Abstract: A process for preparing an ultrahigh molecular weight linear polyethylene (UHMWLPE) exhibiting a combination of properties including a creep resistance of less than 1% demonstrated under exposure to a temperature of 23.degree. C. (+ or -1.degree. C.) and a relative humidity of 50 (+ or -2% for 24 hours under a compression of 1000 psi) without sacrificing excellent tensile and flexural properties. The invention includes the use of an inert gas and a prescribed pattern of heating and cooling including a further heat and cooling treatment to create the superior properties of the UHMWLPE. Also included is the product of the process invention.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a single-pass, horizontal heat exchanger, of the shell and tube type, which is designed for preheating of a viscous material, such as the reactor effluent of a polyethylene solution. The heat exchanger is made in three sections, each of which can be heated independently with a heating fluid, so that a temperature profile can be easily maintained along the entire length of the exchanger. Also, each section can be removed from the exchanger unit independently of the other sections, for cleaning, if the section becomes plugged.

Abstract: An aromatic polycarbonate containing at least one terminal group represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R' are the same or different and are alkyl, aryl or halogen; a and b are the same or different and are zero or an integer of one to four; W is O, S, SO, SO.sub.2, CH.sub.2, CHR or CR.sub.2 wherein R is identified above;X=O, ##STR2## arylO, or ##STR3## Preferably a and b are the same or different and are zero or one, more preferably each is zero. W is CH.sub.2, CHR or CR.sub.2.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastically mouldable slightly branched aliphatic (co)polyamides of high molecular weight with increased melt viscosities and a marked structural viscosity prepared by accelerated polycondensation of suitable monomer melts in the presence of small quantities of lysine components and approximately equivalent quantities of a polycarboxylic acid optionally followed by a thermal after-condensation reaction, and to a process for the polycondensation. The lysine components used are lysine, lysine hydrate, esters of lysine with low alcohols or lysine hydrochlorides (the latter in the presence of approximately equivalent quantities of bases added at the same time to bind the HCl).

Abstract: The invention relates to high molecular weight (co)polyamides and to a process for the accelerated production of polyamides during melt polycondensation using a combination of aminocaprolactam (ACL) and/or lysine components and polycarboxylic acids and known catalysts and also, if desired, for the accelerated solid-phase post-condensation of the catalyst-containing (co)polyamides and to the polyamides produced by the processes.

Abstract: The invention is a chemical process for complete destruction and safe disposition of hazardous organic chemicals carbonaceous chemicals. The invention also comprises the process for production of an inert polymer formed essentially of Carbon and Sulfur, and also comprises the new inert polymer, itself and articles made of the new polymer. This new polymer has many of the properties of refractory materials and is an inert non-inflammable cross-linked polymer that is relatively insoluble in all generally known solvents. In the process of the invention, a carbonaceous chemical and Sulfur is heated, in an atmosphere of Nitrogen at 500.degree. to 1500.degree. C. Waste gases including sulfur and sulfides are condensed, scrubbed and the sulfur recycled. The solids residue when analyzed by a mass spectrometer contains less than one (1) part per million (1 ppm) of unreacted organic chemical.

Abstract: Poly(arylene sulfide/sulfone) polymers prepared using a sulfur-rich reaction mixture are treated in order to increase melt stability by contacting the poly(arylene sulfide/sulfone) polymer with an acidic solution, followed by contacting the polymer with a soluble zinc compound.

Abstract: Polyarylene sulfides react with disulfides containing reactive functional groups, typically at temperatures within the range of about 225.degree.-375.degree. C., yielding reactively capped polyarylene sulfides. The preferred reactive functional groups are amino groups and carboxy groups and functional derivatives thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preparing poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate) by the polycondensation reaction of ethylene glycol and dimethyl-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate, using a dimethyl-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate starting material which contains significant amounts of methyl hydrogen 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate as a contaminant. The methyl hydrogen 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate moiety is incorporated into the polymer structure by initially esterifying the methyl hydrogen 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate acid end-group with ethylene carbonate, in the presence of an amine or ammonium catalyst, before the polyesterification/polycondensation reaction is performed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for the preparation of a poly(arylene thioether-ketone) improved in melt stability, which comprises subjecting a poly(arylene thioether-ketone) (PTK) to a heat treatment for 5-5.times.10.sup.3 minutes in a powdery state and a temperature range of 200.degree.-350.degree. C. The PTK has predominant recurring units of the formula ##STR1## and has a melting point, Tm of 310.degree.-380.degree. C., a melt crystallization temperature, Tmc (420.degree. C./10 min) of at least 210.degree. C., a residual melt crystallization enthalpy, .DELTA.Hmc (420.degree. C./10 min) of at least 10 J/g and a reduced viscosity of 0.2-2.0 dl/g. PTKs improved in melt stability and prepared in accordance with the above-described preparation process are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved melt stability is imparted to a linear alternating polymer of carbon monozide and at least one ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon during processing of the polymer when at least one melting and solidification cycle of such processing is conducted in intimate contact with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Ionically crosslinked ethylene copolymers prepared by mixing a carboxyl-containing copolymer with an aqueous metal salt solution in the reaction zone of a twin-screw extruder and transferring the product to a devolatilization zone, and are used as adhesion promoters, injection molded articles or laminating films.

