Abstract: A novel process is used to prepare synthetic rubbers (B) which feature very narrow molecular weight distribution and a correspondingly low value for the polydispersity index. The preparation process encompasses the treatment of a synthetic rubber with ultrasound, where the resultant synthetic rubber (B) has a lower weight-average molecular weight (Mw) than the synthetic rubber (A) used. The resultant synthetic rubbers (B) have excellent suitability for processing via extruder processes or injection-molding processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a stabilized polyacetal resin, comprising the step of applying a heat treatment to a polyacetal resin having an unstable terminal group in the presence of an unstable terminal group decomposer selected from the following Group I, Group II and Group III, thereby decreasing the unstable terminal group: unstable terminal group decomposer of Group I: (I) a quaternary ammonium salt of an acidic cyclic amide compound, unstable terminal group decomposer of Group II: (II) a quaternary ammonium salt of a polycarboxylic acid intramolecularly having four or more carboxyl groups and/or a quaternary ammonium salt of an aminocarboxylic acid intramolecularly having one or more carboxyl group(s), unstable terminal group decomposer of Group III: (III) a quaternary ammonium salt, wherein a compound providing a counter-anion of a quaternary ammonium salt is at least one selected from the group consisting of the following (i) to (v): (i) a carbonic acid monoester

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogel composition comprising a mixture of a hydrophilic polymer and a polymer chain modifying agent, wherein the polymer chain modifying agent is selected from the group consisting of an aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydride, a titanate, and a polyetherimide. The present invention also provides a method for producing a phase separated, branched, copolymer hydrogel comprising a mixture of a hydrophilic polymer and a polymer chain modifying agent. The present invention also provides an implantable medical device comprising a phase separated, branched, copolymer hydrogel wherein the phase separated, branched, copolymer hydrogel is formed of a hydrophilic polymer and a polymer chain modifying agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the continuous polycondensation of polyester material in the solid phase, in particular in the form of partially crystalline granulate. The aim of the invention is to achieve a high product throughput on recrystallising and recondensation of polyester material with a low initial IV. Said aim is achieved, whereby on recrystallisation, a low residence time of 1-10 minutes is achieved, by means of a rapid heating of a thin product layer, followed by an SSP treatment.

Abstract: A method for preparing multi-arm poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) amines from multi-arm PEG polyols is described. The method comprises a two step process, wherein the multi-arm PEG polyol is first reacted with thionyl chloride to form a multi-arm PEG chloride, which is subsequently reacted with aqueous or anhydrous ammonia to yield the multi-arm PEG amine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of preparing linear polymers such as polyalkylene oxides containing a terminal amine in high purity. One preferred method includes reacting a polyalkylene oxide such as polyethylene glycol containing a terminal azide with a phosphine-based reducing agent such as triphenylphosphine or an alkali metal borohydride reducing agent such as sodium borohydride in a solvent to reflux. The resultant polymer-amines are of sufficient purity so that expensive and time consuming purification steps required for pharmaceutical grade polymers are avoided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a process comprising introducing polyester polymer particles containing residual acetaldehyde into a vessel at a temperature within a range of 130° C. to 195° C. to form a bed of particles within the vessel, flowing a gas through at least a portion of the particle bed, and withdrawing finished particles from the vessel having a reduced amount of residual acetaldehyde. In this process, it is not necessary to introduce a hot flow of gas at high flow rates otherwise required to heat up cool particles to a temperature sufficient to strip acetaldehyde. Rather, this process provides a benefit in that, if desired, gas introduced into the vessel at low flow rates and low temperatures can nevertheless effectively strip acetaldehyde in a reasonable time because the hot particles quickly heat a the gas to the particle temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method enabling the ambient-temperature spinning of ligning originating from Alcell- and Organosolv-type extraction processes. The invention also relates to a method and device for the ambient-temperature production of lignin fibres of micro- and nanometric diameter, by means of electrospinning and co-electrospinning. The resulting fibres can be single strand (electrospinning) and hollow or coaxial (co-electrospinning) fibres. The lignin fibres are transformed into carbon nanofibres after a suitable heat treatment.

