Abstract: A method of monitoring a solid component of a reactor feed stream in a polymer production system, comprising (a) measuring a turbidity of the reactor feed stream, wherein the reactor feed stream comprises a solid component of a polymerization catalyst system, and (b) translating the turbidity of the reactor feed stream into a concentration of the solid component in the reactor feed stream. A method of monitoring a solid component of a reactor feed stream in a polymer production system, comprising (a) measuring a turbidity of a precontactor feed stream, wherein the precontactor feed stream comprises a solid component of a polymerization catalyst system, and (b) translating the turbidity of the precontactor feed stream into a concentration of the solid component in a precontactor effluent stream, wherein the precontactor effluent stream comprises the reactor feed stream.

Abstract: A process for producing superabsorbents, comprising polymerization, drying, crushing, pneumatic conveying, comminuting and classifying, wherein the gas temperature at the end of the pneumatic conveying is from 50 to 95° C.

Abstract: Described are processes that include the non-enzymatic, hydrolytic liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass to form digest slurries and heat recovery from such digest slurries. Due to enhanced flow properties of the digest slurries such heat recovery can be efficiently conducted in spiral, plate and frame or other heat exchanger designs, with the recovered heat going to unit operations of the process such as heating incoming pretreatment media for the liquefaction. Processes can also involve additional hydrolytic digestion of some or all of the initial slurry components with enzyme and/or additional heat recovery from the initial slurry by direct contact heat exchange in which a portion of the digest slurry liquids is flashed to vapor and that vapor is condensed onto incoming lignocellulosic biomass to the process. Processes as described can be integrated into ethanol manufacture by fermentation of sugars from the digested compositions.

Abstract: As a method for producing a copolymer with a high oil absorption rate by separating a solvent from a copolymer solution containing a copolymer in a simple manner with a less energy consumption, the present invention relates to a production method for obtaining a copolymer by separating a solvent from a copolymer solution, the method including the following Steps A to C. Step A: a step of regulating a solid component concentration (Ts) of the copolymer solution to a range of (5?Ts?60) in terms of a mass %, Step B: a step of heating the copolymer (P) solution obtained in the Step A such that a temperature T (° C.) is in a specified range, and Step C: a step of discharging the copolymer solution heated in the Step B from a specified nozzle at a linear velocity of 1 to 100 m/sec to separate the solvent in an inert gas stream at 0 to 200° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of oxymethylene polymers, the oxymethylene polymers obtained therefrom as well as their use.

Abstract: Provided are a polymer article excellent in mechanical strength, toughness, and stretchability and a production method of the polymer article. The polymer article of the present invention is formed of a polymer material and is a polymer blank or a formed polymer body. The polymer article of the present invention has a crystallinity of not less than 50% but less than 90% and a tensile strain at fracture of not less than 60%. A method for producing a polymer article of the present invention includes: a heating step of heating the polymer material to a temperature of not lower than (Tm?70)° C. but lower than Tm(° C.) where Tm is the melting point (° C.) of the polymer material; and a compression step of cooling the polymer material heated in the heating step and compressing the polymer material in the course of the cooling to obtain a polymer article having a crystallinity of not less than 50% but less than 90% and a tensile strain at fracture of not less than 60%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating two or more components of a plastic material for the purposes of recycling, with particular application to purifying poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) during recycling procedures. The process comprises contacting a quantity of the plastic material with one or more discrete pre-heated particles.

Abstract: A process for preparing an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic epoxy resin including the steps of: (I) reacting a mixture of (a) an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydroxyl containing material, (b) an epihalohydrin, (c) a basic acting substance, (d) a non-Lewis acid catalyst, and (e) optionally, a solvent, forming an epoxy resin composition; (II) subjecting the epoxy resin composition produced in step (I) to a separation process to remove (A) “light” components such as, for example, solvent used in the epoxidation reaction, if any, unreacted epihalohydrin, and co-products such as di(epoxypropyl)ether; (B) unreacted aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydroxyl containing material, if any; (C) partially epoxidized aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydroxyl containing material, such as, for example, MGE; (D) fully epoxidized aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydroxyl containing material, such as, for example, DGE, such that the (E) aliphatic or cycloaliphatic polyfunctional epoxy resin product remaining contains no more than 50% by weight of s