Abstract: A graphite fiber reinforced polymer matrix is layed up, cured, and thermally aged at about 750.degree. F. in the presence of an inert gas. The heat treatment improves the structural integrity and alters the electrical conductivity of the materials. In the preferred embodiment PMR-15 polyimides and Celion-6000 graphite fibers are used.

Abstract: By treating aromatic polycarbonates, aromatic polyester carbonates and aromatic and/or araliphatic polyesters in the molten state with super-critical gases or gas mixtures under pressure, the melt viscosity of these polymers is considerably lowered so that basic chemical operations which proceed only incompletely under the usual conditions can be carried out on these thermoplasts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for cross-linking polymers that contain aromatic ether containing rings by heating the polymers together with selected halocarbon compounds. The crosslinked polymers have improved chemical resistance.

Abstract: A method of mixing filled thermoplastic resins containing particles of resin and filler. The method comprises preheating to about 150 degrees to 250 degrees F., at least the resin particles, and thereafter mixing until plasticized. The filler may also be preheated between 150 degrees and 350 degrees F. This method reduces the mixing time and improves the characteristics of the product.

Abstract: The cross-linking or curing of thermosetting resins and of hot curable elastomers is carried out by heating the material or the article comprising the resin (or the elastomer) by saturated vapor of the commercial perfluoropolyether having an average boiling point corresponding to the temperature necessary for the cross-linking and having a point range not exceeding 12.degree. C. (measured according to ASTM D 1078) in the presence of a chlorofluorohydrocarbon secondary vapor.

Abstract: Thermotropic polyesters containing recurring structural units corresponding to the following formulae ##STR1## can be processed at low temperatures and may be used for the production of moldings, filaments, fibers and films.

Abstract: A thermotropic copolyester, showing a liquid-crystalline structure of nematic type within a desired temperature range, contains units deriving from:(a) a saturated bicarboxy aliphatic acid;(b) 4,4'-di-hydroxydipheryl;(c) 4-hydroxybenzoic acid; and(d) 4-hydroxy-benzoic acid bearing an alkyl substituent or a halogen atom bonded to the aromatic ring.Such a copolyester constitutes a material endowed with self-reinforcing characteristics, originating, through the usual transformation processes by injection or by extrusion techniques, marked molecular orientations, which supply the manufactured articles with high stiffness characteristics.Said material can be also used as a reinforcing agent when is mixed, by means of the usual techniques, with the traditional thermoplastic polymers.

Abstract: A thermotropic copolyester, having a liquid-crystallne mesophase of nematic structure within a desired range of temperatures, contains units derived from:(a) a saturated aliphatic bicarboxy acid;(b) 4,4'-dihydroxy-biphenyl;(c) p-hydroxybenzoic acid; and(d) 2,6-hydroxynaphthoic acid.Such a thermotropic copolyester displays improved characteristics, in particular as regards its extensional modulus and its tensile strength, when is used as a self-reinforced material, or as a reinforcer material for traditional thermoplastic polymers.

Abstract: Macromolecules, including rigid chain or ladder polymers are solubilized in aprotic organic solvents by complex formation. The resultant polymer solutions are useful for producing films, coatings, fibers, sheets, and other forms of the macromolecules.

Abstract: A process for separating low molecular weight compounds from a crude polycaproamide melt comprises heat treating the melt in vacuo with superheated steam, in an extruder having a plurality of degassing zones, under precise conditions of temperature, pressure and configuration, such that the occurrence of side reactions and dehydration of the melt are substantially eliminated, the molecular weight of the polymer during the heat treatment in vacuo, during transport and subsequent processing remains substantially unchanged, a residual content of low molecular weight compounds of .ltoreq.1.8% is achieved, and the operating flexibility of the process is increased.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastically deformable branched aliphatic polyamides prepared by the hydrolytic polycondensation of lactams in the presence of small quantities of .alpha.-amino-.epsilon.-caprolactam (ACL) and approximately equivalent quantities of polycarboxylic acids (preferably dicarboxylic acids) and to a process for their preparation which is distinguished by considerably reduced polycondensation times without giving rise to cross-linked products. The process optionally in addition employs a solid phase after-condensation in which rapid further condensation takes place to the products with increased melt viscosity which are branched but are still soluble in m-cresol.

