Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a polymeric fluorescent substance wherein one or more monomers represented by the general formula (1) are polymerized in the presence of a zerovalent nickel complex,

Abstract: A medical material which contains a lactide-containing polymer having weight-average molecular weight lower than 400000 as determined by GPC and has a lactide content of 4000 ppm or lower.

Abstract: A synthetic process of perfluoropolyether iodides, by reaction with LiI of monoacyl- or diacyl-halides of perfluoropolyethers, having number average molecular weight from 200 to 3,000, and having the following structure:

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: Polymers derived from 4-acyloxystyrene are purified by fractionalization plus heating and cooling of the polymers in alcoholic solvents.

Abstract: Aromatic polyethers are prepared by displacement polymerization reaction in the presence of a water-immiscible solvent with boiling point at atmospheric pressure of greater than 110° C. and a density ratio to water of greater than 1.1:1 at 20-25° C. The polyethers are purified by processes comprising aqueous extraction, or filtration, or a combination thereof.

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: In a process for producing PCCD polyester of the formula by reacting a starting CHDM and a starting DMCD in the presence of a catalyst to produce an aliphatic alcohol and an acid interchange oligomer and forming a low viscosity PCCD, and reacting the intermediate PCCD by solid state polymerization for increasing the molecular weight of to form a PCCD having melting temperature of about 225 to about 234 degrees Centigrade and a viscosity from about 2,000 to about 20,000 poise.

Abstract: A process for treating biomedical devices, especially contact lenses, involves contacting polymeric devices containing extractables with a solvent that dissolves and thereby removes the extractables from the device, treating the solvent to remove extractables from the solvent, thereby purifying the solvent, and using the purified solvent to remove additional extractables from polymeric devices.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing, in high purity and high yield, heterobifunctional derivatives of poly(ethylene glycol) or related polymers. A chromatographic purification step is not necessary in the method. In accordance with the method of the invention, an intermediate polymer having a formula of W-Poly-OH is provided bearing a removable group W at one terminus. The intermediate polymer W-Poly-OH is first altered by modifying the OH group to a first functional group X, followed by the removal of W to generate a second hydroxyl group. The latter hydroxyl group may then be further converted to a second functional group Y, thus providing the desired heterobifunctional derivative.

Abstract: A method of preparing a poly(arylene ether) includes oxidatively coupling a monohydric phenol in a reaction solution at a reaction temperature that exceeds the cloud point temperature of the reaction solution. The oxidative coupling occurs in the presence of a metal complex catalyst, and when the catalyst includes an amine ligand, the method facilitates incorporation of the amine ligand into the poly(arylene ether) resin. The amine-incorporated poly(arylene ether) resins prepared by the method are useful in the preparation of higher molecular weight poly(arylene ether) resins and compatibilized blends of poly(arylene ether) resins with other thermoplastics.

Abstract: A method for producing poly(p-t-butoxystyrene), which comprises polymerizing p-t-butoxystyrene in a hydrocarbon type reaction solvent in the presence of a polymerization initiator, and, after termination of the polymerization reaction, conducting a separation of the hydrocarbon type reaction solvent layer containing poly(p-t-butoxystyrene) and the water layer in the presence of 1-50 parts by weight of a polar solvent per 100 parts by weight of the hydrocarbon type reaction solvent layer, wherein the separation efficiency, after termination of the polymerization reaction, of the hydrocarbon type reaction solvent layer containing poly(p-t-butoxystyrene) and the water or acidic water layer conspicuously improves.

Abstract: A process for treating biomedical devices, especially contact lenses, involves contacting polymeric devices containing extractables with a solvent that dissolves and thereby removes the extractables from the device, treating the solvent to remove extractables from the solvent, thereby purifying the solvent, and using the purified solvent to remove additional extractables from polymeric devices.

