Abstract: A process is described for recycling superabsorbent polymer fines into a process that includes treating the superabsorbent polymer fines with caustic and a polymerization step for making the superabsorbent polymer gel. The process requires treating the superabsorbent polymer fines with a caustic, followed by mixture with polymerizable monomer solution, and polymerizing the mixture of the superabsorbent polymer fines and monomer to form the aqueous fluid absorbent polymer. In the process, the fines are incorporated into the new polymer gel and become indistinguishable there from. The gel may then be comminuted into a particulate dried and then separated into a portion having a desired minimum particle size in a fines portion having less than the desired size. The particulate may then be coated with a surface crosslinking agent and surface additives and heated for surface conversion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for chemical recycling of PET waste that comprises, among other stages, a saponification reaction stage, wherein PET waste particles are reacted with stoichiometric or excessive amounts of a strong base metal in an alcoholic reaction media, the reaction being brought to the boiling temperature of the alcoholic reaction media, preferably at atmospheric pressure, thereby obtaining as reaction products a salt of terephthalic acid with the base metal and ethylene glycol, the latter being incorporated to the alcoholic reaction media. From this reaction it is possible to afford ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid and salts thereof, which are products with a high commercial value.

Abstract: Method for recovering a polymer from a liquid medium (1) substantially containing the polymer and a solvent for the latter, wherein: (a) this liquid medium (1) is injected into a reactor (2) containing a stirred substantially monophase liquid mixture comprising a major fraction by weight of a non-solvent and a minor fraction by weight of a solvent, the mixture having a composition and temperature such that the polymer precipitates therefrom progressively; (b) the polymer is recovered in the form of particles in suspension (5) in a liquid rich in non-solvent; (c) the polymer particles (9) are separated from the liquid.

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: A process for producing non-solid-stated polyester polymer particles having one or more properties similar to polyester polymer particles that have undergone solid-state processing. In one embodiment, the process comprises (a) forming polyester polymer particles from a polyester polymer melt; (b) quenching at least a portion of the particles, (c) drying at least a portion of the particles, (d) crystallizing at least a portion of the particles, (e) annealing at least a portion of the particles. At all points during and between steps (b) through (e), the average bulk temperature of the particles is maintained above 165° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing polyketone with improved catalytic activity and intrinsic viscosity, and specifically a process for preparing polyketone, using a mixed solvent of 40 to 60 mol % acetic acid and 40 to 60 mol % water, as a liquid medium, and the precursor of palladium chloride-1,3-bis[di(methoxyphenyl)phosphino]propane, as a catalyst component.

Abstract: Process for recovering at least one polymer in solution in a solvent by precipitation by means of a non-solvent fluid, whereby the precipitation takes place in a precipitation medium comprising two dispersants of which one [dispersant(I)] has a greater affinity for the non-solvent and the other [dispersant (II)] has a greater affinity for the solvent.

Abstract: Superfine dry polymer particles (about 70-400 mesh, mean average) are hydrated while in a highly energized turbulence. The dry particles are metered at a rate which separates the particles at the time when they first strike a solvent. The turbulence of the mixed particles and a solvent (preferably water) further separates and wets the particles.

Abstract: A dehydration step is conducted by heating a mixture containing an organic amide solvent and a sulfur source including an alkali metal hydrosulfide, and a part of an overall charged amount of an alkali metal hydroxide as needed. The mixture remaining within the system after the dehydration step is mixed with a dihalo-aromatic compound, the resultant mixture is heated to conduct a polymerization reaction, and the alkali metal hydroxide is added to the mixture for polymerization reaction continuously or in portions to control the pH of the mixture for polymerization reaction within a range of from 7 to 12.5 from the beginning to the end of the polymerization reaction. The poly(arylene sulfide) according to the present invention has a nitrogen content of at most 800 ppm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for increasing the molecular weight of a polyamide via solid-state post-condensation by exposing the polyamide in the solid-state at elevated temperature to an inert gas atmosphere, that comprises a step (a) wherein the gas atmosphere to which the polyamide is exposed has a dew temperature Tdew-1, followed by a step (b) wherein the gas atmosphere to which the polyamide is exposed has a dew temperature Tdew-2, whereby Tdew-1 is higher than Tdew-2. The effect is that a high molecular weight polyamide can be obtained in a shorter production time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for removing cations from a polyareneazole fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for removing phosphorus from a fiber or yarn.

