Abstract: The invention relates to a method for isolating polyorganosiloxanes from an aqueous dispersion, wherein the polyorganosiloxanes are separated from water in a dissolved form with the aid of an extraction agent.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the amount of undesirable by-products in the production of polymers are disclosed. The resulting polyetherimides have lower polydispersivity and enhanced thermomechanical properties. In some embodiments, cyclic and low molecular weight linear oligomers are also obtained.

Abstract: A method of precipitating a poly(arylene ether) includes preparing a poly(arylene ether) solution comprising a poly(arylene ether) and a solvent, combining the poly (arylene ether) solution with an antisolvent to form a poly(arylene ether) dispersion comprising a poly(arylene ether) solid, separating the poly(arylene ether) solid from the poly(arylene ether) dispersion to form an isolated poly(arylene ether) solid, determining a particle size distribution of the poly(arylene ether) solid prior to separating the poly(arylene ether) solid from the poly(arylene ether) dispersion, and adjusting a precipitation parameter in response to the particle size distribution. Although the measured particle size distribution is very different from the particle size distribution of the solid poly(arylene ether) ultimately isolated, it is useful for controlling the process. The method may be automated to rapidly adjust precipitation conditions in response to the particle size distribution measurements.

Abstract: A system for improving the biocompatibility of medical devices present within a patient's body. In one embodiment, the present subject matter reduces the thrombogenicity of polyurethane materials in contact with the blood of a patient. In one embodiment, the medical device has a polymeric wall and a coating of polyurethane, said coating of polyurethane having the same chemical composition throughout the thickness and displaying an antithrombogenic effect when inserted into a patient's body in contact with blood for a period of at least twenty-four hours. The present subject matter relates to the manufacture and treatment of polymeric materials that may be inserted as medical devices, accessories, implants or replacements into animal bodies, such as the human body.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing particles of amine reaction product by means of an acid carrier. Processed amine reaction products and finished compositions incorporating such processed product are also herein provided.

Abstract: Naphthalenesulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensates are used as assistants in the drying of aqueous polymer dispersions. Also described is a process for preparing polymer powders by drying, using these condensates; the polymer powders obtainable by the process; and their use as binders.

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

Abstract: A cell adhesion solution of a cross-linked polymer for substrates includes an amino acid polymer, a buffered cross-linking agent, and deionized water (DI H2O). In one example, the amino acid polymer is selected from a neutral or basic amino acid, such as poly l-lysine or poly l-arginine. In another example, the amino acid polymer includes poly l-lsine. In another example, the amino acid polymer includes poly l-lsine of molecular weight of 100,000 or higher. The cross-linking agent can be selected from an aldehyde functional group, a buffered formaldehyde solution or a 10% neutral buffered formalin solution.

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

Abstract: 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: A poly(ethylene oxide) polymer having low and high molecular weight fractions is fractionated by dissolving the polymer in a solvent for the low molecular weight fraction. A good separation of the low and high molecular weight fractions can be obtained. When the poly(ethylene oxide) polymer contains a metal cyanide catalyst, this process also provides a good separation of the catalyst from the low molecular weight fraction. In this instance, the catalyst remains active and the high molecular weight fraction containing the catalyst can be recycled into subsequent polymerization processes.

Abstract: Process for preparation powder coating formulations by pressure release of a composition comprising a low molecular mass inert compound, with release of the low molecular mass inert compound, in which process one or more base resins and one or more hardeners for the base resins, or one or more self-curing base resins, and, if desired, further customary coatings components, are converted together or separately into a flowable form by heating, the low molecular mass inert compound is dissolved under pressure at least in one of the base resin or hardener components employed, either before these components are combined with the other components or in the already prepared mixture, the overall mixture is homogenized, and then the mixture of all components is released from pressure, with cooling.

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

Abstract: 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: 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: This invention is directed to a process for the solid phase synthesis of aldehyde, ketone, oxime, amine, hydroxamic acid and &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated carboxylic acid and aldehyde compounds and to polymeric hydroxylamine resin compounds useful therefor.

