondensation of the esterification/transesterification product is performed under a vacuum in a reaction stage consisting of a vertical tube, and the polycondensation of the prepolycondensation product is performed in at least one reaction stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of polyazole films, in which a film is passed at least twice through a trough filled with a liquid, with the film being unrolled from a spool and rolled up on a further spool and the direction of travel of the film is changed during the treatment by altering the direction of rotation of the spools.

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 polymeric material having reduced levels of particulate impurities. The polymeric material prepared is suitable for use in data storage media applications.

Abstract: A foam reduction agent consisting of dibasic esters is shown and a process using a liquid contact with polystyrene foam wherein the higher boiling temperature of the dibasic esters and contact with the liquid provides a volume reduction process and less evaporation loss as well as safer transportation of the chemicals and the polystyrene in its reduced state. The resulting reduced sludge is also recyclable to superior quality raw polystyrene foam beads and the reduction agents are recoverable for future use. The resulting sludge also has unexpected beneficial uses hereto for unknown as a waterproofing agent.

Abstract: A process for the separation of volatile material from particulate polymer which has been substantially freed from unreacted monomer in an earlier separation step, comprising (a) feeding the particulate polymer to a purge vessel, optionally causing it to move through the vessel in substantially plug-flow mode, (b) heating the particulate polymer in the purge vessel to a temperature greater than 30° C. but insufficiently high to cause the particles to become agglomerated, and/or maintaining the polymer at a temperature in this range in the purge vessel, (c) feeding air to the purge vessel counter-current to the movement of the particulate polymer to remove volatile material therefrom, (d) removing the particulate polymer from the purge vessel. Preferably the particulate polymer fed to the purge vessel is caused to move through the vessel in substantially plug-flow mode. The process is particularly suitable for polyethylene.

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 reduction of the residual monomer content and enhancement of the wet strength of articles formed from water absorbent crosslinked polymer foams containing units derived from monoethylenically unsaturated acids, which comprises treating the formed articles with at least 0.5% by weight of a polymer containing primary and/or secondary amino groups and having a molar mass of at least 300, the formed foam articles thus obtainable and use of the wet strength enhanced formed foam articles in hygiene articles.

Abstract: An oxytetramethylene glycol copolymer obtained by copolymerizing tetrahydrofuran and neopentyl glycol which has a specific number average molecular weight Mn, a specific molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn, a specific neopentyl glycol copolymerization whole ratio Nw and a specific neopentyl glycol copolymerization partial ratio Nh; a method for producing the same; and a method for purifying an oxytetramethylene glycol copolymer using fresh tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for quenching free radicals present in irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene comprising the steps of (a) providing a mass of irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, wherein the mass comprises free radicals, (b) immersing at least a portion of the mass of irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene in a non-polar solvent having a temperature for a time and under conditions sufficient to quench a substantial portion of the free radicals contained therein, wherein the temperature of the non-polar solvent is maintained below the melting point of the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, (c) removing the mass of irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene from the non-polar solvent, and (d) removing any non-polar solvent from the mass of irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.

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: 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: Calibration devices for optical scanners and methods for their use are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a polymeric coating with at least one fluorescent agent, where the devices have minimal local and global nonuniformities. The subject device may also include one or more photobleached regions. In using the subject devices, a surface is illuminated with at least one light source, fluorescence data is obtained from the surface and the optical system is calibrated based upon the obtained fluorescence data. The subject invention finds use in a variety of optical scanners, including biopolymeric array optical scanners. Also provided are kits for use in verifying and calibrating optical scanners.

Abstract: Method of producing an article comprising providing a raw material in the form of a plurality of polymer elements, the polymer elements comprising an amorphous polymer; heating the materials to a temperature above a first predetermined temperature; and compacting the material whilst above the first predetermined temperature. The first predetermined temperature is the Tg of the polymer elements, the pressure is between 100 and 200 psi; and the temperature and pressure of compaction are sufficient to soften the outer portion of the polymer elements and to cause the polymer elements to bonds to each other without melting or softening of the inner portion of polymer elements. A product is produced having a structure which comprises cores of amorphous polymer that have not been softened or melted in the method, surrounded by a mass of softened and re-hardened material which bonds the cores together.

