Abstract: Inhibition of popcorn polymer growth by treatment with heat. Heat can be applied to extant popcorn polymer, particularly in the absence of organic material from which the popcorn polymer is formed. A chemical inhibitor of popcorn polymerization can be used in conjunction with the heat treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating cross-linked (cured) filled or untilled unsaturated polyester for deriving an alcohol recycle reactant useful in the synthesis of alcohol-formed derivative products. The first step of the method is the attrition of the cured unsaturated polyester to form particulates thereof. In the next step of the process, at least a fraction of any filler or fiberglass in the cured unsaturated polyester is separated to form a cured unsaturated polyester regrind. The next step is the subjecting of the cured unsaturated polyester regrind to agitated, uncatalyzed or catalyzed glycolysis in the presence of excess glycol and, optionally, a transesterification catalyst under agitation at elevated transesterification temperature. The final step of the process is the recovery of the recycle alcohol reactant for use in the synthesis of alcohol-formed derivative products.

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: Polyester prepolymer granules with open-ended cavities provide greatly improved solid state polymerization rates by improving reaction by-product diffusion characteristics.

Abstract: This invention is a process for solid state polymerization of polyester using multiple reactors in series to achieve molecular weight increases, as measured by intrinsic viscosity, in excess of 0.25 dl/g with low levels of undesirable by-products.

Abstract: A process for producing macrocyclic polyester oligomers from polyester linears is described and the process comprises the steps of combining polyester linears and organic solvents having tin catalysts present therein.

Abstract: A semiconductive conjugated copolymer comprises at least two chemically different monomer units which, when existing in their individual homopolymer forms, have different semiconductor bandgaps. The proportion of said at least two chemically different monomer units in the copolymer is selected to control the semiconductor bandgap of the copolymer so as to control the optical properties of the copolymer. The copolymer is formed in a manner enabling it to be laid down as a film without substantially affecting the luminescent characteristics of the copolymer and is stable at operational temperature.The semiconductor bandgap may be spatially modulated so as to increase the quantum efficiency of the copolymer when excited to luminesce, to select the wavelength of radiation omitted during luminescence or to select the refractive index of the copolymer.

Abstract: A process for recycling polyester contained in waste materials is provided. The polyester is converted into ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. The process steps generally include first combining materials containing polyester with an alkaline solution to form a slurry. The slurry is heated, causing ethylene glycol to evaporate which can then be collected. The remaining product stream is then mixed with water and filtered to remove any undissolved impurities. The aqueous filtrate can be acidified causing terephthalic acid to precipitate. Further, if silver is contained within the materials fed to the process, the silver can also be isolated and recovered.

Abstract: Amine functional polymers are purified to remove formate present by contact with a supported Group VIII metal hydrogen transfer catalyst under conditions favoring formate decomposition to carbon dioxide and hydrogen which are removed as gases. The preferred catalyst is palladium on carbon. Essentially salt-free poly(vinylamines) can be obtained by hydrolysis of polymers of N-vinylformamide in aqueous solution using ammonia or a volatile amine as a hydrolysis agent so that formate salts are the principal by-product of the hydrolysis which creates amine functionality in the polymer. Formate can then by removed by the catalytic decomposition described. Removal of carbon dioxide is enhanced by degassing the hydrolyzate prior to formate decomposition and by nitrogen purge of the polymer solution during the catalytic decomposition reaction.

Abstract: Polyester prepolymer granules with open-ended cavities provide greatly improved solid state polymerization rates by improving reaction by-product diffusion characteristics.

Abstract: A polymer melt may be devolatilized to less than 500, preferably less than 150 ppm of residual volatile material by injecting into the melt an amount of water greater than the amount of residual volatile material in the melt, typically not more than about 10 weight % and passing the melt through a flash chamber devolatilizer at a pressure of 8 mm of Hg or less at a temperature of from 200.degree. to 350.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for the preparation of resorbable polyesters.