Abstract: A method is provided for isolating and purifying PHA from microbial or plant biomass that contains PHA. The method includes the step of extracting PHA from the biomass using at least one solvent while simultaneously subjecting the biomass to a filtration process to remove cells. In a preferred embodiment of the method, an aqueous slurry of the biomass is directly extracted by diafiltration using an organic solvent. In a preferred diafiltration process, an aqueous slurry of microbial cells comprising PHA is recirculated through a filtration membrane, wherein the membrane has a pore size sufficiently small to reject individual cells or such aggregates of cells as may exist in the slurry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving the biocompatibility of devices, especially medical devices which are invasively present within a patient's body and the improved medical device. The present invention particularly reduces the thrombogenicity of polyurethane materials in contact with the blood of a living patient. The method comprises providing a biocompatible medical device having polymeric polyurethane components thereon, exposing the polyurethane components of the medical device to polar solvents for said polymeric components while the polar solvents are in the vapor phase, and allowing said vapor phase exposure to continue for a sufficient amount of time as to reduce at least some irregular or sharp features on the surface of the polymeric component.

Abstract: The invention relates to resin systems useful for imparting dry-strength to paper without substantially increasing the paper's wet-strength wherein the resin system comprises a cationic component and an anionic component. The invention also relates to the process for incorporating these resin systems into paper and the paper produced containing the resin systems.

Abstract: An ocular lens material comprising a polymer prepared by polymerizing a polymerizable component for an ocular lens, containing (A) 20 to 50% by weight of a silicon-containing alkyl acrylate, (B) 20 to 50% by weight of a polysiloxane macromonomer in which a polymerizable group bonds to a siloxane main chain through at least one urethane bond, (C) 10 to 50% by weight of at least one of hydroxyalkyl acrylates and at least one of hydroxyalkyl methacrylates, and (D) 0.01 to 10% by weight of a crosslinkable compound having at least two polymerizable groups, and a process for producing the same. The ocular lens material shows excellent stain resistance and excellent flexibility at the same time in addition to excellent transparency, and can be easily produced by the process.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for removing impurities from an elastomer intended for medical or pharmaceutical use, which includes a step of performing a first solvent extraction process on the elastomer by contacting the elastomer with a first extracting solvent in a non-supercritical state to substantially remove impurities from the elastomer, thereby leaving a residue of said first extracting solvent in the elastomer. The elastomer is there after subjected to a second solvent extraction process, by contacting the elastomer with a second extracting solvent, which is a supercritical fluid or a mixture of super critical fluids, in order to remove substantially reduce the concentration of the residue of the first extracting solvent remaining in the elastomer after the first solvent extraction process.

Abstract: Polyimide copolymers were obtained containing 1,3-bis(3-aminophenoxy)benzene (APB) and other diamines and dianhydrides and terminating with the appropriate amount of a non-reactive endcapper, such as phthalic anhydride. Homopolymers containing only other diamines and dianhydrides which are not processable under conditions described previously can be made processable by incorporating various amounts of APB, depending on the chemical structures of the diamines and dianhydrides used. Polyimides that are more rigid in nature require more APB to impart processability than polyimides that are less rigid in nature. The copolymers that result from using APB to enhance processability have a unique combination of properties including: excellent thin film properties, low pressure processing (200 psi and below), improved toughness, improved solvent resistance, improved adhesive properties, improved composite mechanical properties, long term melt stability (several hours at 390 C.), and lower melt viscosities.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of a polyester polymer or polyester copolymer under superatmospheric pressure conditions in a pipe or tubular reaction under turbannular flow conditions. Reaction material having a glycol equivalents to carboxylic acid equivalents mole ratio of from 1.0:1 to 1.2:1, together with a superatmospheric dense gaseous medium are fed co-currently to the reactor. Dicarboxylic acid and/or diol raw materials may be injected into any of the reaction zones in the process during operation to achieve the overall desired mole ratio balance. The process operates at temperatures of from about 220.degree. C. to about 320.degree. C., with turbannular flow achieved before the polymer product and gas exit the reactor process. The pressure in the reaction zones can be in the range from 15 psia to 2500 psia.

