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: Residual ethylene oxide is removed from poly(ethylene oxide) by the steps of adding to particles of high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) a finely divided solid particulate material which is capable of coating the poly(ethylene oxide) particles and impeding their agglomeration under conditions of heating, heating the particles of poly(ethylene oxide) at a temperature of at least 40.degree. C. and preferably which is near their crystalline melting point, and maintaining the temperature for a sufficient time to reduce the ethylene oxide in the particles of poly(ethylene oxide) to ten ppm or less. In one embodiment, the poly(ethylene oxide) is heated by holding the particles in a heated enclosure; in another, it is heated as a slurry in a liquid medium; in yet another, it is heated by warm gas in a gaseously-fluidized bed; and in a fourth, it is heated by microwave radiation.

Abstract: Alpha-(4-maleimidophenyl)-alpha'-(4-isomaleimidophenyl) diisopropyl benzene, as a novel composition of matter. The compound, which may be used as a component of curable thermoset resins or as a unique, difunctional synthesis intermediate having non-symmetrical reactivity, may be prepared from the corresponding bis-maleamic acid by dehydrating at or below ordinary, ambient temperatures, using acetic anhydride or a similar dehydrating agent.