Abstract: A process for isolating a poly(ester)carbonate resin from its methylene chloride solution is disclosed. The process entails combining a solution which contains 5 to 30% by weight resin with carbon dioxide fluid in a two-component nozzle under pressures of 90 to 180 bar and at temperatures of 50.degree. to 75.degree. C., while maintaining in said the two-component nozzle a back-pressure of 85 to 150 bar, and introducing the resin into a separation vessel with retention of dust particles. Importantly, the relative quantities of carbon dioxide fluid and polymer solution used in the two-component nozzle are between 10 and 3 parts carbon dioxide fluid per one part of polymer solution, and the carbon dioxide fluid contains 10 to 1000 ppm methylene chloride. The process avoids blockage of said nozzle.

Abstract: A method for purifying an ethylene-.alpha.-olefin olefin having at least 3 carbon atoms, or ethylene with an .alpha.-olefin having at least 3 carbon atoms and a nonconjugated diene compound, in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of a catalyst comprising a vanadium compound, an organoaluminum compound, and a halogenated ester compound, the method including a step of mixing and stirring the polymerization reaction mixture obtained by the polymerization reaction in an aqueous alkaline solution in such an amount as to give an aqueous phase having a pH of not lower than 10.0 after mixing and stirring, is disclosed. A method for purifying an ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer is also disclosed, including a step of an oxidation treatment of the polymerization reaction mixture in an aqueous alkaline solution in such an amount as to give an aqueous phase having a pH of not lower than 10.0 after the oxidation treatment.

Abstract: Vinylpyrrolidone and vinylcaprolactam residual monomers are removed from their respective crosslinked and non-crosslinked, vinyl lactam homopolymers, vinyl lactam copolymers and vinyl lactam terpolymers containing substantially contaminating amounts of residual vinylpyrrolidone or vinylcaprolactam monomer by a process which comprises (1) adjusting the pH of the vinyl lactam polymer slurry containing from about 1 to about 30 wt. % solids or a solution of the vinyl lactam polymer to a pH of less than 5 with an acid selected from the group of sulfuric, phosphoric, carbonic, formic and acetic acids and mixtures thereof; (2) reacting the acid with the residual vinyl lactam monomer at a temperature of from about 50.degree. to about 150.degree. C. for a period of from about 0.5 to about 10 hours until the residual monomer is reduced to less than 5 ppm and (3) drying said solids to a substantially pure vinyl lactam polymeric product in a free-flowing particulate state.

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: A process for isolating polymers from their solvents by addition of fluids containing carbon dioxide at temperatures of 30.degree. to 280.degree. C. and under pressures of 1 to 1,000 bar is disclosed. The process is characterized in that the concentration of the polymers in their solvents is between 5% and 80% by weight and the fluid containing carbon dioxide consists of at least 50% by weight carbon dioxide.

Abstract: High molecular weight polyethyleneterephthalate resin is currently being used in vast quantities in manufacturing tire cord and in manufacturing trays for frozen foods which can be heated in either microwave or convection ovens. In some applications polyester resins having ultra-high molecular weights are required. For example, some techniques for producing polyester yarn by solution spinning demand ultra-high molecular weight polyester. Unfortunately, it becomes progressively more difficult and expensive to produce polyester resins having higher and higher molecular weights utilizing standard commercial polymerization techniques. This invention discloses a technique for preparing porous polyester beads which can be solid state polymerized very rapidly to ultra-high molecular weights.

Abstract: A continuous process for the isolation of polycarbonates from a solution of polycarbonate in methylene chloride at temperatures of 30.degree. to 80.degree. C. is disclosed. The process which yields polycarbonate in powder form having residual solvent content of less than 5% by weight, is characterized in that it entails the following steps:a) obtaining a solution of polycarbonate in methylene chloride containing 10 to 40 percent polycarbonate, said percent being relative to the total weight of the polycarbonate solution,b) mixing into said solution under pressures of 10 to 50 bar and at temperatures of 30.degree. to 50.degree. C. a fluid containing carbon dioxide resulting in a non-gelling polycarbonate/methylene/chloride/dioxide pressurized system, in which between 10 and 12% CO.sub.2 are dissolved,c) mixing said pressurized system in a two-component nozzle with additional fluid containing carbon dioxide under a pressure of 50 to 300 bar and at temperatures of 40.degree. to 150.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for forming a copolymer of butadiene and other monomers such as styrene is disclosed wherein the final product is characterized by a low residual butadiene content. The process comprises: (a) charging a reaction vessel with butadiene and styrene; (b) initiating said copolymerization reaction; (c) after the exotherm phase of said reaction, purging said reaction vessel with an inert gas while heating said reaction vessel to a final polymerization temperature.