Abstract: An ionic thermosettable resin useful for imparting wet and dry strength to paper is made by: (a) providing a copolymer comprising monomer units derived by copolymerization of acrylamide or alkyl-substituted acrylamide and diallylamine or an acid salt thereof; and (b) reacting the copolymer with epihalohydrin or epihalohydrin equivalent and dialdehyde. Paper products made using the resin are more easily repulped than paper products made with conventional wet strength resins.

Abstract: Process for reducing the content of residual monomers, expressed as total VOC lower than 600 ppm and deriving from the monomers utilized to obtain the emulsion lower than 100 ppm; having an amount of wet coagula lower or equal to 500 ppm after wet filtering on 125 micron filter of the emulsion at the outlet after the various dropping phases, in polymrizations and copolymerizations in dispersion or emulsion in aqueous phase based on acrylic monomers, characterized in that it comprises as redox couple the utilization of a reducing agent selected from ascorbic acid or an aldehyde having a number of carbon atoms equal to or higher than 4 and containing at least a salifiable hydrogen, organic or inorganic, or its salts and the inorganic salifiable hydrogen being added to a carboxylic group; the aldehyde reducing agent or its salts being soluble in water for at least 5% by weight, preferably 10% by weight; and from an oxidizing agent consisting of an organic hydroperoxide in aqueous solution, excluding those solubl

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining polyarylene sulfide from polyarylene sulfide-containing material. For this purpose, the polyarylene sulfide-containing material is treated with a solvent in which it dissolves, and is subsequently reprecipitated. The invention also relates to the purification of polyarylene sulfide-containing material by separating off extraneous substances, to polyphenylene sulfide particles having a specific surface area of at least 80 m.sup.2 /g and to their use as filter material.

Abstract: Phenolsulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensates are used as assistants in the drying of aqueous polymer dispersions.Also described are a process for preparing polymer powders by drying, using these condensates; the polymer powders obtainable by the process; and their use as binders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of a porous polymer comprising the steps of: i) forming a mixture comprising a polymerizable component and an organic solvent wherein the polymerizable component comprises at least one macromonomer having at least one perfluoropolyether unit; ii) polymerizing said mixture wherein immediately after the polymerization of said mixture at least a substantial proportion of said organic solvent is in the form of a discrete phase and wherein said discrete organic solvent phase forms an interpenetrating network throughout the mixture or is dispersed throughout the mixture; and iii) removing the discrete organic solvent phase.

Abstract: Acetals are produced from the reaction of aldehydes and alcohols, e.g. methylal by the reaction of methanol and formaldehyde, by the reaction in a reaction distillation column of the alcohol and aldehyde in the presence of a catalyst and the concurrent fractional distillation of the reaction mixture to separate the reaction products, water and acetal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining polyarylene sulfide from polyarylene sulfide-containing material. For this purpose, the polyarylene sulfide-containing material is treated with a solvent in which it dissolves, and is subsequently reprecipitated. The invention also relates to the purification of polyarylene sulfide-containing material by separating off extraneous substances, to polyphenylene sulfide particles having a specific surface area of at least 80 m.sup.2 /g and to their use as filter material.

Abstract: Polyimide precursor solutions comprise an organic liquid and the reaction product of an aromatic dianhydride and an aromatic diaminobenzoxazole capped, on at least one terminal end, with a bifunctional chain extender. The bifunctional chain extender has one functional group reactive with the amine of the aromatic diaminobenzoxazole or the anhydride of the aromatic dianhydride and another functional group which does not form amic acid linkages, but which is capable of further reaction to increase the molecular weight of the polyimide precursor under conditions other than those used to react the aromatic diamine and aromatic dianhydride to form the polyimide precursor. These polyimide precursors can be converted into polyimidebenzoxazole polymers.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a granular polycarbonate prepolymer for solid-phase polymerization, comprising dissolving a polycarbonate prepolymer in a solvent under heat, then crystallizing it by cooling, and shaping it. The grains of the granular prepolymer hardly fuse together in polymerization, and the granular prepolymer is suitable for high-speed solid-phase polymerization to give polycarbonate.

