Abstract: A process for preparing pulverulent ethylene homopolymers or copolymers with a grain size of less than 200 .mu.m which comprises contacting coarse-particled ethylene homopolymers or copolymers in the form of a suspension with an aliphatic ketone containing 3 to 10 carbon atoms, heating the same with a mixture of said ketone up to a temperature above the softening point of the polymer and thereafter cooling the same.

Abstract: Rubber, hydrocarbons, i.e., resins, and other useful by-products are extracted, recovered and isolated from shrubs such as guayule and guayule-like shrubs by a procedure wherein the entire non-defoliated shrub, after being comminuted, is processed in an aqueous and/or a non-aqueous system. An optional water treatment step can be used to remove water solubles and/or facilitate processing and achieve increased yield of desired by-products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a chlorinated polymer having a chlorine content of from 30 to 70% by weight, which comprises chlorinating a polymer in a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent, removing the solvent using steam and/or hot water in the presence of at least 1% by weight, based on the chlorinated polymer, of an alkoxylation product of 1 mole of a primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 8 carbon atoms and at least 1.5 moles of propylene oxide and drying the precipitated chlorinated polymer.

Abstract: Process of obtaining a high molecular weight fraction from a polar polymer which comprises the steps of first, forming a solution of the polar polymer in a solvent which is also a solvent for a selected coacervating substance, then mixing with the solution a coacervating substance having at least two proton donating or proton receiving groups which are opposite the polarity of the polar polymer in an amount sufficient to crosslink molecules of said polar polymer of a molecular weight above a selected range at the solution temperature, thereby forming coacervated high molecular weight polymer solids, and then separating the high molecular weight solids from the solution. The coacervated polymer may then be dissolved and the coacervating substance removed by precipitation.

Abstract: Extrusion-cast films of high molecular weight, linear, low density ethylene copolymers which inherently have high block and high cling characteristics are compounded with a minor amount of a low molecular weight organic, such as a polyglycol, before being extrusion-cast as a thin film, the low molecular weight organic serving to substantially reduce the block, but retaining high cling characteristics.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a substantially dust-free PVA powder comprising contacting the PVA with about 0.5 percent to 4.0 percent polyglycol, preferably about 0.5 percent to 2.0 percent polyglycol, based on the weight of the PVA, and the product therefrom.

Abstract: Unreacted diisocyanate is removed from a polyurethane prepolymer reaction product mixture by co-distillation of the unreacted diisocyanate with a compound which is at least partially miscible with the prepolymer and which boils at a temperature greater than the boiling point of the diisocyanate. A highly efficient removal rate is achieved in that the concentration of unreacted diisocyanate remaining in the reaction product mixture is generally less than about 0.1 percent, and in many cases less than about 0.05 percent, based on the weight of the prepolymer.

Abstract: Method for removing chlorinated solvents from chlorinated polymers which retain them as a result of a chlorination process, wherein after being dried and pulverized, said chlorinated polymer is treated with a non-halogenated aliphatic organic solvent or a halogenated aromatic organic solvent. Said organic solvent pertains to the following groups: alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol; esters such as methyl formate, ethyl formate, methyl acetate; nitriles such as acetonitrile; aromatic halides such as chlorobenzene; hydrocarbons such as n-hexane; and acetone.

Abstract: Insulating wire coating enamels containing a mixture of polyvinyl acetal, phenolic and epoxy resins are prepared by precipitating the resins from a tetrahydrofuran solution with water. The precipitated resins are dried and electrostatically applied to transformer wire.

Abstract: A method for separating out carbon particles from a composition comprising a plastic and carbon particles of submicron dimensions comprising the steps of adding the composition to an organic solvent for the plastic which does not dissolve the carbon particles at a concentration sufficiently dilute to allow the carbon particles to be free from the plastic and filtering the resulting mixture in a calcium carbonate column which traps essentially all of the carbon particles.