Abstract: A continuous process for the reactive compatibilization of polymers includes I. processing monooxazoline, bisoxazoline or a mixture thereof together with a first polymer, to give a reactive polymer; and II. adding the reactive polymer to one or more second polymers. In addition, a reactive polymer contains I. a first polymer; and II. at least 5% by weight of chemically unbound monooxazoline, bisoxazoline or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: In a process for producing a poly(arylene sulfide) by polymerizing a sulfur source and a dihalo-aromatic compound in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide in an organic amide solvent, the production process comprises washing a polymer obtained by the polymerization with a hydrophilic organic solvent containing water in a proportion of 1 to 30% by weight, thereby collecting a purified polymer, the content of nitrogen contained in an extract extracted by a mixed solvent containing 40% by weight of acetonitrile and 60% by weight of water from the purified polymer is at most 50 ppm on the basis of the weight of the polymer, and a poly(arylene sulfide), the content of nitrogen contained in an extract extracted by a mixed solvent containing 40% by weight of acetonitrile and 60% by weight of water from the purified polymer is at most 50 ppm on the basis of the weight of the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and processes for the solid phase synthesis of polypeptides. In particular, the present invention provides solid supports and processes for preparing solid supports for the synthesis of polypeptides.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition in which electrification of a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet can be prevented upon peeling, and staining property on an adherend can be reduced, and an antistatic pressure-sensitive sheet and surface protecting film using this. There is provided a pressure-sensitive composition comprising an ionic liquid and a polymer having a glass transition temperature Tg of 0° C. or lower as a base polymer.

Abstract: A poly(arylene sulfide) having properties that a melt viscosity is 1 to 3,000 Pa·s as measured under conditions of a temperature of 310° C. and a shear rate of 1,216 sec?1, a pH is 7.0 to 12.0 as measured in a mixed solvent of water/acetone (volume ratio=2/1), a crystallization temperature is at most 220° C. as measured in the course of lowing the temperature of the polymer at a rate of 10° C./min from a molten state, and a whiteness degree is at least 70 as measured in the form of a melt molded or formed product, and a production process thereof.

Abstract: A method for easily and efficiently removing ruthenium complexes, which are generally difficult to remove, from a polymer, as well as a method for purifying a polymer that uses such a removal method are provided. A method for removing a metal, wherein a compound is added that is capable of coordination via a substitution of a ligand of a ruthenium complex, thereby precipitating another ruthenium complex, as well as a method for purifying a polymer that uses such a method.

Abstract: A method of crystallizing a plurality of crystallizable polymer pellets includes a step in which the pellets are contacted with a temperature adjusting fluid in a crystallizer. The fluid adjusts the temperature of the pellets by having a temperature sufficient to allow at least partial crystallization of the plurality of polymeric pellets while maintaining the average pellet temperature of the plurality of pellets below the melting temperature of the pellets. A crystallizer implementing the methods of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing a residual catalyst metal compound from a polymer solution. The method comprises the steps of: a) mixing a solution in which at least one organic nitrogen compound is dissolved in a polar solvent and the polymer solution to precipitate a chelate compound of the organic nitrogen compounds and the residual catalyst metal compound, b) adding the polar solvent to the solution mixture to dissolve a chelate compound and to precipitate a polymer, and c) filtering the precipitated polymer. After the polymer polymerization is completed, an organic nitrogen compound solution is added to perform a chelate reaction with the residual catalyst metal compound in a solution phase, and the polar solvent is added to precipitate the polymer so that only polymer precipitates are filtered while an additional filtration process in respect to the chelate compound is not performed to easily remove the residual catalyst metal compound.

