Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and a process leading to colorless or light colored aqueous phicinol-formaldelhyde resoles. Unlike previous technologies, these compositions lead to clear storage stable fast curing, high molecular weight resins. These materials are also capable of producing composite wood panels with superior water absorption and thickness swell test results when soaked in water. The invention essentially consists of an aqueous copolymer of phenol, formaldehyde, and a phenolic carboxylate (e.g. salicylic acid). Methylol phenols are formed under alkaline conditions in the presence of metal chelating agents. These are then condensed into a polymer under alkaline, neutral or acidic conditions. The finished aqueous polymer solution is then acidified to the desired pH using a benzoic acid or a phelnol-carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A process for producing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin, including feeding EVOH into an extruder, keeping the temperature of the melting resin in the extruder at 70 to 170° C., adjusting the amount of water in the extruder so that the water content right after being discharged from the extruder is 5 to 40 weight %, and extruding out the EVOH resin. The extruded EVOH resin is cut into EVOH pellets. Thereby, it is possible to obtain resin pellets in which no spherocrystals are observed in the center of the cross section of the resin when the cross section is observed by the use of a polarization microscope, or no lubricant is contained in the resin pellets, and the angle of repose is 23° or less when the resin pellets are laminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for producing borohydride compounds. In particular, the present invention provides efficient processes and compositions for the large-scale production of borohydride compounds of the formula YBH4 by the reaction of a boron-containing compound represented by the formula BX3 with hydrogen or an aldehyde to obtain diborane and HX, and reacting the diborane with a Y-containing base selected from those represented by the formula Y2O, YOH and Y2CO3 to obtain YBH4 and YBO2. Y is selected from the group consisting of the alkali metals, pseudo-alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, an ammonium ion, and quaternary amines of the formula NR4+, wherein each R is independently selected from hydrogen and a straight- or branched-chain C1-4 alkyl group, and X is selected from the group consisting of halide ions, —OH, —R′ and —OR′ groups, chalcogens, and chalcogenides, wherein R′ is a straight- or branched-chain C1-4 alkyl group.

Abstract: Thermally stable polymers comprising chain members derived from at least one 1,3-dihydroxybenzene moiety and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid moiety, said polymer being substantially free of anhydride linkages linking at least two mers of the polymer chain, are prepared using an interfacial method comprising the steps of: (a) combining at least one 1,3-dihydroxybenzene moiety and at least one catalyst in a mixture of water and at least one organic solvent substantially immiscible with water; (b) adding to the mixture from (a) a controlled stoichiometric ratio of at least one acid chloride and at least one base while maintaining the pH between about 4 and about 8.5, and (c) adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to a value in the range of about 7 and about 9 following complete addition of acid chloride, and stirring the reaction mixture for a time sufficient to destroy any anhydride linkages in the polymer chain.

Abstract: The invention provides coating compositions having improved scratch and mar resistance. The curable coating compositions of the invention comprise a film-forming component (A) comprising one or more active hydrogen containing components (a), and one or more curing agents (b) comprising at least one aminoplast resin (bi) having from 0.5 to 3.5 moles of NH per mole of aminoplast resin (bi), a blocked acid catalyst (B) having a blocking agent which is not a tertiary amine, and a tertiary amine (C) present in an amount equal to 10 to 150% by weight of the blocking agent. The invention farther provides a method of making cured coated substrates having improved scratch and mar resistance as well as a method of making multilayer coating compositions.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of copolymers of formaldehyde and diphenyl oxide and a carboxylic acid uses and acid with a pKa in the range of 1.2 to 3 as the catalyst.

Abstract: Preparation process for a novolak aralkyl resin having excellent heat resistance and curing property by reacting 0.4 to 0.8 mol of an aralkyl compound based on one mol of the low molecular weight novolak containing 90% by weight or more of bi-nuclear novolak in the presence of an acidic catalyst, the process comprising at first melting the low molecular weight novolak, heating it up to a reaction temperature, then adding 0.001 to 0.05% by weight of the acidic catalyst to the total amount of the low molecular weight novolak and the aralkyl compound, then continuously adding the aralkyl compound for reaction, neutralizing the residual acidic catalyst after the completion of the reaction, a novolak aralkyl resin obtained by the preparation process and a novolak aralkyl resin composition containing said resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing electrically conductive polyaniline salts in various organic solvents using cost-effective protonic acids and where the solution is optically transparent.

