GB418005A - Improvements in or relating to the production of adsorbent cuprene - Google Patents

Abstract

In the manufacture of cuprene by the catalytic polymerization of acetylene at a raised temperature, the catalyst is promoted with a small proportion of stannic oxide. The properties of the product vary with the temperature employed. Thus, with a contact mass comprising cupric oxide and stannic oxide in the proportion 99 : 1, a reaction temperature of 250--260 DEG C. yields a hard brittle variety of cuprene, while a temperature of 180--245 DEG C. yields a soft flocculent variety; the latter is obtainable in two forms, one being produced at 180--200 DEG C. and the other at 230--245 DEG C. All the forms of cuprene produced have absorptive properties, and the form produced at 180--200 C. is particularly suitable as an adsorbent for use in respirators.ALSO:In the manufacture of cuprene by the catalytic polymerization of acetylene at a raised temperature, the catalyst is promoted with a small proportion of stannic oxide. The acetylene may be diluted with a small proportion of nitrogen or other inert gas, and the reaction may be effected at a slightly raised pressure. The properties of the product vary with the temperature employed. Thus, with a contact mass comprising cupric oxide and stannic oxide in the proportion 99 : 1, a reaction temperature of 250--260 DEG C. yields a hard brittle variety of cuprene, while a temperature of 180--245 DEG C. yields a soft flocculent variety; the latter is obtainable in two forms, one being produced at 180--200 DEG C. and the other at 230--245 DEG C. All the forms of cuprene produced have absorptive properties, and the form produced at 180--200 DEG C. is particularly suitable as an adsorbent for use in respirators. An example is given in which a mixture of cupric oxide with 4 per cent of stannic oxide is made into a slurry with water and brushed over iron trays; the latter are placed in a reaction vessel, which is heated electrically to 180--190 DEG C. and flushed with nitrogen until all the air has been displaced, whereafter acetylene is introduced.