Abstract: This invention relates to processes for preparing aqueous polymer emulsions useful as thickening agents in aqueous compositions in which plating and/or grit formation is reduced in said processes. This invention also relates to methods for reducing plating and/or grit formation in processes for preparing aqueous polymer emulsions useful as thickening agents in aqueous compositions. This invention further relates to polymers which are soluble in, or swelled by, an aqueous alkaline medium to provide thickeners for use in aqueous coating compositions, especially latex paints.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of polyglucosamine derivatives, e.g., hydroxypropyl chitosan and carboxymethyl chitosan, are disclosed. The polyglucosamine derivatives can be prepared in a covalently bonded form using a dilute caustic medium. Strong bases and undesirable water-immiscible organic solvents can be avoided. The covalently bonded derivatives dissolve into the dilute caustic medium upon formation. Compositions containing the derivatives and uses for the derivatives are also disclosed.

Abstract: Lubricious coatings comprising a binder polymer which is a copolymer of vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate and a carboxylic acid moiety and a hydrophilic polymer are disclosed. The coatings can be applied to a variety of substrates such as, for example, catheters, stents, dilatation balloons, guide wires, endotracheal tubes, instruments, implants and other biomedical devices and can provide exceptional lubricity and abrasion resistance. Processes for applying the lubricious coatings in either one or two coating steps are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polyglucosamine derivatives, e.g., chitosan, substituted with oxirane carboxylic acids, e.g., epoxysuccinic acid, are disclosed. The polyglucosamine derivatives can be prepared in a covalently bonded or ionically bonded form. Methods for preparing the polyglucosamine derivatives are disclosed as well as compositions containing the derivatives and uses for the derivatives.

Abstract: Molded polymer blends comprising a polyolefin, e.g., polyethylene, a poly(alkylene oxide), e.g., poly(ethylene oxide), and a polylactone, e.g., polycaprolactone, are disclosed. The polymer blends are substantially homogeneous and become lubricious when exposed to water. The polymer blends are suitable for use, for example, in personal care articles such as lubricious strips for razors and in medical articles such as, for example, catheters and probes.

Abstract: Polyurethanes having utility, for example, as low profile additives, in polyester-based molding compositions, a method of preparing polyester-based molding compositions containing such polyurethane low profile additives and thermoset articles made with the method are disclosed. The disclosed polyurethane low profile additives can enhance the pigmentability of molded articles comprising the low profile additives. The low profile additives comprise the reaction product of a hydroxyl-terminated prepolymer and an anhydride such as a dicarboxylic acid anhydride, preferably reacted in the presence of a catalyst comprising an amine having from about 4 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Aqueous acrylic polymer compositions comprising a copolymer of an alkyl acrylate, an alkyl methacrylate and one or more acrylate acids or salts thereof are disclosed. By introducing an alkoxylated surfactant having a surface tension of greater than about 32.2 dynes/cm and less than 48.2 dynes/cm, enhanced freeze-thaw stability can be obtained with the polymer compositions of the present invention. The polymer compositions are compatible in all-aqueous hairspray compositions, as well as those which contain up to about 80 weight percent volatile organic compounds, or more.

Abstract: Cellulose ether derivatives comprising a hydrophobic substituent having an unsaturated alkyl portion are disclosed. The unsaturation in the alkyl portion of the hydrophobic substituent can promote crosslinking of the cellulose ether derivative. The cellulose ether derivatives are useful as ingredients in latex compositions. The cellulose ether derivatives can provide associative thickening and rheological properties to latex composition during storage and application. In addition, after the latex composition is applied to the surface to be coated, the cellulose ethers of the present invention can promote crosslinking of the latex film to provide a hard and durable coating. Latex paint compositions comprising the cellulose ether derivatives of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Hydroxylated milk glycerides having low levels of ethylenic unsaturation are disclosed. The hydroxylated milk glycerides can have enhanced resistance to rancidification and as such, are suitable for use in personal care compositions e.g., lotions, skin creams, lipsticks, eye shadow, and makeup. Personal care compositions comprising the hydroxylated milk glycerides can have enhanced properties as compared to personal care compositions which do not comprise the hydroxylated milk glycerides or alternatively comprise milk fat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-borne thermoplastic polyhydroxyether resins having narrow polydispersity (M.sub.w /M.sub.n <4.0 and M.sub.n >7,000 <12,000), and the use of such resins in water-borne coating compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for preparing aqueous polymer emulsions useful as thickening agents in aqueous compositions in which plating and/or grit formation is reduced in said processes. This invention also relates to methods for reducing plating and/or grit formation in processes for preparing aqueous polymer emulsions useful as thickening agents in aqueous compositions. This invention further relates to polymers which are soluble in, or swelled by, an aqueous alkaline medium to provide thickeners for use in aqueous coating compositions, especially latex paints.

