The disclosure relates to a method of making carbon fiber, the method comprising pyrolyzing poly(p-phenylene) (PPP) fiber at a temperature sufficient to convert PPP fiber substantially to carbon fiber. The disclosure also relates to pre-PPP polymer, methods for making PPP fiber from pre-PPP polymer and, in turn, making carbon fiber from PPP fiber.

The present invention provides a novel partially fluorinated piperazine carboxamide compound, and polymer composition comprising the fluorinated compound and a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. The polymer composition is useful in preparing shaped articles such as fibers and films which have desirable oil- and water repellency properties.

The present disclosure provides novel poly(phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) compounds, methods for synthesizing these compounds, and materials and substances incorporating these compounds. The various PPEs show antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity.

The present disclosure provides novel poly(phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) compounds, methods for synthesizing these compounds, and materials and substances incorporating these compounds. The various PPEs show antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity.

Polymeric microspheres may be included in polyisocyanurate/polyurethane foam compositions. An exothermic foaming process and/or the application of heat during the foaming process may cause the polymeric microspheres to expand in diameter. The expanded polymeric microspheres may improve the structural properties and/or the insulating properties (e.g., R-value) of the resultant foamed PIR/PUR composition, especially an open-cell structure.

The present invention describes an oligomer for use as a UV stabiliser. In particular, the oligomer is suitable for use as a UV stabiliser in a polymer matrix. The present invention also describes a method of forming said oligomer. The method of forming said oligomer comprises a polymerising step, wherein the polymerising step comprises forming a CC bond on the hydroxyphenyl ring of a monomer. In preferred embodiments, the oligomer is formed from polymerizing bio-derived monomer such as curcumin, its hydrogenated analogue, and an aldol condensation product of cyclic ketone and vanillin.

The present disclosure provides novel poly(phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) compounds, methods for synthesizing these compounds, and materials and substances incorporating these compounds. The various PPEs show antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity.