Abstract: The invention relates to a crystal (C) consisting of at least 95% by weight of 4,4?-dichlorodiphenylsulfoxide, 0 to 2% by weight of impurities and 0 to 3% by weight of an organic solvent (os). Moreover, the present invention relates to a crystal composition (CC) comprising crystals (C) and a process for the production of the crystal composition (CC) and the crystal (C).

Abstract: A method for producing a hydrogenated conjugated diene polymer latex includes: a hydrogenation step of dissolving or dispersing a hydrogenation catalyst containing a platinum group element in a latex of a conjugated diene polymer to hydrogenate a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond in the polymer; an insoluble complex formation step of complexing the platinum group element with a complexing agent to form an insoluble complex; and an insoluble complex removing step of continuously feeding the latex which has undergone the insoluble complex formation step to a centrifuge machine and continuously performing a centrifugation operation to continuously remove the insoluble complex from the latex and continuously discharge the insoluble complex out of the centrifuge machine. In the insoluble complex removal step the feed rate of the latex to the centrifuge machine is adjusted to 0.5 to 15 m3/hour, and the centrifugal force in the centrifugation operation is adjusted to 200 to 10,000 G.

Abstract: Novel structural materials composed of industrial hemp fiber with recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) as well as methods for the production of the same are disclosed. The material's mechanical strength outperforms that of conventional lumber and could compete with glass fiber reinforced composites, particularly in tensile strength. In addition, this material offers many other significant advantages including insect free, high moisture resistance, no harmful chemical treatments, and no rapid corrosion in water environments.

Abstract: An ethylene-based polymer characterized as having a density from about 0.9 to about 0.94 grams per cubic centimeter, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) from about 4 to about 10, a melt index (I2) from about 0.05 to about 2 grams per 10 minutes, a gpcBR value greater than 0.05 as determined by a gpcBR Branching Index and a Y value greater than 0.4 is disclosed. This ethylene-based polymer is especially useful for blending with other polymers such as LLDPE. When converting the blends into film, especially shrink film, the film shows good optics, good shrink tension, high stiffness, high tensile modulus, and tensile strength. When this resin is blended at with a LLDPE on a blown film line, improvements are seen in haze, gloss, clarity, and MD and CD tear as compared to a comparative LDPE.

Abstract: A new and efficient method of functionalizing high molecular weight polymers through alkylation using a metal amide base is described. This novel procedure can also be used to synthesize polymer-based macro-initiators containing radical initiating groups at the chain-ends for synthesis of block copolymers.

Abstract: A compound comprises a polymeric chain with a repeat unit repeated more than 5 times. The repeat unit comprises conjugated first and second cyclic groups and a plurality of side groups each bonded to one of the cyclic groups. A side group bonded to the first cyclic group is an electron donor and a side group bonded to the second cyclic group is an electron acceptor, such that the compound is switchable between first and second electrical conductive states by application of an electric field to the compound. At least one of the side groups is selected so that the compound is soluble in an organic solvent. The compound may be used in films, memory cells, or electronic devices. A layer of the compound may be formed on a surface by dissolving the compound in an organic solvent, applying the solution to the surface, and then removing the solvent.

Abstract: The present application provides methods of producing polyanthracene including polymerization of anthracene monomers in the presence of oxidants and reaction solvents. The present application further provides polyanthracene produced by methods described herein that has higher solubility in organic solvents and better thermal stability and ablation resistance.

Abstract: A method of depolymerizing formulated rubbers and polymer solids is described. The method utilizes a solvent at or above the solvent's critical pressure and critical temperature with a low ratio of solvent to the solid material. The resulting depolymerized material in either substantially solid or highly viscous liquid form can be repolymerized with the addition of more monomer.

