Abstract: A medical prosthesis for use within the body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having substantially no detectable free radicals, is described. Preferred prostheses exhibit reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacture of such devices and material used therein are also provided.

Abstract: Fluoropolymers are made by admixing tetrafluoroethylene, hexfluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride; reacting the reaction admixture to generate a set of fluoropolymeric oligomers; irradiating the fluoropolymeric oligomeric precursor admixture (preferably with electron beam radiation) to form free radical sites on individual fluoropolymeric oligomers of the set and generate thereby a set of free radical oligomer derivatives in the fluoropolymeric oligomeric precursor admixture; and reacting the fluoropolymeric oligomeric precursor admixture to derive the fluoropolymer compound from the free radical oligomer derivatives. In a second approach, fluoropolymers are made by admixing tetrafluoroethylene, hexfluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride and irradiating the admixture.

Abstract: A method of producing an improved polyethylene, especially an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene utilizes a sequential irradiation and annealing process to form a highly cross-linked polyethylene material. The use of sequential irradiation followed by sequential annealing after each irradiation allows each dose of irradiation in the series of doses to be relatively low while achieving a total dose which is sufficiently high to cross-link the material. The process may either be applied to a preformed material such as a rod or bar or sheet made from polyethylene resin or may be applied to a finished polyethylene part. If applied to a finished polyethylene part, the irradiation and annealing must be accomplished with the polyethylene material not in contact with oxygen at a concentration greater than 1% oxygen volume by volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to cross-link-resistant injectable hydrogel formulations and methods of partially or practically wholly inhibiting injectable hydrogel formulations from cross-linking, for example, during irradiation, using anti-cross-linking agents, which facilitates injectability of the hydrogel formulation. The invention also relates to methods of making the cross-link-resistant, for example, irradiation cross-link resistant, injectable hydrogel formulations, and methods of administering the same in treating a subject in need.

Abstract: Photoreactive dendrimers comprising a core portion, branching units and terminal groups, wherein at least one terminal group and/or branching unit is a photoreactive group and wherein the photo reactive groups include preferably cinnamates, coumarins, benzylidenephthalimidines, benzylideneacetophenones, diphenylacetylenes stilbazoles, uracyl, quinolinone, maleinimides, or cinnamylidene acetic acid derivatives and are able to undergo photocyclization, in particular [2+2]-photocyclization.

Abstract: A polypropylene resin composition comprising (A) 99.8 to 80 weight parts of a polypropylene resin having a melt flow rate of 0.1 to 50 g/10 min and (B) 0.2 to 20 weight parts of an olefin copolymer rubber having an intrinsic viscosity [?] of 0.5 to 4.0 dl/g and/or a polyethylene resin having a density of 0.895 to 0.945 g/cc and a melt flow rate of 0.05 to 15 g/10 min, which have undergone an ionization ray-irradiation treatment and/or a treatment of adding 0.05 to 5 weight parts of an organic peroxide to 100 weight parts of the aforesaid polypropylene resin composition comprising (A) and (B) and then melting.

Abstract: A radiation crosslinked (50 kGy), pressure-treated UHMWPE material has been developed by applying compressive force on a crosslinked polymer in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction. The deformed material is then cooled while held in a deformed state. The resulting material is anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The directionally engineered material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted highly crosslinked UHMWPEs.

Abstract: An article suitable for use as an insulating or coating material comprises a radiation-crosslinked composition comprising a polyethylene, a polypropylene and optionally an ethylene-propylene elastomer. The polyethylene component is selected from high density polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE) and linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE) and the polypropylene component is either a homopolymer or copolymer. The composition is predominantly based on the polyethylene component and contains the polyethylene component in an amount of at least 50 percent by weight. The article is radiation-crosslinked to a sufficient degree that it possesses thermoset properties, such that when the article is heated to a temperature above the crystalline melting point of the polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, it is softened but does not become liquid.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an anisotropic conductive adhesive comprising an insulating adhesive component and a number of conductive particles dispersed in the insulating adhesive component, wherein the insulating adhesive component contains a crosslinked rubber resin. The anisotropic conductive adhesive of the present invention prevents exfoliation of an adhesive or reduction in adhesive strength of circuit by minimizing its the heat-contraction occurring in the process of a polymerization or a hardening reaction when connecting micro-circuits, whereby a short circuit between adjacent electrodes can be prevented when connecting the circuits, and excellent connection reliability according to a long-term use is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides partial and complete shielding approaches to alter the cross-linking characteristics of irradiated polymers, such as polyethylene. Irradiated polymers and fabricated articles, such as medical prosteses, comprising irradiated polymers also are provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for annealing a polymer for an orthopaedic implant by immersing the polymer in a liquid bath.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel solid reagent capable of solving the problems of conventional solid reagents based on resin beads. The present invention relates to a solid reagent comprising an organic polymer base in which a polymer side chain is introduced onto the backbone of the organic polymer base via graft polymerization and a reactive functional group is introduced onto the polymer side chain. The organic polymer base is preferably in the form of a fiber, a woven or nonwoven fabric consisting of an assembly of fibers, a porous membrane or a hollow fiber membrane. The graft polymerization is preferably a radiation-induced graft polymerization. Solid reagents according to the present invention can be used in various organic synthetic reactions.

