Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing electrically conductive polyaniline salts in various organic solvents using cost-effective protonic acids and where the solution is optically transparent.

Abstract: A process for producing nanostructured and microstructured polymer films in which a polymer is guided into a gap formed by a roll and a means which develops an opposing pressure and the polymer is pressed through the gap so that, after the gap, the polymer lies in the form of a film on the roll, wherein wrapped around the roll is a form tool which is provided with a relief which represents the negative of the surface structure to be produced on the polymer film, so that the near-roll surface of the polymer film is shaped in accordance with the relief.

Abstract: A device and process for the removal of volatile constituents from polymers is disclosed. The device entails a container having an inlet for a polymer solution, an outlet for the volatile components, an outflow for the polymer from which the volatile components have been removed and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is characterized in that it contains a plurality of specially structured channels.

Abstract: The method consists in hydrolyzing an initial volume Vsi of a precursor material comprising at least one polyalkoxysilane with a quantity of water such that x ⁢   ⁢ H 2 ⁢ O x ⁢ Si ≥ 10 where x H2O and x Si represent the number of moles of H2O and Si present, respectively, the concentration of the hydrolysate up to a volume substantially equal to the initial volume Vsi, leaving the concentrated hydrolysate until segregation into an aqueous phase and an organo-silicon phase, and recovery of the organo-silicon phase.

Abstract: A description is given of a process and an apparatus for the removal of volatile constituents, in particular solvents, monomers or oligomers, from polymer compositions or polymer solutions by evaporating the volatile components from the preheated polymer compositions in the form off free-falling films, strands (4) or foaming liquids in an evaporator system (1). In the process, following partial or complete degassing of the volatile components in the degassing space (9) of the evaporator system (1), the degassed polymer composition (4) is received at the lower end of the evaporator system (1) directly by a discharge delivery device (5) and is discharged, thereby avoiding contact of the polymer with the inside wall of the evaporator system (1).

Abstract: Acrylate hot melt-based self-adhesive composition, characterized by K value of at least 60, in particular 65-80, and obtainable by concentrating or devolatilizing a solution of such a composition in a devolatilizing extruder to give a system which can be processed as a hot melt.

Abstract: A process for preparing stabilized olefin polymers which have a low cold heptane extractables content by polymerization of olefins with Ziegler or Phillips catalysts, wherein the polymer is, immediately after leaving the polymerization reactor, brought into contact with an involatile phenol derivative.

Abstract: There is provided an adhesion type denture adhesive having superior cleanability, which can be easily removed from a denture base and an oral mucosa for cleansing after the use, while possessing a superior force for stabilizing a denture. The denture adhesive containing a water-soluble polymer as a main ingredient, and containing 0.5 to 60% by weight of an alginate and 0.1 to 20% by weight of calcium sulfate contained therein.

Abstract: A process for forming a planarization film on a substrate that does not smoke or fume on heating includes applying a polymeric solution including a novolac resin having a weight average molecular weight between about 1000 and 3000 amu, which has been fractionated to remove molecules with molecular weight below about 350 amu, a surfactant selected from a group consisting of a non-fluorinated hydrocarbon, a fluorinated hydrocarbon and combinations thereof, and an optional organic solvent to a substrate, followed by heating the substrate.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyphenylene ether, which comprises contacting, with an aqueous solution of a chelating agent, a polyphenylene ether solution and adding a water-soluble poor solvent for the polyphenylene ether to precipitate the polyphenylene ether; and recovering the thus precipitated polyphenylene ether. A mixture remaining after the recovery of the polyphenylene ether is brought into contact with water to extract the water-soluble poor solvent, and a water phase containing the thus extracted water-soluble poor solvent is recovered by separation. The water-soluble poor solvent is separated and removed from the water phase by distillation, and the whole or a part of the remaining water phase is recycled as water to be brought into contact with the mixture, the remaining water phase having a content of a high-boiling-point organic substance of 1 wt. % or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved falling strand devolatilizer apparatus and method for devolatilization of viscous solutions to yield viscous liquids with lower content of volatile solvents, unreacted components, and reaction byproducts. The novel apparatus utilizes a devolatilization system comprised of a single vessel with two or more liquid compartments or zones, a recirculation loop, and one or more manifold and stranding distributor assemblies to divide the viscous liquid stream into a plurality of strands for effective devolatilization. A stranded stream of solution is dropped through a first zone of the chamber and collected at the bottom, the stream is recirculated, and then dropped through a second zone of the vessel and separately collected. Devolatilization is accomplished by stranding thi falling streams to optimum parameters.