Abstract: A process for stripping chemically bonded spinning solvent from a solution-spun nonwoven web comprising the steps of providing a nonwoven web comprising solvent-laden polymeric fibers having average fiber diameters of less than about 1 micrometer, and transporting the nonwoven web through at least one infrared solvent stripping station wherein infrared radiation irradiates the nonwoven web in the absence of a solvent stripping fluid impinging on the nonwoven web in order to reduce the solvent concentration of the fibers to less than about 10,000 ppmw.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyalkylene glycol derivative having such high molecular weight and purity that the derivative can be used in pharmaceutical applications, which produces a polyalkylene glycol derivative of the formula (X) by steps (A), (B), (C) and (D), wherein R is as defined: R—(OA)nOH??(X) (step (A)) 5 to 50% by mol of an alkali catalyst is added to a compound represented by the formula (Y), wherein R is as defined: R—OH??(Y) (step (B)) an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms is reacted under a condition of 50 to 130° C. until the average number of moles of an oxyalkylene group OA added reaches the range of 5 to 500 to obtain a polyalkylene glycol derivative; (step (C)) 10 to 5000% by mass of a hydrocarbon solvent is added to the derivative of the step (B) to dilute it, and remaining water is removed by azeotropy; and (step (D)) the derivative of the step (B) is reacted with an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms under a condition of 50 to 130° C.

Abstract: In the production of isobutylene-based elastomers the product obtained from the polymerization process is often in the form of a stream. Described herein are an apparatus and a process for removal of hydrocarbon liquids from the elastomer. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a stream comprising hydrocarbon liquids, either solvents or diluents, and an isobutylene-based elastomer; passing the stream through a kneader to volatize the hydrocarbon liquids from the elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparation method for a biodegradable polymer microparticle and a microparticle prepared by the method. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a polymer microparticle, wherein the method includes the steps of: dissolving a biodegradable polyester-based polymer in DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide); spraying the solution in a low temperature hydrocarbon solution to provide a frozen DMSO microparticle; adding the microparticle in a low temperature salt aqueous solution to dissolve DMSO; and removing salt. The present invention provides a method for preparing a novel polymer microsphere which can be injected through a syringe due to excellent physical properties (such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, porosity, mechanical strength) and the microcarrier's size-adjustability, and can be easily mass-produced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a conductive coating film having superior chemical resistance or solvent resistance and durability by chemically bonding a resin having an amine group (—NH2) with carbon nanotubes having a carboxyl group (—COOH). The conductive material having high bondability with carbon nanotubes and superior electrical properties includes carbon nanotubes uniformly contained therein, and thus has appropriate surface resistivity, and thereby can be used for antistatic, electrostatic dissipation and electromagnetic shielding purposes and in transparent or opaque electrodes depending on the resistivity value.

Abstract: A poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having a high molecular weight and a reduced content of low molecular weight species can be prepared by a method that includes specific conditions for the oxidative polymerization, chelation, and isolation steps. The poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) is particularly useful for the fabrication of fluid separation membranes.

Abstract: Methods of forming materials containing precursors to electrically conductive polymers and electrically conductive polymers are described which have a high degree of crystallinity. The high degree of crystallinity is achieved by preparing the materials under conditions which provide a high degree of mobility to the polymer molecules permitting them to associate with one another to form a crystalline state. High levels of electrical conductivity are achieved in in the electrically conductive materials without stretch orienting the material. The enhanced electrical conductivity is isotropic as compared to a stretch oriented film which has isotropic electrical conductivity. In the preferred embodiment, additives are added to a solution containing a solvent and the precursor or electrically conductive polymer. The additives are preferably plasticizer of diluents. As the solvent is removed the material dries and contains a higher degree of crystallinity than in the absence of the additive.

Abstract: An organic-solvent dispersion containing fine polysilsesquioxane particles stably dispersed therein, which is obtained by adjusting the pH of an aqueous dispersion of fine polysilsesquioxane particles to 2 to 9, subsequently adding an organic solvent thereto, and then removing the water from the system; and an aqueous dispersion of fine polysilsesquioxane particles having an appropriate average particle diameter, which is obtained by adjusting the amount of a base catalyst to be used so as to be in a specific range. The process for producing an aqueous dispersion of fine polysilsesquioxane particles having a pH of 2 to 9 with an organic solvent.

Abstract: A process for preparing a redistributed poly(phenylene ether), comprising reacting a poly(phenylene ether) in a reactive diluent monomer with a polyhydric phenol in the presence of a redistribution catalyst to form a composition comprising a redistributed poly(phenylene ether) in the reactive monomer diluent. The redistributed poly(phenylene ether) exhibits an intrinsic viscosity in the range of about 0.06 deciliters per gram to about 0.25 deciliters per gram, measured in chloroform at 25° C. The redistributed poly(phenylene ether) can be functionalized and admixed with unsaturated resin such as an unsaturated polyester resin or vinyl ester resin to obtain a varnish composition that, when cured, can form an electrically insulative thermoset.