Abstract: A method of removing ionic impurities from a resist component, comprising the steps of:(a) dissolving said resist component in a solvent;(b) contacting said resist component solution with a fibrous ion exchange resin for a sufficient amount of time to remove at least a portion of said ionic impurities onto said fibrous ion exchange resin; and(c) separating said fibrous ion exchange resin bearing said ionic impurities from said resist component solution.

Abstract: A process for the production of polyester resins having an intrinsic viscosity higher than 0.57 dl/g from polyester resins having intrinsic viscosities of lower than 0.57 dl/g in which 1) a melt of the polyester resin having an intrinsic viscosity lower than 0.57 dl/g is mixed with a polyaddition additive containing at least two groups which react with the terminal OH and COOH groups of the resin, 2) the melted mixture is converted into solid particles which are subsequently crystallized at temperatures higher than the Tg of the polyester resin and lower than its melting point, and 3) the particles are heated at temperatures higher than 150.degree. C. but lower than the melting point of the resin to increase the intrinsic viscosity.

Abstract: A method for removing oligomers and non-polymeric impurities from poly(arylene sulfide) polymers and producing the polymers in easily recoverable granular form is provided in which a poly(arylene sulfide) polymer associated with oligomers and non-polymeric impurities is contacted with a solvent, water, and optionally, a base, at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the polymer, oligomers and impurities; then the solution is cooled to a temperature at which the poly(arylene sulfide) precipitates while oligomers and impurities remain in solution, then the precipitated polymer is separated from the solution containing the oligomers and impurities. A polymer product produced by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Continuous agglomeration of an absorbent resin powder is accomplished by a method which comprises introducing the absorbent resin powder into a cylindrical member having an open lower end by means of a current of air through a dispersing member disposed in the upper part of the cylindrical member and, at the same time, spraying minute droplets of an aqueous liquid downwardly through a nozzle disposed inside the dispersing member thereby establishing mutual parallel flow contact between the absorbent resin powder descending toward the lower part of the cylindrical member as dispersed with the current of air and the liquid droplets descending toward the lower part of the cylindrical member as diffused in the radial direction, and removing the produced agglomerate having a plurality of particles of the absorbent resin powder cohesively united through the medium of the liquid droplets via the lower part of the cylindrical member. An apparatus for working the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An acrylic molded product comprising an acrylic polymer coagulated material having excellent characteristics in impact resistance, optical properties, and hydrothermal resistance; an acrylic polymer coagulated material used for the preparation thereof; an composition comprising thereof; and a process for manufacture thereof; characterized by using an emulsion polymerization and a polymer with multiphase structured material comprising a hard phase and a soft phase and being freeze-coagulated.

Abstract: There are disclosed a styrenic resin molding having a high crystallinity and excellent in heat resistance, solvent resistance and transparency, and a process for producing the same. Specifically the present invention provides an orientable or thermoformable non-oriented styrenic resin molding having a crystallinity of 25% or more, a spherulite radius of 10 .mu.m or less and a haze of 5% or less and comprising a styrenic polymer having a high degree of syndiotactic configuration; a process for producing the above non-oriented molding; a transparent styrenic-resin molding having a crystallinity of 30% or more which is obtained by thermoforming or orienting the above non-oriented molding at an expansion ratio by area of 1.2 or more; and the process for producing the same.

Abstract: Poly(arylene sulfide/sulfone) polymers are treated in order to increase melt stability and decrease impurities by contacting the poly(arylene sulfide/sulfone) polymer with a soluble zinc compound and an acidic solution. In one embodiment, the polymer is treated first with the soluble zinc compound, followed by treatment with the acidic solution. In another embodiment, the polymer is treated in one step with a solution comprising a water soluble zinc compound in an acidic solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to syndiotactic polypropylene having greater than 55% racemic dyads having elastic characteristics at room or ambient temperature, a method for producing said syndiotactic polypropylene and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: Aluminum-nitrogen polymers comprising a backbone of alternating aluminum and nitrogen atoms both having pendant organic groups, wherein some of the pendant organic groups are unsaturated, are prepared by reacting an unsaturated organic nitrile with a dialkylaluminum hydride. The polymers are crosslinked by supplying energy to generate free radicals. The crosslinked polymers can be pyrolyzed to form an aluminum nitride ceramic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for pelletizing ultra high melt flow crystalline polymers to produce dust-free, uniform ultra high melt flow crystalline pellet products. The process comprises feeding polymer into melting/mixing means, resulting in molten polymer. The molten polymer is transferred to a droplet forming means that produces droplets of the molten polymer. The droplets collect on a continuously moving cooling conveyer and solidify to form dust-free, uniform ultra high melt flow crystalline polymer pellets. Further, the process produces ultra high melt flow crystalline polymer pellets which are uniformly compounded.