Abstract: Aromatic polyethers are prepared by displacement polymerization reaction in the presence of a water-immiscible solvent with density ratio to water in a range of between about 0.9:1 and about 1.1:1 measured at a temperature in a range of between about 20° C. and about 25° C. The polyethers are purified by processes comprising aqueous extraction, or filtration, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A melt processible Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) polymer with novel end-group structure is synthesized electrophilically using Methane Sulfonic Acid containing Methane Sulfonic Anhydride or Phosphorous Pentoxide. The product so obtained shows controlled structure with elimination of reactive end group like —COOH and is therefore melt processible by conventional techniques and exhibits high thermal and mechanical properties making it useful high temperature engineering and specialty plastics. It can be extruded into a rod, film and can also be molded into commercially useful products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for eliminating contaminants from epihalohydrin-derived epoxy resins. Another embodiment of the present invention is an epoxy product formed using said process. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is an epoxy derived in part from epihalohydrin wherein said epoxy is has a hydrolyzable halogen content of less than 10 ppm and an epoxide equivalent weight within 2 percent of the theoretical epoxide equivalent weight.

Abstract: A method for residual monomer diminution by which a residual monomer is speedily removed from an N-vinyl compound polymer or the like without posing a problem such as an increase in ash content; and a process for producing an N-vinyl compound polymer solution or powder which has a regulated pH and is free from a decrease in pH with time. The method comprises adding an organic acid having a boiling point of 140° C. or higher at ordinary pressure to an aqueous solution of an N-vinyl compound polymer. The process comprises adding an organic base to an aqueous N-vinyl compound polymer solution having a pH lower than 7.0 to thereby neutralize the solution and regulate the pH thereof. Those operations are conducted in a reaction vessel in which a gaseous phase is regulated so as to have an oxygen concentration of 5.0% by volume or lower.

Abstract: A hyperbranched dendritic polyether, which optionally is further processed, such as further chain extended, chain terminated and/or functionalised. The hyperbranched dendritic polyether is obtained in a process comprising the step of thermally initiated cationic ring-opening polymerisation of at least one oxetane having at least two reactive groups of which at least one is an oxetane group. The thermally initiated ring-opening polymerisation is performed using an effective amount of at least one initiator, such as a thermal onium salt, a Lewis acid and/or a Brønsted acid. The terminal groups in said hyperbranched dendritic polyether are substantially hydroxyl groups and used for said optional further processing.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising specific metal salts of bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane dicarboxylate salts in order to provide highly desirable properties within polyolefin articles are provided. The inventive salts and derivatives thereof are useful as nucleating and/or clarifying agents for such polyolefin, provide excellent crystallization temperatures, stiffness, and calcium stearate compatibility within target polyolefin. Also, such compounds exhibit very low hygroscopicity and therefore excellent shelf stability as powdered or granular formulations. Polyolefin additive compositions and methods of producing polyolefin with such compounds are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: The invention is a novel method for the late introduction of additives into a continuous process for making polyethylene terephthalate. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the polyethylene terephthalate, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polyethylene terephthalate resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier and additives from the polyethylene terephthalate during subsequent thermal processing.

Abstract: Thermally stable polymers comprising resorcinol arylate chain members are prepared using an interfacial method comprising the steps of: interfacial method for preparing polymers comprising resorcinol arylate polyester chain members substantially free of anhydride linkages linking at least two mers of the polymer chain, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing an aqueous solution comprising at least one resorcinol moiety, said solution having a pH less than or equal to about 5; (b) after step (a), preparing a mixture comprising the resorcinol moiety, at least one catalyst and at least one organic solvent substantially immiscible with water; and (c) adding to the mixture from (b) at least one dicarboxylic acid dichloride while maintaining the pH between 3 and 8.5 through the presence of an acid acceptor, wherein the total molar amount of acid chloride groups is stoichiometrically deficient relative to the total molar amount of phenolic groups.

Abstract: A method for lateral chain modification of aryl main chain polymers with aromatic ketones or aldehydes containing tertiary basic N-groups is described. The modification can be accomplished via addition of an aromatic carboxylic acid or an acid derivative containing a tertiary amine moiety to a metallized polymer. The tertiary amines on the modified polymer can be converted to quaternary amines with halogen alkanes. Modification of the aryl main chain polymers with aromatic groups containing sulphonic acid radicals is also described. The polymers formed can be crosslinked and prepared for use in a wide variety of membrane technologies including ion exchange, dialysis, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration.

