Abstract: The invention relates to compounds, compositions and polymers comprising a first component adapted to promote germination of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) and a second component which acts as an antimicrobial agent. Said compounds, compositions and polymers are useful for destroying C. diff where conventional antimicrobial agents are unsuccessful. The compositions can be formulated as coating or materials which actively destroy C. diff which come into contact with it. The germination promotion is induced by bile salts. The invention also relates to the use of such materials as a treatment for C. diff associated diseases and toxic megacolon.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds, compositions and polymers comprising a first component adapted to promote germination of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) and a second component which acts as an antimicrobial agent. Said compounds, compositions and polymers are useful for destroying C. diff where conventional antimicrobial agents are unsuccessful. The compositions can be formulated as coating or materials which actively destroy C. diff which come into contact with it. The germination promotion is induced by bile salts. The invention also relates to the use of such materials as a treatment for C. diff associated diseases and toxic megacolon.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds, compositions and polymers comprising a first component adapted to promote germination of Clostridium difficile (C.diff) and a second component which acts as an antimicrobial agent. Said compounds, compositions and polymers are useful for destroying C.diff where conventional antimicrobial agents are unsuccessful. The compositions can be formulated as coating or materials which actively destroy C.diff which come into contact with it. The germination promotion is induced by bile salts. The invention also relates to the use of such materials as a treatment for C.diff associated diseases and toxic megacolon.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds, compositions and polymers comprising a first component adapted to promote germination of Clostridium difficile (C.diff) and a second component which acts as an antimicrobial agent. Said compounds, compositions and polymers are useful for destroying C.diff where conventional antimicrobial agents are unsuccessful. The compositions can be formulated as coating or materials which actively destroy C.diff which come into contact with it. The germination promotion is induced by bile salts. The invention also relates to the use of such materials as a treatment for C.diff associated diseases and toxic megacolon.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the process for preparing a cross-linked stabilized polymer composition using at least one graftable polymer stabilizer, and the subsequent use of that composition for forming pipes, for example PEX pipes. The graftable stabilizer becomes anchored to the polymer such that stabilizer activity is retained in the cross-linked product. Cross-linking can be achieved by conventional processes such as PEXa, PEXb and PEXc. Embodiments demonstrate excellent levels of antioxidant retention (as measured by oxidative induction retention after exhaustive solvent extraction) and the cross-linked product are suitable for portable water applications, including hot water applications.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the process for preparing a cross-linked stabilised polymer composition using at least one graftable polymer stabiliser, and the subsequent use of that composition for forming pipes, for example PEX pipes. The graftable stabiliser becomes anchored to the polymer such that stabiliser activity is retained in the cross-linked product. Cross-linking can be achieved by conventional processes such as PEXa, PEXb and PEXc. Embodiments demonstrate excellent levels of antioxidant retention (as measured by oxidative induction retention after exhaustive solvent extraction) and the cross-linked product are suitable for portable water applications, including hot water applications.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding composition for making a molded article comprising (i) a polymer component selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, a copolyester of polyethylene terephthalate, and a combination of polyethylene terephthalate and a copolyester of polyethylene terephthalate, and (ii) a polymer additive comprising one or more than one hydroxylic compound comprising from 3 to about 8 hydroxy groups. The amount of one or more than one hydroxylic compound is sufficient to decrease the level of acetaldehyde in the molded article that would be present without including the one or more than one hydroxylic compound in the thermoplastic molding composition. A method for making a molded article with decreased levels of acetaldehyde comprising, first, providing a thermoplastic molding composition according to the present invention, and, second, injection molding the thermoplastic molding composition to form a molded article.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding composition for making a molded article comprising (i) a polymer component selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, a copolyester of polyethylene terephthalate, and a combination of polyethylene terephthalate and a copolyester of polyethylene terephthalate, and (ii) a polymer additive comprising one or more than one hydroxylic compound comprising from 3 to about 8 hydroxy groups. The amount of one or more than one hydroxylic compound is sufficient to decrease the level of acetaldehyde in the molded article that would be present without including the one or more than one hydroxylic compound in the thermoplastic molding composition. A method for making a molded article with decreased levels of acetaldehyde comprising, first, providing a thermoplastic molding composition according to the present invention, and, second, injection molding the thermoplastic molding composition to form a molded article.

Abstract: A modified polymer is described comprising a thermoplastic polymer composition comprising a graft copolymer between (1) a preformed thermoplastic polymer and (2) a monomer composition comprising (a) at least one polymerisable monomer containing a polymerisable group and at least one functional polymer-modifying group and (b) at least one comonomer containing at least two polymerisable groups, said copolymer being substantially free of unbound monomer. Such polymers can be produced by reacting together, in a melt and in the presence of free radicals whilst applying shear to the melt, the preformed thermoplastic polymer to be modified, the polymerisable monomer, and the comonomer, thereby to graft said monomer to said preformed polymer leaving substantially no unbound monomer, the reaction being continued for a period of time sufficient to produce a graft copolymer that is thermoplastic and can be blended with an unmodified polymer. A free radical generator can be added, if desired.

Abstract: Polyolefins are stabilized against UV-deterioration by mixing therewith a hindered C-nitro compound having a molecular weight above 500. In a preferred embodiment the hindered C-nitro compound is a nitrated polyolefin. A conventional UV-stabilizer, such as a substituted benzophenone or a hindered piperidine, may be used in combination with the hindered C-nitro compound.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for grafting C-nitro compounds onto preformed polymers. In the method a hindered C-nitro compound containing at least one polymerizable unsaturated group is reacted with a polymer in the presence of free radicals to thereby graft the C-nitro compound onto the polymer. The process has the advantages of being convenient, economical and applicable to conventional polymer processing steps. In a preferred embodiment, polymer stabilizing additives are prepared by the process in the form of masterbatches of polymer containing high concentrations of C-nitro compounds grafted thereon.

Abstract: A process for preparing a bound antioxidant polymer concentrate is described which comprises grafting one or more acrylic or alkylacrylic esters or amides containing a hindered-amine group onto the polymer in the presence of a radical generator at a temperature of 100.degree. to 350.degree. C., the molar ratio of said radical generator to said ester or amide being from 0.001: to 1:1, the reaction being continued for a time such that the melt viscosity of the polymer which increases initially during the reaction has reduced to a level which permits the concentrate to be homogeneously blended subsequently into a unstabilized polymer.