Abstract: Novel transparent composites composed of single wall carbon nanotubes incorporated into the matrix of a polymer are utilized in services wherein the composites are exposed to ionizing radiation, including galactic cosmic radiation. Accordingly, the composites are useful in deep space applications like space vehicles, space stations, personal equipment as well as applications in the biomedical arts and atom splitting research. The composites can be modified with organic dyes containing at least one phenyl ring and the resulting doped composite is useful as a radiation detector. The preferred polymer is poly(4-methyl-1-pentene).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel solid reagent capable of solving the problems of conventional solid reagents based on resin beads. The present invention relates to a solid reagent comprising an organic polymer base in which a polymer side chain is introduced onto the backbone of the organic polymer base via graft polymerization and a reactive functional group is introduced onto the polymer side chain. The organic polymer base is preferably in the form of a fiber, a woven or nonwoven fabric consisting of an assembly of fibers, a porous membrane or a hollow fiber membrane. The graft polymerization is preferably a radiation-induced graft polymerization. Solid reagents according to the present invention can be used in various organic synthetic reactions.

Abstract: Modified polyolefins are produced by reacting a functionalized polyolefin with one or more ethylenically unsaturated compounds having a functional group reactive with the functional group on the polyolefin. These modified polyolefins may then polymerize in the presence of a photoinitiator upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation and also have the capability of copolymerizing in the presence of a photoinitiator with other ethylenically unsaturated crosslinking agents upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation. These modified polyolefins may also contain pendant carboxyl groups, which have the propensity to form hydrophilic salts with amines, and therefore may be rendered water-dispersible. The modified polyolefins of the present invention significantly improve the adhesion of paints, inks, and adhesives to various plastic and metal substrates.

Abstract: A component made from a crosslinked polymeric material, wherein the crosslinked polymeric material has a reduced crystallinity is described. An associated method for fabricating such a component is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides: an ink composition which contains at least a polymerizable compound, a photopolymerization initiator and a coloring material, and is free from an aqueous solvent, wherein the polymerizable compound comprises at least a urethane oligomer; a two-pack curing ink composition set comprising an ink composition containing a coloring material and a reaction liquid containing a photopolymerization initiator and capable of forming an image with an ink composition obtained by mixing the ink composition and the reaction liquid, wherein the ink composition after mixing contains at least a polymerizable compound, a photopolymerization initiator and a coloring material, and is free from an aqueous solvent, wherein the polymerizable compound comprises a urethane oligomer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers by crosslinking them, especially before irradiation sterilization. In particular, this invention presents the use of chemically crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene in in vivo implants.

Abstract: The present invention provides partial and complete shielding approaches to alter the cross-linking characteristics of irradiated polymers, such as polyethylene. Irradiated polymers and fabricated articles, such as medical prosteses, comprising irradiated polymers also are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing implant parts made of highly cross-linked polyethylene, wherein a blank made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene is irradiated with ionizing radiation in order to produce radicals in the blank. To optimize the cross-linkage of the highly cross-linked polyethylene and to eliminate free radicals, the blank is subsequently treated by means of microwave radiation and/or ultrasound in such a way that free radicals, which have not recombined, are excited so as to ensure substantially complete recombination of the free radicals. The shape of the treated blank can then be adjusted by means of machining. The invention further relates to implant parts for application in human medicine that have been manufactured as described above.