Abstract: The present invention provides nano-sized particles of melanin, and the method for formation of the melanin particles comprise the following steps: adding a base to a dopamine.H+X?-containing solution (wherein H+X? is an acid) and allowing an acid-base neutralization reaction; and forming nano-sized particles of melanin by controlling the addition of nucleic dopamine.H+X? (a) to base (b) at a ratio of a:b=1:0.1-1, and allow concurrent or consecutive formation of melanin by oxidation curing of the dopamine in air (polymerization). The manufacturing method according to the present invention can produce nano-sized melanin particles in a short period of time. Furthermore, the nano-sized melanin particles made according to the present invention are distinctive from conventional solvents containing dispersions of natural melanin and synthetic melanin, and have excellent application in various fields.

Abstract: Poly(glycolide) polymers are disclosed. The polymers generally include a polymerized alkynyl-substituted glycolide having a polymer backbone with one or more alkynyl groups appended thereto. The alkynyl groups provide reactive sites for further functionalization of the polymer, for example by reaction with azide derivatives (e.g., azide-substituted organic compounds). Alkynyl and azide groups react via the “click” chemistry mechanism to form functional groups covalently bonded to the polymer via a triazole link. The polymers are biodegradable and can be used to deliver drugs or other therapeutic substances (e.g., large biomolecules such as single strand RNA) at targeted locations in a patient's body and/or at controlled release rates.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for recycling an organic-matrix composite material. The organic-matrix composite material comprises a first component comprising at least one organic matrix polymer and at least one solid second component being compatible with said first component and being structurally different from said first component, wherein said at least one organic polymer has thermosetting properties at room temperature and wherein said polymer comprises thermally reversible cross-links The method of the invention comprises —heating the organic-matrix composite material to a temperature at which at least part of the thermally reversible cross-links cleave and at which temperature the first component as a viscosity of at most 500 Pa·s, as measured by oscillatory measurements on an Anton Paar MCR 301 rheometer using parallel plate geometry; and —separating the at least part of said first component from said second component.

Abstract: Compositions containing a turpentine liquid and methods are disclosed for dissolving, dissolving via melting, selectively dissolving via melting, decomposing plastic comprising a chlorine-containing polymer or thermosetting polymer, and/or co-dissolving plastic with fossil fuel for purifying, separating, recovering or recycling plastic-containing material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, comprising thermal postcrosslinking in a contact dryer having external heated outer surfaces.

Abstract: A method of processing waste carpet or matting material to separate constituent materials thereof, includes optionally drying the material and then cooling the material to a temperature at which at least one constituent material therein is embrittled. A mechanical force is applied to the cooled material causing the embrittled constituent material to break into fragments. Optionally, the material from the previous step is dried. The material is then separated to separate the fragments of constituent material from other constituent material. The carpet material can be initially shredded into coarse pieces. The procedure may be repeated optionally with different temperatures to selectively embrittle and fragment different components and facilitate their separation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions of phosphorus acid group and methacrylic anhydride group containing telomeric copolymers of methacrylic acid having an as yet never achieved amount of more than 70 wt. %, or, preferably, 72 wt. % or more, and up to 99 wt. %, of methacrylic anhydride groups based on the total weight of polymerized methacrylic acid and/or salt units. The compositions enjoy higher thermal stability than was previously achieved and enable easer processing that does not require the removal of liquids or solvents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing polyarylene sulfide, in which the polyarylene sulfide is prepared by a polymerization reaction of reactants including a diiodo aromatic compound and a sulfur compound, the method including: further adding 0.01 to 10.0 wt. % of diphenyl disulfide with respect to the weight of the polyarylene sulfide to the reactants to form the polyarylene sulfide having a melting point of 265 to 320° C. The diphenyl disulfide included in the reactants according to the present invention costs far less than other conventional polymerization inhibitors to dramatically lower the production cost, and the polyarylene sulfide prepared using the diphenyl disulfide exhibits low iodine content and very excellence in thermal stability.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for alcoholysis of a polycarbonate-containing composition comprising a polycarbonate and a component comprising a phosphorus-containing flame retardant, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, or a combination of the phosphorus-containing flame retardant and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. The method comprises contacting the composition with a solvent that forms a solution or a filterable suspension of the component but not the polycarbonate; separating the solution or the filterable suspension from the polycarbonate; and heating the polycarbonate in the presence of an alcohol and a catalyst at a temperature from 70° C. to 200° C., and a pressure from 5 mbar to 40 bar for a time sufficient to depolymerize the polycarbonate and produce a dihydroxy aromatic compound and a dialkyl carbonate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the moisture content of biodegradable and bioresorbable polymer resin during extrusion above a lower limit that allows for plasticization of the polymer resin melt and below an upper limit to reduce or prevent molecular weight loss are disclosed. Methods are further disclosed involving plasticization of a polymer resin for feeding into an extruder with carbon dioxide and freon.

