Abstract: The invention comprises a process of producing .epsilon.-caprolactam from extract water of polycaprolactam obtained by hydrolytic polymerization, wherein(i) the extract water is concentrated by distillation of water,(ii) from the concentrated extract water from stage (i) an extract of .epsilon.-caprolactam and oligomers including dimers is obtained by separating an .epsilon.-caprolactam/water vapor mixture,(iii) the extract from stage (ii) is depolymerized in the presence of a catalyst and superheated steam, where a vapor mixture of .epsilon.-caprolactam and water is obtained, and(iv) from the .epsilon.-caprolactam/water vapor mixtures of process stages (ii) and (iii) .epsilon.-caprolactam with a dimer content of .ltoreq.0.2 wt-% is obtained by distillation of water.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of separating a coating from a base plastic in a multilayered structure, comprising the steps of (A) providing the multilayered structure comprising at least a coating and a base plastic; (B) contacting the multilayered structure with a mixture comprising (i) a major amount of water, (ii) at least one basic compound or acid compound, (iii) at least one lifting agent, and (iv) at least one accelerator; and (C) separating the coating from the base plastic. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a separating composition containing a major amount of water, at least one basic compound or acid compound, at least one lifting agent, and at least one accelerator. The inventive methods and compositions overcome numerous problems in the art by enabling the efficient recycling of coated polymer articles whereby clear and/or colorless recycled polymers may be obtained.

Abstract: Deaggregated substituted and unsubstitued polyparaphenylenes, polyparaphenylevevinyles, polyanilines, polyazines, polythiophenes, poly-p-phenylene sulfides, polyfuranes, polypyrroles, polysclenophene, polyacetylenes formed from soluble precursors and combinations thereof and copolymers thereof and methods of fabrication are described. The deaggregated polymer molecules when subsequently doped show higher electrical conductivity. Agents such as lithium chloride, m-cresol and nonylphenol are used to deaggregate the polymer molecules. The deaggregating agents can be added prior to or during doping the molecules.

Abstract: There is a need for polymers which are utilized in automotive interiors which offer increased heat and ultraviolet light resistance. It is particularly critical for polymers which are utilized in making skin compounds for automotive instrument and door panels to display excellent heat and ultraviolet light resistance. This invention discloses a continuous process for preparing a rubbery polymer which can be blended with polyvinyl chloride to make leathery compositions having good heat and ultraviolet light resistance. This technique involves utilizing a multiple continuous reactor system wherein a first phase monomer solution containing butyl acrylate, an acrylic monomer, acrylonitrile and a crosslinking agent is continuously charged into at least three initial reactors. To attain a small particle size, it is necessary to limit the solids content in each of these initial reactors.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing with good productivity a cross-linked polyaspartic acid resin having biodegradability and high water absorbency. The process features inclusion of one of the following steps: (a) a polysuccinimide, which has been brought into a dispersed state by a dispersant, and a cross-linking agent are reacted to produce the cross-linked polyaspartic acid resin; (b) imide rings of a cross-linked polysuccinimide are subjected to a hydrolysis reaction while controlling a swelling degree of a resulting gel, whereby the cross-linked polyaspartic acid resin is produced; and (c) a gel of a cross-linked polysuccinimide, which has been obtained by reacting a cross-linking agent to a solution of a polysuccinimide in an organic solvent, is disintegrated to subject imide rings of the cross-linked polysuccinimide to a hydrolysis reaction, so that the cross-linked polyaspartic acid resin is produced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymerizable phosphazene derivative with a general structural formula[.brket open-st.NP(A).sub.a (B).sub.b).brket close-st.]xwherein the groups A and B are bonded to phosphorus atoms through --O--, --S--, --NH--, or --NR-- (with R=C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) alkyl), and wherein A stands more precisely for a vinyl ether group or a styrene ether group, and B stands more precisely for a hydrocarbon group. The invention also relates to procedures for synthesizing such phosphazene derivatives. The phosphazenes derivatives of the invention can be cured by a process that is initiated cationically, which leads to a large number of advantages. The phosphazene derivatives of the invention can, in particular, be used as curable binders for paints, coatings, fillers, mastics, adhesives, moldings, or films. Paints or coatings comprising the phosphazene derivatives of the invention show especially high mechanical resistance and scratch resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a thermoplastic elastomer comprising preparing a blend of a rubber and a thermoplastic resin, in which the rubber is at least partially vulcanized by using a phenolic curative. The invention is that, to overcome problems with surface quality, an effective amount of a Lewis base is added after the desired degree of vulcanization of the rubber is obtained.The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of an UV-stable thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: Polymers which contain N-substituted formamide structural units, obtainable by catalytic reaction of nitrile-containing polymers in the presence of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and/or carbon monoxide-releasing compounds, are described.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of powder compositions, containing organosilicon compounds and redispersible in water, by spray drying of an aqueous mixture containing one or a plurality of organosilicon compounds and one or a plurality of water-soluble organopolymers in the presence of antiblocking agents. The invention is characterized in that a portion of the antiblocking agent is conveyed to the dried powder stream, as long as it is still suspended in the stream of gas, or the remainder of the antiblocking agent is added to the dried powder.