Abstract: A process for the solid state upgrading of a polyester resin by polyaddition reaction in which the resin is upgraded in the presence of an upgrading additive which is a compound different from a dianhydride of an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid, containing two groups capable of addition reactions with the terminal groups of the polyester, selected for example in the group of the dianhydrides of aliphatic and cycloaliphatic tetracarboxylic acids.

Abstract: A process for the solid state polyaddition of a polyester resin in which the resin, blended in a molten state with a dianhydride of an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid is granulated, crystallized and then upgraded, characterized in that the crystallization and upgrading temperature is comprised in the range between the TG and 170.degree. C., preferably between 130.degree. and 170.degree. C.

Abstract: An organic ferromagnetic substance including an amorphous carbonaceous substance in mid course of graphitization prepared from an organic compound having a hydrogen/carbon ratio of 1.7 or more and a process for producing same are disclosed. This organic ferromagnetic substance is stable and easy to produce, and has a high saturation magnetization and is advantageous as an industrial product such as a toner for copiers utilizing its light weight and high saturation magnetization.

Abstract: Ester bonds are hydrolyzed in the conversion of substantially amorphous polyesters to their monomeric components, by being contacted with a mixture of (a) an alcohol, such as methanol, or glycol, (b) a polar aprotic solvent such as N-methyl-pyrrolidone or dimethyl sulfoxide and (c) an alkoxide or hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A poly(arylene sulfide ketone) or poly(arylene sulfide diketone) resin having improved handling characteristics is prepared by a process comprising preparing in a first enclosed vessel a slurry comprising a solid poly(arylene sulfide ketone) or poly(arylene sulfide diketone) resin and a liquid polar organic compound, and optionally water; then substantially liquifying the resin to form a mixture comprising substantially liquified resin and polar organic compound; then flashing the mixture into a second vessel having a pressure lower than the first vessel, thereby removing a portion of the polar organic compound and solidifying the resin.When the slurry further comprises water, the invention method optionally includes a venting step prior to the substantial liquification of the resin and/or a concentration step after the substantial liquification of the resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reactively separating hydrolyzable polymers, such as PET, in mixtures of the polymer and certain non-hydrolyzable polymers, specifically polyolefins by converting the hydrolyzable polymers to their corresponding water soluble components (e.g., PET to ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid) in the presence of liquid water at temperatures from about 200.degree. C. up to the critical temperature of water and autogenous pressure. The process has utility in recycling and waste material separation processes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for improving the optical, thermal and/or mechanical properties of a polymer by subjecting a melt of the polymer to a shearing action at an effective shear rate, as for example a shear rate of greater than about 100 sec.sup.-1, for a time sufficient to improve said properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for dehydrochlorinating polyvinylchloride polymers to remove about 30 wt % chlorine therefrom by heating the starting materials PVC and deoxygenated liquid water, preferably neutral liquid water at temperatures from about 200.degree. C. up to the critical temperature of water at autogenous pressure to maintain the water as a liquid phase. The process has utility in recycling by enabling PVC to be dechlorinated specifically by a means that does not release chlorine gas.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a process is provided for treating virgin arylene sulfide resins, wherein a heated polymer slurry, comprising a virgin arylene sulfide resin and water, is contacted by a buffer solution having a pH less than about 9.35 but greater than that necessary to result in at least a partial curing of the virgin arylene sulfide resin. In a further embodiment, a process is provided for treating a virgin arylene sulfide resin, wherein a virgin arylene sulfide resin is slurried in a buffer solution having a pH less than about 9.35 but greater than that necessary to result in at least a partial curing of the virgin arylene sulfide resin. The treating process of this invention is conducted at an elevated temperature, below the melting point of the virgin arylene sulfide resin, while in the substantial absence of a gaseous oxidizing atmosphere. The treated arylene sulfide resins are recovered from the polymer slurry in a manner which does not result in at least a partial curing of the treated resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for depolymerizing polyacrylonitrile into water soluble by-products, including ammonia and lower molecular weight carbonaceous materials by contacting the starting materials, polyacrylonitrile, and neutral, hot liquid water at a temperature from about 200.degree. C. up to the critical temperature of water at autogenous pressure. The present invention has utility as a means for degrading polyacrylonitrile without producing toxic hydrogen cyanide as a by-product.