Abstract: A method of making articles having lubricious polymeric coatings are disclosed. The coatings are comprised of a substantially homogeneous composite of poly(ethylene oxide) and polyisocyanate applied in a single step operation as a mixture in an inert solvent. The coating is believed to form a polymeric complex through an in-situ hydrolysis of the polyisocyanate in the system without substantial crosslinking to form polyurethanes. The polymeric complexes have particular utility in providing medical devices such as catheters with a high degree of abrasion resistance and lubricity when in contact with bodily fluids.

Abstract: Novel unsaturated polylactone acrylates are produced by the reaction of an unsaturated polylactone, such as that produced in the reaction of a lactone with tetrahydrobenzyl alcohol, and a lower-alkyl acrylate under transesterification conditions. The unsaturated polylactone acrylate product may be subsequently epoxidized to form novel 3,4-epoxy polylactone acrylates.

Abstract: Dermal patches containing a flexible, crosslinked, polymeric gel comprising polyvinyl alcohol and a crosslinking agent comprising a multivalent element, e.g., titanium complexed with hydroxyalkyl amines, are disclosed. The dermal patches can be used to deliver pharmaceutically active agents to the dermal surface of a mammal, or alternatively can be used without the pharmaceutically active agents. The dermal patches have properties, such as, for example, a high degree of water absorbency, oxygen permeability and physiological compatibility which render them suitable for treatment of open skin, e.g., lacerations, burns or blisters, as well as unbroken, intact skin.

Abstract: This invention relates to coating compositions used for forming a magnetic layer on the surface of substrates to prepare magnetic recording media, e.g., recording tapes, of which the characteristic ingredient is a copolymeric resin. The copolymeric resin is a copolymer obtained by the copolymerization of comonomers in a specified proportion including (1) vinyl chloride, (2) vinyl acetate, and (3) an acrylate or methacrylate moiety having a sulfonic acid group or a metal or amine salt thereof. This copolymeric resin is advantageous in respect of imparting enhanced dispersion and magnetic property characteristics while also having desirable rheological characteristics and thermal stability.

Abstract: Cellulose ether derivatives comprising a hydrophobic substituent having an unsaturated alkyl portion are disclosed. The unsaturation in the alkyl portion of the hydrophobic substituent can promote crosslinking of the cellulose ether derivative. The cellulose ether derivatives are useful as ingredients in latex compositions. The cellulose ether derivatives can provide associative thickening and rheological properties to latex composition during storage and application. In addition, after the latex composition is applied to the surface to be coated, the cellulose ethers of the present invention can promote crosslinking of the latex film to provide a hard and durable coating. Latex paint compositions comprising the cellulose ether derivatives of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Distortion control additives are disclosed which comprise a polyisocyanate, a polyol or polyol blend having a hydroxyl functionality of 2 to 3 hydroxyl groups per molecule and an average molecular weight of at least about 500 grams per gram mole, a diol chain extender having from about 2 to 35 carbon atoms per molecule and an acrylate or methacrylate having an acrylate functionality of from 1 to 5 acrylate groups per molecule. Ultraviolet-curable liquid compositions comprising an unsaturated polymeric resin, a monomer and the distortion control additives of the present invention are also disclosed. The distortion control additives can provide substantial reductions in distortion, e.g., shrinkage, of objects produced by ultraviolet curing, e.g., stereolithography.

Abstract: A process for producing a stable dispersion of ethylene oxide polymer which comprises contacting (a) a slurry of granular ethylene oxide polymer in a first inert normally-liquid hydrocarbon diluent, with (b) a second inert, normally-liquid organic diluent such as propylene glycol, and (c) a suspending agent, e.g., silica, (d) under agitation which is sufficient to provide intimate mixing of said ethylene oxide polymer and said suspending agent with said second diluent; and (e) recovering a stable dispersion comprising particulate ethylene oxide polymer and suspending agent in said second diluent.

Abstract: This invention relates to hindered-hydroxyl functional (meth)acrylate monomers containing significant amounts of the corresponding di(meth)acrylates, and to compositions including same. The hindered-hydroxyl functional (meth)acrylate and di(meth)acrylate monomers do not require separation prior to polymerization and have utility in coating, adhesive, ink, and sealant compositions, as well as in other end uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a homogeneous, ruthenium catalyzed liquid phase process for vinyl ester synthesis. It has been found that by adding at least one selectivity enhancer to the reaction system, selectivity to the addition reaction is improved while byproduct formation is inhibited. Useful selectivity enhancers include non-reacting heteroatom containing molecules that are believed to act by weakly coordinating to the ruthenium/phosphine ligand complex.