Abstract: Deaggregated substituted and unsubstitued polyparaphenylenes, polyparaphenylevevinyles, polyanilines, polyazines, polythiophenes, poly-p-phenylene sulfides, polyfuranes, polypyrroles, polysclenopliene, polyacetylenes formed from soluble precursors and combinations thereof and copolymers thereof and methods of fabrication are described. The deaggregated polymer molecules when subsequently doped show higher electrical conductivity. Agents such as lithium chloride, m-cresol and nonylphenol are used to deaggregate the polymer molecules. The deaggregating agents can be added prior to or during doping the molecules.

Abstract: A method of forming polymer beads comprising forming an aqueous solution comprising a cross-linkable water soluble polymer and a water-soluble crosslinking agent, adding said solution with mixing to a thixotropic oil gel comprising an oil in which said polymer is insoluble and a silica or silicate, continuing said mixing for a time sufficient and under conditions sufficient to form a water-in-oil dispersion having individual water/polymer droplets dispersed in said thixotropic oil gel, stopping mixing, and when the droplets are in the form of solid beads recovering the beads from the thixotropic oil gel.

Abstract: Polyarylene sulfide (PAS) is disclosed, of which extract with methylene chloride is in an amount of not more than 0.7% by weight, a melt viscosity V.sub.6 is 20 to 15,000 poises and a content of --SX groups is at least 15 micro moles/g, wherein X represents an alkali metal or a hydrogen atom. The PAS is prepared as follows: an alkali metal sulfide is reacted with a dihaloaromatic compound in an organic amide solvent, while a part of a gaseous phase in a reactor is condensed by cooling a gaseous phase part of the reactor to return the condensed liquid to a liquid phase; and the polyarylene sulfide thus prepared is washed with an organic solvent and then with water. The present invention also provides a composition comprising 100 parts by weight of (A) the aforesaid PAS and 0.01 to 5.0 parts by weight of (B) at least a silane compound selected from the group consisting of methacryloxysilane compounds, ureidosilane compounds and epoxy silane compounds.

Abstract: A method of treating paint sludge containing uncured polymer resin, water and/or solvent is provided in which a paint sludge putty is formed which may be used as a replacement for polymeric components used to form compounded polymeric compositions. The treated paint sludge putty or powder comprises from about 5 to 90% by weight of the total compounded polymeric composition and may be used in a variety of compositions including pressure sensitive sealants, caulking sealants, automotive sealants, polyvinyl chloride plastics, rubbers and asphalt cement coatings, and waterbased sealers and coatings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation process of aliphatic polyester, comprising using an ion exchange resin as a drying agent and after the dehydration polycondensation reaction, regenerating and drying the used ion exchange resin and repeatedly using said ion exchange resin in the next dehydration polycondensation reaction, in a process for preparing aliphatic polyester from one or more aliphatic compound (A) by heating in an organic solvent in the presence of a catalyst, distilling a generated water containing organic solvent out of the reaction system, treating the distilled organic solvent with a drying agent, and returning the treated solvent to the reaction system to progress a dehydration polycondensation reaction. The process of the invention enables one to steadily and efficiently prepare in industry an aliphatic polyester having an excellent color tone, high molecular weight and high quality.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a process for producing a polyurethane-based polymeric electrolyte including steps of: a) providing a polyurethane material as a matrix material; b) dispersing the matrix material in a first solvent to form a dispersion solution; c) drying the dispersion solution to form a thin film of polyurethane as a matrix of the polymeric electrolyte; and d) adding a component of an organic electrolyte into the matrix to form the polyurethane-based polymeric electrolyte. The present invention is also related to a polyurethane-based polymeric electrolyte including a thin film of a polyurethane serving as a matrix of the polymeric electrolyte; and an organic electrolyte arranged in the matrix for ionic conduction. The fabricated thin film electrolyte has satisfactory conductivity and can be suitably used in cells.