Abstract: Multilayer coextruded thermoformable structures for packaging film applications. The multilayer structures having at least a first layer comprising polyethylene terephthalate, a second layer of a first adhesive comprising a blend of at least an acrylate-based resin and either a modified polyolefin or a modified acrylate-based resin; a third layer of a thermoplastic oxygen barrier. The thermoplastic oxygen barrier may comprise ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyvinylidene chloride, or polyamide, preferably, a polyamide blend containing between 1–29% amorphous polyamide. The present invention may further comprise at least 5–7 thermoplastic layers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for continuous production of a water-absorbent resin product by which the water-absorbent resin product having high properties can continuously be produced easily and inexpensively with stable constant quality. In addition, there is disclosed a water-absorbent resin product having high properties and being stable in quality.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed herein to reduce and/or eliminate agglomerations and deformations of pellets comprised of crystallizable thermoplastic polymer material during a crystallization or crystallization of the pellets.

Abstract: A polymer treating method has the steps of: reacting a polymer compound with a reaction agent in a reaction vessel to generate a polymer treatment product; discharging the polymer treatment product containing the reaction agent from the reaction vessel; depressurizing the polymer treatment product; introducing the polymer treatment product into a degassing extruder; separating the reaction agent from the polymer treatment product through a vent box that is connected to upstream of the degassing extruder and that has a volume of equal to or more than that of the reaction vessel; and extruding the polymer treatment product from the degassing extruder.

Abstract: A copolymer of benzene and substituted benzene, particularly anthracene is disclosed. The copolymer is soluble in common organic solvents like chloroform, methylene chloride, benzene, toluene, dimethylformamide, N-methyl pyrrolidinone etc unlike the parent polymer poly-p-phenylene which is highly insoluble in organic solvents. The copolymer is thermally stable up to 380° C. and environmentally stable for at least 1 year. The copolymer is capable of being thermally evaporated useful for electroluminescent devices. The copolymer shows electroluminescene and can be used in the fabrication of an organic light emitting diode device.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a process for treating a polyimide comprising exposing said polyimide to a compound selected from the group consisting of dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers and mixtures thereof. The polyimide may be in the form of a membrane and the membrane, after treatment according to the process of the invention, may be suitable for use in a membrane-based separation technique, for example gas separation, filtration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis or pervaporation. The membrane may for example be suitable for separation of gas and hydrocarbon mixtures including mixtures of H2/N2, H2/CO2, He/N2, CO2/CH4, and C2–C4 hydrocarbon mixtures.

Abstract: A method for controlling the viscoelastic properties of a polymer comprising the steps of feeding a polymer melt into a first and optional subsequent means for applying a strain rate, each means for applying a strain rate being underfed or overfed according to the relative volumetric flow rates into the out of each means for applying a strain rate. The method further comprises subjecting the polymer melt in the means for applying a strain rate to a total shear rate that comprises contributions selected from the group consisting of pressure flow through an orifice, rotational flow about an axis that is parallel to the direction of flow of the melt, vibration in the transverse or longitudinal direction relative to the flow direction of the melt, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the recycling waste polyester resins and the reclaimed materials therefrom. The method for recycling waste polyester resins according to one embodiment the present invention comprises (a) depolymerizing waste polyester resin; (b) polycondensing the depolymerized product from step (a) with a polyhydric alcohol to provide a polyester polymer having an acid value of 10–150 mgKOH/g; and (c) recovering the polyester polymer in solid or liquid form if the polyester polymer from step (b) has an acid value of more than 20 mgKOH/g or recovering the polyester polymer in solid form if the polyester polymer from step (b) has an acid value of less than 20 mgkOH/g. The reclaimed polyester resin according to the present invention has the excellent compatibility, dispersibility, and adhesive property for various media, and can be used easily neutralized and dissolved in water. Accordingly, the polyester resin can be used as a useful material for industrial products.