Abstract: The invention is a novel method for the late introduction of additives into condensation polymers. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the condensation polymers, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polymer resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier from the polymer resin during subsequent thermal processing.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel double metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts for the production of polyether polyols by polyaddition of alkylene oxides onto starter compounds having active hydrogen atoms, wherein the catalyst contains a) double metal cyanide compounds, b) organic complex ligands other than c) and c) ionic surface- or interface-active compounds. The catalysts according to the invention have greatly increased activity in the production of polyether polyols.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a water-absorbing composition such that portions containing the water-absorbing composition in a high concentration exhibit excessive-liquid permeation buffering effects in absorbent articles comprising the water-absorbing composition and hydrophilic fibers; and a use of this water-absorbing composition. The water-absorbing composition comprises a water-absorbent resin and an excessive-liquid permeation buffer, wherein the water-absorbent resin is a product by a process including the step of further crosslinking the surface vicinity of a crosslinked polymer, and this water-absorbing composition is characterized by having a liquid permeation buffering index of not less than 0.

Abstract: The invention is a novel method for the late introduction of additives into a process for making condensation polymers. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the condensation polymers, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polymer resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier from the polymer resin during subsequent thermal processing.

Abstract: The invention is a novel method for the late introduction of additives into polyethylene terephthalate. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the polyethylene terephthalate, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polyethylene terephthalate resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier and additives from the polyethylene terephthalate during subsequent thermal processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continuously or discontinuously producing tetrahydrofuran polymers by homopolymerization of tetrahydrofuran, alkyl-substituted tetrahydrofurans and/or alkylene oxides in the presence of carboxylic acid anhydrides or compounds containing reactive hydrogen using an optionally non-acidified or acid-activated calcined and granular natural amorphous aluminum silicate catalyst. The inventive method provides a means for substantially suppressing the formation of cyclic ethers and for obtaining a polymer with a narrow molecular weight distribution by keeping the concentration of carboxylic acid anhydrides or alkylene oxide constantly below 1 wt. % during polymerization. The catalysts have a long life span and lead to polymers that are characterized by highly uniform properties and a narrow molecular weight distribution even if a fairly impure monomer is used.

Abstract: Processes for rendering a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin storage stable, including processes that prepare a storage stable resin and/or processes that treat resins. A composition containing a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin which includes CPD-forming species can be treated with at least one agent under conditions to at least one of inhibit, reduce and remove the CPD-forming species to obtain a reduced CPD-forming resin so that a composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin when stored for 2 weeks at 50° C., and a pH of about 2.5 to 3.5 contains less than about 250 ppm dry basis of CPD. The invention is also directed to a gelation storage stable reduced CPD-forming resin so that a composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin, when stored at pH 1 for 24 hours at 50° C. and measured at 24 hours, produces less than about 1000 ppm dry basis of CPD.

Abstract: A process for producing polyamides by reacting at least one lactam and optionally further polyamide-forming monomers with aqueous monomer and oligomer extracts obtained during the extraction with water of the polymer product obtained in the production of polyamides, the water content of the reaction mixture being in the range from 0.5 to 13% by weight comprises conducting the reaction in the presence of metal oxides, beta-zeolites, sheet-silicates or silica gels, which may be doped, as heterogeneous catalysts, the heterogeneous catalysts being used in the form which permits mechanical removal from the reaction mixture and are removed from the reaction mixture in the course of the polymerization or after it has ended.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a liquid melamine urea formaldehyde resin that has long term stability. The invention also relates to a liquid MUF resin with a high formaldehyde and melamine content. The invention further relates to a liquid suspension hardener including a catalyst, a thickener, a filler, and water. The invention also relates to a adhesive composition for use in wood bonding that is made by adding a hardener to the resin.

Abstract: There is disclosed a crystallizable poly(2,5-di-substituted-1,4-phenylene oxide), which exhibits an exothermic peak for crystallization of not less than 5 J/g at 150° C. or over when cooled after melting, and/or an endothermic peak, at the time of melting of crystals thereof, of not less than 5 J/g at 150° C. or over when re-heated after cooling of the melt, and which comprises a recurring unit of the following formula (I), and a method of preparing the same by polymerization of a 2,5-di-substituted-phenol of the following formula (II) by use of a copper complex catalyst made of a tridentate ligand of which nitrogen atoms coordinate to a copper atom in coexistence with oxygen: wherein R1's independently represent a hydrocarbon group or a substituted hydrocarbon group, and they may be the same or different. The crystallizable poly(2,5-di-substituted-1,4-phenylene oxide) is able to provide a melt molding which has a reduced degree of coloration and good heat resistance.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising specific metal salts of bicyclo[2.2.1 ]heptane dicarboxylate salts in order to provide highly desirable properties within polyolefin articles are provided. The inventive salts and derivatives thereof are useful as nucleating and/or clarifying agents for such polyolefin, provide excellent crystallization temperatures, stiffness, and calcium stearate compatibility within target polyolefin. Also, such compounds exhibit very low hygroscopicity and therefore excellent shelf stability as powdered or granular formulations. Polyolefin additive compositions and methods of producing polyolefin with such compounds are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel, economic processes for preparing nitrated and sulfonated polymers and aminated and sulfonated polymers. Also provided are the polymers prepared by these processes. The invention also provides for membranes comprising the polymers, methods for preparing the membranes and their use in electromembrane processes, particularly in fuel cells.

