Abstract: A method of treating a polymer involves contacting the polymer with a supercritical fluid under conditions of temperature and pressure to incorporate the supercritical fluid in the polymer and thereby effectuate an increase in plasticity and/or elasticity of the polymer. In a particular embodiment, the treated polymer is a biocompatible polymer which is fabricated into a medical device or part thereof.

Abstract: A process of removing trace metal impurities from an impure resist component solution comprising the steps of:(1) forming an impure resist component solution containing trace amounts of dissolved metallic impurities, the resist component solvent selected from the group consisting of ethyl lactate, ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate, methyl 3-methoxypropionate, propylene glycol methyl ethyl acetate, or mixtures thereof;(2) contacting said impure resist component solution with a mixture of cyclohexane and isopropyl acetate and with an aqueous acidic solution for a sufficient amount of time to form a first two-phase reaction mixture comprising a first aqueous phase containing metallic impurities extracted from said impure resist component solution and a first organic phase containing said resist component solution with a reduced amount of trace metal impurities;(3) separating said first aqueous phase from said first organic phase;(4) contacting said first organic phase with a mixture of water and resist component solvent

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for the manufacture of polyesters which involves heating polymerizable monomers, oligomers or low molecular weight polymers in a mixture of a solvent and non-solvent. The polymerization by-product is codistilled from the boiling solvent/non-solvent mixture.

Abstract: An efficient method of obtaining polymer particles by evaporating an organic solvent while maintaining a solution of a polymer in the organic solvent in contact with polymer particles, using a simple apparatus and a simple procedure. The polymer particles (powder) produced by the method have a small particle diameter, a high bulk density, a small amount of residual solvent, and are thus excellent in quality. The method includes introducing the organic solvent solution of the polymer into a particle producing zone which does not substantially contain steam, wherein an atmosphere is maintained in which the organic solvent is vaporizable and the particles are stirred. The organic solvent is evaporated, while maintaining the solution in contact with the polymer particles. Additionally a breaker is used in combination with a mixer; a poor solvent is employed; polymer particles are recycled; or a horizontal particle producing vessel is utilized.

Abstract: Hypoallergenic products are made from Parthenum argentatum (Gray), Ficus elastica and other non-hevea rubber-containing plants by homogenizing the plants in an aqueous medium, filtering the homogenate and separating the rubber-containing phase from the aqueous phase by centrifugation. Optionally, the filtrate may be clarified before separation. The hypoallergenic rubber products do not contain the rubber-associated proteins which are responsible for sensitization in allergic individuals.

Abstract: A method for the production of microfine colored particles, characterized by subjecting a polymeric monomer suspended in a suspension medium to suspension polymerization in the presence of a coloring agent and/or a magnetic powder thereby forming microfine globular colored particles possessing an average particle diameter in the range of from 3 to 50 .mu.m, heat treating said microfine globular colored particles with water as a heating medium at a temperature in the range of from 50.degree. C. to 130.degree. C. thereby inducing fusion of said particles and giving rise to blocks of fused particles, and then disintegrating said blocks of particles to an average particle diameter substantially equal to the average particle diameter of said microfine globular colored particles existent prior to said fusion.

Abstract: A film including semi-crystalline cycloolefin copolymers which have a content of catalyst residues of <100 ppm and their use as capacitor films, reproduction films, film keyboards and film switches, substrates for liquid crystal displays and packaging films.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing stopping compounds, in particular such as can be used for motor vehicle repair lacquering, in which in a first stage at least 90 wt.-% of the solvents required and 80 to 100 wt.-% of the binding agents required are dispersed together with such a proportion of the pigments and/or extenders as is required in order to ensure that the mixture can be dispersed in a high-speed agitator mill, as well as optionally together with the required additives in a high-speed agitator mill, in particular a bead mill or sand mill, whereupon the dispersed material produced is, in a second stage, mixed with the remaining amounts of pigment and/or extender as well as optionally the remaining amounts of binding agent and solvent and dispersed in a dissolver to the required fineness.

Abstract: A polyketone is contacted with an organic peroxyacid in a reactive, oxidization, slurry process to produce a polyester polymer.

Abstract: A method for purifying a material containing a bioabsorbable polymer involves contacting the polymer with an extractant under supercritical conditions of temperature and pressure to extract residual impurities from the polymer and thereafter recovering the purified polymer. The method sharply reduces residual monomer levels in bioabsorbable polymers without altering polymer viscosity or melting point.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for purifying a styrene polymer which comprises treating a highly syntiotactic styrene polymer which is produced by using a catalyst composition of (A) an aluminoxane or a specific coordination complex compound and (B) a transition metal compound with a swelling agent (e.g. ethylbenzene) and a deactivating agent (e.g. methanol, ethanol). The process is capable of efficiently purifying the styrene polymer produced by polymerizing a styrene monomer at a high concentration with a high conversion efficiency. Accordingly, the process greatly improves the industrial productivity of highly pure styrene polymer.

Abstract: Polyamide is recovered by an improved solution process and with minimal polyamide degradation.

Abstract: There are provided brominated styrene polymer particles whose hue is good and handling is easy and which contain fine particles and big particles only in a small amount. Such polymer particles are prepared by adding to a latex of a polymer obtained by emulsion polymerization of brominated styrene a specific amount of (A) an organic solvent sparingly soluble in water and capable of dissolving the polymer and a specific amount of (B) an organic solvent miscible with the organic solvent (A) in any ratio but sparingly soluble in water and incapable of dissolving the polymer and mixing the mixture, and then adding a coagulant and heat treating the mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for preparing a syndiotactic polypropylene comprising washing with a hydrocarbon solvent a polymer obtained by polymerizing propylene in the presence of a catalyst comprising a transition metal compound having an asymmetric ligand. The slurry of the polymer obtained by the polymerization is treated with a .beta.-dicarboxy compound and an alcohol or with an alcohol containing hydrochloric acid gasunder non-aqueous conditions prior to the washing with a hydrocarbon solvent so that the residue of the catalyst used in the polymerization reaction may be rendered soluble in the hydrocarbon solvent, the properties of the resulting syndiotactic polypropylene are improved greatly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for purifying a styrene polymer which comprises subjecting a highly syntiotactic styrene polymer which is produced by the use of a catalyst composition of (A) an aluminoxane or a specific coordination complex compound and (B) a transition metal compound to deashing treatment at the glass transition temperature of the styrene polymer or higher. The process is capable of efficiently deashing the styrene polymer produced by polymerizing a styrene monomer at a high concentration with a high conversion efficiency. Accordingly, the process greatly improves the productivity of highly pure styrene polymer.

Abstract: Methods of performing an assay for biomolecules and solid supports for use in such assays are disclosed. An activated polymeric material is used as a solid support for binding biomolecules. In a preferred form, the support is made of a generally hydrophobic, nonporous polymer which has been activated by treatment with solvents or by mechanical means to enhance the binding characteristics of the support. The support can be made of a copolymer, such as a copolymer of polystyrene and polybutadiene. Detection of bound biomolecules is preferably performed by means of staining reactions and gray level scanning. Emulsifying agents, such as detergents, can be applied to the surface of the support to substantially inhibit additional materials from being bound to the support.

Abstract: A method for dispersing heavy hydrocarbons in an ethylene process water stripper tower, the method comprising the steps of: introducing an effective amount of a dispersant into the ethylene water stripper, the dispersant comprising a copolymer of an .alpha.-olefin having from about 10 to about 36 carbon atoms and a maleic anhydride, wherein the rate ratio of the .alpha.-olefin to the maleic anhydride is from about 1:1 to about 5:5 and the molecular weight of the copolymer is from about 5,000 to about 100,000, the anhydride moieties of the copolymer being substantially intact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a highly reproducible method for the molecular weight fractionation of polyhydrogen silsesquioxane that gives a very storage-stable polyhydrogen silsesquioxane having a freely selectable molecular weight. The method involves dissolving polyhydrogen silsesquioxane in active-hydrogen-free nonpolar solvent; adding an active-hydrogen-free polar solvent to the resulting solution in order to precipitate polyhydrogen silsesquioxane; and collecting the desired molecular weight fraction of polyhydrogen silsesquioxane.

Abstract: A process for producing macrocyclic polyester oligomers from polyester linears is described and the process comprises the steps of combining polyester linears and organic solvents having tin catalysts present therein.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing palladium from a contaminated polyketone containing palladium which comprises contacting the contaminated polyketone with an olefin in the substantial absence of carbon monoxide at a temperature above the temperature at which the polyketone was formed and in a solvent in which the contaminated polyketone is insoluble. The process is preferably carried out in the presence of an acid. The temperature at which the process is carried out is preferably at least 20.degree. C. greater than the polymerization temperature.