Abstract: A novel cytokine, designated Apo-2 ligand, which induces mammalian cell apoptosis is provided. The Apo-2 ligand is believed to be a member of the TNF cytokine family. Compositions including Apo-2 ligand chimeras, nucleic acid encoding Apo-2 ligand, and antibodies to Apo-2 ligand are also provided. Methods of using Apo-2 ligand to induce apoptosis and to treat pathological conditions such as cancer, are further provided.

Abstract: A reactor and a process for solid phase continuous polymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in order to achieve an increase of the intrinsic viscosity (I.V.) of a low molecular weight PET pre-polymers flow. A plurality of fluidized stages in series (109; 309) are provided and said PET pre-polymers flow is fed into said fluidized stages in series (109; 309). An inert gas flow is fed either in cross-flow or in counter-current flow with respect to the PET pre-polymers flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing fouling in an apparatus and process for separating polyolefin from a slurry in a slurry polymerization reactor system comprising contacting in a reactor at a pressure of at least 2000 kPa a catalyst composition and ?-olefin monomers to form a polyolefin reaction mixture; transferring the polyolefin reaction mixture to a high pressure separator, wherein the pressure in the high pressure separator is within the range of from 200 to 2500 kPa; and contacting the polyolefin reaction mixture with an organic amine prior to its entering the high pressure separator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure-sensitive adhesive which can prevent electrification of a non-electrification-prevented adherend upon peeling, suppresses occurrence of peeling off even with time or via treatment under a high temperature, and is excellent in adhesion reliance, as well as an antistatic pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet, and surface protecting film using this. The pressure-sensitive adhesive composition of the present invention contains an ionic liquid, and a polymer having a glass transition temperature of Tg of 0° C. or lower as a base polymer, as well as an ethylene oxide group-containing compound and/or a surfactant.

Abstract: A method of drying an aerogel is disclosed. The method includes washing the aerogel in acetone, washing the aerogel in pentane, and heating the aerogel in the presence of pentane. The aerogel is removed from the pentane and the heating continues.

Abstract: A functional composition is provided that comprises at least one multi-functional Michael acceptor, at least one multi-functional Michael donor, and at least one weakly basic catalyst.

Abstract: A technique is described for the preparation of polymers according to a process in which the starting compound of formula (I) is polymerized in the presence of a base in an organic solvent. No end chain controlling agents are required during the polymerisation to obtain soluble precursor polymers. The precursor polymer such obtained comprises structural units of the formula (II). In a next step, the precursor polymer (II) is subjected to a conversion reaction towards a soluble or insoluble conjugated polymer by thermal treatment. The arylene or heteroarylene polymer comprises structural units of the formula III. In this process the dithiocarbamate group acts as a leaving group and permits the formation of a precursor polymer of structural formula (II), which has an average molecular weight from 5000 to 1000000 Dalton and is soluble in common organic solvents. The precursor polymer with structural units of formula (II) is thermally converted to the conjugated polymer with structural formula (III).

Abstract: A series of novel phosphorus-containing cured benzoxazine resins, which are synthesized from dihydrobenzoxazine resins with reactive phosphorus-containing compounds. The cured benzoxazine resins have desired flame retardancy and high glass transition temperature, and are suitable for the fabrication of printed circuit board and the semiconductor encapsulant applications.

Abstract: A method for producing polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) polymer, including polymerizing reactants in a reaction mixture in a vessel to form PPS polymer in the vessel, measuring values of operating variables of the vessel and/or PPS process, and determining the amount of quench fluid to add to the vessel based on the values of the operating variables. The technique may rely on the vapor liquid equilibrium (VLE) of the mixture to calculate the concentration of water existing in the reactor prior to quench, and accounts for the effectiveness of the upstream dehydration process and in the amount of water produced during the polymerization. The technique is a striking improvement over the trial-and-error estimation of the amount of quench water based on human operating experience, and avoids direct measurements of the existing water concentration in the reactor. The result is improved control of PPS particle size and other properties.

