Abstract: A process for removing contaminants from material containing polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") which has been embrittled by mixing material containing PET with ethanediol having a temperature at or about the boiling point of ethanediol for a predetermined period of time, the process including the steps of:(a) transesterifying the PET by reacting ethanediol having a temperature at or about the boiling point of ethanediol with the PET for a predetermined period of time to form a solution containing soluble short chain PET polymers and/or his (hydroxy ethyl) terephthalate ester ("BHT");(b) recovering short chain PET polymers and/or BHT and ethanediol; and(c) hydrolysing the recovered short chain PET polymers and/or BHT at elevated pressure and temperature for a predetermined period of time to form an ethanediol solution and crystals of terephthalic acid.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure process for the continuous production of polyester is disclosed wherein a melt of bis(3-hydroxy propyl) terephthalate, or its low molecular oligomers, obtained by esterifying terephthalic acid or transesterifying dimethyl terephthalate with propylene glycol, is intimately contacted with an inert gas to facilitate polymerization and removal of the reaction byproducts. The propylene glycol evolved and the inert gas are recycled.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing acetaldehyde from polyester which comprises the steps ofa) transporting molten polyester to a vented, continuous screw conveyor having a polymer compression zone,b) rotating the screw of said conveyor so as to compress and convey through the extruder the molten polymer for a time of less than 15 minutes and at a temperature of less than 300.degree. C.,c) simultaneously with step b), flowing a purge agent into and out of said extruder to thereby remove volatile impurities and avoid appreciable build-up of acetaldehyde, andd) conveying the devolatized polymer melt to a mold wherein an article of manufacture is formed.

Abstract: The polypropylene composition of the present invention comprises polypropylene and a rubber component, and has the following characteristics that(i) the melt flow rate (MFR: 230.degree. C., 2.16 kg load), as measured in accordance with ASTM D1238, is not less than 8 g/10 min,(ii) the flexural modulus (FM), as measured in accordance with ASTM D790, is not less than 20,000 kg/cm.sup.2,(iii) the Izod impact strength (IZ), as measured in accordance with ASTM D256, is not less than 20 kg.cm/cm,(iv) the heat deflection temperature (HDT), as measured in accordance with ASTM D648, is not lower than 135.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for recycling polyester contained in waste materials is provided. The polyester is converted into a corresponding acid salt of a polybasic organic acid and a polyol. The process steps generally include first combining materials containing polyester with an alkaline composition to form a mixture. The mixture is heated, causing the polyester to convert to the acid salt and polyol. The polyol is evaporated and separated from the acid salt.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing novel conjugated amino substituted phenylene pmers is disclosed. The process results in polymers having non-linear optical properties, and the polymers can be converted to electrically conductive polymers. The process involves reacting a novel bis-cycloalkylene sulfonium salt of 2,5,N,N-tetramethylaniline hydrochloride, such as 2,5-(N,N-dimethyl)aniline hydrochloride dimethylene bis-(tetramethylene sulfonium chloride) with alkali metal hydroxide to form a cycloalkylene sulfonium salt precursor polymer, and then heating the precursor polymer under conditions to produce the amino substituted phenylene vinylene polymer, such as poly(2-(N,N-dimethylamino) phenylene vinylene). Another process involves treatment of the bis chlormethyl dimethyl aniline hydrochloride derivative with alkali metal alkoxide.

Abstract: There is described a process for the depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate into component monomers using a reactor in which the polyethylene terephthalate is a discontinuous phase which contacts a continuous phase of superheated methanol vapor.

Abstract: An insulating material characterized by that said insulating material is made by curing a mixture composed of a bisphenol A type epoxy resin having purity which is equal to or more than 90% and an organic filler, the thermal conductivity thereof is in a range of 5.0.times.10.sup.-3 to 18.0.times.10.sup.-3 (cal/.degree.C..multidot.cm.multidot.sec) and the glass transition temperature thereof is in a range of 164.degree. to 240.degree. C.

