Abstract: Disclosed are branched polyphosphonates produced via a superior transesterification process, and methods related thereto. These branched polyphosphonates exhibit a unique and advantageous combination of properties, such as outstanding fire resistance, improved heat stability, improved toughness, and superior processing characteristics. Also disclosed are polymer compositions that comprise these branched polyphosphonates and at least one other polymer, wherein the resulting polymer compositions exhibit flame retardant properties. Further disclosed are articles of manufacture produced from these polymers, such as fibers, films, coated substrates, moldings, foams, fiber-reinforced articles, or any combination thereof; these articles may be coated with a moisture barrier to enhance their moisture resistance properties.

Abstract: A process for treating a composition containing a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin that has a low level of CPD-producing species and good gelation stability is disclosed. A polyamine-epihalohydrin resin is prepared with a ratio of epihalohydrin:amine of less than about 1.1:1.0; The resin is then subjected to a base treatment followed by an acid treatment resulting in a resin that has good gelation storage stability and produces low levels of CPD.

Abstract: The invention relates to conjugated poly(2,7-carbazole) derivatives comprising repeating, alternating or random units of the formula: wherein R represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon Aatoms. The conjugated poly(2,7-carbazole) derivatives according to the invention have interesting optical and electrochemical properties which render them suitable for use in the manufacture of diverse electrical, optical and electro-optical devices.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods to remove impurities in polymeric materials in order to improve the opto-electronic characteristics of devices fabricated from these polymers. The polymers include but not limited to polyarylenes, polyarylenevinylenes, polyaryleneethylnylene, polyfluorenes, polyanilines, polythiophenes, polypyrroles, and any conjugated co-polymers. The methods involve the selection of a scavenger or chelating agent and use it to remove metallic impurities from the polymers. The methods involve dissolving the polymer in a suitable solvent, adding a scavenger, mixing to form a scavenger containing phase, and finally separating the scavenger containing phase from the polymer phase. According to this invention, it is preferable for the selected scavengers to have functional groups which can chemically react with metallic species and form a coordination compound that is not soluble in a selected solvent.

Abstract: A process for producing an aromatic polyether having a high molecular weight, small dispersion of the molecular weight, excellent in the heat resistance as well as the impact resistance and represented by the formula (1): wherein each of x1 and x2 independently represents a halogen, and n represents an integer of 1 or above is provided, which comprises polymerizing 4,4′-biphenol with a 4,4′-dihalogenodiphenyl sulfone represented by the formula (2): wherein x1 and x2 have the same meaning as above, in an amount exceeding 1 time by mole and not exceeding 1.05 time by mole based on said 4,4′-biphenol in diphenyl sulfone and in the presence of an alkali metal carbonate and/or an alkali metal bicarbonate at a temperature which is not lower than 240° C. and not higher than 270° C.

Abstract: The invention provides chain-coupled polymeric sulfide compounds for use as the elastomeric component in vulcanizable elastomeric compositions comprising silica, carbon black or mixtures thereof. In particular, the invention provides anionically polymerized polymers having polymer chain living ends that are functionalized with sulfide groups and coupled together by a metal or nonmetal atom. The chain-coupled polymeric sulfide compounds have an initial high viscosity for ease of handling prior to compounding, a stable viscosity during storage, and a decreased compound viscosity for better filler dispersion and improved mixing efficiency. The invention further provides a pneumatic tire having at least one component produced from the vulcanizable elastomeric composition of the invention. A tire tread produced from vulcanized elastomers exhibiting these improved properties will exhibit reduced hysteresis resulting in an increase in rebound and improved rolling resistance and wet traction.

Abstract: A phenol-formaldehyde resole resin for use as a binder for glass fibers is acidified to a pH of 3 or less after base-catalyzed resinification. An increase in actual solids is observed compared with neutralized resin. Phenol-formaldehyde-urea-ammonia resins are surprisingly stable at pH 3 with desirable cure profiles.