Abstract: A method of removing substantially all solvent from a solution containing a polyphenylene ether polymer resin with little by-product formation (less than 250 ppm) is provided. The method employs a wiped thin film evaporator with a cylindrical heating chamber operating under conditions that satisfy the relationships defined by Equations I and II.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing micropulp. The process includes contacting organic fibers with a medium comprising a liquid component and a solid component, agitating the medium and the organic fibers to transform the organic fibers into the micropulp dispersed in the medium. If desired, the slurry of the micropulp in the liquid component can be used or the micropulp can be separated from the medium. The micropulp can be readily incorporated into coating compositions such as those used in automotive OEM or refinish applications. The micropulp can also be incorporated into powder coating applications or as a thixotrope or reinforcement in polymer formulations.

Abstract: This invention is an improvement upon the known process for polymerization of polytrimethylene terephthalate by esterification of terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate with 1,3-propane diol, precondensation of the esterification product to produce a precondensation product, and polycondensation of the precondensation product to produce polytrimethylene terephthalate and, optionally, solid stating of this product to produce higher intrinsic viscosity polytrimethylene terephthalate. The cyclic dimer of terephthalic acid and 1,3-propane diol is produced as a byproduct of the above process and the improvement comprises (a) recovering the cyclic dimer from the polymerization, (b) reacting from 0.5 to 25 percent by weight of the cyclic dimer in 1,3-propane diol in the presence of from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of the cyclic dimer of a basic catalyst for five minutes to 24 hours at 50 to 210° C.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing biodegradable aliphatic polyesters from one or more aliphatic dicarboxylic acids or diesters of the said acids and one or more linear or branched aliphatic glycols, comprising a first esterification or transesterification step and a second deglycolation under vacuum step, in which the catalyst is monobutylstannoic acid both for the esterification or transesterification step and for the deglycolation under vacuum step.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for passing a polymerization effluent, comprising solid polymer, unreacted monomer, diluent and minor amounts of contaminants, to a high pressure flash where most of the fluid components are flashed and wherein a slip stream comprising diluent and minor amounts of monomer is separated from the bulk of the flashed fluid components. The slip stream is subjected to olefin removal to give an essentially olefin-free stream for recycle to a catalyst mud preparation area. The bulk of the flashed fluid components are recycled directly back to the polymerization zone without expensive olefin removal, although treatment to remove other contaminants can optionally be performed. The polymer and entrained fluid is passed to a low pressure flash zone where the fluids are flashed off, compressed and joined with the flash from the high pressure flash tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a concentrated slurry from a flowing stream of slurry in a conduit characterized by a channel in an outlet area of the conduit, the outlet being adapted to continuously remove slurry. In a specific embodiment, an olefin polymerization apparatus is disclosed wherein monomer, diluent and catalyst are circulated in a continuous pipe loop reactor and product slurry is recovered by a continuous product take off means. The pipe has a channel or groove leading to the continuous product take off means. In one embodiment, the slurry is heated in a flash line heater and passed to a high pressure flash where a majority of the diluent is separated and thereafter condensed by simple heat exchange, without compression, and thereafter recycled, bottoms from the high pressure flash being passed to a low pressure flash where polymer is recovered and entrained liquid is flashed overhead. In another embodiment the flash line feeds a single flash chamber.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive emulsion comprises a disperse silicone phase emulsified in a continuous water phase in the presence of a surfactant. The disperse silicone phase comprises 40-80 percent by weight of a silicone pressure sensitive adhesive, which is the product of mixing a silanol-terminated polydiorganosiloxane of Tg below −20° C. with a silanol-containing silicone resin of Tg above 0° C., dispersed in 60-20 percent by weight of a volatile silicone fluid having a boiling point below 300° C. The emulsion is substantially free of any non-silicon atom containing volatile organic material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multistep process for evaporating polymer solutions of thermoplastic polymers and for removing volatile constituents from thermoplastic polymers by indirect heat exchange. The invention relates in particular to a process for evaporating volatile constituents out of polymer solutions using shell-and-tube heat exchangers having a special geometry, coiled-tube evaporators and extrusion evaporators.

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

Abstract: A process and apparatus for passing a polymerization effluent, comprising solid polymer, unreacted monomer, diluent and minor amounts of contaminants, to a high pressure flash where most of the fluid components are flashed and wherein a slip stream comprising diluent and minor amounts of monomer is separated from the bulk of the flashed fluid components. The slip stream is subjected to olefin removal to give an essentially olefin-free stream for recycle to a catalyst mud preparation area. The bulk of the flashed fluid components are recycled directly back to the polymerization zone without expensive olefin removal, although treatment to remove other contaminants can optionally be performed. The polymer and entrained fluid is passed to a low pressure flash zone where the fluids are flashed off, compressed and joined with the flash from the high pressure flash tank.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of fluid organosilicon compounds usable in adhesive, coating and sealant formulations is described. The process includes the synthesis of organosilicon prepolymer compositions starting from unsaturated polyurethanes obtained in turn from unsaturated monoalcohol polyethers and diisocyanates with a controlled NCO/OH ratio, to which chlorosilanes are added in the presence of methyl or ethyl orthoformates.