Abstract: Process for the production of polyester resins suitable for the manufacture of fibers including a phase of esterification of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid with an alkylenic glycol or of transesterification of a diester of the dicarboxylic acid with the alkylenic glycol, of polycondensation of diester obtained to form a prepolymer with intrinsic viscosity between 0.2 and 0.5 dl/g and, lastly, of polycondensation of the melt polymeric mass added with a dianhydride of a tetracarboxylic acid kept in agitation and on which an inert gas current is circulated.

Abstract: Synthesis of crystalline polyaniline, its derivatives and its co-polymers with other conjugated monomers by melt poly-condensation of bifunctional starting materials having a quinone and N-protected amine group, and conversion of such polycondensation polymers to corresponding doped and conductive form of said polymers.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure process for the continuous production of polyester is disclosed wherein a melt of dihydroxy ethyl terephthalate, or its low molecular oligomers, obtained by esterifying terephthalic acid or transesterifying dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol, is intimately contacted with an inert gas to facilitate polymerization and removal of the reaction by-products. The ethylene glycol evolved and the inert gas are recycled.

Abstract: A polyester film having excellent heat resistance and insulation property is produced by the inventive process which comprises: melt-extruding a polyester resin into a sheet, extending the sheet to shape it into a film and treating the film thermally to heat-set, wherein the polyester resin has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.7 to 0.75 dl/g and other portions which satisfy formula (1) and the thermal treatment is carried out so that formula (2) is satisfied:[COOH]/[IV]<50 (1)1.0<S/D<1.2 (2)wherein:[COOH] represents the content (meq/10.sup.6) of terminal carboxyl groups in the polyester resin;[IV] represents the intrinsic viscosity (dl/g) of the polyester resin;S represents the X-ray crystal size (.ANG.) of the heat-set polyester film; andD represents the degree of crystallinity (%) of the heat-set polyester film.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for increasing the molecular weight and viscosity of polyamides and other condensation polymers, by first injecting an inert gas into the polymer melt at elevated pressure, then stripping the volatiles from the polymer through the application of reduced pressure, followed by holding the polymer at elevated temperatures long enough for the reaction to occur. Activators may be added to the polymer. Port areas used in the stripping zone, may be kept hot for continuous operation.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to method for processing crude polyoxymethylene in which the isolation of unstable components from crude polyoxymethylene, such as residual monomers which are at least partly in the form of cyclic formaldehyde derivatives, is effected by treatment of the crude polyoxymethylene with an inert gaseous medium. The method of the invention is characterized in that the gaseous medium contains at least 10 volume % of water vapor, and less than 0.1 volume % of a volatile base, and/or less than 1 volume % of a volatile solvent. In an alternative variant method, the gaseous medium contains at least 10 volume % of water vapor and the treatment occurs at a temperature between 114.degree. C and the softening temperature of the crude polyoxymethylene and at a pressure of less 1.2 .multidot.10.sup.5 Pa.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to process narrow molecular weight distribution polyolefins, particularly thermoplastics, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, and polyacrylates, whether they are homopolymers or copolymers. The process may be used in any extruder and is typically implemented along the extruder screw and/or barrel by heating the first zone the screw/barrel to place the polyolefin into a molten, flowable state. Thereafter, the polymer is cooled in the second heating zone to a point 50.degree. C. above or 10.degree. C. below the crystalline melting temperature of the polymer and thereafter is reheated in the final heating zone to a molten, flowable state and finally extruding it within 5 seconds or less through the die.

Abstract: Process for thermal solid-state treatment of chips of saturated polyester, where the chips are crystallized immediately before the thermal treatment and the thermal treatment is carried out in a static bed at a chip temperature that is equal to TE (1 .mu.m) .+-.2.degree. C., where TE (1 .mu.m) is the temperature at which a measurement probe placed on a crystallized chip is lowered by 1 .mu.m under defined conditions in a thermomechanical analysis. The crystallization preferably takes place in a fluidized bed at three different specified temperatures.