Abstract: A method of preparing rubber substrate is provided. In the method, 50 to 95 parts by weight of conjugated diene monomer is first-polymerized, until the resulting first rubber substrate has gel content of 5 to 70 wt %. Thereafter, the first rubber substrate is second-polymerized with 5 to 50 parts by weight to obtain a second rubber substrate. The obtained second rubber substrate has higher gel content in core than outer layer.

Abstract: A polyoxymethylene copolymer having a melting point of 167° to 173° C. and containing a low molecular weight polyoxymethylene copolymer in an amount of not higher than 5000 ppm, and a composition thereof. The copolymer is obtainable by subjecting unstable terminal groups to heat treatment in the presence of 0.05 to 50 ppm by weight of a quaternary ammonium compound. Further, the above composition is used for working parts such as a gear and a cam; apparatuses for image, music and telecommunication; interior and exterior parts for an automobile; and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides coating compositions having improved scratch and mar resistance. The curable coating compositions of the invention comprise a film-forming component (A) comprising one or more active hydrogen containing components (a), and one or more curing agents (b) comprising at least one aminoplast resin (bi) having from 0.5 to 3.5 moles of NH per mole of aminoplast resin (bi), a blocked acid catalyst (B) having a blocking agent which is not a tertiary amine, and a tertiary amine (C) present in an amount equal to 10 to 150% by weight of the blocking agent. The invention farther provides a method of making cured coated substrates having improved scratch and mar resistance as well as a method of making multilayer coating compositions.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of odor-lean polyether polyols from polyether polyol product stream obtained by reacting a starting compound having a plurality of active hydrogen atoms with one or more alkylene oxides, which process comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the polyether polyol product with an excess of acid having a pKa of less than 5 under hydrolysis conditions, (b) contacting the reaction mixture with excessive amount of water to form a two-phase system under hydrolysis conditions by adding an amount of water to form an organic phase and a water phase to reduce the amount of cyclic-ether compounds present in the polyether polyol product, and (c) recovering the odor-lean polyether polyol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a liquid melamine urea formaldehyde resin that has long term stability. The invention also relates to a liquid MUF resin with a high formaldehyde and melamine content. The invention further relates to a liquid suspension hardener including a catalyst, a thickener, a filler, and water. The invention also relates to a adhesive composition for use in wood bonding that is made by adding a hardener to the resin.

Abstract: Polymers derived from polymers represented by Formula (A) (d is 20˜500; and Rs, which may be the same or different, represent each H, alkyl or benzyl) by substituting a part or all of the consisting peptide bonds by (1) hydrazino-Glu (Formula B), and saccharide-modified Glu (Formula C) or by (2) hydorazino-Glu (Formula B), and saccharide-modified Glu (Formula C), and drug bonded Glu (Formula D).

Abstract: The invention provides conjugated polymers that have good solubility and semiconductivity, and that display high photoluminescent and electroluminescent efficiency.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed which pertains to components for gel coat compositions, a process for making such gel coat compositions, and a process for making gel coated articles. Low molecular weight unsaturated polymers which incorporate multiple pendent and/or terminal acrylic or methacrylic vinyl groups are made by the addition polymerization of acrylate/methacrylate monomers with epoxy acrylates such as glycidyl methacrylate, followed by ring opening of the oxirane via action of an (meth)acrylic acid in combination with a ring-opening catalyst to produce the final unsaturated polymer. Gel coat compositions containing such polymers possess improved rheological properties and may be used to create durable in-mold coatings for articles requiring good hydrolytic stability and UV resistance.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of odour-lean polyether polyols from a polyether polyol starting product which is obtained by reacting a starting compound having a plurality of active hydrogen atoms with one or more alkylene oxides, which process comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the neutralised or unneutralised polyether polyol product with an excess of an acid having a pKa of less than 5 under hydrolysis conditions, (b) contacting the reaction mixture with water under hydrolysis conditions, and (c) recovering the odour-lean polyether polyol.

Abstract: A process for making a high molecular weight, extended &pgr;-conjugated polymer from a monomer comprising a heterocyclic, benzylic or phenolic ring is described.