Abstract: Thermotropic polyester imides having recurrent units corresponding to the following formulae: ##STR1## have excellent dimensional stability under heat and are suitable for the production of moulded articles, filaments, fibres and films.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic organic substance having a triaryl methane structure and a free radical concentration of methine carbon positions of at least 10.sup.17 radicals/g, preferably at least 10.sup.18 radials/g, is provided by polycondensing a condensed polynuclear aromatic compound or an electron donating group substituted monocyclic aromatic compound with an aromatic aldehyde in the presence of an acid catalyst, to produce a precondensate having a softening point between 30.degree. C. and 120.degree. C. and being soluble in various organic solvents, and subjecting the resulting precondensate to a dehydrogenation treatment and a purification treatment, followed by molding.

Abstract: This invention is a method and an apparatus for rapidly devolatilizing a product of a polymerization process containing at least one volatile material. The product is initially devolatilized in a high temperature zone, and the foamed devolatilized product is separated into a gas and a liquid polymer phase and rapidly removed therefrom to minimize depolymerization and degradation of the polymer. The partially devolatilized product is further devolatilized by feeding it into a rotatable chamber which is rotated at a sufficient angular velocity to create a high gravitational field to form a vapor and a polymer liquid pool.

Abstract: A crystallized aromatic polycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of from 6,000 to 200,000 and having a terminal hydroxyl group content of not greater than 0.03% by weight based on the weight of the polycarbonate is effectively produced by first heating a mixture of a dihydroxydiaryl compound comprising at least 85 mole % of a dihydroxydiaryl alkane with a diaryl carbonate to prepare a prepolymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 2,000 to 20,000 and having terminal aryl carbonate groups in an amount of greater than 50 mole %, based on the total number of moles of all the terminal groups of the prepolymer, secondly crystallizing the prepolymer and finally subjecting the crystallized prepolymer to solid-state polymerization. The crystallized aromatic polycarbonate does not contain impurities, is colorless and has excellent properties such as resistance to heat and to boiling water. Therefore, the polycarbonate is advantageously used as engineering plastics.

Abstract: A process comprising heating for a sufficient period of time and at a temperature in the range of the glass transition temperature of the polymer to 5 degrees C below the melting point of the polymer, a solid, comminuted, copoly(arylene sulfide) prepared by reacting at a polymer producing temperature a mixture of a diiodoaromatic compound and elemental sulfur which contains less than 0.05 weight percent carbon, the copoly(arylene sulfide) corresponding to the structure[(--A--S--).sub.1--x (--A--S--S--).sub.x ].sub.nwherein A is a divalent substituted or unsubstituted aromatic radical, x is in the range of 0.2 to 0.005 and n is at least 100.

Abstract: The invention provides molded polyamide articles and a process for making the same. The molded polyamide articles consist substantially of tetramethylene adipamide units, the articles having an increased crystallinity expressed as a first melting enthalpy which is at least 30 Joules per gram higher than a second melting enthalpy determined after subsequent solidification of the polyamide. The process comprises shaping the polyamide from the melt, cooling the resulting polyamide article, and heat treating the article in an inert gas atmosphere at a temperature of 220.degree. C. for 0.25 to 24 hours.

Abstract: Poly(N-vinylformamide) is thermolytically reacted to yield poly(N-vinylamine).

Abstract: A methacrylimide group-containing polymer having improved moldability as well as good heat resistance and transparency is prepared by heat treating a methacrylimide group-containing polymer having imide ring structural units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R represents a hydrogen, an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl or allyl group 1 to 20 carbon atoms, at a temperature of 190 to 350 C. in the presence of a tertiary amine of the formula: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 independently represent an alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or alkaryl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and two of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 may be linked to form a ring together with the nitrogen atom.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the continuous polymerization of methyl methacrylate with a lesser cost, thermally polymerizable comonomer such as styrene, in the presence of a large quantity of solvent by introducing the monomers into a continuos loop of recycled solvent and removing the polymerized product therefrom. The polymerization is practiced in a plurality of stages, preferably two stages wherein the bulk of the polymerization is performed in the first stage and the final stage is operated to deplete the initiator and any thermally polymerizable comonomer, and polymerization modifiers from the crude polymerizate, thereby forming a crude polymerizate suitable for devolatilization. The crude polymerizate is preheated and devolatilized in a flash zone. Sufficient pressure is maintained on the crude polymerizate in the devolatilizer preheater to avoid the formation of foam encrustations on the heat exchange surfaces of the devolatilizer preheater and on the surfaces of the transfer lines.