Abstract: Ester bonds are hydrolyzed in the conversion of substantially amorphous polyesters to their monomeric components, by being contacted with a mixture of (a) an alcohol, such as methanol, or glycol, (b) a polar aprotic solvent such as N-methyl-pyrrolidone or dimethyl sulfoxide and (c) an alkoxide or hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for purification of a styrene polymer, for purifying a styrene polymer having a high degree of syndiotacticity obtained by using a catalyst comprising (A) aluminoxane and (B) a transition metal compound containing no halogen, deashing the above styrene polymer with an alcoholic alkaline solution and then washing with an alcohol. Also disclosed is a process for purification of a styrene polymer which comprises deashing the above styrene polymer having been produced with a conversion rate of 60% or more after swelling it by adding an aromatic solvent and/or a styrene monomer.According to the process of the present invention, a high purity styrene polymer can be obtained with good efficiency.

Abstract: A process for isolating high bulk density polymer resins from polymer resin solutions is provided herein. More particularly, a polymer resin having a glass transition temperature of greater than about ambient temperature is isolated from a polymer resin solution by subjecting the polymer resin solution a gaseous component under moderate pressure and ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method for recycling a used tire constructed of rubber and other materials that does not devulcanize the rubber, comprising the steps of soaking the tire in a composition comprising an organic solvent for a time sufficient to reduce the tensile strength of the rubber by at least about 50%, applying sufficient shear forces to the soaked tire to disintegrate the rubber from the other materials, and sorting the disintegrated rubber from the other materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-step process for isolating a cyclotrimerized isocyanate from mixture containing said cyclotrimerized isocyanate plus an isocyanate oligomer which comprises the steps of: (a) contacting said mixture with a liquid solvent to provide a solvent-containing mixture, (b) extracting said solvent-containing mixture by liquid-liquid extraction to cause said solvent-containing mixture to elute into an extractate and a residue, wherein said extractate is a cyclotrimerized isocyanate that is essentially oligomer-free and is further characterized by having reduced viscosity relative to said solvent-containing mixture, and (c) separating uncyclotrimerized monomer from said extractate to provide a reduced viscosity trimer product that is essentially free of monomer. Also disclosed is the reduced-viscosity product produced by this process.

Abstract: A method for separating polymers from a physically commingled solid mixture containing a plurality of polymers comprises dissolving a first one of the polymers in a solvent at a first lower temperature to form a first preferably single phase solution and a remaining solid component. The solid component contains additional polymers which are not soluble to the solvent at the first temperature but which may be soluble at higher temperatures. The method includes subsequently heating the solvent to dissolve additional polymer from the solid component to form subsequent solutions. The polymers are then separated from their respective solution either using flash evaporation techniques when more than one polymer has been dissolved at a single temperature, or conventional techniques for extracting a polymer from a solvent in a solution.

Abstract: A supercritical separation process is proposed for polymers, utilizing mixed solvents. Such a process can be used to remove light end, or heavy end, or generate bulk fractions of low polydispersity. Three modes of operation are proposed: increasing solvent capacity, decreasing solvent capacity, and single-vessel multistage separation.

Abstract: A method for purifying an ethylene-.alpha.-olefin olefin having at least 3 carbon atoms, or ethylene with an .alpha.-olefin having at least 3 carbon atoms and a nonconjugated diene compound, in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of a catalyst comprising a vanadium compound, an organoaluminum compound, and a halogenated ester compound, the method including a step of mixing and stirring the polymerization reaction mixture obtained by the polymerization reaction in an aqueous alkaline solution in such an amount as to give an aqueous phase having a pH of not lower than 10.0 after mixing and stirring, is disclosed. A method for purifying an ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer is also disclosed, including a step of an oxidation treatment of the polymerization reaction mixture in an aqueous alkaline solution in such an amount as to give an aqueous phase having a pH of not lower than 10.0 after the oxidation treatment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for purifying a polymer by extracting volatile materials contained in the molten polymer. According to the disclosure, a polymer having a very high degree of extraction of volatile materials can be obtained. The polymer obtained by the method of disclosure can meet the severe demands of the market that restricts the concentration of remaining volatile material impurities.