Abstract: The invention is a 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: A hydrogenated ring-opening metathesis polymer which contains at least a structural unit [B] of the following general formula [3] and/or a structural unit [C] of the following general formula [4]: wherein, R8 to R11 and R13 to R16 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and X2s and X3s are the same or different and represent —O— or —CR122— wherein, R12 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms). One of Y1 and Y2 represents —(C═O)— and the other of Y1 and Y2 represents —CR182— wherein, R18 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms and m and n represent an integer of 0 or 1 to 3.

Abstract: A novel non-aggressive sulfonating process for aromatic polymers is described. The process encompasses: a). dissolving the aromatic polymer in a substantially anhydrous acid selected from the group consisting of concentrated sulfuric acid, chlorosulfonic acid, and oleum, b) adding an organic solvent which is inert under the conditions of the reaction, c) adding a carboxylic anhydride, d) adding a sulfonating agent, and e) carrying out the sulfonation at a temperature below 25° C. and for a time sufficient to achieve the desired degree of sulfonation.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a polyaryletherketone component with a wettable surface is disclosed. The surface of the polyaryletherketone component has a surface chemistry which enhances the ability of tissues to grow directly thereon. An associated method for enhancing the wettability of a prosthetic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyether-polyol having a narrow molecular weight distribution, which comprises carrying out selective fractional extraction of the low-molecular weight component from a polyether-polyol (A) having an average molecular weight of from 500 to 4500 represented by formula (1):

Abstract: This invention provides a process for hydrotreating hydrocarbon resins, which process comprises contacting a feedstock comprising a hydrocarbon resin or rosin, under suitable hydrotreating conditions, with a bulk multimetallic catalyst comprised of at least one Group VIII non-noble metal and at least two Group VIB metals and wherein the ratio of Group VIB metal to Group VIII non-noble metal is from about 10:1 to about 1:10. The process according to the invention can achieve increased hydrocarbon resin productivity through increase in throughput volumes and effective catalyst lifetimes. The process of the invention is desirably practiced with a bulk catalyst consisting of only the combination of the metal species with the active metal components. The absence of carrier substrates largely removes the possibility of halogen accumulation on substrate surfaces that, in turn, can acidify metal catalysts such that additional, progressive cracking of the hydrocarbon resin molecules occurs.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a polyaniline/high molecular weight polymeric sulfonic acid complex made by oxidative polymerization, and aqueous polyaniline dispersions, where the viscosity of the dispersion has been increased by the presence of the high molecular weight polymeric sulfonic acids during the polymerization process.

Abstract: A process for working up polymer components prepared by emulsion polymerization is disclosed. The process is characterized in that coagulation of the aqueous polymer latex present after emulsion polymerization is performed using a combination of A) an aqueous solution of at least one salt selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, aluminum chloride, sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate and aluminum sulfate, B) an aqueous solution of at least one salt of an acid selected from the group consisting of hypophosphorous acid (H3PO2), phosphorous acid (H3PO3 or HPO2) and ascorbic acid and optionally C) an aqueous dilute acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid and acetic acid.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a polyaryletherketone component with a wettable surface is disclosed. The surface of the polyaryletherketone component has a surface chemistry which enhances the ability of tissues to grow directly thereon. An associated method for enhancing the wettability of a prosthetic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for increasing the polymerization rate of polyester polymers in the solid state by adding a catalytic amount of zinc p-toluenesulfonate to a polyester polymer melt that is essentially free of antimony and germanium, before solid state polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for hydrogenating ethylenically unsaturated double bonds in polymers P by reacting an aqueous dispersion of at least one polymer P with hydrogen in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst comprising at least one transition metal selected from rhodium and/or ruthenium and at least one nonionic phosphorus compound capable of forming a coordinative compound with the transition metal, which comprises incorporating the hydrogenation catalyst into the aqueous dispersion of the polymer P without adding a solvent. The present invention also relates to the aqueous dispersions of the hydrogenated polymers P obtainable by this process and to coating compositions comprising such dispersions.