Abstract: A water slurry process is used to prepare a prepreg and to manufacture articles from macrocyclic polyester oligomers. In one embodiment, a process for preparing a water suspension of macrocyclic polyester oligomers includes the steps of contacting a macrocyclic polyester oligomer and a polymerization catalyst with water and a surfactant, and mixing the macrocyclic polyester oligomer and polymerization catalyst with water and the surfactant thereby forming a suspension. In another embodiment, a process for impregnating macrocyclic polyester oligomers for polymerization includes the steps of providing a suspension of a macrocyclic polyester oligomer and a polymerization catalyst in water, applying the suspension to a base material, drying to remove water from the suspension, and pressing the dried suspension to a desired form. In yet another embodiment, a composition of macrocyclic polyester oligomer includes a macrocyclic polyester oligomer, a polymerization catalyst, and water.

Abstract: A perfluorodicarboxylic fluoride of the formula: F—CO—CF2—O—Rf—O—CF2—CO—F or perfluorodiketone of the formula: R1—CO—Rf—CO—R1 wherein Rf is a perfluoroalkylene group and R1 is a C1-8 perfluoroalkyl group is mixed with an alkali metal fluoride in an aprotic polar solvent to form an initiator solution. Hexafluoropropene oxide is fed to the initiator solution for polymerization, obtaining difunctional hexafluoropropene oxide polymers of high purity.

Abstract: Articles from a polyester resin obtained by melt-shaping of the resin added with a polyfunctional compound, capable of increasing the molecular weight of the resin by addition reaction in the solid state with the end groups of the resin and by upgrading treatment of the article, so as to increase by at least 0.1 dl/g the intrinsic viscosity of the starting resin.

Abstract: A method of efficiently removing a low molecular weight substance from a polyimide precursor or polyimide in which the low molecular weight substance is dispersed as micro-domains, without using a large amount of an organic solvent. The method of removing a low molecular weight substance comprises subjecting either a polymer composition having a micro-domain structure made up of a continuous phase comprising a polyimide precursor and, dispersed therein, a discontinuous phase comprising a low molecular weight substance or a polyimide composition obtained from the polymer composition by converting the polyimide precursor into a polyimide to extraction with a combination of supercritical carbon dioxide and a co-solvent to thereby remove the low molecular weight substance. The co-solvent is preferably an aprotic polar solvent, more preferably a nitrogen compound solvent or a sulfur compound solvent.

Abstract: A high molecular weight polyester-amide block copolymer is produced by reacting a mixture of lower molecular weight polyester and polyamide in the melt with a carbonyl bislactam, especially carbonyl biscaprolactam. The higher molecular weight block copolymer may be obtained in as short a time as 2 minutes, whereas, at least about 10 minutes is required in a conventional process, under comparable conditions, using a bislactam.

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: A process for purifying a polycarbonate resin solution which comprises passing a water-in-oil dispersion type (W/O) emulsion composed of a mixture of an organic solvent solution containing a polycarbonate resin with a aqueous solution and having water particles with an average diameter of 1 to 100 &mgr;m in an oil through a metallic filter having a filtering precision of 10 to 200 &mgr;m, and then, settling the mixture for 1 to 30 minutes to perform separation between the organic solvent solution containing a polycarbonate resin and the aqueous solution containing contaminations.

Abstract: A polyacetal resin composition comprising 30-90% by weight of polyacetal copolymer (A) having a melt index of less than 1.0 g/10 min. and 70-10% by weight of polyacetal copolymer (B) having a melt index of 1.0-100 g/10 min., both melting points of (A) and (B) being 155°-162° C., or a difference in melting point between (A) and (B) being not less than 6° C., has distinguished toughness and creep resistance.