Abstract: A process for isolating polymers from their solvents by addition of fluids containing carbon dioxide at temperatures of 30.degree. to 280.degree. C. and under pressures of 1 to 1,000 bar is disclosed. The process is characterized in that the concentration of the polymers in their solvents is between 5% and 80% by weight and the fluid containing carbon dioxide consists of at least 50% by weight carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of a crosslinkable paint binder by working up a solution of a fluorine-containing copolymer composed of copolymerized units of a perfluoroolefin, a vinyl ester of a short-chain, saponifiable carboxylic acid and a vinyl ester of a strongly branched carboxylic acid which resists saponification. In this process, the bulk of the solvent and the residual monomers are first removed by distillation, the residual highly viscous copolymer is then dissolved in a mixture of alkanol and another solvent which is also capable of dissolving the saponified copolymer to form a homogeneous solution, and the alkaline saponification is subsequently carried out. If desired, the solvent is removed and exchanged for a paint solvent and this solution is finally filtered. A mild saponification is achieved in this manner.

Abstract: A method for separating polymers from a physically commingled solid mixture containing a plurality of polymers comprises dissolving a first one of the polymers in a solvent at a first lower temperature to form a first preferably single phase solution and a remaining solid component. The solid component contains additional polymers which are not soluable to the solvent at the first temperature but which may be soluble at higher temperatures. The method includes subsequently heating the solvent to dissolve additional polymer from the solid component to form subsequent solutions. The polymers are then separated from their respective solution either using flash evaporation techniques when more than one polymer has been dissolved at a single temperature, or conventional techniques for extracting a polymer from a solvent in a solution.

Abstract: Polycarbonate granules are produced by adding a solution of polycarbonate in an organic solvent to a suspension composed of water, an anti-solvent for polycarbonate and polycarbonate powder with stirring while evaporating and removing the organic solvent for polycarbonate added to the suspension. The procedure may be effected in the presence of a stabilizing agent for polycarbonate. The resulting polycarbonate granules are easy in handling, and free from fine powder, have high bulk density, large particle size and uniform quality, and can be directly molded.

Abstract: Procedure for the continuous fractionation of polymers dissolved in a solvent, which includes at least one complete cycle of the following operations:a. precipitation of a first fraction of polymer inside a first reaction vessel containing the solution;b. transferring the remaining solution into a second reaction vessel and collecting the above first fraction of polymer precipitated in the above first reaction vessel;c. precipitation of a second fraction of polymer inside the second reaction vessel; andd. recycling the remaining solution in the first reaction vessel and collecting the above second fraction of polymer precipitated in the above second reaction vessel.

Abstract: The residual level of N-vinylcarbazole in polyvinylcarbazole has been reduced to an amount less than 25 ppm by treatment of a solution of the polyvinylcarbazole with a strong acid. The polymer can be recovered in pure form by precipitation of the polymer from solution with a non-solvent.

Abstract: Styrene-based polymer moldings and a process for efficient production thereof are disclosed. The styrene-based polymer moldings are obtained by subjecting moldings of styrene-based polymers with mainly syndiotactic configuration and a weight average molecular weight of at least 100,000 to solvent treatment, such as, by dipping in a solvent or exposing to a solvent vapor. The styrene-based moldings are excellent in gas permeability and heat resistance, and thus are useful as gas permeable membranes, vegetable wrapping films or moldings required to have good heat resistance.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying a polystyrene label to a surface of a polystyrenic article. The process comprises applying a thin film of a terpenoid compound to the polystyrene, the terpenoid compound having a boiling point between 150.degree. C. and 260.degree. C.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing increased molecular weight polyarylene sulfides is disclosed. The process comprises at least two stages: a first polymerization stage in which a polymer of a relatively low molecular weight is prepared and a second polymerization stage in which the molecular weight is substantially increased. The increased molecular weight permits the polymer to be used in a wide range of molding and shaping applications.

Abstract: Aromatic sulfide/ketone polymer is prepared from dihaloaromatic ketone, alkali metal sulfide, water and a polar organic compound. The polymerization reaction mixture comprising the aromatic sulfide/ketone polymer is subjected to a heat soak at elevated temperature then a separation agent (non-solvent) is added under controlled conditions and subsequently cooled to provide a mixture comprising particulate aromatic sulfide/ketone polymer.

Abstract: The preparation of novolaks from phenols or mixtures of different phenols, and oxo compounds or mixtures of oxo compounds by condensation of the reactants in a medium having a low water content in homogeneous phase at temperature of .gtoreq.110.degree. C., preferably between 115.degree. and 200.degree. C. and preferably at normal pressure, in the presence of water-immiscible and/or only partially water-miscible inert organic solvents and of acids as catalysts with removal of water by distillation, the medium having a low water content being prepared or maintained by distilling off water from the reaction mixture, preferably by azeotropic distillation. Particular advantages are obtained when readily volatile oxo compounds, in particular aqueous formaldehyde solutions, are used.