Abstract: Rubbery polymer latexes are agglomerated by mixing them with another latex containing:(1) a polymer, different from that present in the latex to be agglomerated and less lipophilic than the latter, selected from (a) homopolymers of alkyl acrylates and methacrylates in which the alkyl has from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and (b) copolymers of ethylenically unsaturated monomers capable of forming water-insoluble homopolymers, and(2) a non-ionic surfactant consisting of an addition product of ethylene oxide.The agglomerating latex is added in quantities corresponding to 0.1-20 parts by weight of solid polymer and to 0.0001-0.2 parts by weight of surfactant per 100 parts by weight of the rubbery polymer present in the latex to be agglomerated.A particular use of the agglomerated rubbery polymer latexes is in the production of ABS resins.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing polyether ester amides by polycondensing at ordinary or reduced pressure, optionally in the presence of catalysts. A hot melt of:(a) polyamides having carboxyl end groups with polyethers having hydroxyl end groups and amino end groups;(b) polyamides having carboxyl end groups and polyethers having hydroxyl end groups;(c) polyamides having carboxyl end groups with polyethers having amino end groups; or(d) polyamides having amino end groups with polyethers having carboxyl end groups;is treated at temperatures from about 200.degree. to 300.degree. C. and at a water vapor pressure of about 5 to 25 bars with mechanical agitation and after water is removed by decompression the polycondensation of the polyether ester amide is carried out.

Abstract: A process is provided for the coagulation of rubber polymers from aqueous emulsions thereof wherein the coagulation is undertaken in the presence of an additive selected from a polysaccharide material and from a vegetable derived proteinaceous material. The polymers so coagulated are readily dried and may be used for the manufacture of products well known for the specific polymers.

Abstract: Active polymerization catalyst is deactivated using a high molecular weight epoxide.

Abstract: A process for preparing fine powder particles of thermoplastic elastomer polymer is disclosed. This process comprises suspending thermoplastic elastomer solids in a poor solvent for the polymer using mild agitation and then admixing this suspension with a non-solvent for the polymer in the presence of high shear mixing. Powder particles having an average diameter of less than about 100 microns are obtained.

Abstract: Polyolefin polymer powder containing active catalyst residues is deactivated by (1) purging with an inert gas containing water vapor and (2) then contacting such powder with a gas mixture containing an inert gas, water vapor, and a third component selected from the group consisting of oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alcohols and C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkeneoxides.

Abstract: A process for purifying an acetylene-terminated polyimide oligomer containing residual solvent in which the oligomer is initially dissolved in the same solvent used as the reaction medium in its synthesis. After precipitating the oligomer from solution by mixing with an aqueous solution of potassium or sodium chloride, the precipitated oligomer is washed successively with a plurality of liquids of decreasing polarity to provide an oligomer free of residual solvent.

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic molding compositions are disclosed which comprise a polycarbonate molding powder in admixture with a minor amount of a volatile matter entraining agent selected from the group consisting essentially of monochlorobenzene, a polyhydric material and solutions of a polyhydric material in water. A method of preparing a polycarbonate molding composition containing reduced amounts of volatile impurities is also disclosed.

Abstract: Aqueous crystallization of polyester, particularly copolymeric polyethylene terephthalate in the presence of surface active agents.

Abstract: An improved method for reducing the halogen content of a particulate polyolefin formed by catalytic polymerization of an olefin in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst is taught which comprises the steps of causing the polyolefin in the dry state to flow into a gas phase fluidized bed, contacting the polyolefin in the fluidized bed with a gas comprising 0.05% to 0.2% alkylene oxide, 5% to 30% water, and the balance inert gas such that the alkylene oxide reacts with halogens present in the polyolefin to form an alkylene halohydrin, removing the alkylene halohydrin from the fluidized bed and thus reducing the halogen content of the polyolefin. The improvement comprises regenerating the alkylene oxide by contacting the inert gas containing alkylene halohydrin with a caustic solution in alcohol or water and recovering therefrom alkylene oxide formed by the reaction of the alkylene halohydrin and the caustic solution.