Abstract: A polysilane containing insoluble matter and microgel as impurities is purified by dissolving the polysilane in a good solvent to form a polysilane solution, adding a poor solvent to the polysilane solution for causing a minor amount of high molecular weight component to precipitate, thereby agglomerating the insoluble matter and microgel, and removing the resulting agglomerate by filtration. The purifying method of the invention can readily remove the insolubles from the starting polysilane within a short time. A pure polysilane which can form a transparent smooth film is obtainable with commercial advantages.

Abstract: Preparation of highly monodispersed polymeric hydrophilic nanoparticles having a size of up to 100 nm (in which may have drug substances encapsulated therein. The process comprises subjecting a mixture of an aqueous solution of a monomer or preformed polymer reverse micelles, a cross linking agent, initiator, and optionally, a drug or target substance to polymerization. The polymerized reaction product is dried for removal of solvent to obtain dried nanoparticles and surfactant employed in the process of preparing reverse micelles. The dry mass is dispersed in aqueous buffer and the surfactant and other toxic material are removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method for purification of a polyphosphazene polyacid or acid salt thereof in which a polyphosphazene polyacid or acid salt thereof is dissolved in a concentrated aqueous solution of a salt of monovalent ions. The resulting aqueous solution of the polyphosphazene polyacid or acid salt thereof and the at least one salt of monovalent ions then is diluted to reduce the concentration of the at least one salt of monovalent ions, whereby the polyphosphazene polyacid or acid salt thereof is precipitated. The precipitated polyphosphazene polyacid or acid salt thereof then is recovered.

Abstract: A cured silicone powder inhibited from evolving unpleasant odors with the passage of time, and an efficient method for preparation of the cured silicone powder, in which the surface of the cured silicone powder is treated with an alkali, by dipping the cured silicone powder in an aqueous alkaline solution.

Abstract: A process is described for removing heteropoly compounds from heteropoly compound-contaminated polyethers, polyesters and/or polyether esters, which comprises admixing the polymer or a solution of the same with a compound which contains at least one heteroatom which is selected from the group consisting of central atoms of heteropolyacids, is non-protic and is of a polarity so low that its addition leads to the heteropoly compounds separating out in a separate phase, and separating off the precipitated heteropoly compound phase. The remaining polymer phase is preferably further purified using a solid adsorbent.

Abstract: Deaggregated substituted and unsubstituted polyparaphenylenes, polyparaphenylevevinyles, polyanilines, polyazines, polythiophenes, poly-p-phenylene sulfides, polyfuranes, polypyrroles, polyselenophene, polyacetylenes formed from soluble precursors and combinations thereof and copolymers thereof and methods of fabrication are described. The deaggregated polymer molecules when subsequently doped show higher electrical conductivity. Agents such as lithium chloride, m-cresol and nonylphenol are used to deaggregate the polymer molecules. The deaggregating agents can be added prior to or during doping the molecules.

Abstract: A process for devulcanizing and functionalizing a rubber vulcanizate by desulfurization involves suspending a rubber vulcanizate crumb in a solvent which preferably swells the rubber vulcanizate before or during the devulcanization reaction and adding an alkali metal, such as sodium, to the suspension. The alkali metal cleaves mono-, di- and polysulfidic cross-linkages in the rubber vulcanizate to liberate rubber polymer having a molecular weight substantially equal to that of the rubber polymer prior to vulcanization. Functional groups derived from the solvent molecules bond to the devulcanized rubber's polymeric backbone. In addition to the functionalized devulcanized rubber polymer, carbon black may also be recovered for re-use in accordance with the process of the present invention. The functionalized devulcanized rubber may be subjected to a re-vulcanization reaction without separation of rubber polymer from the solvent by addition of an appropriate curing mixture.