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

Abstract: A method of making an alkoxylated polyethyleneimine (APEI) product having reduced discoloration includes treating a composition including a component selected from the group of polyethyleneimine (PEI), APEI intermediate, and combinations thereof that is used to make the APEI product. The method of treating the composition includes heating a composition that includes an adduct of a conjugate base and PEI, water, and the component at a temperature of from 158 to 338° F. for a period of at least three hours in the absence of additional water in order to substantially decompose the adduct in the composition. The aqueous solutions of APEI product thus made have Gardner color values of less than 6.

Abstract: An ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) solution is introduced into a tower vessel (1) from a first inlet (2) provided at an upper portion of the tower vessel (1). Water vapor is introduced into the tower vessel (1) from a second inlet (3) provided at a lower portion of the vessel (1). The EVOH solution moves downward in the vessel (1), while the water vapor moves upward. The EVOH solution is kept in counter-flow contact with the water vapor. Water is supplied from a water supplying portion (5) located between the first inlet (2) and a tower top (4), whereby a water layer is formed above the first inlet (2). A water/methanol vapor mixture is extracted from the tower top (4) and condensed in a condenser (6) to be thereby recovered in the form of a methanol aqueous solution. Droplets of the EVOH solution contained in the water/methanol vapor mixture are trapped in the water layer formed above the first inlet (2) and, therefore, are less liable to be introduced into the condenser (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for decomposing a polymer into a monomer or oligomer by hydrolysis with sub- or supercritical water. The process of the present invention is characterized in that at least a part of the polymer is a polymer comprising a constitutional unit derived from an organic acid in the molecular structure, and the polymer being contacted with sub- or supercritical water in the presence of a water-insoluble base.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods for the preparation, purification, and processing of poly(heteroaromatic) block copolymers, as well as compositions prepared by these methods. Methods relate to preparation of multiblock and triblock copolymers of intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) containing at least one block of a poly(heteroaromatic) polymer and at least two blocks of a non-conducting polymer. This invention provides polymer solutions or dispersions of improved stability and better film-forming properties. The poly(heteroaromatic) block copolymers are obtained in their conducting or doped form, and are retained in a solvated, wet form throughout the production and purification processes. Stable solutions or dispersions of the purified copolymers in organic solvents, water, or mixtures thereof are provided.

Abstract: A process for producing a soluble silicone product is provided. The process includes the steps of chemically reacting a polydialkoxysiloxane with an aliphatic alcohol with or without a catalyst in a reaction mixture, removing produced alcohol from the mixture; recovering the water soluble portion of produced silicone product, purifying the water soluble portion; and recovering hydrophilic material in the water insoluble portion.

Abstract: Conductive polymers are purified using a solid scavenger. The solid scavengers include metal-scavenging functional groups linked to the surface of a particle support material. To improve the functionalization of the support material, the support materials are first treated with sulfuric acid or nitric acid before attaching the molecules containing the metal-scavenging functional groups. The solid scavengers used in the purification methods are more efficient at removing impurities in conductive polymers than existing scavengers.

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

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for preparing polyareneazole polymers including contacting a molar excess of a free base in water with a terephthalic acid salt to form an aqueous mixture, adjusting the pH to precipitate a monomer complex, contacting the monomer complex with metal powder, and polymerizing the monomer complex. Polyareneazoles, filaments and yarns are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for thermally crystallizing a polyester polymer by introducing pellets into a liquid medium having a temperature of at least 140° C. within a liquid medium zone and crystallizing the submerged pellets at or above the vapor pressure of the liquid medium without increasing the molecular weight of the pellets, and while the pressure on at least a portion of the pellets is equal to or greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid medium, separating at least a portion of said pellets and at least a portion of the liquid medium from each other. The crystallization is desirably conducted in the liquid medium zone without mechanically induced agitation. Optionally, the pellets are wormed by an underfluid pelletizer.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of producing a polyvinyl acetal resin by which a polyvinyl acetal resin having a high acetalization degree can be produced even in a solid catalyst system, a polyvinyl butyral resin produced by the above-mentioned production method of a polyvinyl acetal resin, and a method of producing an esterified polyvinyl alcohol resin by which the esterification can be performed at high efficiency even in a solid catalyst system. The present invention is a method of producing a polyvinyl acetal resin, wherein a solution or a suspension containing a polyvinyl alcohol resin and a carbonyl compound is pressurized in the presence of a solid catalyst.

