| abstract |
Novel resin compositions are provided which possess excellent heat resistance and thermal color stability, alone, or in admixture with bulk resins. The claimed resin compositions comprise homo- and/or copolymers of N-(2,3-dimethylphenyl) maleimide, alone, or in further combination with resins composed of copolymer components, such as vinyl copolymers and rubber-grafted vinyl copolymer resins. The resin compositions have improved heat resistance and produce molded articles with desirably light colors. Also provided is an improved process to make maleimide monomers by using selected polar solvents whereby the amount of uncyclizable trans-amic acid is held at tolerable levels and the desired maleimide is obtained in high yields, free from by-products. |