Abstract: Separation of volatile components from the polymer melts formed during the homopolymerization of ethylene or the copolymerization of ethylene with other copolymerizable compounds at elevated pressures and elevated temperatures by countercurrent treatment with ethylene. Superior separations are obtained by the process.

Abstract: A process is provided comprising contacting under deodorizing conditions, at least one deodorizing composition with at least one poly(mono-1-olefin), wherein said deodorizing conditions comprise, a standard pressure from about 1 to about 5, and a standard temperature from about 0.5 to about 2.5.

Abstract: A process for substantially removing and recovering unreacted diene monomer from ethylene propylene diene monomer resin produced in a fluidized bed reactor by purging the resin with steam in a purging zone, the resin being introduced in the purging zone at a temperature above the temperature of the steam in the purging zone.

Abstract: This is an improvement upon a process which comprises anionically polymerizing monomers with an anionic polymerization initiator in a suitable solvent thereby creating a living polymer. The improvement comprises terminating the polymerization by the addition of hydrogen which reacts with the living polymer to terminate the polymer chain.

Abstract: Linear high molecular weight polyamides containing a regulated level of amino and carboxyl end groups are prepared in a continuous process by reacting polyamides in the melt with polyamide-forming diamines or dicarboxylic acids by continuous mixing for a residence time of .ltoreq.10 minutes, granulating the polyamide, and further condensing the polyamide granules thus obtained in solid phase in the presence of inert gases until the viscosity has reached the desired level.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing a foamed resin which incolves the steps of removing volatile substances from a polymer by contacting the polymer with an extractant and foaming the purified polymer by using the same extractant dissolved in the polymer as a foaming agent. According to the disclosure the purification and blowing of a polymer can be carried out efficiently and economically with a purification sufficient to meet market demand and with a desired blowing expansion rate.

Abstract: Process for recycling inert particulate materials used in sticky polymer polymerization reactors by discharging the sticky polymer having unbound inert material on its surface into a product hold tank maintained at a lower pressure than the polymerization reactor and thereafter contacting said polymer with a sweep gas and at a velocity sufficient to remove the inert particulate material which is then recycled to the polymerization reactor.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of high purity polymers or copolymers obtained by cationic polymerization of tetrahydrofuran and, if desired, alkylene oxide, in which hydrogen having a bubble diameter of less than 50 .mu.m is passed into the polymers in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: 37 Highly dispersed mixtures of at least two polymers which are not completely miscible in the melt under customary conditions are produced by melting the polymers used in the presence of supercritical gases or mixtures of gases, intensively thoroughly mixing the molten polymers for long enough until the viscosity of the melt has diminished by at least 10%, subsequently cooling the polymer melt with further thorough mixing, until the viscosity of the melt has at least reached the original value again and then depressurizing the polymer melt. The highly dispersed mixtures produced in this way can be processed in the customary manner into mouldings.

Abstract: A process is provided comprising the steps of contacting a polymer solution which contains Group VIII metal hydrogenation catalyst residue with molecular oxygen, contacting the polymer solution with activated carbon, and recovering a polymer cement comprising less than 5 ppm by weight, based on the solution of Group VIII metals.

Abstract: A thermotropic copolyester, showing a liquid-crystalline structure of nematic type within a desired temperature range, contains umits deriving from:(a) a saturated bicarboxy aliphatic acid;(b) 4,4'-di-hydroxy-diphenyl,(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 process is provided for removing Group VIII metal hydrogenation catalyst residue from a polymer which comprises oxidizing the hydrogenation catalyst residue in the polymer, contacting the polymer with an aqueous solution of dicarboxylic acid and separating the hydrogenation catalyst residue from the polymer. Preferred dicarboxylic acids include adipic and azelaic acids. The amount of water contacted with the polymer cement is less than that which would form an aqueous phase. Solid particulates comprising hydrogenation catalyst metal form within minutes upon the addition of the aqueous dicarboxylic acid to the polymer cement.

Abstract: Ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymers are prepared by catalytic dry-phase copolymerization of the monomers in a stirred or fluidized polymerization zone, transfer of the resulting mixture of solid copolymer and unconverted gaseous monomer into a let-down zone and separation of the mixture, after pressure reduction, into a gaseous phase and a solid phase, by a continuous process in which the solid phase is continuously flushed beforehand with gaseous ethylene and then flushed with a mixture of nitrogen and steam. The ethylene copolymers are very substantially free of residual monomers and odor and flavor substances.