Abstract: Porous networks are described linked by boronates. Also described are processes for producing the porous networks. The porous networks are formed by reacting a polyboronic acid with itself or with a polydiol, a polydiamine, or a polyamino alcohol. The resulting boronate linkage is covalently bonded. The characteristics and properties of the resulting porous material can be varied and altered by changing the reactants and by incorporating functional groups into the reactants. Of particular advantage, the porous materials can be formed at or near atmospheric pressure and at low temperature in the presence of one or more solvents.

Abstract: A method of preparing polyurethane prepolymer does not require using a toxic isocyanate monomer (manufactured by harmful phosgene) as a raw material. Epoxy resin and carbon dioxide are used as major raw materials to form cyclic carbonates to be reacted with a functional group oligomer, and then amino groups in a hydrophilic (ether group) or hydrophobic (siloxane group) diamine polymer are used for performing a ring-opening polymerization, and the microwave irradiation is used in the ring-opening polymerization to efficiently synthesize the amino-terminated PU prepolymer, and then an acrylic group at an end is added to manufacture an UV cross-linking PU (UV-PU) oligomer which can be coated onto a fabric surface, and the fabric is dried by UV radiation for a surface treatment to form a washing-resisted long lasting hydrophilic or hydrophobic PU fabric.

Abstract: Methods for preparing active carbonate esters of water-soluble polymers are provided. Also provided are other methods related to the active carbonate esters of water-soluble polymers, as well as corresponding compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a purified 2-aryl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine of formula (I) wherein R1 is hydrogen or a C1-25 hydrocarbyl group and R2 is a hydrogen, a C1-25 hydrocarbyl group, or a halogen, and wherein the method comprises dissolving a crude phthalimidine compound in an aqueous base solution; precipitating the dissolved, crude phthalimidine compound from the aqueous base solution by adding an acid in an amount effective to lower the pH of the solution to 9.0 to 12.0, to provide a semicrude phthalimidine compound; and isolating the semicrude phthalimidine compound from the aqueous base solution, to provide the purified 2-aryl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine of formula (I), and having a phenolphthalein compound content of less than 2,500 ppm, based on the weight of the purified 2-aryl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for depolymerization of a mixture comprising oligomeric cyclic ethers resulting from copolymerization of at least one tetrahydrofuran and at least one other cyclic ether to recover tetrahydrofuran monomer.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a polyolefin polymer by continuously polymerizing one or more olefin monomers in suspension at temperatures of from 40° C. to 120° C. and pressures of from 0.1 to 10 MPa in the presence of a polymerization catalyst in at least one polymerization reactor, comprising a) withdrawing a suspension of solid polyolefin particles in a suspension medium from the polymerization reactor, wherein the suspension has a temperature of from 65° C. to 120° C.; b) feeding the suspension withdrawn from the polymerization reactor to a moderating vessel; c) keeping the suspension in the moderating vessel at a temperature of from 60° C. to 85° C. for a time sufficiently long that the mean residence time of the suspension in the moderating vessel is at least 5 min; d) withdrawing suspension from the moderating vessel; e) cooling the suspension withdrawn from the moderating vessel to a temperature of from 20° C. to 55° C.