Abstract: A process for treating a mixture of a polymer and a chlorinated organic solvent under heating, characterized by employing an apparatus in which a portion thereof to be brought into contact with the heated mixture is made of an acid resistant inorganic material selected from a group consisting of a metallic composition containing at least 85% of copper, nickel or a mixture thereof, and a ceramic material. Deterioration in color is improved in a process for recovering a polymer dissolved in the chlorinated organic solvent.

Abstract: An amorphous and excellently moldable styrene-based polymer having a syndiotactic structure can be obtained when a styrene-based polymer having a substantially syndiotactic structure is dissolved in a solvent followed by separation and recovery of the polymer from the solution or melt thereof is quenched. Shaping the same gives various kinds of shaped articles having excellent mechanical strengths and heat resistance. Physical properties of the shaped articles can be further improved by a modification treatment.

Abstract: The relative average stereoregular character of a stereoregular linear alternating polymer of carbon monoxide and aliphatic .alpha.-olefin of at least 3 carbon atoms is enhanced by contacting a stereoregular linear alternating polymer with certain selective solvents and obtaining as a residue of such contacting a polymer of enhanced average stereoregular character.

Abstract: Novel poly(keto-esters) having carbonyl and oxycarbonyl units randomly combined with linking units derived from olefinic monomers to form an essentially straight-chain polymer backbone are provided. The poly(keto-esters) are produced by converting a portion of the carbonyl functionality of a polyketone to oxycarbonyl groups. The conversion is achieved by reacting the polyketone with an organic peroxyacid in an inert liquid medium at a temperature from -20.degree. C. to 150.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention discloses a process for the production of a particulate polymer which contains few fine particles and has a narrow particle size distribution and a controlled bulk specific gravity. Characteristic features of the process of this invention reside in that a polymer latex obtained by emulsion polymerization is successively processed through the following steps (I) and (II):Step (I) The polymer latex is coagulated into a slurry in which particles thus coagulated are dispersed in water.Step (II) The slurry obtained in Step (I), an organic liquid almost insoluble in water and incapable of dissolving the polymer and water are mixed for granulation under the conditions that(a) The proportion of water in the whole mixture is 50-85 wt. %,(b) The amount of the organic liquid is 15-150 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polymer in the polymer latex, and(c) The temperature T (.degree.C.) of the whole mixture is maintained for 0.

Abstract: Polymers, such as polyphenylene ethers, are isolated from solution in an extruder by addition of at least one non-solvent. Optional steps include removal of volatiles through vents or ports on the extruder and employment of an auxiliary non-solvent. Additional operations, such as blending with further polymers, fractionation of low molecular weight molecules and functionalization by chemical reaction, may also be performed in the extruder.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering poly(arylene sulfide) from a mixture comprising a liquid-phase poly(arylene sulfide) and a polar organic compound, wherein the liquid mixture is contacted by an amount of a liquid, vaporized, or mixed phase separation agent at least sufficient to effect or enhance a phase separation of the liquid-phase poly(arylene sulfide) component from the polar organic compound. The poly(arylene sulfide) resins recovered according to this invention generally exhibit uniform particle size and do not tend to adhere to vessel walls during the recovery.

Abstract: An improved process for crystallizing polymer subjected to temperature rising elution fractionation is provided. The process improves the separation of the polymer species upon elution and significantly reduces "tailing" typically observed with such fractionated species. The improvements consists of crystallizing the polymer from a dilute polymer solution outside of the column and in the absence of column packing material. Only after crystallization is the polymer combined with the column packing material. This can be accomplished by either dry-blending or by slurrying.

Abstract: By treating aromatic polycarbonates, aromatic polyester carbonates and aromatic and/or araliphatic polyesters in the molten state with super-critical gases or gas mixtures under pressure, the melt viscosity of these polymers is considerably lowered so that basic chemical operations which proceed only incompletely under the usual conditions can be carried out on these thermoplasts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a particulate polymer prepared by the agglomeration of polymer particles contained in a polymer latex. The particulate polymer is composed of primary particles having particle sizes of at least 20 .mu.m and/or secondary particles formed by the agglomeration of at least some of the primary particles and is in the form of a compact mass substantially free of voids. The particulate polymer is prepared by coagulating the polymer latex in the presence of a coagulant and an organic liquid having low solubility in water. The particulate polymer has a high bulk specific gravity and contains few fine particles. It is thus easy to handle and allows the consumption of energy to be reduced in the drying step.