Abstract: There is provided a polyketone comprising repeating units, 95-100 mole % of which are 1-oxotrimethylene and having an intrinsic viscosity of 2.5-20 dl/g, wherein the content of Pd element is 0-20 ppm, terminal structures include an alkyl ester group (terminal group A) and an alkyl ketone group (terminal group B), and the equivalent ratio of terminal group A/terminal group B is 0.1-8.0. The polyketone of the present invention can be used in any forms, such as fibers and films, and can be applied to a wide variety of the uses such as clothing, reinforcing materials for rubbers, resins, cements, and optical fibers, electronic materials, battery materials, civil engineering materials, medical materials, daily commodities, fishery materials, and packaging materials.

Abstract: A process for producing a rubber powder from a vulcanized rubber material by the steps of: a) feeding a grinding device with the vulcanized rubber material; b) contacting the vulcanized rubber material with at least one liquid coolant; c) introducing at least one grinding aid additive into the grinding device; d) operating the grinding device so as to grind the vulcanized rubber material to form a rubber powder, and e) discharging the rubber powder from the extruder.

Abstract: Capped poly(arylene ether)s are prepared by a method that includes reacting a poly(arylene ether) with a capping agent to form a capping reaction mixture, washing the capping reaction mixture with a concentrated basic aqueous solution, and isolating the capped poly(arylene ether) by a total isolation method. The washing method is effective for removal of capping-related impurities, and surprisingly does not result in decomposition of the capped poly(arylene ether).

Abstract: Partially and fully fluorinated alkyl substituted thienothiophene monomers (and polymers thereof) wherein the monomers are represented by the formula: wherein R is a partially or fully fluorinated primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and X and X? are independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, MgCl, ?—COR?, —C?CH, and a polymerizable cyclic pi-conjugated carbon-ring structure optionally comprising S, N or O heteroatoms; wherein R? is a primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and R? is H or a primary, or tertiary alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A producing process of amino resin crosslinked particles includes the step of curing an emulsion of an amino resin precursor and an emulsifier in the presence of a catalyst, the amino resin precursor being a product of a reaction of an amino compound with formaldehyde, so as to prepare amino resin particles, the step of neutralizing the suspension of the amino resin particles after the curing step, and the step of heating the suspension in a temperature range of 130° C. to 230° C. after the neutralizing step. The amino resin crosslinked particles thus prepared by the condensation of the amino compound and formaldehyde generate formaldehyde in an amount of not more than 1000 ppm in a pyrolysis test and have a characteristic that a Hunter whiteness is not less than 85 percent.

Abstract: Immersion precipitation of solutions having 15%-30% (w/w) and various molecular weights of the emeraldine base form of polyaniline in polar aprotic solvents are shown to form integrally skinned asymmetric membranes and fibers having skin layers <1 ?m thick which exhibit improved rates of gas transport while preserving good selectivity. These membranes can be further transformed by an acid doping process after fabrication to achieve excellent permeation rates and high selectivities for particular gas separations. Prior to the use of concentrated EB solutions, the formation of integrally skinned asymmetric membranes was not possible, since films and fibers made from <5% w/w polyaniline solutions were found to disintegrate during the IP process.

Abstract: A dehydration step is conducted by heating a mixture containing an organic amide solvent and a sulfur source including an alkali metal hydrosulfide, and a part of an overall charged amount of an alkali metal hydroxide as needed. The mixture remaining within the system after the dehydration step is mixed with a dihalo-aromatic compound, the resultant mixture is heated to conduct a polymerization reaction, and the alkali metal hydroxide is added to the mixture for polymerization reaction continuously or in portions to control the pH of the mixture for polymerization reaction within a range of from 7 to 12.5 from the beginning to the end of the polymerization reaction. The poly(arylene sulfide) according to the present invention has a nitrogen content of at most 800 ppm.

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 method for increasing at least one of the following two parameters of a polyamide: (I) its melting point and (ii) its enthalpy of melting ?Hm, in which: this polyamide is brought into contact in the solid state with water or with steam at a temperature close to its crystallization temperature Tc for a time long enough to effect this increase; then, the water (or steam) is separated from the polyamide and the polyamide is dried.

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

Abstract: Partially and fully fluorinated alkyl substituted thienothiophene monomers (and polymers thereof) wherein the monomers are represented by the formula: wherein R is a partially or fully fluorinated primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and X and X? are independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, MgCl, MgBr, Mgl, Sn(R?)3, CH?CHR?, —OR?, —COOR?, —S—COR?, —B(OR?)2, —COR?, —C?CH, and a polymerizable cyclic pi-conjugated carbon-ring structure optionally comprising S, N or O heteroatoms; wherein R? is a primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and R? is H or a primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a new process for producing polyorganosiloxane-containing resin which comprises reducing volatile siloxane, characterized in that polyorganosiloxane-containing resin in a slurry state is heat-stripped in producing polyorganosiloxane-containing resin.