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: 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: Phosphorus-comprising polyol, oligomer derived from this phosphorus-comprising polyol, polymer derived from this oligomer, processes for their preparation and uses of these. The present invention relates to a phosphorus-comprising polyol. The invention also relates to an oligomer derived from this phosphorus-comprising polyol and to the composition comprising this oligomer. The invention also relates to a polymer derived from this oligomer. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of this phosphorus-comprising polyol, of this oligomer, of this polymer and of this composition. The invention also relates to the uses of this phosphorus-comprising polyol, of this oligomer, of this polymer and of this composition. The composition can be cross-linked by irradiation and exhibits flame-retardant properties.

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: This invention provides a process for hydrotreating hydrocarbon resins, which process comprises contacting a feedstock comprising a hydrocarbon resin or rosin, under suitable hydrotreating conditions, with a bulk multimetallic catalyst comprised of at least one Group VIII non-noble metal and at least two Group VIB metals and wherein the ratio of Group VIB metal to Group VIII non-noble metal is from about 10:1 to about 1:10. The process accord invention can achieve increased hydrocarbon resin productivity through increase in throughput volumes and effective catalyst lifetimes. The process of the invention is desirably practiced with a bulk catalyst consisting of only the combination of the metal species with the active metal components. The absence of carrier substrates largely removes the possibility of halogen accumulation on substrate surfaces that, in turn, can acidify metal catalysts such that additional, progressive cracking of the hydrocarbon resin molecules occurs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to industrial high relative viscosity (RV) filaments, such as, for use in papermaking machine felts and other staple fiber applications. The invention is further directed to apparatus and processes for solid phase polymerization (SPP) of polyamide flake suitable for use, such as, in remelting and then spinning the industrial high RV filaments. The invention is also directed to processes for melt phase polymerization (MPP) of molten polymer for making the filaments.

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: A process for making pigmented PVDF-based powder coatings by coagulation and powder based coatings made by the process. The process involves blending a PVDF latex and a water reducible acrylic polymer and pigment dispersion, adding coagulant to precipitate solid PVDF and pigment associated by ionic interaction with acrylic polymer binder, separating solids and drying the precipitate. Also, methods for coating substrates with the powder coating and coated substrates.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of processing polyacrylonitrile into a predetermined form. The first step in this method includes preparing a solution of a room temperature solvent that will dissolve polyacrylonitrile at room temperature and, a room temperature non-solvent that will not dissolve polyacrylonitrile at room temperature. The solution is prepared with sufficient non-solvent to render the room temperature solvent inoperable such that it will not dissolve polyacrylonitrile at room temperature and such that it will be operable at temperatures above 65° C. to dissolve polyacrylonitrile therein. The second step in the present invention method involves combining polyacrylonitrile with the solution to form a mixture, in an amount of at least 20%, by weight, of polyacrylonitrile, based on the total weight of the mixture. Preferred is about 20% to about 50% by weight of the polyacrylonitrile.

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: 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 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: 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: This invention discloses a photosensitive phosphorylated phenol-formaldehyde resin, characterized by containing in its molecule at least two phosphate groups, each phosphate group coupled with at least one photo-sensitive group. The photosensitive resin of the present invention is prepared by reacting a phenol-formaldehyde resin with phosphorus oxychloride to form a phosphorylated phenol-formaldehyde resin; then reacting the resin with a compound having one hydroxyl group and at least one ethylenically unsaturated bond, thereby esterifying some of the phosphorochloridate groups to produce a resin having ethylenically unsaturated bonds and unreacted phosphorochloridate groups; and hydrolyzing the unreacted phosphorochloridate groups into phosphoric groups. The photosensitive resin according to the invention is UV-curable and alkaline-soluble as traditional photosensitive resins are; moreover, it exhibits good flame retardant and adhesive properties.

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: The invention relates to a process for the drying of coagulated water-containing rubber particles. These are treated with an aqueous solution of any desired substances in monodisperse solution in water in such a way that, at least for some period, the surface of the rubber particles is completely covered by the aqueous solution. It is preferable to use an aqueous solution of substances selected from the group consisting of salts, alcohols, acids and sugars. This method can reduce the internal water content between the particles resulting from coagulation, without major usage of energy or time.