Abstract: Olefinic interpolymer compositions comprising the olefinic interpolymer, residuals from a transition metal catalyst and boron containing activator package, and a charge dissipation modifier and methods for making them. The compositions have dissipation factors that are at least 50% less than the corresponding olefinic interpolymer compositions which have not been treated with charge dissipation modifiers. The compositions are useful in wire and cable applications.

Abstract: A method for easily and efficiently removing ruthenium complexes, which are generally difficult to remove, from a polymer, as well as a method for purifying a polymer that uses such a removal method are provided. A method for removing a metal, wherein a compound is added that is capable of coordination via a substitution of a ligand of a ruthenium complex, thereby precipitating another ruthenium complex, as well as a method for purifying a polymer that uses such a method.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to polymeric alkoxyamines, which are prepared by atom transfer radical addition polymerization (ATRA). Further aspects of the invention are a process for their preparation and their use as light stabilizers, flame retardants and polymerization regulators/initiators in controlled radical polymerization processes. Yet another aspect of the invention are novel monomeric intermediate alkoxyamines, which are also useful as polymerization regulators/initiators.

Abstract: Functionalized porous poly(aryl ether ketone) articles are prepared by reacting ketone groups in the backbone of poly(aryl ether ketone) polymer with a primary amine reagent. Preferred functional primary amines are primary aliphatic amines or substituted hydrazines containing one or more target functional groups including polar groups, such as hydroxyl groups, ˜OH, amino groups, ˜NH2, ˜NHR, ˜NRR?, and ethylene oxide groups, ˜OCH2CH2—, negatively or positively charged ionic groups, such as ˜SO3?, ˜COO?, and ˜NH4+ groups, hydrophobic groups such as siloxane or perfluorcarbone groups, and non-polar groups, such as linear or branched hydrocarbon groups. The functionalized porous poly(aryl ether ketone) article can be prepared by reacting primary amine with a pre-formed, shaped porous poly(aryl ether ketone) article or by functionalizing the surface of a non-porous precursor article that is subsequently converted into a porous article.

Abstract: A process for forming an ene reaction product wherein an enophile, such as maleic anhydride, is reacted with reactive polyalkene having a terminal vinylidene content of at least 30 mol. %, at high temperature in the presence of a free radical inhibitor. The polyalkenyl acylating agents are useful per se as additives in lubricating oils, functional fluids, and fuels and also serve as intermediates in the preparation of other products (e.g., succinimides) useful as additives in lubricating oils, functional fluids, and fuels. The presence of the free radical inhibitor during the high temperature reaction results in a reaction product that is low, or substantially free from sediment.

Abstract: A method of purifying a polymerization reaction mixture containing a poly(arylene ether) is described. The method uses multiple separations of organic and aqueous phases to achieve rapid and efficient removal of polymerization catalyst metal from the poly(arylene ether). When combined with particular precipitation conditions, the method produces a poly(arylene ether) having an improved combination of particle size distribution and low catalyst metal concentration.

Abstract: A technique is described for the preparation of polymers according to a process in which the starting compound of formula (I) is polymerized in the presence of a base in an organic solvent. No end chain controlling agents are required during the polymerization to obtain soluble precursor polymers. The precursor polymer such obtained comprises structural units of the formula (II). In a next step, the precursor polymer (II) is subjected to a conversion reaction towards a soluble or insoluble conjugated polymer by thermal treatment. The arylene or heteroarylene polymer comprises structural units of the formula III. In this process the dithiocarbamate group acts as a leaving group and permits the formation of a precursor polymer of structural formula (II), which has an average molecular weight from 5000 to 1000000 Dalton and is soluble in common organic solvents.

Abstract: Olefinic interpolymer compositions comprising the olefinic interpolymer, residuals from a transition metal catalyst and boron containing activator package, and a charge dissipation modifier and methods for making them. The compositions have dissipation factors that are at least 50% less than the corresponding olefinic interpolymer compositions which have not been treated with charge dissipation modifiers. The compositions are useful in wire and cable applications.