Abstract: An acrylic molded product comprising an acrylic polymer coagulated material having excellent characteristics in impact resistance, optical properties, and hydrothermal resistance; an acrylic polymer coagulated material used for the preparation thereof; an composition comprising thereof; and a process for manufacture thereof; characterized by using an emulsion polymerization and a polymer with multiphase structured material comprising a hard phase and a soft phase and being freeze-coagulated.

Abstract: A hollow article or sheet of a copolyester which comprises, as main components, terephthalic acid as a dicarboxylic acid component and ethylene glycol as a diol component and which is characterized by:(1) isophthalic acid as a dicarboxylic acid component being from 0.5 to 3.0 mol %,(2) diethylene glycol as a diol component being from 1.0 to 2.5 mol %,(3) the intrinsic viscosity being from 0.60 to 1.50 dl/g,(4) the concentration of terminal carboxyl groups being at most 18 eq/ton, and(5) the content of a cyclic trimer being at most 0.40% by weight.

Abstract: A chemically modified chelate resin comprising the reaction product of a cross-linked polymer bead chelate resin containing amine reaction sites with an aromatic aldehyde selected from the group consisting of 4-Formyl-benzo-15-Crown-5; 4-Formyl-benzo-18-Crown-6; 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde; 3-ethoxy salicylaldehyde; salicylaldehyde; 2-pyridine carboxaldehyde, 3-pyridine carboxaldehyde; 4-pyridine carboxaldehyde; and pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde.

Abstract: A process of recovering components such as ethylene glycol and dimethylterephthalate from scrap polyester. The process steps are: (a) introducing oligomers of ethylene glycol and terephthalate acid or dimethyl terephthalate to a first vessel and heating the oligomers; (b) introducing scrap polyester to the first vessel and forming a startup melt with the oligomers; (c) transferring melt from the first vessel to a second vessel; (d) passing super-heated methanol through the melt in the second vessel to form a final melt comprising low molecular weight polyesters and monomers; (e) transferring final melt from the second vessel to the first vessel; and (f) recovering components from the second vessel.

Abstract: A method for treating the surface of a thin porous film material of tetrafluoroethylene resin is disclosed, which comprises heating said surface to a temperature higher than the thermal decomposition point of said resin so as to decompose and remove part of said surface. The resulting thin porous film material of tetrafluoroethylene resin has an adhesive surface while retaining the desired pore size, hardness, and degree of penetration of adhesive.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of feeding a polymer to an extruder where the polymer is melted, metering the molten polymer from the extruder to a tubular pyrolysis reactor through metering means connected to the extruder, and pyrolytically decomposing the polymer in the tubular pyrolysis reactor in the presence of a higher fatty acid, and/or a hydrochloric acid acceptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for depolymerizing and dehalogenating rubber materials by heating the rubber materials with neutral liquid water at temperatures from about 200.degree. C. up to the critical temperature of water at autogenous pressure. The process has utility in degrading rubber materials, and further does not release hydrogen halogen into a gas phase.