Abstract: The process uses a vented barrel to decrease the mositure content of the ionomeric resin cover stock prior to injection molding of a golf ball cover or the formation of semi-circular cover halves. The vent is located at a point on the barrel where the temperature of the melted ionomeric resin melt is between 400.degree. F. (204.degree. C.) and 500.degree. F. (260.degree. C.). The venting drops the moisture content of the ionomeric resin to below 800 ppm.

Abstract: Thermosettable prepolymers are prepared by reacting (A) the reaction product of (1) a heterocyclic material having one or more rings therein, at least one nitrogen atom in a ring and at least two substituent groups which have at least one reactive hydrogen atom attached to a carbon atom which is attached to a hetercyclic ring such as 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine; (2) a cycloaliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid mono- or dianhydride such as pyromellitic dianhydride; and (3) a compound containing both a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one group selected from (a) a heterocyclic material having one or more rings, at least one nitrogen atom in a ring and at least one substituent group which has at least one reactive hydrogen atom attached to a carbon atom which is attached to a heterocyclic ring such as 2-methyl-5-vinyl pyridine or (b) a cycloaliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid mono- or dianhydride group such as cis-5-norbornene-endo-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride; with (B) an aqueous or al

Abstract: A process to hydrogenate and deodorize a polyisobutylene polymer of from 100 to 4000 molecular weight and cosmetic dermatological compositions containing the hydrogenated, deodorized polyisobutylene polymers are disclosed.

Abstract: Improved, stronger poly(arylene sulfide) fibers can be produced by treatment of a crystallizable poly(arylene sulfide) fiber with an organic halide, either before or after annealing. Physical properties, such as density and abrasion resistance, can be increased after said treatment.

Abstract: The invention is a chemical process for complete destruction and safe disposition of hazardous organic carbonaceous chemicals. The invention also comprises the process for production of an inert polymer formed essentially of Carbon and Sulfur, and also comprises the new inert polymer, itself and articles made of the new polymer. This new polymer has many of the properties of refractory materials and is an inert non-inflammable cross-linked polymer that is relatively insoluble in all generally known solvents. In the process of the invention, a carbonaceous chemical and Sulfur is heated, in an atmosphere of Nitrogen at 500.degree. to 1500.degree. C. Waste gases including sulfur and sulfides are condensed, scrubbed and the sulfur recycled. The solids residue when analyzed by a mass spectrometer contains less than one (1) part per million (1 ppm) of unreacted organic chemical.

Abstract: A method for the production of a hydrophilic polymer having a small residual monomer content from a hydrated gel polymer, which method comprises drying said hydrated gel polymer by contact thereof with a gas containing at least steam and having a dew point in the range of 50.degree. to 100.degree. C. at a temperature in the range of 80.degree. C. to 250.degree. C., and a hydrophilic polymer obtained therefrom.

Abstract: In a process for partially curing a powdery polyarylene sulfide resin which comprises heating the powdery resin either in the absence or presence of oxygen while agitating so as to attain an increased melt viscosity in a range suitable for further processing or molding of the resin, an improvement comprising that the resin together with an added specific inorganic additive undergoes the partial curing treatment at temperatures in the range of from a temperature just below the melting point of the starting resin down to a temperature lower by 80.degree. C. than said melting point. The additive is selected from the group consisting of silica, hydrophobic silica, talc and calcium carbonate and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A mixture of unlike particulate solids is dispersed in liquid nitrogen to form a slurry. The slurry is then subjected to shear and impact forces of sufficient intensity and duration to break up agglomerates, to comminute at least the larger particles, and to obtain a randomly mixed homogeneous suspension. The suspension is thereafter stabilized by removal of liquid nitrogen to form a past or powder which may be further processed into shapes by extrusion or molding. One preferred embodiment utilizes a batch-to-continuous process for the compounding of rubber with carbon black and other additives.

Abstract: A process of preparing a homogeneous amorphous polymeric blend of polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT) which includes intimately mixing the PET and PBT at a weight ratio of about 10:90-90:10, melting the mixture at 290.degree.-330.degree. C., cooling the mixture to 0.degree.--194.degree. C. by extruding it onto rollers maintained in a cooling bath and orienting the polymer of the resulting continuous shaped object at room temperature to a draw ratio of about 5:1, with subsequent annealing at about 120.degree.-180.degree. C. for about one hour.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer, e.g. polytetrafluoroethylene, is easily and efficiently converted into a lower molecular weight polymer in the form of a fine powder by subjecting the fluoropolymer to contact reaction with a gas comprising molecular fluorine or a suitable fluoride such as nitrogen trifluoride or xenon difluoride at a temperature between the melting temperature of the fluoropolymer and 600.degree. C., extracting a hot reaction gas produced by the contact reaction from the reactor and cooling the extracted reaction gas to a temperature not high than 100.degree. C. to thereby precipitate the molecular weight reduced fluoropolymer contained in the hot reaction gas as vapor.