Abstract: An absorbent resin exhibiting a high absorption ratio, having only a small water-soluble component content, and have excellent gel stability to withstand the effect of aging is produced. The production of the absorbent resin comprises a step of polymerizing a water-soluble monoethylenically unsaturated monomer by using, in a proportion of 0.01-0.3 mol % based on the amount of the water-soluble monoethylenically unsaturated monomer, a cross-linking agent having at least one group of the following formula I: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is an alkylene group of 2 to 4 carbon atoms interposed between two polymerizing unsaturated groups in the molecular unit thereof and then heat-treating the resin produced by the polymerization at a temperature in the range of from 160.degree. to 230.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for thermally processing polyester pellets by crystallization and polymerization in the solid state which comprises providing a confined processing unit. The pellets are introduced to said unit along with a liquid medium. The combination of pellets and liquid medium is agitated to achieve mixing and the temperature of the agitated mixture is controlled to achieve treating of the polyester pellets in the agitated heating liquid medium at a temperature slightly below the sticking temperature of the polyester. The treatment is continued for a period sufficient to substantially increase the crystallinity and molecular weight of the polyester.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel crystalline form of low molecular weight poly(ethylene terephthalate). This crystalline form may be produced from molten or glassy low molecular weight poly(ethylene terephthalate) material by means of rapid heat transfer to or from the material. The poly(ethylene terephtalate) composition is suitable for use as a starting material for solid-state polymerization in order to produce polymers of higher molecular weight.

Abstract: High melting point perfluorinated tetrafluoroethylene polymers dissolved in supercritical carbon dioxide at elevated temperatures and high pressures. The solutions are useful for making foams, spun-bonded or paper-like webs, or for purification of polymers.

Abstract: Polyurea polymers prepared from formulations including a polyisocyanate, a polyamine and a polyepoxide can have good heat stability and good physical properties in the substantial absence of uretidine diones and isocyanurates. The polymers can be prepared in one step of admixing and heating at greater than 150.degree. C. or in a two step process by first admixing the components at less than 130.degree. C. and then postcuring the product at greater than 150.degree. C. The polyurea polymer, after postcuring, can have substantially no residual epoxy or oxazolidinone groups. These polymers were particularly useful for applications which require the exposure of the polyurea polymers to both intermittent high temperatures and high humidity. The polyurea polymers of the present invention can withstand higher temperatures than conventional polyurea polymers without blistering.

Abstract: An integrated process for the manufacture of lactide from a solution of lactic acid in de-ionized water comprising the sequential steps:A. Dehydrating the aqueous lactic acid in at least two stages to effect condensation polymerization of the lactic acid and the formation of oligomers in which the average number of monomer units is 8-25, the dehydration stages being conducted in equipment fabricated from low ferrous materials;B. Thermally cracking the oligomers in the presence of depolymerization catalyst to form lactide vapor of which the average residence time within the cracking zone is less than 15 seconds;C. Condensing the lactide vapor and fractionally distilling the condensate to remove concentrated lactide as a liquid sidestream; andD. Subjecting the concentrated lactide sidestream to melt crystallization to separate purified lactide having an Acidity Potential less than 6.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing polyesters which comprises an esterifying step wherein a dicarboxylic acid and a dihydroxyl compound are esterified and the next liquid phase polycondensation step wherein the resulting ester is subjected to liquid phase polycondensation in the presence of a polycondensation catalyst while a distillate which contains an reacted dihydroxyl compound and the polycondensation catalyst is distilled, wherein the distillate is subjected to a purification treatment comprising:(a) a distilling step;(b) a filtering step; and(c) a decoloring stepand then the thus purified distillate is recovered and supplied to the esterifying step. A further method comprises a purification treatment comprising:(a) a distilling step;(b) a depolymerizing step; and(c) a decoloring step.

Abstract: There are disclosed carbonate polymers of dihydroxyaryl fluorene having crosslinkable moieties. There are also disclosed such polymers in the form of composites. The polymers of this invention are capable of being crosslinked by activation of the crosslinkable moieties. Once crosslinked, these polymers demonstrate an excellent combination of properties including resistance to melting at high temperatures, solvent resistance, optical clarity, impact resistance, and physical strength.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminants from PET components by depolymerising poly ethylene terephthalate ("PET") comprising transesterifying material containing PET by reacting ethanediol having a temperature at or about the boiling point of ethanediol with the material for a predetermined period of time to form a solution containing soluble short chain PET polymers and/or bis (hydroxy ethyl) terephthalate ester ("BHT"); recovering short chain PET polymers and/or BHT and ethanediol; and hydrolysing the recovered short chain PET polymers and/or BHT at elevated pressure and temperature for a predetermined period of time to form an ethanediol solution and crystals of terephthalic acid.