Abstract: A process for thermally crystallizing a polyester polymer by introducing pellets into a liquid medium having a temperature of at least 140° C. within a liquid medium zone and crystallizing the submerged pellets at or above the vapor pressure of the liquid medium without increasing the molecular weight of the pellets, and while the pressure on at least a portion of the pellets is equal to or greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid medium, separating at least a portion of said pellets and at least a portion of the liquid medium from each other. The crystallization is desirably conducted in the liquid medium zone without mechanically induced agitation. Optionally, the pellets are formed by an underfluid pelletizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a resin binder for toner, comprising the steps of (A) carrying out an addition polymerization reaction of addition polymerization resin monomers including styrene in the presence or absence of an organic solvent; and (B) mixing the resulting reaction mixture from the step (A) with water at a rate of 0.002 to 0.5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the addition polymerization resin monomers per minute at a temperature of 100° to 300° C. during and/or after the step (A), wherein the amount of water to be mixed in the step (B) is 0.1 to 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the addition polymerization resin monomers. The resin binder for a toner obtained according to the present invention can be used, for instance, for developing electrostatic latent images formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method, and the like, and a toner containing the resin binder.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery through a vessel including an extensor segment and first and second anchor segments positioned on either side of the extensor segment, wherein each segment has associated with it an individually-addressable electro-active polymer.

Abstract: A surface crosslinking treatment method of a water-absorbing resin powder is disclosed that can overcome various problems in production encountered in the production of surface crosslinked water-absorbing resin powders on an industrial scale and can produce a water-absorbing resin powder having excellent physical properties without causing deterioration in physical properties of resin.

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: This invention presents polymers and copolymers comprising repeating units of thieno[3,4-b]thiophene. Water-borne dispersions of such polymers and copolymers can be cast by conventional methods to provide uniform, thin films which possess utility in numerous electroactive applications including electrochromic displays, optically transparent electrodes and antistatic coatings. The compositions of this invention can be doped with conventional p-dopants or n-dopants. The invention also presents an aqueous process for preparing such compositions of matter.

Abstract: A process for thermally crystallizing a polyester polymer by introducing pellets into a liquid medium having a temperature of at least 140° C. within a liquid medium zone and crystallizing the submerged pellets at or above the vapor pressure of the liquid medium without increasing the molecular weight of the pellets, and while the pressure on at least a portion of the pellets is equal to or greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid medium, separating at least a portion of said pellets and at least a portion of the liquid medium from each other. The crystallization is desirably conducted in the liquid medium zone without mechanically induced agitation. Optionally, the pellets are formed by an underfluid pelletizer.

Abstract: Impurities are removed from polythiophene by mixing a composition comprising polythiophene, water and an organic liquid at a temperature at which the organic liquid dissolves the polythiophene; allowing an aqueous phase to separate from an organic phase and recovering organic phase; adding water to recovered organic phase and mixing the resulting composition at a temperature at which the organic liquid dissolves the polythiophene; allowing an aqueous phase to separate from an organic phase and recovering organic phase; and allowing polythiophene solid to precipitate from recovered organic phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric compositions useful in the manufacture of biocompatible medical devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to certain carboxylic monomers capable of polymerization to form polymeric compositions having desirable physical characteristics useful in the manufacture of ophthalmic devices. The polymeric compositions comprise polymerized carboxylic hydrophilic siloxanyl monomers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring and/or controlling the temperature on the surface or inside of micro chips are provided, including using thermally responsive polymers.

Abstract: Provided is a fluorine substituted oligomeric or polymeric ester including the reaction product of a fluorine substituted acrylate or a fluorine substituted methacrylate; an unsaturated anhydride; and an alkyl acrylate or an alkyl methacrylate. Also provided is a method of making the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a vinyl polymer including the steps of polymerizing a vinyl monomer by atom transfer radical polymerization with a transition metal complex as a polymerization catalyst, and bringing the resultant vinyl polymer into contact with an adsorbent in the presence of an oxidizing agent; the vinyl polymer produced by the method; and a reactive composition susceptible to hydrosilylation containing the vinyl polymer produced by the method and having at least one alkenyl group per molecule.

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: The invention relates to a pelletized organopolysiloxane material, to a process for producing the pelletized material, and to the use of the pelletized organopolysiloxane material as an additive for thermoplastics.