Abstract: A process for preparing carbon fibers of high strength which includes the steps of homopolymerizing acrylonitrile or copolymerizing acrylonitrile with other vinyl monomers in a concentrated zinc chloride aqeuous solution containing 0.01-5% by weight of hydrogen chloride to form a polymeric solution which is spinned to form precursor filaments which are carbonized to provide carbon fibers.

Abstract: Powders of tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having a non-spherical particle shape, a frictional packing ratio of 20 to 100% and an average particle size of 5 to 500 .mu.m. The powders are useful for powder coatings, particularly roto-moulding, roto-lining and electrostatic coating.

Abstract: Melt stable polymeric resins are provided by process which comprises heating a first particulate resin selected from the group consisting of poly(arylene sulfide ketone) and poly(arylene sulfide diketone), while in the presence of a gaseous oxidizing atmosphere, to a temperature at least about 150.degree. C. (302.degree. F.) but below the melting point of the first particulate resins, for time sufficient to produce a second particulate resin. The thermal stability of the second particulate resin is superior to that of its respective first particulate resin is superior to that of its respective first particulate resin. Moreover, the molecular weight of the second particulate resin is greater than that of its respective first particulate resin.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastically deformable, high molecular weight, slightly branched aliphatic polyamides prepared by the polycondensation of polyamide-forming, aliphatic diamine/dicarboxylic acid mixtures, optionally with the addition of lactams and special amino acids, in the presence of small quantities of .alpha.-amino-.epsilon.-caprolactam, and optionally their thermal solid phase after-condensation.

Abstract: A process for producing a polycarbonate polyol by ester-interchange reaction of a dialkyl, diaryl or alkylene carbonate and a polyhydroxy compound, wherein the dialkyl, diaryl or alkylene carbonate is purified by adsorption treatment with an adsorbent prior to use in the reaction. A process for producing a polycarbonate polyol which comprises ester-interchange reaction of a dialkyl or diaryl carbonate and a polyhydroxy compound in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the proportion of the polyhydroxy compound to the dialkyl or diaryl carbonate is 1.01 to 1.30 times its stoichiometrical amount, and the amount of the catalyst is 0.0001 to 0.5% by weight, calculated as metal, based on the dialkyl or diaryl carbonate. Also provided is a process for producing a polycarbonate polyol by ester-interchange reaction of a dialkyl, diaryl or alkylene carbonate and a polyhydroxy compound in the presence of a catalyst in an amount, as metal, of 0.0001 to 0.

Abstract: A process for tempering unextracted polycaprolactam is disclosed which results in polycaprolactam having suitable physical and chemical properties for melt extrusion and spinning, without the need for conventional solvent/water extraction and drying of crude granules.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing solid and liquid impurities from a particulate arylene sulfide polymer recovered from a polymerization reaction mixture slurry, without significantly discoloring the resulting washed polymer. The process of this invention comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a first slurry, wherein the solid component thereof comprises a particulate arylene sulfide polymer recovered from a reaction mixture slurry, and wherein the liquid component thereof comprises a mixture of water and a reducing agent; (b) heating the first slurry to a temperature of at least about 185.degree. C. (365.degree. F.) but below the melting point of the particulate polymer, to wash the polymer contained therein; (c) cooling the first slurry to a temperature below about 100.degree. C. (212.degree. F.), to form a second slurry, wherein the solid component thereof comprises a washed particulate arylene sulfide polymer; and (d) recovering the washed particulate arylene sulfide polymer from the second slurry.

Abstract: A novel copolymer resin which has excellent tackifying properties for selected elastomers useful in hot melt and pressure sensitive adhesives is produced by the copolymerization of beta-pinene with other terpenes or hydrocarbon monomers, followed by thermal catalytic isomerization of the resin produced. Typically, beta-pinene and styrene (80/20) are copolymerized at a temperature between 0.degree. to 60.degree. C. under anhydrous conditions with a Lewis acid catalyst in a solvent. After catalyst removal, the copolymer resin is isomerized with iodine as a catalyst at a temperature between 200.degree. to 260.degree. C. Excellent yields of high softening point tackifier resins are produced.