Abstract: Easily dispersible compositions of(a) one part by weight of fluorocarbon resin,(b) from 1 to 10 parts by weight of a compound of the general formula ##STR1## in which R is C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 alkyl or alkenyl and R.sup.1 is hydrogen or hydroxyethyl, and(c) from 1 to 10 parts by weight of a compound of the general formulaR--(O--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2).sub.x --OHin which R is C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 alkyl or alkenyl and x is a number of from 15 to 50, preferably from 20 to 30.These compositions, which are prepared by melting the fluorocarbon resin together with the compounds (b) and (c), are readily dispersible in water and the obtained dispersions, which are stable to storage are used for the dirt-repelling finishing of textiles, leather or paper and as fiber conditioning compositions.

Abstract: A method for reducing static electricity on the surface of a shaped article made of polyvinyl chloride resins, which method comprises the steps of (a) blending a surface active agent with the polyvinyl chloride resin prior to fabrication of the resin into a shaped article, (b) fabricating the resin admixed with the surface active agent into a shaped article, and (c) subjecting the shaped article to a treatment with low temperature plasma of a gas.

Abstract: A molded article simulating the appearance of natural plantation crepe rubber and a method for producing this article. Styrene/butadiene linear or radial block copolymer having a polymerized styrene content of the range of about 20 to about 50 weight percent of the total block copolymer and resinous polymer of vinyl-substituted aromatic compound in the range of about 10 to about 60 parts resinous polymer per 100 parts block copolymer are blended with a sufficient amount of polarizing agent to achieve rapid heating through response to microwave treatment. The composition is melted, molded against a surface mirroring the appearance of plantation crepe rubber, and removed from the mold as an article simulating plantation crepe rubber.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polytetrafluoroethylene granular powder which comprises subjecting a finely divided polytetrafluoroethylene to agitation in an aqueous medium consisting of water and organic liquid having a specific surface tension and being incompatible with water in an apparatus to form agglomerates, passing said agglomerates through a crushing mechanism and continuously recycling said crushed agglomerates for further agitation and crushing, said crushing mechanism being capable of lowering an average particle size of the agglomerates composed of primary particles having a particle size of 1 to 200.mu. by partially crushing agglomerated particles having an improper large particle size or abnormally large aggregates. The obtained polytetrafluoroethylene granular powder has a narrow size distribution and an improved flowability, in which at least 90% by weight of a whole granular powder has a particle size of at most 1000.mu.

Abstract: The alkali metal, ammonium and alkanol amine salts of polymeric acetal carboxylates are stable detergent builders and chelating agents. Now, in the improved process of the present invention for preparing an acetal carboxylate polymer wherein a glyoxylate ester and a polymerization initiator are brought together under polymerization conditions and a chemically stable end group is added to the termini of the resulting polymer to stabilize the polymer against rapid depolymerization in alkaline solution, the improvement comprises contacting the resulting polymer in the presence of an acid catalyst with a sufficient amount of an acetal having 3 to 20 carbon atoms to stabilize the resulting polymer against rapid depolymerization in alkaline solution, and an agent to remove liberated alcohol.

Abstract: The alkali metal, ammonium and alkanol ammonium salts of polymeric acetal carboxylates are stable detergent builders under laundry use conditions but depolymerize at lower pH, making the polymer fragments more readily biodegradable in waste streams. Such polymeric acetal carboxylates can now be made by an improved process which includes the steps of bringing together in a reaction zone under polymerization conditions an ester of glyoxylic acid and a polymerization initiator, and adding an alkyl vinyl ether to the resulting polymer in the presence of a solvent having a dielectric constant of at least 15, such as an alkyl nitrile and a haloacetic acid catalyst, such as trifluoroacetic acid, to stabilize the polymer against rapid depolymerization in alkaline solution. The preferred solvent is acetonitrile.

Abstract: The alkali metal, ammonium and alkanol ammonium salts of polymeric acetal carboxylates are stable detergent builders under laundry use conditions but depolymerize in acid media, making the polymer fragments more readily biodegradable in waste streams. Such polymeric acetal carboxylates can now be made by a process which comprises bringing together in a reaction zone under polymerization conditions an ester of glyoxylic acid and a molecular sieve, and adding an alkyl vinyl ether to the resulting polymer in the presence of the molecular sieve to stabilize the polymer against rapid depolymerization in alkaline solution. The preferred alkyl vinyl ether is ethyl vinyl ether.