Abstract: It is depicted a polymer composition with elastomeric properties at wide temperature ranges of the type comprising polymers and/copolymers resulting from substituted or unsubstituted vinyl aromatic monomers and from dienic monomers, which is homogeneous and compatible in nature, with such composition being based on stereoregular polymers and without requiring the additional use of compatibilizing agents. Likewise, it is depicted the process to obtain the same, as well as to hydrogenise them, without requiring the use of additional catalyzers or processes.

Abstract: A poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having a high molecular weight and a reduced content of low molecular weight species can be prepared by a method that includes specific conditions for the oxidative polymerization, chelation, and isolation steps. The poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) is particularly useful for the fabrication of fluid separation membranes.

Abstract: A method for the extraction, separation, fractionation and purification of biopolymers from plant materials using supercritical and/or subcritical solvent extractions is disclosed. Specifically, the process can be used for the separation of resins and rubber from guayule shrub (Parthenium argentatum), and other rubber and/or resin containing plant materials, using supercritical solvent extraction, for example supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. Additionally, polar and/or non-polar co-solvents can be used with supercritical carbon dioxide to enhance the selective extraction of resins and rubbers from the shrub.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process comprising contacting an polymerization reactor effluent with a fluorinated hydrocarbon and thereafter recovering olefin polymer, where the fluorinated hydrocarbon is present at 5 volume % to 99 volume % based upon the volume of the effluent and the fluorinated hydrocarbon, and where the polymerization is a continuous polymerization of at least 75 mole % of hydrocarbon monomers, based upon the total moles of monomer present in the reactor.

Abstract: A process for continuous or discontinuous synthesis of elastomeric copolyesters from polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyoxytetramethylene glycol is described in which the tetrahydrofuran (THF) obtained as a byproduct in synthesis of polybutylene terephthalate from 1,4-butanediol is rectified and then reacted by ring-opening polymerization to form polyoxytetramethylene glycol which condenses with the free or esterified carboxyl groups of PBT to form the copolyester, whereby chain termination and catalyst deactivation are accomplished by adding 1,4-butanediol without separating the catalyst.

Abstract: An aqueous binding composition is provided comprised of a polyanhydride based polymer, which polyanhydride based polymer has been purified through the use of an azeotrope. The resulting binder is effective, particularly for binding glass fibers, yet substantially odor free. A fibrous material is provided that is coated with a water-resistant cured binder formed in accordance with the process of the present invention wherein adjoining fibers are bound at cross-over points. Such bound fibrous material is free of a phenol-formaldehyde resin and substantially free of odor. It has been found that by removing purities such as cumene and acetophenone from a polyanhydride binder, e.g., a styrene maleic anhydride based polymer based binder, an effective binder for glass fiber is obtained while also avoiding an odor problem.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to carpet and methods of making and recycling carpet. In one aspect, the carpet includes: a primary backing which has a face and a back surface; a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing and extending from the face of the primary backing and exposed at the back surface of the primary backing; an adhesive composition backing; and an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing. The method of making carpet includes extrusion coating the adhesive composition onto the back surface of a primary backing to form the adhesive composition backing. The method of recycling carpet can recover one or more polymeric carpet components.

Abstract: Processes of synthesizing aromatic amine-based benzoxazine resins are disclosed. The processes provide new routes for synthesizing benzoxazine from aromatic diamines or multifunctional aromatic amines that may solve the problem of insoluble products resulted from the condensation of hydroxymethylamine with amine by using aromatic diamine, phenol and formaldehyde as a raw materials.

Abstract: A method for making a hollow polymer particle having a single, substantially circular opening in its surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the synthesis of sterically hindered polymeric antioxidants based on phenol type antioxidant monomers. The method includes partially etherifying, polymerizing and thermally rearranging a phenol containing monomer represented by the following structural formula: to produce a sterically hindered polymeric macromolecular antioxidant. X, R10 and q are as defined herein. The disclosed method is a simple, direct and economical process for the synthesis of sterically hindered polymeric macromolecular antioxidants.

Abstract: A process for stripping chemically bonded spinning solvent from a solution-spun nonwoven web comprising the steps of providing a nonwoven web comprising solvent-laden polymeric fibers having average fiber diameters of less than about 1 micrometer, and transporting the nonwoven web through a solvent stripping zone wherein infrared radiation irradiates the nonwoven web and a solvent stripping fluid impinges on the nonwoven web in order to reduce the solvent concentration of the fibers to less than about 10,000 ppmw.