Abstract: A method of cleaning the aromatic polycarbonate production unit with a carbonic acid diaryl ester at a temperature of 200 to 350° C. in an inert gas atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying low molecular weight isocyanates or isocyanate mixtures from chlorine compounds by extractively treating the low molecular weight isocyanates or isocyanate mixtures with an extraction agent containing near-critical and/or super-critical fluids or fluid mixtures at a temperature of 10° C. to 200° C., a pressure of 10 bar to 1,000 bar and a weight ratio of the extraction agent to the isocyanate or isocyanate mixture of 1 to 200, and separating the chlorine compounds from the extraction agent by reduction in pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing methylene urea polymers using urea, a formaldehyde product and a reactant, such as an acid. Urea is introduced into a multi-screw extruder together with the formaldehyde product. In the extruder the products are mixed, compressed, heated and melted to a flowable mixture. A reactant, such as an acid is added to the melted mixture, thereby forming a mass having methylene urea polymers. The mass is extruded afterwards.

Abstract: An absorbent composition comprising an uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer, wherein the uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer is treated by a means to effectively insolubilize the uncrosslinked, relatively high molecular weight polymer such that the absorbent composition exhibits desirable absorbent properties. In particular, the absorbent composition has the ability to absorb a large quantity of liquid. The absorbent composition is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb bodily liquids. Suitable polymers include polyethylene oxide, poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) wherein the polymer has a weight average molecular weight that is greater than about 1,000,000.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a powder lacquer composition based on polyester by a) common or separate heating to a temperature of 120-200° C. of A) 99-40 wt. % polyester precondensates, and/or of monomers usable for the preparation thereof, B) 1-60 wt. % pigments and C) 0-10 wt. % wetting additives and/or further additives which are conventionally used for lacquers, wherein the percentages by weight total 100%, b) homogeneous mixing of the components A), B) and C) with the application of shear forces and with the heating temperature maintained, c) dispersion of the mixture obtained in a dispersing medium at a temperature equal to or above the melting temperature of the starting components A), B) and C) with further polycondensation of the polyester precondensate A), and/or of the monomers, d) cooling of the dispersion and addition of a conventional cross-linking agent for the polyester and optionally of conventional additives, within the temperature range 60 to 140° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of spherical, polyester particles, wherein the particle size can be exactly adjusted in the range of 1 to 200 &mgr;m and a particle size distribution with a span (=d90−d10/d50)≦1.5, as well as the use of the produced particles for toner compositions in electrophotographic and direct printing systems and powder coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick set composition and a method for preparing the composition. The composition comprises an aqueous sol of a polymer having a backbone that contains pendant cationic groups and pendant acid groups. The sol is prepared by forming a solution of a polymer that contains pendant cationic groups and pendant acid groups in an aqueous-based solvent that contains water and a suitable organic solvent and removing a sufficient amount of the organic solvent from the solution to form a composition characterized by being reversibly dissolvable and reconstitutable by addition and removal of a suitable organic solvent. The composition of the present invention provides quick-set films that can be prepared in the absence additional surface active agents and with a substantial absence of organic solvents.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved lyophilization process for forming biocompatible foam structures. The process allows the foam structures to be tailored for specific end uses. The foams formed by this process are well suited to be used in medical applications such as tissue engineering.

Abstract: The end group content of polyamide in the solid state may be reduced by treating the polyamide with gas-phase acid, anhydride, or amine. Stain- or dye-resistant polyamide fibers can be made by reducing the number of amino end groups. Reduction in the number of carboxylic end groups reduces the rate of regeneration of starting monomers during extrusion.

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: Polyamides including functional groups and methods of preparing such polyamides. The polyamides are useful, for example, to prepare filaments.

Abstract: A process for increasing the relative viscosity (RV) of a reactant polyamide and to products produced by the process. The process includes contacting the reactant polyamide and a chain extender compound, forming the product, and quenching the product when its RV is near its maximum calculated RV value.