Abstract: An aqueous binder dispersion that includes at least one copolymer (P) containing carboxylic acid and/or carboxylate groups. The copolymer (P) includes structural units of carboxyl-free (meth)acrylic esters with a cycloaliphatic structure, and at least 25 mol % of the carboxylic acid groups of the copolymer (P) in the dispersion being present in triethanolamine-neutralized form. The aqueous binder can be used in aqueous coating materials, which can be used to coat a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to products, especially moulding materials of polymers containing triazine segments and consisting of mixtures of meltable 4–18 ring oligotriazine ethers which are soluble in highly polar solvents, and in which the triazine rings are predominantly linked by alkylene diamino groups. Said moulding materials can contain up to 50 mass % of other reactive polymers such as ethylene copolymers, maleic acid anhydride copolymers, modified maleic acid anhydride copolymers, poly(meth)acrylates, polyamides, polyester and/or polyurethanes, up to 75 mass % of filling materials and/or reinforcing fibres, and up to 2 mass % of stabilisers, UV absorbers and/or auxiliary agents. The moulding materials of polymers containing triazine segments can be processed by means of conventional fusion methods and can be used as hot-melt adhesives and for producing plates, tubes, profiles, injection moulded parts, fibres, coatings and foamed material.

Abstract: Olefinic interpolymer compositions comprising the olefinic interpolymer, residuals from a transition metal catalyst and boron containing activator package, and a charge dissipation modifier and methods for making them. The compositions have dissipation factors that are at least 50% less than the corresponding olefinic interpolymer compositions which have not been treated with charge dissipation modifiers. The compositions are useful in wire and cable applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multistage fluidized SSP reactor that tightens the distribution of residence time and the resulting average intrinsic viscosity of the polymer product. Less residence time is needed to achieve a desired average intrinsic viscosity. As the polymer beads continuously flow through sequential stages, poly-condensation reactions continue to develop almost under plug-flow conditions. Five fluidized stages or more provide advantageous performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing branched polyarylene ether polymers by (A) providing a reaction mixture comprising (i) a polyfunctional phenol compound of the formula Ar(OH)x wherein x?3 and wherein Ar is an aryl moiety or an alkylaryl moiety, provided that when Ar is an alkylaryl moiety at least three of the —OH groups are bonded to an aryl portion thereof, (ii) one or more linear polymers of the formula wherein m is 0 or 1, A and B are as defined herein, and n is an integer representing the number of repeat monomer units, and (iii) a carbonate base; and (B) heating the reaction mixture and removing generated water from the reaction mixture, thereby effecting a polymerization reaction.

Abstract: Provided is a method for accelerating the biodegradation of aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters comprising greater than 60 mol percent aromatic acid, based on total diacid in the co-polyester. The method involves contacting at least one hydrolytic enzyme in aqueous solution to the co-polyester.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a free flowing and/or non clumping resin that includes prior to drying, shrinking the resin under agitation. In one variant of the invention, the is a resin used in solid phase synthesis of peptides. In another aspect the invention provides a process of making a peptide using the free flowing resin described herein, and a polypeptide made using the process. Various therapeutics are then be made using the polypepdite.

Abstract: A composition comprising Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) with a reduced emission of acrolein is obtained by contacting Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) resin with an effective amount of a melt unstable, organic nitrogen-containing stabilizing compound. Such PTT resin has an acrolein formation rate at 280° C. of less than 15 ppm/minute. Preferably the residual acrolein content of the PTT resin is less than 5 ppm. Preferred additive compounds include amines, amino acids, amidines, urea and other N-compounds. The additive compounds are added to the polymer in molten state and/or to the resin, which is then processed to fibers, filaments, non-wovens, films and/or moldings.

Abstract: Methods of forming intermediates from PHAs are disclosed.