Abstract: Organic-inorganic composite particles which include a (meth)acrylic resin framework and a polysiloxane framework having in its molecule an organosilicon containing a silicon atom directly and chemically combined with at least one carbon atom of the (meth)acrylic resin framework, and also contain 25 wt % or more of SiO.sub.2 which constitutes the polysiloxane framework and have a mean particle diameter of .gtoreq.0.5 .mu.m. The particles have the mechanical resilience necessary to maintain a constant gap distance between a pair of members to be arranged with the correct gap distance between them, and the hardness and fracture strength necessary to maintain the gap constant with smaller numbers; and also do not readily cause physical damage to the members. The composite particles can be employed as spacers 8 for a liquid crystal display as they stand or, with an adhesive layer formed on the surface.

Abstract: Dimethyl terephthalate is recovered from polymer mixtures containing polymers of terephthalic acid and glycol and a chloride polymer, by adding base to neutralize the hydrochloric acid formed by the degradation of the chloride polymer.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon soluble drag reducing suspension is described as well as a process for obtaining the same. Process is directed toward producing a drag reducing product which is easily transportable, non-hazardous, easily handled and while providing a significant increase in drag reduction capability over existing commercial products. The suspension is preferably substantially solvent-free.

Abstract: A material of a cycloolefin copolymer has a structure of alternating cycloolefin sequences, and has crystallinity in a temperature range from 210.degree. to 320.degree. C. The cycloolefin is prepared by polymerization of at least one polycyclic olefin, monocyclic and/or acyclic olefin with an open-chain olefin using a catalyst of a metallocene and an aluminoxane.

Abstract: A purification process of an aliphatic polyester prepared in the presence of a catalyst from a hydroxycarboxylic acid or a cyclic ester of a hydroxycarboxylic acid, or a combination of an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol with an aliphatic polybasic acid, or a mixture of these compounds, comprising deactivating the catalyst while maintaining the aliphatic polyester in a molten or dissolved state, or insolubilizing and separating the catalyst and successively removing low molecular compounds. The process can provide aliphatic polyester which has a low content of unreacted monomers and low molecular weight compounds and is excellent in heat resistance and weatherability.

Abstract: A process of producing a styrene polymer molding which comprises heat treating a molding of a crystalline styrene polymer having mainly a syndiotactic configuration and having a crystallinity of at least 10% as determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The heat treating is carried out at a temperature of 150.degree.to 250.degree. C. for 20 seconds to 90 minutes.

Abstract: Organosiloxane copolycondensates are disclosed and which are optionally cross-linked by means of cross-linking agents containing Si, Ti, Zr and/or Al and contain the units ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 -R.sup.5 are ##STR2## wherein R.sup.6 is alkylene with C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 bound directly to N or X, cycloalkylene with C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 or ##STR3## X is >N--H, >N--CH.sub.3, >N--C.sub.2 H.sub.5, --S--, --S.sub.2 --, --S.sub.3 --, --S.sub.4 --, ##STR4## wherein R" is H or alkyl with C.sub.1 -C.sub.5. These products are in the form of spherical particles with a diameter of 0.01 to 3.0 mm, a specific surface of up to 1000 m.sup.2 /g, a specific pore volume of up to 6.0 ml/g and a bulk density of 50 to 1000 g/l. Different methods of preparing the formed copolycondensates are disclosed as well as use of certain compositions for removing metals from solutions and/or for the adsorption of gaseous organic compounds and/or of water vapor.