Abstract: A process for forming a planarization film on a substrate that does not smoke or fume on heating includes applying a polymeric solution including a novolac resin having a weight average molecular weight between about 1000 and 3000 amu, which has been fractionated to remove molecules with molecular weight below about 350 amu, a surfactant selected from a group consisting of a non-fluorinated hydrocarbon, a fluorinated hydrocarbon and combinations thereof, and an optional organic solvent to a substrate, followed by heating the substrate.

Abstract: A process of evaporating a viscous polymer solution is described. The process includes: (a) providing a viscous polymer solution including at least 30 wt. % of solvents and monomers; (b) introducing the viscous polymer solution into a heated helix (5), the heated helix having a vapor exit velocity of 200 to 300 m/s, (a film flow including a two-phase mixture of polymer melt, and solvent vapors and monomer vapors being formed within the helix); (c) forwarding the film flow from helix (5) into a heated vapor separator (6); (d) expanding the two-phase mixture of polymer melt, and solvent vapors and monomer vapors of the film flow within vapor separator (6) at an absolute pressure of 10 mbar to 800 mbar, (a bottom product including a concentrated melt of the polymer is formed within the vapor separator); and (e) withdrawing the bottom product from vapor separator (6).

Abstract: The present invention provides: a vinylpyrrolidone polymer which exhibits good heat resistance and storage stability; a composition containing the vinylpyrrolidone polymer; a stabilization process for the vinylpyrrolidone polymer, and a preservation process for a vinylpyrrolidone polymer by which: even when the vinylpyrrolidone polymer is preserved for a long time or at high temperature, the physical properties such as molecular weight (K value) of the vinylpyrrolidone polymer can be prevented from changing, therefore the vinylpyrrolidone polymer can stably be preserved. To enhance the heat resistance and the storage stability, a vinylpyrrolidone polymer is mixed with a certain amount of antioxidant, and the oxygen concentration is suppressed to not higher than 50,000 ppm in a gas phase that contacts with the vinylpyrrolidone polymer when preserving.

Abstract: Toner binder resins with low odor and excellent charging stability as toners, containing styrene-acrylic copolymers or mixtures thereof, wherein the total content of volatile components is no greater than about 1,500 ppm, the content of volatile components with benzene rings is no greater than about 1,400 ppm, and the content of volatile components with benzene rings and boiling point of below about 200° C. is no greater than about 500 ppm.

Abstract: Polymer are removed from organic solvent-polymer mixtures by preparing a liquid-liquid dispersion of finely dispersed solvent droplets containing polymer in water, adding this liquid-liquid dispersion to a stirred vessel containing water or other suitable liquid and rapidly evaporating the solvent to produce a slurry of the polymer in a liquid from which the solid polymer particles are recovered.

Abstract: A medical material which contains a lactide-containing polymer having weight-average molecular weight lower than 400000 as determined by GPC and has a lactide content of 4000 ppm or lower.

Abstract: The present invention provides to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a method of producing a polymer. The method includes taking a product stream from a monovinyl aromatic polymerization system wherein the product stream comprises a polymerized monomer and a monomer. The product stream is introduced into an up-flow heat exchanger in a presence of an initiator, such as a peroxide, that affects a polymerization of the monomer in the up-flow heat exchanger. The initiator may include a low-temperature initiator and a high-temperature initiator where a ratio of the high-temperature initiator to the low-temperature initiator can range from about 0:600 to about 50:600.

Abstract: A method for removing volatile components from polymer solutions is disclosed. The method, yielding products having low content of residual volatile components and causing no thermal damage to the polymer, entails using apparatuses in which surfaces which come into contact with the product are made from materials which are low in iron content.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel copolylactides which have been polymerized from units of racemic lactide and the comonomers &egr;-caprolactone, &dgr;-valerolactone, 1,4-dioxan-2-one or 1,3-dioxan-2-one in a lactide/comonomer molar ratio of 90-80/10-20 in the presence of tin(II) di(ethylhexanoate) as initiator and of a cocatalyst at about 160° C., and have a glass transition temperature between 30 and 43° C., a molecular weight Mn of from 15,000 to 50,000 and a polydispersity Pn (Mw/Mn) between 1.2 and 2. The novel copolylactides are particularly suitable in an outstanding manner for the management of all types of wounds.