Abstract: A polyamide resin composition comprising: (A) 100 parts by weight of at least one member selected from a polyamide-11 resin and a polyamide-12 resin; optionally (B) from 3 to 30 parts by weight of a modified polyolefin resin; and (C) from 3 to 25 parts by weight of a plasticizer mixture comprising a plasticizer (C1) and a plasticizer (C2). The modified polyolefin resin (B) is either a modified polyolefin (B1) which is a copolymer of an olefin comprising at least one of ethylene and propylene, with an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, or a modified polyolefin (B2) which is a graft polymer obtained by grafting an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof onto a copolymer of an olefin comprising at least one of ethylene and propylene. The plasticizer (C1) has a solidifying point of -40.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for preparing conjugated polymers which comprises contacting (i) monomers having two reactive groups selected from boronic acid, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 boronic acid ester, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 borane, and combinations thereof, with aromatic dihalide-functional monomers or (ii) monomers having one reactive boronic acid, boronic acid ester, or borane group and one reactive halide-functional group, with each other; (wherein the monomers are selected so that the polymerization reaction product of such has conjugated unsaturated internal groups) in a reaction mixture which contains: (a) an organic solvent in which the polymer forms at least a 1 percent solution; (b) an aqueous solution of an inorganic base having a pKa in the range of from 9 to 13, said solution having a concentration of at least 0.1N; (c) a catalytic amount of a palladium complex; and (d) at least 0.

Abstract: There are proposed a method and a device for manufacturing polyamides, in which polyamide granulate manufactured by polycondensation in the molten mass is after-condensed in the solid phase, being heated. The polyamide granulate is heated in one step to a first temperature of between 70.degree. C. and 150.degree. C., and held for a predetermined period of time at this temperature, and then, in a second step, is heated to a second higher temperature, however lying beneath the melting point, and is after-condensed at this temperature, until the desired average degree of polycondensation is achieved.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the preparation of a sulfur-containing polymer, comprising:A. contacting sulfuric acid with one or more of fatty acid, fat or oil, and an inert solvent that allows dispersion of the sulfuric acid;B. contacting the mixture from Part A with a polymer which contains olefinic and/or aromatic unsaturation and, optionally, an organic acid anhydride under conditions such that a homogeneous sulfated or sulfonated polymer is formed wherein a sulfonated polymer is prepared when organic anhydride is present; and, optionally,C. contacting the mixture from Part B with a metal salt or one or more amine compounds under conditions such that a salt or neutralized form of a sulfated or sulfonated polymer is prepared.The process of the invention allows the preparation of homogeneous sulfonated or sulfated polymers at relatively high solids levels and at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A method of removing heteropoly compounds from polyethers, polyesters and/or polyether esters, which are contaminated with heteropoly compounds is described, which comprises adding, to the polymers or a solution thereof, an ether whose polarity is so low that its addition leads to the deposition of the heteropoly compound in a separate phase, and separating off the precipitated heteropoly compound phase. The polymer phase which remains is preferably purified further using a solid adsorbent.

Abstract: Processes for the isolation of a telechelic isobutylene polymer in a non-aqueous system to prevent the generation of waste water having a solvent dissolved therein and processes for the preparation of a telechelic isobutylene polymer having more advantageous unsaturated groups. A process for the isolation of an isobutylene polymer includes a cationic polymerization reaction in a non-aqueous system in the presence of a catalyst MX.sub.n wherein M represents a metallic atom and X may be the same or different and represents a halogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group. The process comprises conducting the cationic polymerization reaction, conducting a ligand exchange reaction of said catalyst, and then removing a component containing M.

Abstract: A method of dehydrofluorinating a fluoropolymer comprising the steps of: providing an fluoropolymer emulsion comprising water, a fluoropolymer, and substantially no organic solvent; adding to the fluoropolymer emulsion a basic compound, the base compound being added at a concentration and in an mount that does not result in coagulation of the fluoropolymer; and exposing the mixture of fluoropolymer emulsion and basic compound to reaction conditions sufficient to cause dehydrofluorination of the fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A wholly aromatic polyamide fiber containing above about 600 ppm (about 0.2 mole percent) of sulfonate in the polymer main chain is provided. The sulfonate is represented by the general formulas (III) or (IV): ##STR1## where M is hydrogen, a metal cation, or a quaternary ammonium ion. The fiber exhibits excellent dyeability and can be cation-dyed without the use of a dye carrier.

Abstract: Polyimides, especially thermoset polyimides such as those prepared by the reaction of p-phenylenediamine with 4,4'-hexafluoroisopropylidenebis(phthalic anhydride) and nadic ester, are converted to monomers which may be recycled for polyimide synthesis by heating with a solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, such as lithium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, in a dipolar aprotic solvent such as N-methylpyrrolidone. The products are the diamine and the tetracarboxylic acid alkali metal salt corresponding to the dianhydride.