Abstract: A composition that has a low volatile organic compound (VOC) content and methods for producing compositions having a low VOC content. The composition, such as a solid ink and/or toner release oil composition, may include less than about 0.15% by weight VOCs that have a sufficient vapor pressure at the operating temperature of printing device to enter the gas phase at the operating temperature of the printing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extreme low formaldehyde emission UF resin with a novel structure, and a process for its preparation. This UF resin is produced from formaldehyde, urea, a long chain multi-aldehyde prepolymer, and some modifiers. Its process follows three steps: weak caustic, weak acid and weak caustic. By using this prepolymer, the modified UF resin has stable alkyl ether structure, and the residual aldehyde groups on the UF polymer chain could accelerate cross-linking instead of dissociative formaldehyde. The UF resin made from this invention has extreme low dissociative formaldehyde and simple technology. The boards produced from this resin have good physical performance and water resistance. Moreover, the formaldehyde emission of the boards is extreme low, achieving Japan F???? grade, the average emission value ?0.3 mg/L.

Abstract: A process for producing higher molecular weight polyester includes heating a polyester to form a melt, and applying and maintaining a vacuum of between about 5 mm and about 85 mm of mercury to the melt while passing bubbles of gas through the melt until molecular weight has increased. The process may involve esterification of a diacid component and a diol component at elevated temperature. After the acid functional groups have essentially reacted, a vacuum of about 5 mm of mercury or less was applied and excess diol stripped off during transesterification, thereby increasing molecular weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for recycling articles made from butyl ionomers and processes for producing recycled butyl ionomers. The invention further relates to composites comprising recycled butyl ionomers and fillers and articles made from recycled butyl ionomers. The invention also relates to uncured filled articles made from butyl ionomers having certain physical properties. Exemplary fillers include silica, carbon black, talc and clay, particularly onium substituted high aspect ratio nanoclays.

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 producing a structural component comprising manufacturing a structural component from a moisture absorbable material the toughness of which increases with increasing moisture absorption and subsequently subjecting the structural component to at least one of elevated temperature and humidity for a period of time such that the structural component attains a predetermined moisture content and distribution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polyazoles, a proton-conducting polymer membrane based on these polyazoles and its use as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for producing membrane-electrode units for PEM-fuel cells, and also other shaped bodies comprising such polyazoles.

Abstract: A method of improving the mechanical properties of polymers is described. The method involves heat treating the polymer at a temperature below the glass transition temperature in a wet or in a dry environment. Polymer articles capable of moisture uptake in humid environments, as well as polymer articles less susceptible to moisture uptake, have improved mechanical properties, particularly improved stress relaxation behavior and set properties, when treated in accord with the heat treatment method.

Abstract: A continuous process for the multistage drying and postcondensation of polyamide pellets in the solid phase comprises 1) carrying out the predrying process in a continuous drying apparatus which is operated in countercurrent mode or in crossflow mode with inert gas or steam, or with a mixture of inert gas and steam, using a pellet temperature in the range from 70 to 200° C., and 2) Carrying out the subsequent continuous postcondensation process in a separate vertical duct with moving bed at a pellet temperature in the range from 120 to 210° C., where the duct is operated in countercurrent mode with inert gas or steam, or with a mixture of inert gas and steam, the inert gas is introduced at least two sites along the duct, and from 15 to 90% of the inert gas is introduced at the base of the vertical duct and from 10 to 85% of the inert gas is introduced in the upper half below the surface of the pellets.

Abstract: A method for restoring a programmed article which contains a shape memory composite material of at least one shape memory polymer network with thermally inducible triple shape properties, the method comprising subjecting the article to a magnetic alternating field and simultaneously to an external heat supply in order to trigger the restoration, wherein at least one of the parameters of magnetic field strength (H) and ambient temperature (TUmg) is increased continuously or discontinuously in such a way that the article first experiences a transition in shape from the first temporary shape (TF1) into the second temporary shape (TF2) and subsequently from the second temporary shape (TF2) into the permanent shape (PF).