Abstract: Process for the solvent treatment of a plastic, by dissolving the plastic with a solvent and with at least one phase separation agent compatible with the solvent to form a solution, precipitating the plastic by contacting the solution with at least one non-solvent so as to obtain a solvent/non solvent mixture containing precipitated plastic particles, and substantially eliminating the solvent from the mixture and recovering solid plastic particles. After dissolution but before substantially eliminating the solvent a stripping takes place during which at least a substantial portion of the PSA is removed from the solution or from the mixture using a stripping composition.

Abstract: A process for producing a stable polymer such as poly(hydroxystyrene) which comprises the decarboxylation of a corresponding phenolic in the presence of a non-amine basic catalyst and a polar organic solvent, followed by the polymerization thereof.

Abstract: A method for treating polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in its reactor latex form to produce a dry submicron PTFE powder that remains stable without rheology modifiers, surfactants, wetting agents, pH adjusters or other stabilizing additives. Reactor latex PTFE formed during an emulsion polymerization process can be irradiated, with an electron beam or gamma rays, during or after the polymerization to form a product where the dry submicron PTFE powder is free-flowing, tends not to self-agglomerate and tends not to dust into the air upon handling so that the PTFE is readily dispersible when placed in a desired application system or medium.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of formaldehyde, comprising contacting formaldehyde in a hydrocarbon solution with an aliphatic anhydride and a quaternary ammonium salt polymerization initiator of the formula: R1R2R3R4N+X? where R1 is an aliphatic or olefinic hydrocarbon group containing about 18 to about 25 carbon atoms; R2, R3, and R4 are each methyl, ethyl, and/or propyl, such that the total number of carbon atoms in R2, R3, and R4 combined is between 3 and 7; and X? is an organic anion.

Abstract: A poly(arylene ether) produced by combining a poly(arylene ether) solution with an antisolvent at a shear rate of greater than 50,000 sec?1. The high shear mixing conditions produce a poly(arylene ether) dispersion in which the poly(arylene ether) solid contains reduced amounts of undesirably fine particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric phosphinic acids and their salts of the formula (I) where X is hydrogen or 1/m of a metal of valency m, or is a protonated nitrogen base, R1 and R2 are identical or different and are hydrogen, a carboxy group, a carboxylic acid derivative, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, phenyl, benzyl, or alkyl-substituted aromatic systems, R3 and R4 may be identical or different and are an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or are OX, with the above meaning for X, and ? is the average number of monomer units. The invention further relates to a process for preparing the abovementioned compounds, and to their use.

Abstract: Method for precipitating polyphenylene ether which decreases fine particles therein and reduces periodic fluctuations in particle size. Method provides homogeneous polyphenylene ether particles. Polyphenylene ether particles are precipitated using mixed solution comprising good solvent for polyphenylene ether and poor solvent for polyphenylene ether. Method employs precipitation tank equipped with draft tube, stirring blade, baffle(s), solution supply port, poor solvent supply port, and exhaust port. Polyphenylene ether particles and poor solvent are added to mixed solution comprising good solvent and circularly flowed by rotation of stirring blade, polyphenylene ether solution for solution supply port, and poor solvent for poor solvent supply port, thereby precipitating polyphenylene ether particles having desired properties.

Abstract: Polymer fractions such as polyethylene fractions can be produced that have a PDI less than about 2.3 and a Mw greater than about 1,000,000 g/mol, 3,000,000 g/mol, or 6,000,000 g/mol. Such polyethylene fractions are separated from a UHMWPE parent polymer by first dissolving the parent polymer in a relatively good solvent. The conditions employed for such dissolution are selected to reduce the degradation of the parent polymer. The resulting parent solution is transported into a fractionation column in which a support is disposed. The fractionation column is thereafter operated at conditions effective to form a precipitate on the support comprising the desired polyethylene fraction. The polyethylene fraction may then be recovered from the fractionation column by repeatedly displacing a solvent/non-solvent mixture into the column to dissolve the polyethylene fraction. The relative concentrations of the solvent and the non-solvent are based on a solvent gradient profile of the polyethylene parent polymer.