Abstract: A thin, biaxially oriented polyester film which is asymetrically oriented by stretching 1-2 times in the machine direction and about 3-5 times in the transverse direction in the plane of the film is disclosed. The film has a birefringence of at least 0.085, an optical retardation of at least 9000 nanometers and a shrinkage of less than 2% in any direction at 150.degree. C. The film produced is substantially free of color fringes when viewed in partially polarized light. There are also disclosed two processes for the production of said film.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for preparing a branched polymer from a vinyl aromatic monomer comprising, copolymerizing the vinyl aromatic monomer with a monomer pair, wherein the monomer pair consists of two different monomers containing functionalities which are substantially nonreactive with each other under the conditions of copolymerization, and heating the copolymer produced to a temperature such that the functionalities react with each other to form branches within the polymer.

Abstract: Semicrystalline manufactured articles made of syndiotactic poly-p-methylstyrene (s-PpMS) in a crystalline form having a high melting point (225.degree. C.), and processes for the preparation thereof. Processes for preparing semicrystalline manufactured articles (semi-finished products, formed articles, fibers, films, etc.) made of s-PpMS in its different crystalline forms by exposure of amorphous manufactured articles to suitable solvents and by subsequent thermomechanical treatments.

Abstract: What is provided is an annealed, linear, high density polyethylene (LHDPE) and a process for the preparation of tough impact resistant articles made of such materials.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel organopolysiloxane-grafted polybenzobisoxazole and a method for preparing the functional organopolysiloxane-grafted polybenzobisoxazoles using a phthaloyl halide-functional organopolysiloxane.

Abstract: The molecular weight, melt viscosity and melt strength of nylon 4.6 are increased by a solid phase polymerization process conducted under anhydrous conditions at temperatures below the melting point of the nylon. In a preferred embodiment, the nylon used in the process is free of surface air, has a moisture content less than 0.2 wt %, preferably less than 0.02 wt %, and more preferably less than 0.01 wt %. It is also preferred that the extractable impurities are less than 0.2 wt %, preferably less than 0.02 wt %, and more preferably less than 0.01 wt %. The nylon 4.6 product of this anhydrous process is characterized by molecular weights in excess of 50,000, melt viscosities in excess of 600 Pascal.seconds, relative viscosities in excess of 160 and degradation ratios of 7 or less.

Abstract: Disclosed are a styrene copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 200,000 to 2,000,000, having 1 to 20 branching points in the Z-average molecular weight, and having a methyl ethyl ketone/methanol mixture-insoluble matter content of not more than 5% by weight and a methanol-soluble matter content of not more than 5% by weight; processes for preparing the styrene copolymer; a polystyrene resin composition containing the styrene copolymer; and injection-molded article prepared by injection-molding the polystyrene resin composition.

Abstract: A process for treating an impure thermoplastic polymer, including raw and recycled polymers, during extrusion to separate low molecular weight compounds therefrom, including: introducing a separating agent into plasticized impure thermoplastic polymer passing through a first high pressure zone, the low molecular weight compounds of the plasticized polymer being at least partially soluble in the separating agent; extracting at least a part of the low molecular weight compounds from the plasticized polymer into the separation agent during passage of the plasticized polymer through an extraction zone; removing the separating agent charged with low molecular weight compounds from the extruder as the plasticized polymer passes through a low pressure zone having a residual pressure, P, which is lower the introductory pressure, P.sub.e, and for which 1 bar.gtoreq.P.gtoreq.P.sub.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a low molecular weight isoolefin polymer by contacting at conversion conditions a higher molecular weight saturated isoolefin polymer, for example, polyisobutylene or a copolymer of a C.sub.4 to C.sub.7 isoolefin and a para-alkylstyrene, in the melt phase, with an initiator, such as an oxygen-containing gas, an organic peroxide or an azo compound.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure process for the continuous production of polyester is disclosed wherein a melt of dihydroxy ethyl terphthalate, or its low molecular oligomers, obtained by esterifying terephthalic acid or transesterifying dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol, is intimately contacted with an inert gas to facilitate polymerization and removal of the reaction by-products. The ethylene glycol evolved and the inert gas are recycled.