Abstract: A process for making a polyamide substrate characterized by enhanced breaking strength and fade resistance is disclosed. The process features the steps of treating a polyamide substrate, preferably a nylon 6 substrate having a hindered amine light stabilizer chemically bound thereto, with an effective amount of an ultraviolet inhibitor, an antioxidant and optionally, a dye, in the presence of a swelling agent for the polyamide that is also a solvent for the ultraviolet inhibitor and the antioxidant to impart high breaking strength to the substrate. A life preserver or other type of buoyancy device may be made from the process. A polyamide fabric comprising a dye, an ultraviolet inhibitor and an antioxidant also is disclosed. When a polyamide fiber of the present invention is exposed to sunlight, the useful life of the fiber is greatly increased compared to untreated polyamide fiber.

Abstract: A primary object of the invention is to provide a production technology for functional polyamic acid microfine particles and functional polyimide microfine particles by which the particle shape, size and size distribution can be freely controlled. The invention is concerned with a process for synthesizing polyamic acid particles having functional groups at least on the surface from a tetracarboxylic anhydride and a diamine compound characterized by its comprising (a) a first step which comprises providing a tetracarboxylic anhydride and a diamine compound at least one of which has functional groups and preparing a first solution containing the tetracarboxylic anhydride and a second solution containing the diamine compound and (b) a second step which comprises mixing the first and second solutions under ultrasonic agitation to thereby precipitate polyamic acid microfine particles from the mixed solution.

Abstract: A process is provided to recover at least one modifier compound and at least one polar organic compound from a reaction mixture comprising high molecular weight Poly(arylene sulfide) product, low molecular weight P(AS), cyclic and linear P(AS) oligomers, at least one POC, at least one modifier, an alkali metal halide by-product, and water.

Abstract: A process for obtaining polyglycolyl urea from aromatic diglycinate, to insulate electric conductors without forming HCN polluting residues, characterized because a mixture of methylene bromopropionate and methylenedianiline in aliphatic solvent reacts in presence of a catalizer; the solvent is separated through distillation, filtration of the mother waters and purification through washing with water and addition to the resulting product of cresylic acid and methylene dilisocyanate under stirring, up to a temperature, of 60° C., and addition of a triethylenediamino catalizer, heating at a temperature of up to 185° C. and it is then distilled at a temperature of up to 200° C., obtaining a polyglycolyl urea hydantoin resin.

Abstract: For efficiently recycling a flame retardant resin composition constituted of a flame retardant and a resin, the present invention provides a method for treating a flame retardant resin composition comprising a step of bringing at least part of a flame retardant resin composition containing a resin and a flame retardant into contact with a pressurized fluid constituted of a solvent to reduce the flame retardancy.

Abstract: A process for continuous extraction of polyamide particles in an essentially vertical extraction column using an aqueous extractant comprises using an extraction column that is divided into two zones and performing an extraction with a recirculating 15-40% strength by weight aqueous &egr;-caprolactam solution in the first zone and then with countercurrent water at a from 5 to 40° C. lower temperature in the second zone. The process provides for economical extraction of polyamides with a low level of monomers and oligomers.

Abstract: Soluble polymer resins are separated from a solution slurry with the use of a precipitation aid where the slurry contains the polymer resin in both a soluble form and a solid particulate phase. The precipitation aid absorbs onto the surface of the solid polymer resin particulates and is a suitable blend component for formulations of the polymer resin. The solution slurry may be concentrated and heated prior to precipitation of the polymer resin.

Abstract: Dielectric compositions encompassing one or more poly(arylene ether) polymers are provided. The dielectric compositions have the repetitive structural unit: where n=1 to 200, Y and Ar are each a divalent arylene radical, Y derived from bisphenol compounds of general formula HO—Y—OH, Ar derived from difluoro diarylacetylenes and/or ethynylated benzophenones of general formula F—Ar—F and Z is optionally hydrogen, a methyl group or derived from a monofluoro-benzophenone derivative of general formula Z—F. Such poly(arylene ether) polymers are employed with a variety of microelectronic devices, for example, integrated circuits and multichip modules.