Abstract: Tabletized ionene polymers, methods for their preparation and their use in water treatment is described. The tablet contains about 5 to about 60 percent by weight of an ionene polymer, about 40 to about 95 percent by weight of a salt carrier matrix, 0 to about 10 percent by weight of a disintegration rate regulator, and 0 to about 10 percent by weight of an anticaking agent. The tablets may be made by mixing an aqueous solution of an ionene polymer with a carrier matrix to form a moist mass, drying the moist mass to form granules, reducing the granule size to form a powder, and compressing the powder into a tablet. The tablets are useful in a wide variety of water treatment applications. Accordingly, the specification describes a method for controlling the growth of microorganisms in an aqueous system. Using the method, one treats an aqueous system with an ionene polymer in an amount effective to control the growth of at least one microorganism. The ionene polymer is contained in a tablet of the invention.

Abstract: The invention comprises processes for the production of useful fluid or grease from curable silicone compositions or silicone rubbers, preferably reclaimed or scrap silicone rubber. The processes involve the application of energy in such a manner that a un-curable silicone grease or liquid that contains essentially all of the original material is produced from curable silicone compositions and grease or liquid is produced from silicone rubbers. Suitable energy forms include thermal and mechanical. The fluid or grease produced by the processes are useful as raw materials for the manufacture of silicone products such as: antifoam compounds (defoamers), greases, conformal coatings or rubbers. The materials produced by these processes were unexpectedly found to have exceptional antifoam properties without requiring the addition of other materials or further processing.

Abstract: Powdered coating compositions and methods for obtaining improved wrinkled finishes with epoxy powder coatings are provided which utilize curing agents other than commercially available methylenedisalicylic acid.

Abstract: A process for producing an aromatic polyamide film comprising forming a thin layer of an optically isotropic dope in which an aromatic polyamide is dissolved in a polar amide, immersing the thin layer dope in a polar solvent kept at a temperature not higher than -20.degree. C. to coagulate the dope to form a film and drying the film in the presence of an isocyanate compound. Said process can produce directly a transparent film from an aromatic polyamide dope without requiring the step of dissolving the aromatic polyamide in conc. sulfuric acid, does not require any acid resistant equipment and is inexpensive.

Abstract: Polycarbonate compositions are redistributed by melt equilibration using diethyldimethylammonium hydroxide as the redistribution catalyst. This catalyst affords an odorless polycarbonate product having a very low residual amine level.

Abstract: A liquid binding agent comprised of a phenolic resin, thinning agents and a curing agent, characterized in that the phenolic resin is produced by condensation catalyzed under alkaline conditions of a phenol and formaldehyde in a molar ratio of phenolic compound to formaldehyde in the range of 1:0.05 to 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel reaction products of azlactones and organometallic nucleophiles and the method of making these reaction products. The invention also relates to methods of using such reaction products to prevent or eliminate microbial and fungal growth on substrates. Reaction products can be provided that show improved antifouling and antimicrobial action.

Abstract: A process for preparing a degradable copolymer of aliphatic polyester comprising the steps of reacting two or more kinds of aliphatic polyester homopolymer in the presence of a catalyst in a reaction mixture containing an organic solvent, and a degradable copolymer of aliphatic polyester obtained by said preparation process. The copolymers exhibits high transparency in addition to excellent strength and elongation, can be processed into various molded articles and formed items such as films and filaments, and can provide heat resistance by heat treatment of said molded articles and formed items. The copolymer can be suitably utilized for processed articles such as a film, breathable film, sheet, textile, monofilament, multifilament, yarn, non-woven fabric, flat yarn, staple, crimped fiber, ribbed tape, split yarn, conjugate fiber, laminate, blow-bottle, sheet, stretched sheet, foam and net.

Abstract: A process for maintaining or increasing the tensile strength of fibers of aromatic copolyamides which are formed from a major portion of para-monomers and are soluble in organic aprotic and polar solvents. The process involves storing the fibers in alkaline media after production by wet or dry spinning processes, after treatment of the dry or wet spun fibers, and storing the fibers in an aqueous environment having a pH of at least 10. The tensile strength of the fibers is retained or increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing water insoluble, aqueous alkali soluble novolak resins having a very low level of metal ions, utilizing treated ion exchange resins. A method is also provided for producing photoresist composition having a very low level of metal ions from such novolak resins and for producing semiconductor devices using such photoresist compositions.