Abstract: A method for altering the transparency of a stable hexagonal polymorphic poly(butene-1) obtained from unstable tetragonal crystalline poly(butene-1) comprising contacting the tetragonal crystalline poly(butene-1) with a volatile solvent for a short time, then removing from the solvent, and allowing solvent adhereing to the poly(butene-1) to evaporate. The finished polymer can be opaque, transparent, or translucent depending upon the solvent and temperature used.

Abstract: A binder composition is prepared by hydrolyzing and condensing an organotrihydrocarbonoxy silane in excess water, and thereafter combining this composition with particulate solids, to form a coating composition for metal surfaces which will impart galvanic protection thereto.

Abstract: In a process for the recovery of an atactic polymer which comprises heating liquid propylene containing the dissolved atactic polymer at a gauge pressure of 13 to 40 kg/cm.sup.2 in a vaporizer to vaporize the propylene, and separating the atactic polymer from the vaporized propylene thereby recovering the polymer in a molten state, the improvement comprising maintaining the vaporization temperature of propylene at 45.degree. C. to 90.degree. C. and the temperature of a heating medium for the vaporizer at 60.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. According to this process, a long run can be used in the recovery of the atactic polymer.

Abstract: Fluorinated poly-(C.sub.2 to C.sub.10) alkylene polyamides (especially alpha, omega-triazaalkanes) in which the endmost nitrogen atoms are acylated by fluorinated carboxylic acid groups and an interior nitrogen atom is acylated by a dibasic acid moiety of the group consisting of (C.sub.4 to C.sub.14) alkane dioic acid moieties and the thiocarbonic acid moieties --C(.dbd.O)S-- and --CS.sub.2 --; wherein per the invention, a radical is terminally attached to the acylating dibasic acid moiety, of the group --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH, --CH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.3)OH, --CH.sub.2 CH(OH)CH.sub.2 X (X being halogen or --CN), or ##STR1## The compounds are amphipathic, behaving like surfactants when incorporated with nylon. They are prepared by broadly known methods of producing esters and thioesters of acids. The stain resistance of fibers incorporating these compounds can be improved as to durability and at least partially restored after abrasion of the fiber, by annealing.

Abstract: Styrene and acrylic acid or methacrylic acid copolymers can be devolatilized at a temperature above 200.degree. C. and below the decomposition temperature of the copolymer under vacuum in the presence of a monohydric compound such as alcohol or water without significant increase in molecular weight or the formation of undesirable and insoluble gels.

Abstract: A method of treating an aqueous suspension of a granular copolymer of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate which is produced from a copolymerization reaction between the monomers in aqueous suspension in which method, after the end of the copolymerization reaction, the pressure in a vessel containing the aqueous suspension is released by venting and the suspension is then heated in a vessel under conditions of temperature and pressure such that there is a vaporous outflow of water vapor, residual vinyl chloride and residual vinyl acetate from the vessel, wherein there is added to the aqueous suspension, before the start of said heating and preferably before venting but after the end of the copolymerization reaction, an effective amount of at least one steam-volatile phenol such that polymerization of the outflowing vinyl acetate is substantially prevented. The preferred phenol is 2,6-ditertiary-butyl-4-methyl-phenol.

Abstract: A process for purifying propylene homopolymers or copolymers which comprises:(i) polymerizing or copolymerizing propylene with other unsaturated hydrocarbon monomers in liquid propylene in the presence of a catalyst system consisting essentially of (a) an activated titanium trichloride obtained by reducing titanium tetrachloride with an organo-aluminum compound followed by activation and (b) an organo-aluminum compound;(ii) introducing the resulting polymer slurry into an upper portion of a counter-current washing tower to counter-currently contact the polymer slurry with a C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 alcohol and liquid propylene, whereby said catalyst is deactivated and at the same time the propylene homopolymers or copolymers dissolved in the polymer slurry and the catalyst are removed by washing, wherein said alcohol is used in an amount 0.