Abstract: A method for preparing a resin particle having a large surface area and a shape factor (SF-1) of 110 to 800, which comprises a step of applying a shear force to an aqueous dispersion having a viscosity of 300 to 100,000 mPa·s formed by adding a thickener to an aqueous dispersion containing resin particles, and a subsequent step of decreasing the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion to 200 mPa·s or less by adding a viscosity decreasing agent as necessary. Resin particles obtained by the method can be used as additives for paint, additives for coating materials, powder coatings, additives for cosmetics, resins for slush molding, spacers for use in manufacturing electronic components or devices, standard particles for electronic measuring instruments, toners for electrophotography, toners for electrostatic recording, toners for electrostatic printing, and hot-melt adhesives.

Abstract: Method of purifying a polymeric material of a type which includes (A) phenyl moieties; (B) carbonyl and/or sulphone moieties; and; (C) ether and/or thioether moieties. The method includes contacting the polymeric material with a solvent formulation which is at a temperature of greater than 100° C. and a pressure above ambient pressure thereby to charge the solvent formulation with impurities derived from the polymeric material, and separating the charged solvent from the polymeric material.

Abstract: A purification process of thermoprocessable tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymers comprising the following steps: A) the polymer latex is transformed into gel form, under mechanical stirring, by addition of an acid electrolyte having pH values?2; B) washing of the polymer gel with aqueous solutions having pH from 1 to 7.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for easily obtaining a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate by a solvent extraction method. A method for producing a polyhydroxyalkanoate crystal comprises mixing a solution of a polyhydroxyalkanoate in a good solvent with a poor solvent at 50 to 130° C. to precipitate a polyhydroxyalkanoate.

Abstract: A device and method are provided combining the thermal and mechanical attributes of two distinct materials: shape memory materials and super-cooled liquids (SCLs). In one example of the invention, the super-cooled liquid is contained within a shape memory polymer (SCL liquid is filled into a shape memory polymer tube), so that the heat released by the SCL when it is mechanically triggered to crystallize itself triggers the shape change of the shape memory polymer. The device is suitable as a reusable warmer, as a dental mold material, in medical applications where reusable heat packs are indicated, particularly for application to difficult contours, and for large deployable structures such as satellite antennae and temporary shelters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for alkylating cross-linked polymers containing N- or amino, ammonium or spiro-bicyclic ammonium groups. According to said method, the gelated polymers, obtained by polymerization and cross-linking, are a) optionally, deprotonated in water, an organic solvent or in a mixture of an organic solvent and water, by adding a base, b) optionally, washed once or more with water, an organic solvent or a mixture of an organic solvent and water, then c) one or more alkylators are added to the gel suspension which is stirred in water, an organic solvent or in a mixture of an organic solvent and water, at a temperature of between 5 and 160° C. at normal or increased pressure, with a base being added after a short mixing time and d) reprotonation is carried out using a mineral acid, optionally after one or more washing steps, resulting in the alkylated, cross-linked polymers containing N- or amino, ammonium or spirobicyclic ammonium groups, accordingly.

Abstract: The invention relates to high purity fluoropolymers and processes for making such materials. These polymers are particularly suited for applications in the semiconductor industry. The process comprises removal of unstable polymer end groups by fluorination and removal of heavy metal impurities by extraction with an aqueous acid medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a high molecular weight polycarbonate resin, and more particularly to a method for preparing a high molecular weight polycarbonate resin using a solid state polymerization method after the preparation of a crystalline polycarbonate or-conducting the preparation of the crystalline polycarbonate and the solid state polymerization thereof simultaneously. According to the method for the preparation of a high molecular weight polycarbonate resin of the invention, it is possible to produce a high molecular weight polycarbonate resin having a narrow molecular weight distribution and uniform properties and that is applicable to injection and extrusion in large quantities with a low cost within a short time.

Abstract: Multi-armed functional polyethylene glycol polymers with active terminal groups may be used in conjugation with small molecule pharmaceuticals, proteins and peptides to enhance half-life and bioavailability of the drug and improve solubility, stability and immunological competence.