Abstract: A polymeric composition, a process for producing the composition, and a process for using the composition in, for example, hydrocyanation or isomerization are disclosed. The composition comprises repeat units derived from (1) a carbonyl compound, a monomer, and phosphorochloridite; (2) phosphorus trichloride, a polyhydric alcohol, and an aromatic diol; or (3) combinations of (1) and (2) in which the monomer can be a polyhydric alcohol, an amine, combinations thereof. The composition can further comprise a Group VIII metal and optionally a Lewis acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for treating acidic crudes or fractions thereof to reduce or eliminate their acidity by addition of effective amounts of crosslinked polymeric amines having a pKa of greater than 9 such as polyvinyl amine and anionic exchange resins having amino groups. The process has utility for crude processing.

Abstract: Doped polyanilines are prepared by contacting aniline with an oxidizing agent such as ammonium peroxydisulfate in aqueous solution at a temperature of at most about 10° C. in the presence of at least one organic sulfonic acid, preferably an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid such as dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid. The products may be blended with thermoplastic resins such as polystyrene to produce blends having excellent static discharge properties.

Abstract: The end group content of polyamide in the solid state may be reduced by treating the polyamide with gas-phase acid, anhydride, or amine. Stain- or dye-resistant polyamide fibers can be made by reducing the number of amino end groups. Reduction in the number of carboxylic end groups reduces the rate of regeneration of starting monomers during extrusion.

Abstract: Disclosed are ionomers comprising functionalized polyolefins having fluoroalkyl sulfonate pendant groups and ionically conductive compositions formed therefrom by the addition of solvents.

Abstract: This invention involves a process for manufacturing high molecular mass polyaniline in the form of emeraldine and polyaniline obtained by this process. The process includes the following steps: a) polymerising aniline or an aniline derivative to make pernigraniline by doing the polymerization in a homogeneous aqueous solution including the aniline or the aniline derivative, a protonic acid, a salt, an oxidizing agent and ethanol to yield pernigraniline, b) reducing the pernigraniline obtained in step a) to emeraldine by means of an aqueous reducing solution which does not contain aniline, and possibly an additional step of extraction and post-polymerisation with chloroform. The polyanilines thus protonated by (±)-10-camphor sulphonic acid are totally soluble in m-cresol and in hexafluoroisopropanol and produce flexible films with high electrical conductivity, i.e. 250-350 S/cm.

Abstract: The invention relates to homogeneously colored polyester particles having a mean particle size <50 &mgr;m and a monomodal particle size distribution with a span (=d90−d10/d50)≦2.5, which can be melted at temperatures <200° C. to form a continuous coating, to a process for their preparation and to their use for powder coatings. In a preferred embodiment the particles comprise units of formulae (1) and (2) —CO—X—CO  (1) —O—D—O—  (2) where X is a substituted or unsubstituted C6 to C14 aromatic radical or an alkylene, polymethylene, cycloalkane or dimethylene-cycloalkane group or a straight-chain or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkanediyl group and D is an alkylene, polymethylene, cycloalkane or dimethylene-cycloalkane group or a straight-chain or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkanediyl group.

Abstract: A novel synthetic fiber is disclosed including a first component of an aliphatic polyester polymer, a second component of a multicarboxylic acid, an admixture of the first component aliphatic polyester polymer and the second component multicarboxylic acid to form an unreacted specified thermoplastic composition, and melt blending the unreacted specified thermoplastic composition in an extruder or a mixer. The second component multicarboxylic acid lubricates the extruder and provides a nucleating agent for crystallizing the specified thermoplastic composition to form a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. Fiber composed of the specified thermoplastic composition has a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. The fiber has a glass transition temperature (Tg) less than about 55° C.

Abstract: A deproteinized natural rubber substantially free from any protein and a process for producing the same which comprises treating a latex with a protease and a specific surfactant or a combination of specific surfactants and separating rubber particles are disclosed. A method for elevating the green strength of a natural rubber and a method for lowering the green strength of a natural rubber are also disclosed. Furthermore, a means for preventing allergy induced by natural rubber is also disclosed.