Abstract: Polymers of the formula wherein x is 0 or 1, R1-4 are alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl groups, X1-4 are halogens, a?, b?, c?, and d? are 0–4, UE is an unsaturated ester group, e, f, g, and h are 0–4, at least one of e, f, g, and h is ?1 in at least some monomers, SE is a saturated ester group, i, j, k, and m are 0–4, at least one of i, j, k, and m is ?1 in at least some monomers, a?+e+i?4, b?+f+j?4, c?+g+k?4, d?+h+m?4, RX represents the total number of haloalkyl groups in the polymer, the ratio of UE groups to SE groups to RX groups in the polymer is ??:??:?? wherein ?? is from about 1 to about 99.99, wherein ?? is from about 0.01 to about 99, wherein ?? is from 0 to about 50, and wherein ??+??+??=100.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a solution of a polymer comprising recurring azole units, which comprises dissolving a sufficiently dried polymer comprising recurring azole units of the formula where the radicals Ar, Ar1 and Ar2 are tetravalent, divalent or trivalent aromatic or heteroaromatic groups and the radicals X, which are identical within a repeating unit, are each an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom or an amino group bearing a hydrogen atom, a group having 1–20 carbon atoms, preferably a branched or unbranched alkyl or alkoxy group, or an aryl group as further radical, in N,N-dimethylacetamide having a sufficiently low water content at a temperature above room temperature under an inert gas atmosphere, wherein a sufficiently dried polymer comprising recurring azole units of the formula (1) or (2) of which 90% by weight based on the total weight of the polymer comprising recurring azole units has a particle size of less than 1 mm is used.

Abstract: The invention provides secondary sulfonamide polymers, wherein some, most, or all of the sulfonamido protons have been replaced with a substituent other than hydrogen. The invention also provides methods for preparing such polymers as well as devices (e.g. composite membranes) incorporating such membranes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the hydrogenation of an unsaturated polymer comprising hydrogenation of an unsaturated polymer in a reaction mixture comprising hydrazine, an oxidizing agent and a catalyst and the reduction or elimination of residual free hydrazine from the hydrogenated polymer, whereby the residual free hydrazine is reduced or eliminated from the reaction mixture by contacting it with an adsorbent and/or absorbent which is a solid material which has the ability to absorb and/or absorb hydrazine. The absorbent and/or absorbent is chosen from activated carbon, carbon black, silicates, chalk, talcum or transition metal containing solids.

Abstract: Processes for producing polyester amides, by reacting a polyisobutylene with a first reagent selected from the group consisting of at least monounsaturated acids having from 3 to 21 carbon atoms and derivatives thereof; and a second reagent selected from the group consisting of monoethanolamine and alkylamines of the general formula R—NH2, wherein R represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; are described. The polyester amides thus produced and their uses in stabilizing asphaltenes in crude oil and crude oil derivatives are also described.

Abstract: A method for functionalizing a crosslinked polymer bead. The method comprises the steps of: (a) swelling the bead in a first solvent or solvent mixture to a volume from 200% to 310% of its volume when dry; and (b) contacting the bead with a functionalizing reagent in a second solvent or solvent mixture capable of swelling the bead to a volume from 200% to 310% of its volume when dry.

Abstract: Processes for preparing polymers of the formula wherein m is 0 or 1, X is chlorine, bromine, or iodine, and n, e, and f are each, independently of the others, integers wherein e may be 0 and n and f are each at least 1 by providing a first reaction mixture containing a first solvent, a compound of the formula wherein Y is a chlorine or fluorine atom, a compound of the formula and optionally, a compound of the formula heating the first reaction mixture and removing generated water therefrom, thereby forming an intermediate polymer of the formula providing a second reaction mixture containing a second solvent, the intermediate polymer, and a N-halosuccinimide, wherein the halogen atom in the N-halosuccinimide is the same as the halogen atom that is X; and heating the second reaction mixture, thereby forming the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods of inducing bubble nucleation to overcome problems commonly associated with preservation by foam formation. Specifically, the invention relates to methods of using bubble nucleation in foam formation to preserve sensitive biological materials. Preferred methods of inducing bubble nucleation include, mixing, chamber rotation, crystals, and ultrasound.