Abstract: Aesthetically attractive, free standing dispensers for the controlled release of volatile liquid materials such as perfumes and fragrances into the atmosphere consist essentially of composite hydrogels comprising a continuous phase of a solubilized polyvinyl alcohol, a dispersed phase comprising a polyelectrolyte and an aqueous solution of the volatile liquid that is distributed between said continuous and dispersed phases. The exterior surfaces of the dispenser remain dry to the touch throughout its useful life.

Abstract: Porous cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol particles which is used for a chromatographic medium is prepared by:dispersing an aqueous solution of a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol and a salt in an organic solvent;allowing a gel to form spontaneously from the dispersion; andreacting the gel with a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A process of forming hollow microspheres containing carbon or a polymer which is a carbon precursor. The process comprises forming a solution in a liquid solvent of a polymer having the following properties (a) a molecular weight of at least 10,000 and a long chain structure; (b) an ability to be coagulated by or precipitated from the solution by a non-solvent for the polymer; (c) an ability to form a continuous stretchable film when coagulated or precipitated from solution; (d) a chemical structure which is infusible or capable of being rendered infusible, and (e) a high carbon yield of at least 30% by weight upon being carbonized in a non-reactive atmosphere. An insoluble particulate blowing agent is incorporated into the solution and the solution is then divided into droplets and the droplets are introduced into a liquid bath containing a suitable non-solvent for the polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of hydrophilic membranes by coagulation of a solution of at least one hydrophobic polymer and at least one hydrophilic polymer in a suitable solvent medium in a coagulation medium. The process according to the invention is characterized in that hydrophilic microfiltration and/or ultrafiltration membranes are prepared by cross-linking the hydrophilic polymer which is present in or on the obtained membrane matrix after the coagulation in an essentially non-swollen state and fixing same as such in or on the polymer matrix. Advantageously the solvents and the undesirable components of the coagulation medium are removed whereby the hydrophilic polymer is converted into an essentially non-swollen state prior to cross-linking. The removal of the undesirable components from the membrane takes place by means of a non-solvent for the hydrophilic polymer according to the invention.

Abstract: Polymer polyols with high polymer or solids content made by the reaction of alkanolamines with polyisocyanates in a dispersing media of polymer polyols created from vinyl monomers in a conventional manner. The equivalents of alkanolamine to equivalents of polyisocyanate ranges from about 1/1 to 5/1 to give novel polymer polyols with solid contents from about 25% to up to 50%. Polyurethane foams made employing the novel polymer polyols of the present invention have higher load bearing properties, and provide a good balance between the load bearing properties and the open cell content of the foam to provide a stable foam, as compared with those employing only conventional polymer polyols.

Abstract: A process for forming hollow microspheres containing carbon or a polymer which is a carbon precursor. The process comprises forming a solution in a liquid solvent of a polymer having the following properties (a) a molecular weight of at least 10,000 and a long chain structure; (b) an ability to be coagulated by or precipitated from the solution by a non-solvent for the polymer; (c) an ability to form a continuous stretchable film when coagulated or precipitated from solution; (d) a chemical structure which is infusible or capable of being rendered infusible, and (e) a high carbon yield of at least 30% by weight upon being carbonized in a non-reactive atmosphere. An insoluble particulate blowing agent is incorporated into the solution and the solution is then divided into droplets and the droplets are introduced into a liquid bath containing a suitable non-solvent for the polymer.

Abstract: An expansible macromolecular material is produced by a method which comprises mixing an aqueous polyvinyl alcohol solution, an acidic aqueous macromolecular electrolyte solution, and a basic aqueous macromolecular electrolyte solution thereby preparing a composite polymer and subjecting this composite polymer to at least one cycle of alternate freezing and defrosting treatments. A macromolecular membrane constituted of said expansible macromolecular material and containing numerous through holes is obtained by mixing, freezing, and defrosting the aforementioned three mixed aqueous solutions under specific conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to foams for insulating cavities and structures, such as spaces between walls in houses. The inventive foam compositions are prepared in separate portions, generally comprising (A) cement and (B) foam. Air is added initially to foam one of the components or a mixture of components.In a first embodiment, the first component comprises an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol and a dispersant. This component is mechanically foamed by injection of air, for example. After the mechanical foaming a second, cement component is added to the first component. This second component comprises an aqueous solution, mixture or suspension of magnesium oxide and barium metaborate, and a dispersant.In a second, preferred embodiment, the first component comprises an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol and calcium chloride, which component is mechanically foamed by injection of air.