Abstract: Poly(arylene ether) resins having intrinsic viscosities greater than about 0.8 dL/g are produced in the reaction of a phenol with oxygen in the presence of an organic solvent and a metal complex catalyst, the phenol concentration being about 5 to about 15 weight percent of the sum of phenol and solvent, and the molar ratio of metal in the metal complex catalyst to the phenol being about 1:100 to about 1:200.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing polyorganosiloxanes with high purity ester function (acetoxyalkyl or acetoxyalkenyl), consisting in: hydrosilylation between a hydrogenopolyorganosiloxane oil and &agr;-olefin alcohol; esterification of the resulting hydroxy-alkylated or polyorganosiloxane with an acetyl halide; elimination of &agr;-olefin derivatives and the halohydric acid formed. The resulting polyorganosiloxanes with ester function (acetoxyalkyl) have global siloxane, &agr;-olefin unit and/or &agr;-olefin impurities contents corresponding to a number of &agr;-olefin groups for 100 g of polyorganosiloxane, with ester function less than 10−3 mol.

Abstract: The ring opening polymerization of p-dioxanone is started in a liquid phase under stirring at a temperature of 85 to 105° C. after adding 0.002 to 0.005 mol percent of stannous 2-ethylhexanoate forming a white crystal at a temperature of 0° C. as a catalyst and 0.01 to 0.1 mol percent of initiator. Stirring is stopped when a stirring load has increased by 10 to 100 percent over an initial load, while the temperature is lowered to a range of 65 to 85° C., to continue the polymerization in a solid phase to produce poly(p-dioxanone). The polymer is used to make a monofilament having a knot tensile strength of at least 30,000 psi and a strength retention of at least 58 percent after four weeks of immersion in a physiological saline solution at 37° C. The monofilament provides an absorbable surgical suture which is highly resistant to hydrolysis and very useful for stitching a wound or incision which requires a long time for healing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a high molecular weight pre-gel for a cross-linked branched polyester comprising: a) reacting polyester precursor repeat units via condensation polymerization in a continuous or semi-continuous, or batch reactor stage to form a low molecular weight pre-gel; and b) further reacting the low molecular weight pre-gel via condensation polymerization in a continuous thin-film reactive vacuum processing stage to form a high molecular weight pre-gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of very low molecular weight polyphenylene ether resin, typically within the intrinsic viscosity range of about 0.08 dl/g to about 0.16 dl/g as measured in chloroform at 25° C. The method preferably comprises 2,6-dimethylphenol as a monovalent phenol species. The invention also relates to the polyphenylene ether resin made by the process as well as blends and articles containing the polyphenylene ether resin made by the process.

Abstract: A process is provided to recover at least one modifier compound and at least one polar organic compound from a poly(arylene sulfide) reaction mixture comprising high molecular weight poly(arylene sulfide), low molecular weight poly(arylene sulfide), cyclic and linear poly(arylene sulfide) oligomers, at least one polar organic compound, at least one modifier compound, and an alkali metal halide by-product.

Abstract: There is described a process for producing ethylene homopolymers and/or interpolymers and functionalized ethylene homopolymers and/or interpolymers, having reduced melt index ratio (MIR) and reduced weight average molecular weight (Mw). Also disclosed are novel ethylene homopolymers and interpolymers and functionalized ethylene homopolymers and/or interpolymers, having melt index ratio (MIR) less than 22 and molecular weight distribution greater than 2.4. Further described are novel ethylene interpolymers and functionalized ethylene interpolymers, having a melt index ratio less than 26, a molecular weight distribution value of greater than 2.4 and a density of less than 0.95 g/cc.

Abstract: Polymer emulsion compositions presenting low levels of residue after thermolytic decomposition are provided. The compositions, based on polyhydroxyalkanoates or acrylics, are useful in a variety of applications, including the metallization of cathode ray tube phosphor screens, where use of the compositions provides enhanced luminosity and ease of manufacture. Other applications include use of the emulsion in additives used in powder molding techniques and in the manufacture of ceramic tiles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for recycling a polyester chip which comprises providing a polyester chip (a), polyol (b) and polybasic acid (c), subjecting said (a) and said (b) to transesterification reaction and reacting it with said (c) to give a reconstituted polyester resin, the total number of moles of hydroxyl group being not less than 1.03 times the total number of moles of carboxyl group in the material for the production of said reconstituted polyester resin; and a method for recycling a polyester chip which comprises providing said (a), (b) and (c) and, with the total of (a), (b) and (c), subjecting said (a) and said (c) to transesterification reaction and reacting it with said (b) to give a reconstituted polyester resin, the total number of moles of hydroxyl group being not less than 1.03 times the total number of moles of carboxyl group in the material for the production of said reconstituted polyester resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of very low molecular weight polyphenylene ether resin, typically within the intrinsic viscosity range of about 0.08 dl/g to about 0.16 dl/g as measured in chloroform at 25° C. The method preferably comprises 2,6-dimethylphenol as a monovalent phenol species. The invention also relates to the polyphenylene ether resin made by the process as well as blends and articles containing the polyphenylene ether resin made by the process.