Abstract: Both a system and method are provided for remotely heating a polymeric material to a selected temperature. The system generally comprises particulate ferromagnetic material dispersed throughout the polymeric material to form a composite, wherein the particulate material has a Curie temperature that corresponds to the selected heating temperature, and a source of microwave energy for remotely applying a beam of microwave energy to the polymeric composite material. Preferably, the particulate ferromagnetic material comprises only about 2 percent of the total composite by weight. The polymeric material may be compliant, thermosettable plastic, and the Curie temperature of the particulate ferromagnetic material dispersed therein may advantageously be above the curing temperature of the polymer, such that the beam from the source of microwave energy may be used to remotely join surfaces or construct joints in composite structures.

Abstract: Styrene-based polymer moldings with a crystallinity of at least 20% obtained by subjecting moldings of crystalline styrene-based polymers having mainly syndiotactic configuration to heat treatment at a temperature of 120.degree. to 270.degree. C. These moldings are excellent in physical properties such as heat resistance and chemical resistance, and thus are expected to find various applications, for example, in general construction materials, electric or electronic devices, and car parts.

Abstract: Monomers, B-stage polymers, C-stage polymers, cured polymers and electricy conducting polymers of acetylene-terminated aromatic monomers containing three benzene rings separated by ethylene groups are disclosed. These new polymers can withstand aggressive environments and are particularly adapted for use in high temperature composites in addition to the utilization of their electrical conducting properties. Preparation of these materials is accomplished by melt polymerization and heat treatment at high temperatures.

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: This invention relates to a process for the crosslinking of polymers containing diaryl ketone groups consisting of heating the polymer with an alcohol and/or alkoxide, and optionally exposing the polymer to a strong mineral acid. The crosslinked polymers have enhanced chemical resistance.

Abstract: Aluminum-nitrogen polymers comprising a backbone of alternating aluminum and nitrogen atoms both having pendant organic groups, wherein some of the pendant organic groups are unsaturated, are prepared by reacting an unsaturated organic nitrile with a dialkylaluminum hydride. The polymers are crosslinked by supplying energy to generate free radicals. The crosslinked polymers can be pyrolyzed to form an aluminum nitride ceramic.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalates of the present invention are excellent in mechanical strength, heat resistance and transparency, and therefore blow molded containers molded from the present polyethylene terephthalate are excellent in high temperature filling properties when they are filled with juice, refrigerant beverage, carbonated beverage, seasonings, etc. Furthermore, the blow molded containers prepared from the present polyethylene terephthalates have such characteristic features that they are free from thermal deformation at the time when they are subjected to high temperature filling, they are readily subjected to sterilization treatment and hence excellent in high speed filling properties.

Abstract: Polyphenylene is prepared by exposing a poly(1,2-disubstituted-cyclohexa-3,5-diene) precursor to ultraviolet light in the presence of an acid catalyst. The acid catalyst is activated by the ultraviolet radiation and forms polyphenylene by aromatizing the cyclohexene rings of the poly(1,2-disubstituted-cyclohexa-3,5-diene).

Abstract: A process for purifying fluoropolymers by contacting them at temperatures above 140.degree. C. with a liquid perfluorinated cycloalkane. The resulting polymers are particularly useful where polymers with reduced impurities are desirable, such as in medical devices and in parts for the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The liquid perfluorinated cycloalkanes improve the adhesion of fluoropolymer to themselves and other materials.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for purifying a polymer by extracting volatile materials contained in the molten polymer. According to the disclosure, a polymer having a very high degree of extraction of volatile materials can be obtained. The polymer obtained by the method of disclosure can meet the severe demands of the market that restricts the concentration of remaining volatile material impurities.

Abstract: Poly(arylene sulfide/sulfone) polymers are treated in order to increase melt stability and decrease impurities by contacting the poly(arylene sulfide/sulfone) polymer with a soluble zinc compound and an acidic solution. In one embodiment, the polymer is treated first with the soluble zinc compound, followed by treatment with the acidic solution. In another embodiment, the polymer is treated in one step with a solution comprising a water soluble zinc compound in an acidic solution.