Abstract: Poly(arylene ether) resins having intrinsic viscosities greater than about 0.8 dL/g are produced in the reaction of a phenol with oxygen in the presence of an organic solvent and a metal complex catalyst, the phenol concentration being about 5 to about 15 weight percent of the sum of phenol and solvent, and the molar ratio of metal in the metal complex catalyst to the phenol being about 1:100 to about 1:200.

Abstract: Thermally stable polymers comprising chain members derived from at least one 1,3-dihydroxybenzene moiety and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid moiety, said polymer being substantially free of anhydride linkages linking at least two mers of the polymer chain, are prepared using an interfacial method comprising the steps of: (a) combining at least one 1,3-dihydroxybenzene moiety and at least one catalyst in a mixture of water and at least one organic solvent substantially immiscible with water; (b) adding to the mixture from (a) a controlled stoichiometric ratio of at least one acid chloride and at least one base while maintaining the pH between about 4 and about 8.5, and (c) adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to a value in the range of about 7 and about 9 following complete addition of acid chloride, and stirring the reaction mixture for a time sufficient to destroy any anhydride linkages in the polymer chain.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising specific metal salts of bicyclo[2.2.1 ]heptane dicarboxylate salts in order to provide highly desirable properties within polyolefin articles are provided. The inventive salts and derivatives thereof are useful as nucleating and/or clarifying agents for such polyolefin, provide excellent crystallization temperatures, stiffness, and calcium stearate compatibility within target polyolefin. Also, such compounds exhibit very low hygroscopicity and therefore excellent shelf stability as powdered or granular formulations. Polyolefin additive compositions and methods of producing polyolefin with such compounds are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber which comprises at least one partly crystalline cycloolefin copolymer which can be prepared by polymerization of a symmetrical polycyclic olefin, an acyclic olefin and, if desired, a monocyclic olefin in the presence of a catalyst system comprising an aluminoxane and a metallocene compound of the formula

Abstract: Preparation process for a novolak aralkyl resin having excellent heat resistance and curing property by reacting 0.4 to 0.8 mol of an aralkyl compound based on one mol of the low molecular weight novolak containing 90% by weight or more of bi-nuclear novolak in the presence of an acidic catalyst, the process comprising at first melting the low molecular weight novolak, heating it up to a reaction temperature, then adding 0.001 to 0.05% by weight of the acidic catalyst to the total amount of the low molecular weight novolak and the aralkyl compound, then continuously adding the aralkyl compound for reaction, neutralizing the residual acidic catalyst after the completion of the reaction, a novolak aralkyl resin obtained by the preparation process and a novolak aralkyl resin composition containing said resin.

Abstract: A novel process for the purification of poloxamers which contain aldehyde impurities, and particularly for the purification of the poloxamers named poloxamer 188 and poloxamer 407, which process includes dissolving the poloxamer(s) in a solvent which solvent may optionally contain an acid or a mixture of acids; if the solvent in which the poloxamer(s) has been dissolved is free from acid, acid is added; whereafter the aldehydes are removed.

Abstract: The ring opening polymerization of p-dioxanone is started in a liquid phase under stirring at a temperature of 85 to 105° C. after adding 0.002 to 0.005 mol percent of stannous 2-ethylhexanoate forming a white crystal at a temperature of 0° C. as a catalyst and 0.01 to 0.1 mol percent of initiator. Stirring is stopped when a stirring load has increased by 10 to 100 percent over an initial load, while the temperature is lowered to a range of 65 to 85° C., to continue the polymerization in a solid phase to produce poly(p-dioxanone). The polymer is used to make a monofilament having a knot tensile strength of at least 30,000 psi and a strength retention of at least 58 percent after four weeks of immersion in a physiological saline solution at 37° C. The monofilament provides an absorbable surgical suture which is highly resistant to hydrolysis and very useful for stitching a wound or incision which requires a long time for healing.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing W/O emulsions having crosslinked water-swollen polymers dispersed therein, by aftertreatment with a redox initiator system to reduce the residual monomer content.

Abstract: A polymer comprising recurring units of formula (2) is prepared by effecting deblocking reaction on a polymer comprising recurring units of formula (1) in the presence of an acid catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving the stability of aqueous polymer dispersions to thermal and/or mechanical effects and comprises adding to said aqueous polymer dispersions at least one salt of a bis-C4-C18-alkyl ester of a sulfonated dicarboxylic acid having 4 to 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention deals with the composition, and application of polyoxyalkylene glycol dicarboxylates, and complexes thereof. The complexes are made by a series of reactions which include reaction of an anhydride with a polyoxyalkylene glycol, then formation of a complex of the poly carboxylate with quaternary compounds. The complexes are useful as softening, anti-tangle, and conditioning agents for use in personal care applications due to their outstanding mildness.