Abstract: High shrinkage polyester fibers having good strength and uniform dyeability are disclosed, along with a method of producing the high shrinkage polyester fibers, by drawing a feeder yarn having a birefringence (n) of at least 0.0175 at a temperature below the glass transition temperature for the polyester and with carefully controlled draw ratios.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for minimizing or reducing the amount of residual free hydrazine in polymer latices. The process is particularly useful in the manufacture of hydrogenated nitrile rubber which is resistant to oxidative degradation at high temperatures, as well as resistant to corrosive environments such as acid environments. Nitrile rubbers are useful in the manufacture of fan belts, seals, gaskets, and hoses in increasingly small and hot-running car engines.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making nitrile rubber characterized by being essentially gel-free and at least about 90% saturated. The process comprising reacting an ethylenically unsaturated polymer in latex from, hydrazine, and an oxidant, followed by coagulation and filtration in order to isolate the reduced rubber. The process utilizes a reaction mixture containing a high molar ratio of hydrazine to unsaturated polymer.

Abstract: A process for removing diene from ethylene propylene diene monomer resin by subjecting said resin containing diene monomer to microwave energy in an amount for a time sufficient to evolve diene vapors while simultaneously passing a gas through said resin to removing said evolved diene vapors.

Abstract: A method for purifying polyethyleneterephthalate reins by contacting the resins with an atmosphere containing carbon dioxide under supercritical conditions.

Abstract: A process for making high-purity foam moldings without the use of organic blowing agents involves the use of inorganic gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, air and other pneumatogens.The process involves the simultaneous impregnation and purification of the polymers with or without foaming. If foaming is not done in the extractor, the polymeric particles can be foamed in pre-expanders or expanded and molded in downstream equipment.

Abstract: A method for recovering a crystalline poly(arylene sulfide) from a slurry comprising a particulate poly(arylene sulfide), a polar organic compound, and water, said method comprising:(a) substantially liquefying said particulate poly(arylene sulfide) to form a liquid mixture comprising said substantially liquified poly(arylene sulfide) and said polar organic compound;(b) contacting said liquid mixture with a vaporized separation agent in an amount sufficient to effect a separation between said poly(arylene sulfide) and said polar organic compound;(c) reducing the temperature of said liquid mixture sufficiently to solidify said substantially liquified poly(arylene sulfide) to form a slurry comprising a particulate poly(arylene sulfide); and(d) recovering said particulate poly(arylene sulfide) from said slurry.

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: The subject invention relates to a process for treating an emulsion of a crosslinked elastomeric polymer containing residual hydrazine to obtain a latex of soluble elastomeric polymer having a reduced concentration of residual hydrazine therein, said process comprising the addition of ozone to said emulsion in an amount and under conditions which are sufficient for the ozone to react with the crosslinked elastomeric polymer and the residual hydrazine to produce a latex of soluble elastomeric polymer having a reduced level of residual hydrazine therein. The process of the present invention also improves the color of latex by removing color-bodies, such as benzoquinone, which may be present in the original latex.

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: 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: A method for separating metal residues from a polymer wherein a solution or suspension of said polymer is contacted with an aqueous solution containing one or more inorganic acids in the presence of a monocarboxylic acid containing from about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms. The polymer solution or suspension will be contacted with an oxidizing agent either prior to or simultaneously with the contacting with the aqueous inorganic acid solution. The inorganic acid is, preferably, a mineral acid and the monocarboxylic acid is preferably a branched chain alkanoic acid having from about 6 to about 10 carbon atoms. When a monocarboxylic acid is used in combination with the inorganic acid, the amount of metal removed from the polymer is increased and the amount of the aqueous phase containing ionized metal entrained in the organic phase is sugnificantly reduced.

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: 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: High molecular weight polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, are sometimes produced from low molecular weight polyester prepolymers having the same composition by solid state polymerization. The low molecular weight polyester prepolymers which are used in such solid state polymerizations are normally prepared by conventional melt polymerizations and are generally in the form of pellets or chips. Solid state polymerization rates can be greatly improved by utilizing polyester prepolymers which are in the form of porous pills. By utilizing polyester prepolymers that are in the form of porous pills, higher molecular weights can be achieved after shorter solid state polymerization times.This invention relates to an improved process for solid state polymerizing porous pills which are made by compacting fine fibers of the polyester prepolymer.