Abstract: A process for polymer deformulation by solvent solution filtration begins by including formulated polymers and/or polymer products in a recycle stream. The formulated polymer products include a quantity of soluble polymers and/or insoluble polymers, soluble and/or insoluble colorants, formulations and additives. The recycle stream is placed in a solvent, taking the polymer and formulations into a solvent/polymer solution. Next, the solution is processed through a filtration stage. A quantity of mineral filter aid particles are then added to the solution to adsorb formulations contained in the solution. One of the mineral filter aids must be some form of carbon, preferably activated carbon. Other mineral filter aids may include diatomaceous earth. The solvent/polymer solution is then subjected to an additional polish filtration stage to remove substantially all of the mineral filter agents and associated formulations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of curing unsaturated polyester resins or mixtures of such resins and a monomer copolymerizable therewith. More particularly, the invention relates to the curing of such resins and mixtures thereof with a composition comprising acetylacetone peroxide (AAP) in an amount of from about 30 to about 35 percent and a high temperature peroxide. Preferably, the high temperature peroxide is t-butyl peroxybenzoate (TBPB) and is present in an amount of from about 5 to about 10 percent of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating polyhydroxyalkanoate from a biomass, the process comprising extracting the polyhydroxyalkanoate with at least one PHA solvent selected from the group consisting of acetone, acetonitrile, benzene, butyl acetate, butyl propionate, .beta.-butyrolactone, .gamma.-butyrolactone, diethyl carbonate, diethylformamide, dimethyl carbonate, dimethyl succinate, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide, ethyl acetate, ethylene glycol diacetate, methyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, 1,4-dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, xylene, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Vinylphenol-type polymers are useful materials and are used in many fields such as photoresist, packaging material for IC, printed circuit board, lense, etc. When the polymers are used in an electronic field such as photoresist and packaging material for IC, it is desired to reduce metal concentration in the polymer in the order of ppb units. A simple and effective process for removing metals from vinylphenol-type polymers is disclosed. The process comprises passing an organic solvent solution of a vinylphenol-type polymer either through (a) a filter containing an ion exchange material and/or a chelate-forming material and generating a zeta (.zeta.) potential by a cationic charge modifying agent or through (b) (i) a filter containing an ion exchange material and/or a chelate-forming material and (ii) a filter generating a zeta (.zeta.) potential by a cationic charge modifying agent.

Abstract: The inventions refers to a method of compacting expanded polystyrene (EPS). EPS, especially in the state of waste, constitutes a problem due to its voluminous nature. High logistic costs are connected with this voluminous nature and therefore it is difficult to realize an efficient recycling of EPS. This invention aims to offer a solution to this logistic problem by transforming the waste EPS in a compacted mass with semi-fluid properties, by bringing the EPS into contact with a liquid that has such a composition that the semi-fluid compacted mass itself is not miscible with the liquid that causes this phenomenon of compacting. To that end the liquid is composed of at least one component with solving power in respect of polystyrene and at least one component without solving power in respect of polystyrene.

Abstract: This invention relates to benzylic ether phenolic resole resins prepared in a sealed reaction vessel and their uses. The benzylic ether phenolic resole resins are prepared by heating phenol and an aldehyde in a sealed reaction vessel in the presence of a divalent metal catalyst without removing water generated by the reaction until an appropriate endpoint for the resin is reached. The benzylic ether phenolic resole resins produced by the process are preferably free or essentially free of unreacted formaldehyde and can be used in the resin component of phenolic-urethane foundry binders to make foundry cores and/or molds by the cold-box and no-bake processes. The cores and/or molds are used for making metal castings.

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: A method is disclosed for providing a friable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) product that has particles of a desired size which are flowable and do not tend to agglomerate. To achieve this result, the PTFE starting material is handled at a temperature below 66.degree. F., and preferably below 55.degree. F., before irradiating. The PTFE starting material may be mixed with a wetting agent before irradiating to provide a product that has enhanced dispersibility. The source of radiation may include electron beam radiation, nuclear radiation, or radiation from a cobalt-60 (CO.sub.60) source.

Abstract: Photoimageable polyquinoline compositions comprise a polyquinoline polymer, a diazonaphthoquinone and optionally a photosensitizer. The composition is prepared by dissolving the polyquinoline polymer, diazonaphthoquinone and photosensitizer in a solvent to form a solution, coating the solution onto a substrate and thereafter removing the solvent to form a film. The film is exposed to light through a photomask and developed by immersion in a selective solvent to yield a photopatterned dielectric film.