Abstract: Blended fluoropolymer compositions are provided. In one embodiment, a liquid dispersion of a first fluoropolymer is blended with a liquid dispersion of a second fluoropolymer. The first fluoropolymer may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as a low molecular weight PTFE (LPTFE) that has been polymerized via a dispersion or emulsion polymerization process, and which has not been agglomerated, irradiated, or thermally degraded. The LPTFE may be in the form of an aqueous dispersion, having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m), with the LPTFE having a first melt temperature (Tm) of 332° C. or less. The second fluoropolymer may be a melt processible fluoropolymer (MPF), such as methylfluoroalkoxy (MFA), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), for example, in the form of an aqueous dispersion, and having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m).

Abstract: An initiator for cationic polymerization comprises a salt of a protic acid as well as a protic add. The molar ratio of protic acid to salt is in the range from 1:0.01 to 1:2000. The initiator is used for example for cationic homo- or copolymerization of trioxane, and permits stable and flexible operation of the polymerization.

Abstract: Process for the oligomerization of hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) in which the sum of the dimers, trimers, tetramers, pentamers and hexamers represents less than 20% of the weight of the polymerized HFPO, the oligomers other than the dimers, trimers, tetramers, pentamers and hexamers (the remaining oligomers) having an average molecular weight ranging between 1100 and 4000 g/mol, characterized in that the process comprises the steps of contacting hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) at a temperature between ?30° C. to +50° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method for preparing a benzoxazole-based polymer by thermal rearrangement, the benzoxazole-based polymer prepared by the method and a gas separation membrane comprising the polymer. More specifically, provided are a method for preparing a benzoxazole-based polymer by subjecting poly(hydroxyamide) as an intermediate to thermal treatment involving dehydration, the benzoxazole-based polymer obtained thereby and gas separation membrane comprising the polymer. The benzoxazole-based polymer of the present invention can be simply prepared by thermally rearrangement via thermal treatment at low temperatures, and thus exhibits superior mechanical and morphological properties and has well-connected microcavities. Due to showing excellent permeability and selectivity for various gases, the benzoxazole-based polymer is suited for application to gas separation membranes, in particular, gas separation membranes for small gases.

Abstract: A process for preparing water-absorbing polymer particles by coating water-absorbing polymer particles with a particulate solid in a mixer, wherein the particulate solid is dispersed by means of a gas stream and the supply of the dispersed particulate solid in the mixer ends below the product bed surface.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a system and method for separation within a polymer production process. Specifically, a flashline heater configured according to present embodiments may provide more time than is required for complete vaporization of liquid hydrocarbons that are not entrained within a polymer fluff produced within a polymerization reactor. Such extra time may allow for liquid hydrocarbons that are entrained within the polymer fluff to be vaporized.

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: A method for the production of solid polyester polymer particles comprising: a) polycondensing a molten polyester polymer composition in the presence of a polycondensation catalyst composition comprising antimony species; b) continuing the polycondensation of the molten polyester polymer composition to an It.V. of 0.68 dL/g or more; and c) after reaching an It.V. of 0.68 dL/g or more, adding a catalyst stabilizer or deactivator to the polymer melt; and d) after reaching an It.V. of 0.68 dL/g or more, solidifying the melt into solid polyester polymer particles which do not contain organic acetaldehyde scavengers. In a further embodiment, after solidification of the polyester from the melt phase polycondensation process: e) the amount of residual acetaldehyde in the particles in the solid state is reduced to a level of 10 ppm or less without increasing the It.V. of the particles by more than 0.03 dL/g.

Abstract: A method for preparing contaminated plastics ground into flakes, such as RPET or such polymers, having at least decontamination and SSP treatment steps, with at least one reactor, with heating to the process temperature taking place essentially outside the reactor. Also, a device for carrying out the method, and having at least one decontamination reactor and at least one SSP reactor, a device for heating plastic flakes to the process temperature being arranged upstream of the decontamination reactor. Also an SSP reactor having at least two individual reactors, and preferably between 3 and 7 individual reactors.