Abstract: There is described a process and optimal conditions for depolymerizing polyester into its components and separating the components using apparatus comprising:a dissolver for receiving polyester,a reactor for depolymerizing polyester into components, anda rectifier for separating polyester components; the process comprising the steps of:a) adding polyester to the dissolver and combining it with melt from the reactor and liquid from the rectifier to reduce the chain length of the polyester,b) transferring reduced chain length polyester from the dissolver to the reactor,c) passing super-heated methanol through the reactor to depolymerize polyester into its constituent monomers;d) transferring depolymerization products from the reactor to the rectifier; ande) separating the depolymerization products in the rectifier into a vapor phase containing component monomers and a liquid phase containing higher molecular weight materials.

Abstract: In a process for producing a polycarbonate by subjecting a dihydroxy compound and a diester of carbonic acid to melt polycondensation through transesterification, after a polycarbonate prepolymer is prepared in the first-stage reaction, polycondensation is conducted as the second-stage reaction at a residence time in the range of from 15 to less than 60 min or through the use of at least one paddle-type self-cleaning twin-screw extruder.This process enables a colorless, transparent polycarbonate having a high molecular weight to be produced at a high efficiency on an industrial scale.

Abstract: A method for forming a homogeneous, concentrated, prepolymer composition, and a method of using the concentrated prepolymer composition to uniformly coat fibers is described. The prepolymer mixture is formed by dissolving a dialkyl, trialkyl, or tetraalkylester of biphenyltetracarboxylic acid in a solvent comprising ethyl acetate and methanol in a molar ratio of from about 1:3 to about 1:60, to form an ester solution. Diamine and end cap compound are added to the ester solution to form a monomer mixture solution. The end cap compound is a divalent compound characterized by (i) at least one unsaturated moiety, (ii) capable of reacting with the diamine or the ester to form an end cap radical that precludes further reaction of the diamine with the ester, and (iii) capable of undergoing addition polymerization. A portion of the solvent is evaporated from the monomer solution to form the substantially homogeneous, concentrated, prepolymer composition.

Abstract: A fusible phenolic resin and a dialkyl-N,N-bis(hydroxyalkyl)aminoalkyl phosphonate are condensed to form a water-insoluble resin having fire retardant properties. Fire resistant materials are made by causing the condensation to occur in situ when a normally flammable material and the reactants are mixed and the mixture is heated at 250.degree. F. to 480.degree. F. Wooden articles such as molded hardboard roofing shingles of this invention do not lose their fire resistance after being soaked with rain repeatedly.

Abstract: The pyrolysis of fluorine polymers leads to a high yield of pure fluorinated monomers if the finely divided polymer is introduced, with steam, into a fluidized bed reactor which contains an inert, granular material as the fluidized material, the steam functioning as the fluidizing gas.

Abstract: The invention is a process for making high molecular weight polymers of monoalkenyl arene monomers comprising:1) copolymerizing vinylbenzocyclobutene with the monoalkenyl arene monomer through the vinyl moiety;2) submitting the thus formed copolymer to conditions sufficient to open the side rings of the benzocyclobutene moieties;wherein the amount of vinylbenzocyclobutene in the copolymer is such that the polymer formed by step 2) does not reach a gel point. Such copolymers allow the building of molecular weight after the initial polymerization.

Abstract: A method for preparing a highly heat-resistant and burning-resistant poly(silyleneethynylene phenyleneethynylene) having a repeated unit represented by the following structural formula (1A): ##STR1## wherein the phenylene group may be in the o-, m- or p-form, R represents a halogen atom or an alkyl group, alkoxy group, phenoxy group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aromatic group, disubstituted amino group or silanyl group; n is an integer ranging from 0 to 4; and R' represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group or aromatic group, a product obtained by the method and a hardened product obtained by heat-treating, at a temperature ranging from 50.degree.to 700.degree. C., the poly(silyleneethynylene phenyleneethynylene).

Abstract: (Meth)acrylic/glutarimide copolymers, well suited, e.g., for optical applications, having enhanced glass transition temperatures (Tg), are prepared by salifying the acid functions of (meth)acrylic ester/(meth)acrylic acid copolymers, and then imidifying such "intermediate" salified copolymers into the subject (meth)acrylic/glutarimide polymers.