Abstract: A foam polyvinyl product prepared from a composition comprising a vinyl polymer and an alkali carbonate foaming agent.

Abstract: A porous and transparent hydrated gel is prepared from a poly(vinyl alcohol) solution in a mixed solvent consisting of water and an water-miscible organic solvent. Upon cooling the poly(vinyl alcohol) solution below room temperature, a gel is formed as a consequence of crystallization of poly(vinyl alcohol) molecules. Exchange of the organic solvent included in the gel with water produces a hydrated gel of poly(vinyl alcohol) which has a high tensile strength, a high water content, and a high light transmittance.

Abstract: An insulating foam and a process for producing insulating foam, wherein a foamable first component may be made of alkyl sulfate, half ester of maleic anhydride and acrylic resin in an aqueous solution is mechanically foamed with air, and to that foam is added an aqueous solution of magnesium oxide, dispersant, acrylic resin, perlite and/or precipitated calcium carbonate. To those components is added an aqueous solution of at least one of aluminum chloride, magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, zinc chloride, sulfamic acid, sodium silicate, zinc oxide, barium metaborate, vinyl alcohol, magnesium carbonate, calcium chloride and vinyl acetate. In another embodiment a polyvinyl alcohol and dispersant first portion is foamed with air and mixed with a second cementitious portion comprising magnesium oxide and barium metaborate.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polymer blend is disclosed which comprises a first polymer component which is an organic solvent-soluble, thermoplastic polyurethane and a second polymer component which is a hydrophilic poly(N-vinyl lactam), e.g., a water soluble polyvinylpyrrolidone. The blend demonstrates slipperiness is aqueous environments and, among other applications, is useful in low-friction coatings for a wide variety of substrates.

Abstract: A moulding composition which forms stable, durable mouldings which are color stable, have good water resistance and can be glass clear and fire-resistant, comprises a melamine-formaldehyde resole of mole ratio melamine:formaldehyde in the range 1:1.1 to 1:5.0, and from 20 to 80% by weight, based on the resole, of a glycol or glycol derivative. The composition may also contain one or more of water, polyvinyl alcohol, aluminium hydroxide and reinforcing fillers. The melamine in the resole may be partially replaced with urea. Cure of the resin composition, after shaping, takes place at a pH of at least 6.0, and is accelerated by boron oxide and also by microwave heating. Foamed products are especially useful.

Abstract: A composition comprising mineral wool and polyolefin fibers is adaptable for spraying onto a ceiling or wall or the like to form a textured acoustical coating.

Abstract: A method for preparing water-insoluble asymmetric reverse osmosis membranes from water-soluble polymers is disclosed. The method involves casting a polymer film, partially drying it and then contacting it with a transition metal polyvalent ion solution. Optionally, the product of the contacting is cross-linked such as by radiation or heat. The membrane products are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A totally porous activated gel which comprises a matrix of a totally porous crosslinked copolymer comprising as main components vinyl alcohol monomer units and crosslinkable monomer units and having a specific surface area of 5 to 1000 m.sup.2 /g and an reactive group linked to said matrix by a covalent bond. The present activated gel is very useful for effectively separating bio-substances due to the peculiar behavior of the reactive group of the activated gel. The activated gel is rigid, and is excellent in mechanical strength, resistance to chemicals, high pH, low pH, high temperature and low temperature, and is very effective in specific adsorption of bio-substances. The activated gel can be subjected to freeze-drying sterilization, heat sterilization and radiation sterilization, so that it can be utilized for the medical treatment by extracorporeal perfusion of, for example, blood.

Abstract: When polyvinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymers are acetalized in an acid aqueous medium in the presence of a wetting agent, an open-pore solid foam is formed, if the reaction mixture contains gas bubbles. These gas bubbles are produced, in particular, by stirring in air. The molded articles obtained are porous, and the pores are uniformly distributed. The dried molded article absorbs many times its weight of water. It is employed as a sponge for household use and in industry.