Abstract: Process for the production of di- and poly(diamino diphenyl methane) comprising the steps of (a) reacting aniline and formaldehyde in the presence of an acid catalyst to produce a reaction mixture containing di- and polyamines; (b) neutralizing the reaction mixture containing di- and polyamines; (c) separating the neutralized reaction mixture into an organic phase containing di- and polyamines and an aqueous phase; (d) further treating the organic phase separated off in step (c) by (d1) washing with water followed by (d2) separating the washed mixture into an organic phase and an aqueous phase and (d3) further fractionation of the organic phase to produce purified di- and polyamines on the one hand and aniline/water on the other hand; (e) further treating the aqueous phase separated off in step (c) by (e1) washing with aniline followed by (e2) separating the washed mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase and (e3) further treatment of the aqueous phase to remove the aniline thereby leaving an efflu

Abstract: A polymer additive for improving the reheat characteristics of a polymer or polymeric composition comprises an inorganic material which is such that a 2.5 mm thick polyethylene terephthalate plaque incorporating the inorganic material has, when tested, an absorption ratio of less than 0.9, wherein the absorption ratio is either the ratio of A1/A2 or the ratio A1/A3, wherein: A1 is the maximum absorption between 400 nm and 550 nm; A2 is the maximum absorption between 700 to 1100 nm; A3 is the maximum absorption between 700 to 1600 nm. Preferred inorganic materials are titanium nitride, indium tin oxide and lanthanum hexaboride.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing fine round powdery polycarbonate and a method for preparing a high molecular weight polycarbonate resin using the same. More specifically, provided are a method for preparing fine round powdery polycarbonate, comprising (A) polymerizing non-phosgene polycarbonate, (B) extruding the polycarbonate into fine round powdery amorphous polycarbonate, (C) surface-crystallizing the fine round powdery amorphous polycarbonate in the presence of a solvent or dispersion medium, and (D) drying the surface-crystallized fine round powdery polycarbonate, and a method for preparing high molecular weight polycarbonate resin capable of obtaining polycarbonates with various molecular weights ranging from low molecular weights to high molecular weights by continuously using the obtained fine round powdery polycarbonate via a solid state polymerization step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of solubilizing expanded polystyrene (EPS), in which the EPS is brought into contact with at least one initial solvent, enabling the transition of the EPS from an expanded solid state to the gel state. The aforementioned gel is subsequently treated with at least one complementary solvent that is different from the initial solvent, enabling the solubilization thereof such as to produce a true solution. The invention also relates to the product thus obtained and to the use of said product.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a polyarylene sulfide by reacting a sulfidizing agent with a dihalogenated aromatic compound in an organic polar solvent in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide, the method includes <Step 1>: carrying out the reaction in such a manner that the polymerization time in a temperature range of 230° C. to less than 245° C. (T1a) is not less than 30 minutes and less than 3.5 hours and that the conversion ratio of the dihalogenated aromatic compound at the end of the step is 70 to 98 mol. % and <Step 2>: carrying out the reaction in such a manner that the polymerization time in a temperature range of 245° C. to less than 280° C. (T2) is not less than 5 minutes and less than 1 hour.

Abstract: Stable, high performance polymer compositions including polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a melamine-formaldehyde polymer, such as methylated, poly(melamine-co-formaldehyde), for forming structures such as films, fibers and bulky structures. The polymer compositions may be formed by combining polybenzimidazole with the melamine-formaldehyde polymer to form a precursor. The polybenzimidazole may be reacted and/or intertwined with the melamine-formaldehyde polymer to form the polymer composition. For example, a stable, free-standing film having a thickness of, for example, between about 5 ?m and about 30 ?m may be formed from the polymer composition. Such films may be used as gas separation membranes and may be submerged into water for extended periods without crazing and cracking. The polymer composition may also be used as a coating on substrates, such as metal and ceramics, or may be used for spinning fibers. Precursors for forming such polymer compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Process for recovering a polymer by injection of steam, and optionally liquid water, into a solution of this polymer comprising a polar aprotic organic solvent (PAOS) that has an azeotrope with water and an apolar organic compound that is miscible with the PAOS and immiscible with water and that acts as a phase separation agent (PSA), the boiling point of which is below that of the water/PAOS azeotrope, the amount of steam injected being sufficient to give rise to the substantial removal of the PSA via stripping and that of the PAOS via azeotropic distillation, and the total amount of water being sufficient to give rise to the precipitation of the polymer, this process being characterized in that the polymer solution also comprises an alcohol, at least during the precipitation of the polymer.