Abstract: In the process for the preparation, with simultaneous end group stabilization, of polyacetal copolymers in a homogeneous phase and working up thereof, cyclic formaldehyde oligomers are copolymerized with cyclic acetals in the presence of an initiator in a polymerization reactor and immediately thereafter the initiator is deactivated by addition of basic substances, the unstable chain ends being degraded down to 0.01% to 1% in the presence of residual monomer, the product losing the majority of the residual monomer at the reactor outlet by letting down into a pelletizing device and the residual monomer which remains and the impurities dissolved in the product being removed by extraction with solvents and the product being pelletized, after drying and stabilization.

Abstract: A process for purifying a methacrylate which comprises contacting the methacrylate with an oximating agent, such as hydroxylamine hydrochloride or an aqueous alkali solution, such as an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, or both, and then separating and collecting the resultant purified methacrylate. The process serves to remove compounds which discolor the methacrylate, to obtain a high-quality methacrylate.

Abstract: A process for producing raw rubber from a deproteinized natural rubber is disclosed, which comprises coagulating rubber particles in the deproteinized natural rubber latex by: (1) adding a nonionic surfactant having a cloud point of from 20.degree. to 100.degree. C. and a molecular weight of 300 or more to the deproteinized natural rubber latex and heating the latex to a temperature not lower than the cloud point of the nonionic surfactant; or (2) adding a coagulation assistant selected from the group consisting of: (a) an anionic surfactant, (b) an amphoteric surfactant, (c) a nonionic surfactant, (d) a nonionic or amphoteric oligomer or polymer, and (e) an anionic oligomer or polymer, to the deproteinized natural rubber latex; and then recovering the coagulated rubber particles. According to the process of the present invention, raw rubber containing substantially no metal ion can be produced with a high efficiency.

Abstract: There are provided a deproteinized natural rubber latex which comprises a purified product of proteolytically treated natural rubber latex and contains fine particles of natural rubber latex, a deproteinized natural rubber which comprises a dehydrated product of the deproteinized natural rubber latex, and a process for the production of deproteinized natural rubber latex which comprises subjecting a latex solution prepared by (1) adding water and/or a surfactant to a natural rubber latex and then proteolytically treating the resulting latex solution or (2) proteolytically treating a natural rubber latex and then adding water and/or a surfactant to the treated natural rubber latex, to purification using a rotary plate membrane separation apparatus.

Abstract: Polycarbonate compositions are redistributed by melt equilibration using as the redistribution catalyst a tetraorganophosphonium hydroxide, preferably a tetra-(C.sub.1-6 alkyl)phosphonium hydroxide. Such catalysts have numerous advantages including greater redistribution efficiency, decreased color in the redistributed product and the capability of employment in the anhydrous state.

Abstract: An alkali metal compound such as metallic cesium, cesium hydroxide, cesium hydroxide monohydrate, metallic rubidium, rubidium hydroxide or rubidium hydroxide monohydrate is used as a catalyst, crude polyoxyalkylene polyol containing the catalyst is neutralized with a mineral acid or an organic acid, an aqueous solution layer containing an alkali metal salt is brought into contact with an anion exchange resin to adsorb mineral acid anion or organic acid anion, the alkali metal compound catalyst is recovered, alkylene oxide undergoes ring-opening addition polymerization on an active hydrogen compound in the presence of the recovered alkali metal compound catalyst to prepare polyoxyalkylene polyol, the catalyst is thereafter separated, recovered and reused, and such recycle of the alkali metal compound catalyst provides an economical process.

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

Abstract: A toner for developing electrostatic images which comprises a toner particle produced by polymerizing a polymerizable monomer composition,wherein the toner particle contains 0.1-9.0% by weight of a modified polyester resin having one or more monomer units selected from a group consisting of styrene type monomer, acrylic monomer, and methacrylic monomer 16-50% by weight of a wax having a melting point of 50.degree.-95.degree. C., and 0.01-5.0% by weight of a charge controlling agent;the resin component of the toner particle has a weight average molecular weight of 5,000-45,000;and the toner particle has water absorption of 300-5,000 ppm.

Abstract: A process for reducing the concentration of epichlorohydrin by-products in the manufacture of polyamide-epichlorohydrin resins, comprising reacting polyaminopolyamide prepolymer in aqueous solution with epichlorohydrin and an immiscible solvent for the epichlorohydrin, continuing the reaction of the prepolymer with the epichlorohydrin to produce the desired viscosity of the aqueous phase, stabilizing the resin product by diluting or acidifying the aqueous phase, separating the solvent from the aqueous resin, and treating the solvent phase with caustic to convert epichlorohydrin by-products to epichlorohydrin for recycling.