Abstract: Fuser members coated with a release layer of silicone rubber are treated with a solvent to remove low molecular weight siloxanes, polysiloxanes and other impurities from the silicone rubber. The solvent must be one which removes or extracts the low molecular weight siloxanes, polysiloxanes and other impurities without dissolving or otherwise adversely effecting the integrity of the silicone rubber layer coated upon a base member. Generally solvent extraction is continued until the components in the cured silicone rubber which interfer with the release properties of the rubber in releasing toner from the fuser member surface, are depleted to concentration where they do not inhibit release of the toner.

Abstract: Polybutene-1 in type II form can be accelerated in a phase transformation to the stable polybutene-1 type I form by applying a volatile solvent such as n-hexane and allowing the solvent to evaporate. The phase transformation can be accelerated by additional treatment with heat below the melt temperature of about 90.degree. C. and/or ultrasonic sound.

Abstract: An inexpensive yet reliable method for incorporating a minor fraction of a percent by weight of nucleating agent in a propylene polymer is provided in which the nucleating agent is dissolved at a concentration of less than 10% in a homogeneous, alcohol-based, carrier liquid having a normal boiling point of not over about 120.degree. C. The resultant solution is atomized into a full jet spray of fine droplets which is directed with full and even coverage onto a loose pulverulent bed of propylene polymer powder over a period of time and with sufficient agitation of said bed to expose essentially all segments of the bed to direct contact with said spray.

Abstract: In a process for producing a propylene homopolymer or copolymer which comprises polymerizing propylene or copolymerizing propylene and at least one other unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer in liquid propylene using a catalyst comprising activated titanium trichloride and an organo-aluminum compound, the activated titanium trichloride being prepared by reducing titanium tetrachloride with an organo-aluminum compound followed by activation, introducing the polymer slurry produced into the top of a counter-current washing tower, and washing the slurry by bringing the slurry into counter-current contact with liquid propylene which is introduced into the bottom of the washing tower, the improvement which comprises refining the homopolymer or copolymer of propylene by feeding (a) an alcohol having 3 to 8 carbon atoms in a molar amount of about 0.

Abstract: Expandable-polystyrene beads suitable for use in making impervious containers are made from a recipe including styrene, free-radical initiator and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and this practice includes a step of washing the beads in a warm aqueous solution to which an alkoxylated nonionic surfactant having 70-90 percent of its molecular weight accounted for by oxyethylene units is added in an amount effective to cause the washing to remove contaminating grafted polyvinyl pyrrolidone from the surface of the beads and cause them to become expandable into impervious product containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing shaped articles from crystalline or quasi-crystalline acrylonitrile polymers and copolymers, said method consisting in cooling down a solution of said polymer or copolymer in a mixture containing from 50 to 99.5% by weight of a solvent and from 0.5 to 50% by weight of a precipitant to a temperature below the gelation point of the solution until the same gelatinizes, without changing its composition, to the desired shape, whereafter the solvent is removed from the shaped thermoreversible gel thus obtained at temperatures lower than the gelation point of the solution, preferably using a liquid precipitant of polyacrylonitrile miscible with the solvent. It is advantageous to remove the solvent at a temperature which is at least 10.degree. C. lower than the gelation temperature of the polymer solution used. The shaping can be carried out in any convenient way, e.g. using a stationary or rotating mold.