Abstract: A method of preparing a orthopaedic implant which includes removing low-molecular-weight compounds from a mass of polymeric material from which the implant is made.

Abstract: A method of precipitating a poly(arylene ether) includes combining a poly(arylene ether) solution with an antisolvent at a shear rate of greater than 50,000 sec?1. The high shear mixing conditions produce a poly(arylene ether) dispersion in which the poly(arylene ether) solid contains reduced amounts of undesirably fine particles.

Abstract: Polymers derived from various monomers are purified by fractionalization of the crude polymers in a solvent/non solvent system via reverse precipitation.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric phosphinic acids and their salts of the formula (I) where X is hydrogen or 1/m of a metal of valency m, or is a protonated nitrogen base, R1 and R2 are identical or different and are hydrogen, a carboxy group, a carboxylic acid derivative, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, phenyl, benzyl, or alkyl-substituted aromatic systems, R3 and R4 may be identical or different and are an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or are OX, with the above meaning for X, and ? is the average number of monomer units. The invention further relates to a process for preparing the above-mentioned compounds, and to their use.

Abstract: This invention discloses a class of soluble poly(arylene-oxadiazole) polymers and copolymers comprising at least 20 repeat units, which may be the same or different, represented by the formula: wherein Arom can be a fluorene group, an aromatic hydrocarbon ring, an aromatic C2+ heterocyclic ring, or two aromatic rings linked by a single bond, ethenyl bond, or ethynyl bond. A process for preparing the polymers and copolymers by reacting dicarboxylic acids and hydrazine salt is provided. The polymers are useful in electroluminescent devices, photovoltaic cells, and diodes.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing temperature-sensitive polymers utilizing a heat transfer fluid comprising a hydrocarbon fluid selected from aliphatic hydrocarbons, alicyclic hydrocarbons, aliphatic- or alicyclic-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons, or mixtures thereof, the hydrocarbon fluid having a boiling point from 220° C. to 250° C. and a melting point less than 40° C., and temperature-sensitive polymer articles produced therefrom.

Abstract: A process for preparing a fluorinated poly(arylene ether) comprising the repeating unit: wherein n provides a molecular weight up to about 30,000 to 100,000, X represents one of following groups: none, ketone, sulfone, sulfide, ether, hexafluoroisopropylidene, ??-perfluoroalkylene, oxadiazole, and Y is 4,4?-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)-diphenyl, 4,4?-isopropylidene diphenyl, 3,3?-isopropylidene diphenyl, phenyl, or chlorinated phenol which process comprises reacting a bis(pentafluorophenyl) compound and a bisphenol or hydroquinone in the presence of a dehydrating agent and a polar aprotic solvent is disclosed. Polymers resulting from the process show good promise as new passive optic polymer waveguide materials.

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 continuous process for the process for the enzyme-catalyzed preparation of cyclic ester oligomers from linear ester oligomers. The process may use a linear or recirculating reactor.

Abstract: A process for producing a lactic acid polymer of 15,000 to 50,000 in weight-average molecular weight, the content of polymeric materials having not more than about 5,000 in weight-average molecular weight therein being not more than about 5% by weight, characterized by hydrolyzing a high molecular weight lactic acid polymer, placing the resultant solution comprising the hydrolyzed product under a condition capable of precipitating the objective lactic acid polymer, separating the precipitated lactic acid polymer and collecting them. The lactic acid polymer is useful as a matrix for sustained-release preparations. The sustained-release microcapsule preparation encapsulating a physiologically active substance can fully prevent the initial excessive release of the physiologically active substance from the microcapsules and keep a stable release rate over a long period of time.

Abstract: Enzymes which are capable of catalyzing esterifications and/or transesterifications such as selected lipases and esterases can, under specified conditions, convert certain lower linear oligomers of polyesters to their cyclic ester oligomers in quantities greater than would be predicted by thermodynamic calculation or prior art methods. The cyclic ester oligomers are useful for the production of higher molecular weight linear polyesters.

Abstract: Provided herein is a process of fractionating ferroelectric, preferably vinylidene fluoride polymers using a solvent having at least one polarizable functional group, and a precipitant. The composition of the fractionated ferroelectric polymers is selected so as to adjust the properties of a ferroelectric film made from the polymers. Films formed using the fractionated vinylidene fluoride polymers have improved properties, particularly with respect to roughness and crystal domain size, and suitability for use in data processing devices.

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.