Abstract: The polymer recovery capacity of solution polymerization units is increased by flashing a polymer solution exiting olefin polymerization reactors to produce a concentrated polymer solution having a reduced temperate and a solids content from 10 percent to 40 percent by weight. Flashing of the polymer solution preferably occurs at a temperature at least 20° C. higher than the crystallization temperature of the concentrated polymer solution The concentrated polymer solution can be prepared adiabatically and can be subsequently finished in conventional polymer recovery units without increasing the risk of gel formation.

Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent comprising diluent, unreacted monomers and polymer solids, comprising a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank with a conical bottom defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to that of horizontal equal to or greater than the angle of slide of the slurry/polymer solids and an exit seal chamber of such diameter (d) and length (l) as to maintain a desired volume of concentrated polymer solids/slurry in the exit seal chamber such as to form a pressure seal while continuously discharging a plug flow of concentrated polymer solids/slurry bottom product of said first flash tank from the exit seal chamber through a seal chamber exit reducer with inclined sides defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to t

Abstract: A process for preparing impact-modified styrene polymers (HIPS) omprises anionic polymerization of styrene in the presence of a rubber in one or more polymerization reactors in succession. The rubber is prepared in solution in an immediately upstream process. The heat of polymerization is utilized to remove the solvent for the rubber, this solvent having a boiling point lower than those of styrene and ethylbenzene, from at least one of the polymerization reactors via distillation with distillative cooling, and the solvent is reintroduced into the process of rubber preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a vinylpyrrolidone polymer which exhibits good heat resistance and storage stability; a composition containing the vinylpyrrolidone polymer; a stabilization process for the vinylpyrrolidone polymer, and a preservation process for a vinylpyrrolidone polymer by which: even when the vinylpyrrolidone polymer is preserved for a long time or at high temperature, the physical properties such as molecular weight (K value) of the vinylpyrrolidone polymer can be prevented from changing, therefore the vinylpyrrolidone polymer can stably be preserved. To enhance the heat resistance and the storage stability, a vinylpyrrolidone polymer is mixed with a certain amount of antioxidant, and the oxygen concentration is suppressed to not higher than 50,000 ppm in a gas phase that contacts with the vinylpyrrolidone polymer when preserving.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of very low molecular weight polyphenylene ether resin, typically within the intrinsic viscosity range of about 0.08 dl/g to about 0.16 dl/g as measured in chloroform at 25° C. The method preferably comprises 2,6-dimethylphenol as a monovalent phenol species.

Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent comprising diluent, unreacted monomers and polymer solids, comprising a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank with a conical bottom defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to that of horizontal equal to or greater than the angle of slide of the slurry/polymer solids and an exit seal chamber of such diameter (d) and length (l) as to maintain a desired volume of concentrated polymer solids/slurry in the exit seal chamber such as to form a pressure seal while continuously discharging a plug flow of concentrated polymer solids/slurry bottom product of said first flash tank from the exit seal chamber through a seal chamber exit reducer with inclined sides defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to t

Abstract: Glyoxal-phenolic condensates, epoxidized products thereof, as well as their method of manufacture are disclosed. The condensates and epoxidized products have exceptionally high fluorescence as well as good ultraviolet absorbance. There is also disclosed compositions and laminates containing the condensates and epoxidized products thereof.

Abstract: Fine particulate thermoplastic polymers [e.g., hydrophobically modified polyether-polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polyvinyl alcohol, polyether-polyols, polyacrylamide, aminoplast-polyethers and poly(acetal- or ketal-polyethers] having reduced bulk density, process of making same by dissolving the polymer and rapidly insolubilizing the polymer from the solution and process of using aqueous suspensions of such polymers as thickeners for aqueous systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating plastic polymers to reduce or remove organic contaminants. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of treating, by continuous means, a flowable polymer mass with a solvating fluid in an environment at which the solvating fluid is in a supercritical state and is subject to conditions sufficient to preferentially solvate and extract organic, and especially non-volatile, contaminants from the polymer mass.