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: High molecular weight polyester resins are sometimes produced from low molecular weight polyester prepolymers having the same composition by solid state polymerization. Polyester prepolymers are generally converted from the amorphous state to the crystalline state prior to solid state polymerization in order to raise their sticking temperature. This is done to keep the polyester prepolymer from sticking together as a solid mass in the solid state polymerization reactor. Such polyester prepolymers are traditionally crystallized by simply heating them to an elevated temperature at which crystallization occurs. However, polyethylene naphthalate prepolymer cannot be crystallized by utilizing this simply traditional approach. This inventions discloses a process for crystallizing amorphous polyethylene naphthalate prepolymer which comprises: (1) heating the amorphous polyethylene naphthalate prepolymer to a temperature which is within the range of about 80.degree. C. to about 140.degree. C.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering poly(arylene sulfide) from a liquid reaction mixture, comprising a liquid-phase poly(arylene sulfide) and a polar organic compound which can also function as a solvent for the polymer, and water. The liquid reaction mixture is contacted by an amount of a vaporized phase separation agent at least sufficient to effect or enhance a phase separation of the liquid-phase poly(arylene sulfide) component from the polar organic compound. The poly(arylene sulfide resins recovered according to this invention exhibit greater particle size than those recovered according to prior art methods, and do not tend to adhere to vessel walls during recovery.

Abstract: There is a growing demand for high molecular weight polyester resin. For instance, the market for high molecular weight polyethylene terephthalate resin is rapidly expanding. High molecular polyethylene terephthalate resin is currently being used in vast quantities in manufacturing bottles for carbonated beverages, trays for frozen foods which can be heated in either microwave ovens or convection ovens, and in tire cord. There is a growing trend toward higher molecular weights in many applications for such polyester resins. Unfortunately, it becomes progressively more difficult and expensive to produce polyester resins having higher and higher molecular weights utilizing standard commercial polymerization techniques. This invention discloses a technique by which polyester resin having extremely high molecular weight can be prepared utilizing a very rapid solid state polymerization process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing or eliminating hydrazine from a mixture containing hydrazine and a polymer, wherein the polymer is in latex form.

Abstract: A process for the purification of the polyetherdiols obtained by copolymerization of tetrahydrofuran and 1-alkene oxides by catalytic hydrogenation at temperatures up to 250.degree. C.

Abstract: A separation process has been found in which a polymer-solvent solution separates into phases of highly different composition which are in equilibrium over a broad temperature range. Upon addition of the phase separating agent, which is near or above its supercritical conditions, rapid disengagement into two phases occurs. The relative volume of solvent rich phase is substantially larger than the polymer rich phase. The process can be practiced at relatively low temperatures such as those employed in polymerization or post-polymerization processes. The separation is accomplished by adding or elevating the concentration of a phase separation agent to or above a minimum effective concentration, which causes the UCST and LCST lines to merge. Suitable phase separating agents are organic and inorganic compounds that are gases at 1 atm pressure and 25.degree. C. Due to the gaseous nature of the phase separating agent, it is easily removed from the solvent phase for reuse in the process.

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: Removing chloroprene dimers from polychloroprene by feeding to a screw extruder a polychloroprene latex and coagulating the latex in the extruder, feeding the coagulated latex to a dewatering zone and discharging the coagulated polychloroprene through a flow restriction which heats and pressurizes the polychloroprene to an area of reduced pressure to form a porous crumb. Also, the flow restriction applies back pressure sufficient that the water in the polychloroprene is forced out of a vent port. The polychloroprene crumb discharged from the extruder is heated to strip chloroprene dimer therefrom.

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: A method for producing a purified polycarbonate resin is disclosed, comprising contacting a solid polycarbonate resin with a fluid comprising at least 70% by weight of carbon dioxide and having a temperature of 30.degree. to 120.degree. C. and a pressure of at least 10 kg/cm.sup.2. The method can effectively remove almost all the impurities contained in the polycarbonate resin within a very short period of time, thereby providing highly purified polycarbonate resin materials which are suitably used in the fields of information, electronic and medical industries.

Abstract: A basic copolymer of styrene with vinylpyridine is purified by extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide to remove residual monomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the solvent-induced crystallization of amorphous poly(etheretherketone)-type polymer to produce an article, which process comprises:A. contacting a preformed article of a polymer comprising amorphous poly(etheretherketone)-type polymer with at least one organic compound in its liquid state which consists essentially of atoms of carbon and hydrogen, optionally with oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, halogen or mixtures thereof having a molecular weight of between about 160 and 320 daltons at a temperature of between about 85.degree. C. and 145.degree. C. for a time effective to crystallize the poly(etheretherketone)-type polymer,B. removing the organic compound, andC. recovering the article comprising crystallized poly(etheretherketone)-type polymer. Poly(etheretherketone), poly(phenylenesulfide) or mixtures thereof are preferred polymer systems.