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 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: 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: An invented method for the surface modification of a molded plastic treats a molded plastic with an oxygen-atom-containing gas such as oxygen, carbon monoxide, a nitrogen oxide, or a sulfur oxide in the presence of N-hydroxyphthalimide or another imide compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are each, identical to or different from each other, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a cycloalkyl group, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, a carboxyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, or an acyl group, or R1 and R2 may be combined to form a double bond or an aromatic or non-aromatic ring; X is an oxygen atom or a hydroxyl group. An invented method for modifying a polymer treats a polymer with an oxygen-atom-containing gas such as oxygen, carbon monoxide, a nitrogen oxide, or a sulfur oxide in the presence of the imide compound represented by the formula (1).

Abstract: A method of drying saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers which includes melting and kneading a mixture including one or more saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer species and having a water content of 5 to 60% by weight until the mixture has a water content of less then 5% by weight.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a polymer composition comprising at least one aromatic or a mixture thereof, the process comprising: i) obtaining a reaction mixture comprising polymer precursors in a first fluid boiling in excess of 100 C.; ii) subjecting the reaction mixture to a first elevated temperature in excess of 100 C. to generate the alkali metal salts of polymer precursors and the polymer reaction products thereof; and iii) subjecting the reaction product mixture to at least a second temperature and isolating the reaction product in the form of a polymer composition which is substantially insoluble in a second fluid, form the first fluid which is substantially soluble in the second fluid, by contacting with an amount of second fluid; wherein the process is conducted in substantial absence of an effective amount of an azeotrope; novel intermediates thereof, polymer composition obtained thereby; resin formulation thereof; method for manufacture of composites thereof, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to conjugated polycarbazole derivates comprising repeating or alternating units of the formula: 1

Abstract: The present invention provides an effective process for removal of the residual metal catalyst from a polymer solution using water and alcohol containing an inorganic acid after selective hydrogenation of the unsaturated olefinic double bonds in a polymer of a conjugated diene monomer or a copolymer of a conjugated diene monomer and an aromatic vinyl monomer in the presence of a homogeneous organotitanium catalyst, which is an economical and simple process especially for the purpose of an industrial use for effectively removing the residual titanium compounds and lithium salts from the hydrogenated polymer solution.

Abstract: A method of achieving a novel superior dispersion of insoluble sulfur comprises mixing polysulfur while it is in the rubbery state with a diluent, such as rubber, to obtain a novel uniform dispersion of the sulfur in the diluent.

Abstract: A process for producing aliphatic polyester wherein a crystallized aliphatic polyester prepolymer formed from an aliphatic dihydric alcohol and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and having a weight-average molecular weight of 2,000 to 100,000 is caused to undergo solid-phase polymerization in the presence of a volatile catalyst to make an aliphatic polyester having a weight-average molecular weight of 50,000 to 1,000,000. This process is more efficient than any prior process calling for a complicated step for catalyst removal, since it enables the removal of the catalyst from the reaction system during and/or after solid-phase polymerization. The polyester is comparable in stability to any aliphatic polyester having any catalyst removed therefrom.

Abstract: The room temperature polymerizable composition comprises at least one polymerizable monomer having at least one episulfide functionality and an effective amount of at least one (alkoxyphenyl)phosphine polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: Compositions of polyphosphazene-containing polymers and methods of preparation thereof are provided. The disclosed compositions encompass telechelic functionalized polyphosphazenes and a variety of block and graft polyphosphazene-polystyrene, polyphosphazene-polysiloxane, and polyphosphazene-ROMP of norbornene copolymers. Methods for the preparation of such compositions generally involve generation of a polydichlorophosphazene species, attachment of a function group to the resultant polyphosphazene compound, and coupling the functionalized polyphosphazene with a corresponding organic or inorganic polymers or polymerizing the functionalized polyphosphazene with corresponding organic molecules.

Abstract: Benzobisazole polymers having repeating units of the formula wherein Z is wherein X is —S—, —O— or —NH—.

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 present invention relates to a method for treating plastic polymers to reduce or remove organic contaminants. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of treating, by continuous means, a flowable polymer mass with a solvating fluid in an environment at which the solvating fluid is in a supercritical state and is subject to conditions sufficient to preferentially solvate and extract organic, and especially non-volatile, contaminants from the polymer mass.