Abstract: In a process for recovery of a chlorinated polymer from solution in a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent by treatment with steam or hot water the retention of residual solvent in the product is reduced by carrying out the treatment in the presence in the solution of an ethoxylate of a primary aliphatic alcohol having at least 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: There are disclosed novel particulate forms of emulsion or dispersion resins for use in plastisols and organosols as well as an improved process for their preparation. This process comprises blending a dispersion resin latex with a nucleating resin which may be in the form of either a wet cake or a dry powder and then, preferably, spray drying the resulting blend. The novel blends of this invention are characterized by substantial improvements in many of their physical and rheological properties while the process used for their preparation has many advantages over the procedures presently utilized for preparing such mixtures including improved material handling, substantial savings in time and the achievement of more efficient drying. The resins of this invention lend themselves to bulk handling in most types of conventional bulk handling equipment.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved method for the work-up of the reaction product from stereospecific polymerization of propylene with Ziegler Type catalysts in a liquid phase polymerization process employing a C.sub.3 reaction medium. The product work-up comprises treatment of the reactor effluent slurry with a small amount of a C.sub.3 or C.sub.4 alkanol and with oxygen or an effective peroxide, followed by washing of the polymer with a C.sub.3 hydrocarbon medium containing a small amount of a C.sub.3 or C.sub.4 alkanol.

Abstract: In purifying polyolefins obtained by suspension polymerization to remove catalyst residues therefrom, the polymer is first separated from the polymerization medium and then degassed in the absence of air. Next the degassed polymer is deactivated by suspension in a liquid medium comprising a liquid hydrocarbon, an aliphatic alcohol having 1 to 4 C atoms, and an organic chloride which is an acid chloride or an alkyl chloride, the suspension being at a temperature of +30, +65.degree. C. Finally the deactivated polymer is separated from the liquid medium and washed with an aliphatic alcohol and/or a liquid hydrocarbon.

Abstract: The discoloration that vinyl chloride resins usually undergo when a slurry containing one of these resins is heated at a temperature above 70.degree. C. to reduce its monomer content to less than 10 ppm is minimized or prevented by carrying out the heating step in the presence of a monomer-miscible color stabilizer that comprises an organic peroxide and/or an organic azo compound.

Abstract: Polyester polymer is recovered from polyester fibers (in the form of filaments, yarns or fabrics and the like, both dyed and undyed), and used in the production of new undyed fibers, films, and other polymer products by the process of stripping the dye from the dyed polyester fibers and dissolving the polyester fibers in a solvent in a separate but functionally interrelated (with the dye stripping step) step; separating the dissolved fibers from any undissolved impurities, and thereafter separating the solvent from the polyester without precipitating the polyester by evaporating the solvent.

Abstract: Polymers are isolated from their dispersions in liquid media in a twin-screw extruder, wherein the screws in the feed area are intermeshing and fully wiping each other and the extruder bore, the polymer dispersion or latex (which is coagulated in the first zone) being conveyed to a high pressure seal zone, liquid being forced upstream and out of the extruder, and the polymer being conveyed through the seal, into a reduced pressure zone, where most remaining liquid is removed, and finally into a pumping zone from which it is extruded. The invention avoids high pressure pumping of polymer dispersions and also is applicable to dispersions of sticky thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, which have caused considerable difficulties in the past.

Abstract: Low density polyethylene with a very small proportion of low molecular weight polyethylene (e.g. such as can be extracted by washing by ethanol) is used as an insulation material for high voltage power cable.

Abstract: A polymer slurry composed of solid polymer particles and a diluent such as an inert hydrocarbon and or an inert halogenated hydrocrbon, kept at a sufficient super-atmospheric pressure to maintain the diluent in the liquid state, is continuously introduced into a heating tube divided into a first and a second heating zone, the diameter of the second heating zone being larger than that of the first heating zone. The flow rate of the slurry passing through the first heating zone is controlled by regulating the amount of heat supplied to the first heating zone. Substantially all of the vaporized diluent is then introduced into a separation zone and separated from the solid polymer particles.

Abstract: Polymers are isolated from their dispersions in liquid media in a twin-screw extruder, wherein the screws in the feed area are intermeshing and fully wiping each other and the extruder bore, the polymer dispersion or latex (which is coagulated in the first zone) being conveyed to a high pressure seal zone, liquid being forced upstream and out of the extruder, and the polymer being conveyed through the seal, into a reduced pressure zone, where most remaining liquid is removed, and finally into a pumping zone from which it is extruded. The invention avoids high pressure pumping of polymer dispersions and also is applicable to dispersions of sticky thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, which have caused considerable difficulties in the past.