Abstract: This invention relates to solutions of silanols prepared by hydrolysis of alkyltrialkoxysilanes whose alkoxy groups are partially or completely hydrolyzed.Preferred hydrolyzed alkyltrialkoxysilanes are of the formula CH.sub.3 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Si(OH).sub.n (OH').sub.3-n.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of foam composites which are thermally insulating and light and therefore suitable for use as e.g. ceiling tiles, wall tiles and brick insulation.The aim of the invention is to produce a light, strong composite as cheaply as possible. The method comprises reacting, in the presence of water and poly(vinyl alcohol), hollow silica spheres with a water-soluble organic polyacid and then allowing or causing the resulting composite to set.

Abstract: Foamable copolymers and copolymer mixtures comprising 35% to 98% by weight ethylene, 1% to 30% by weight vinyl alcohol, 1% to 30% by weight acrylic acid esters of secondary or tertiary alcohols, and 0 to 5% by weight vinyl ester are disclosed. All percentages are based upon the total weight of the copolymer or mixture. Methods of foaming such materials, foamed materials made therefrom, and methods of preparation thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: The acetalization of polyvinyl alcohol in an acidic aqueous medium in the presence of a wetting agent yields an open-cell, solid foam when the reaction medium contains gas bubbles which are preferably produced by stirring air into the reaction mixture. By carrying out the acetalization in the presence of a nucleic acid a porous shaped article is obtained in which the cells are uniformly distributed. The dried shaped article absorbs a multiple of its weight of water. It can be used for household and industrial purposes.

Abstract: A polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microporous membrane is disclosed which is prepared by a process which comprises forming a PVA membrane containing fine silica particles therein and substantially extracting said silica particles from said membrane, thereby forming a plurality of micropores therein with an average diameter of 0.01 to 50 microns and a porosity of at least 60%.

Abstract: A foamable copolymer comprising 40 to 98 percent by weight units of ethylene, 1 to 30 weight percent units of vinyl alcohol, 1 to 30 weight percent units of acrylic acid ester of a secondary or tertiary alcohol, and up to 2 percent by weight of vinyl acetate units is described together with a process for the manufacture thereof. The same is useful in the formation of a foamed mass which is relatively highly cross-linked. The copolymer can be foamed to form a foam by heating the same at 250.degree. to 350.degree. C. for 5 to 60 minutes in the absence of oxygen.

Abstract: There is disclosed an environmentally degradable plastic composition comprising an organic polymeric material having dispersed therein at least one trialkyl ortho ester as a readily autoxidizable organic substance.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hard and porous polyvinylalcohol gels for aqueous gel permeation chromatography, comprises suspension-polymerizing vinyl acetate with diethylene glycol dimethacrylate or glycidyl methacrylate in the presence of a diluent which controls pore size of the product as a crosslinking agent, saponifying the resulting porous polyvinyl acetate gel with an alkali, and subjecting the resulting porous polyvinylalcohol gel to post-crosslinking with epichlorohydrin.

Abstract: A cellular high-temperature insulation composite molded product comprising the molded and cured product obtained by preparing a mixture of(1) a dry blend of(a) expanded perlite,(b) a calcium aluminate cement,(c) a refractory clay, and(d) wollastonite, with(2) an aqueous liquid composition comprising(a) an auxiliary binder, and(b) waterAnd molding and curing the mixture, and a method for the production of the above-described cellular high-temperature insulation composite molded product. Additional embodiments comprise use of reinforcing fibers and a surface active agent additionally in the aqueous liquid composition, generally as a foamed aqueous liquid composition and use of a chemical cement curing accelerator additionally in the aqueous liquid composition.

Abstract: A uniformly expandable hydrophilic sponge, adapted for medical usage, characterized by instantaneous wicking and a high liquid holding capacity comprising a reaction product of polyvinyl alcohol and formaldehyde. The wicking and liquid holding capacity is attained by controlling the time, temperature and processing conditions while forming and curing the reaction product in an aqueous medium. The sponge is rendered uniformly expandable by drying the wet sponge while maintaining the shape of the wet sponge. The sponge can be made X-ray opaque by incorporating, homogeneously, throughout an encapsulated radiopaque substance with the formaldehyde and polyvinyl alcohol. The sponge is biocompatible, non-toxic, lint free, compressible, resilient, strong, non-abrasive, free of foreign leachable materials and is of exceptionally high fluid holding capacity.