Abstract: A process involving (a) homogeneously dispersing tetrathiodipropionic acid in a recycled rubber having an individual particle size no greater than 420 microns, (b) mixing the treated recycled rubber with unvulcanized rubber and (c) vulcanizing the rubber mixture.

Abstract: A polyester resin aqueous dispersion which provides a coating film having excellent processability, water resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, weather resistance and adhesion to various substrates, and which also has markedly excellent storage stability even at a high solids concentration. The polyester resin aqueous dispersion substantially comprises a specific polyester resin, a basic compound, an amphipathic organic solvent capable of plasticizing the polyester resin, and a compound having a protective colloid action. Furthermore, fine particles of the polyester resin are homogeneously dispersed in an aqueous medium and in a specific dispersed state.

Abstract: Urethane-modified novolaks which are prepared by simultaneous reaction of a monohydric or polyhydric phenol (A) with an oxo compound (aldehyde or ketone) (B) and a urethane (C) in the presence of an acidic catalyst (D) at an elevated temperature of 60.degree. to 200.degree. C. and contain no interfering amounts of free starting phenol, and their use as adhesion improvers in rubbers, in particular rubbers containing reinforcing media such as steel cord or textile fibers.

Abstract: A process for recovering polyamide from composite articles that contain polyamide involves (a) subjecting at substantially nondepolymerizing conditions the composite article to a solvent for polyamide for a time sufficient to dissolve substantially all of the polyamide and leaving an insoluble fraction; (b) separating insoluble fraction of the composite article from the dissolved polyamide; and (c) precipitating the dissolved polyamide with appropriate precipitants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a lactic acid-based polyester having an excellent moldability, storage stability and biodegradability which has a less residual lactide left therein and is less susceptible to decomposition of lactic acid-based polyester and attachment of sublimed lactide to the molding apparatus, etc. at the devolatilization step and molding step after the polymerization reaction of lactic acid-based polyester. In the present invention, an organic chelating agent is added to a lactic acid-based polyester to deactivate the esterification catalyst used in the preparation of the lactic acid-based polyester, making it possible to inhibit the decomposition of lactic acid-based polyester at the devolatilizing process and molding process after polymerization reaction.

Abstract: A process for activating double metal cyanide catalysts is disclosed. A polyol starter or starter/catalyst mixture is heated under vacuum under conditions effective to achieve improved stripping compared with that which can be achieved through conventional vacuum stripping. Coupling vacuum stripping with inert gas sparging or stripping in the presence of an organic solvent gives a starter/catalyst mixture that activates rapidly in an epoxide polymerization process. Rapid activation makes process start-ups reliable and reduces cycle time. The process gives polyols with lower viscosity, lower polydispersity, and lower unsaturation for better polyurethanes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) from a biomass comprising the PHA, the process comprising: a) treating the biomass with a PHA solvent and a marginal nonsolvent for PHA; b) removing any insoluble biomass, thereby leaving behind a solution of PHA and marginal nonsolvent for PHA; and c) removing the PHA solvent from the solution, thereby resulting in a suspension of precipitated PHA in the marginal nonsolvent for PHA. Optionally, the process further comprises removing the marginal nonsolvent for PHA, thereby leaving behind the PHA. The present invention further relates to the suspension and the PHA produced by the process.

Abstract: A novel technique to treat post-consumer polyester for reuse in food-contact applications is described. The process comprises contacting contaminated post consumer polyester flake with at least one extraction solvent which is soluble in said contaminated flake at a temperature sufficient to allow rapid diffusion of contaminants from said polyester flake; and removing said extraction solvent containing said contaminants from said polyester flake.

Abstract: Nanoparticles are prepared by dissolving a poly(ethylene oxide) and/or poly(propylene oxide) polylactic copolymer in an organic solvent followed by formation of nanoparticles by mixing the solution containing the polymer with an aqueous solution and by precipitation, without using an additional colloidal protective agent or by microfluidization and solvent evaporation. Nanoparticles prepared by this method are disclosed.