Abstract: A 1,4-di-substituted diacetylene polymer that is soluble in organic solvent, is composed of a repeating unit represented by the general formula ?CR—C?C—CR?? (wherein, R and R? represent identical or different monovalent organic substituents), and has an average degree of polymerization of 4 to 200 and a ratio (Mw/Mn) of weight average molecular weight (Mw) to number average molecular weight corresponding to said average degree of polymerization (Mn) of 1.1 to 5.0, and a process for producing the 1,4-di-substituted diacetylene polymer by irradiating a solution of the soluble 1,4-di-substituted diacetylene polymer with laser light having a wavelength within the range of 250 to 1,200 nm, and preferably 550 to 900 nm, to cause a photodegradation reaction of said polymer, or heating a solution of the soluble 1,4-di-substituted diacetylene polymer to a temperature of 100 to 300° C.

Abstract: Solid-state deformation processing of crosslinked high molecular weight polymers such as UHMWPE, for example by extrusion below the melt transition, produces materials with a combination of high tensile strength and high oxidative stability. The materials are especially suitable for use as bearing components in artificial hip and other implants. Treated bulk materials are anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted crosslinked UHMWPE.

Abstract: An adhesive composition of the present invention comprises (A) a conjugated diene polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 500 to 100,000 and (B) an electron pair-donating basic compound; or comprises (A) a conjugated diene polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 500 to 100,000, (C) a compound having in its molecule three or more functional groups selected from the group consisting of acryloyloxy group, methacryloyloxy group and groups represented by the following formula I: wherein R1, R2 and m are the same as defined in the specification, and (D) a compound having in its molecule one or two functional groups selected from the group consisting of acryloyloxy group and methacryloyloxy group. At least a part of the surface of an adherend is coated with the adhesive composition to form an adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of modifying a polymeric material whereby the polymeric material is modified to give a highly durable surface without decreasing its strength. Namely, a polymeric material is modified by the method comprising a combination of an impregnation step, an activation step, a step of grafting a monomer and a step of a treatment with a hydrophilic polymer. Thus, the hydrophilic nature, adhesiveness, and so forth of polymeric materials such as polyolefins can be improved without causing any decrease in the practical strength. The thus obtained polymeric materials are usable in articles with a need for high water absorptivity and high adhesiveness, for example, water-absorbing materials and water-retaining materials for medical, sanitary, cosmetic articles or supplies, agricultural materials, synthetic papers, filters and fiber products for clothes, for improving adhesiveness of composite materials and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are photo or electron beam polymerizable compositions, and preparation thereof and devices containing them. The composition contains completely or substantially completely hydrogenated hydrocarbon-based material completely free or substantially free of carbon-carbon double and triple bonds containing photo or electron beam curable terminal or pendant groups, low-outgassing photoinitiators, an optional viscosity adjustment component and an optional filler. The composition is visible light, UV or electron beam curable. It cures into a low-modulus, low outgassing polymer material. The composition can be used as an adhesive, sealant or lens potting material. It is ideal for use in lithographic tools involving deep or vacuum ultraviolet radiations, in particular, as lens potting materials for 157 nm lithographic tools.

Abstract: Disclosed are photo or electron beam curable polymerizable compositions, and preparation thereof and devices containing such cured material. The composition contains completely or substantially completely hydrogenated hydrocarbon-based material completely free or substantially free of carbon-carbon double and triple bonds containing photo or electron beam curable terminal or pendant groups, low-outgassing photoinitiators, an optional viscosity adjustment component and an optional filler. The composition is visible light, UV or electron beam curable. It cures into a low-modulus, low outgassing polymer material. The composition can be used as an adhesive, sealant or lens potting material. It is ideal for use in lithographic tools and other optical devices involving deep or vacuum ultraviolet radiations, in particular, as lens potting materials for 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm lithographic tools, as well as other optical devices involving using high fluence irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides partial and complete shielding approaches to alter the cross-linking characteristics of irradiated polymers, such as polyethylene. Irradiated polymers and fabricated articles, such as medical prosteses, comprising irradiated polymers also are provided.

Abstract: A method of forming an engineering component comprising the steps of: subjecting a workpiece or blank formed from polyolefin to gamma radiation at a total dose sufficient to cause a predetermined degree of crosslinking, wherein the total dose is applied at a dosage rate of less than 5 kGy/hour to cause crosslinking of the polymer and forming an engineering component from the crosslinked material.

Abstract: A prosthetic medical device exhibiting improved wear resistance is fabricated by sealing at least one polyolefinic material in an airtight container and providing an inert atmosphere within the airtight container. The polyolefinic material is exposed to an irradiation source to yield a cross-linked irradiated polyolefinic material. At least one non-irradiated polyolefinic material is blended with the irradiated polyolefinic material, and the prosthetic medical device is formed from the blended material. Selectively cross-linked polymeric compositions may be created by blending a specific amount of cross-linked resins with a specific amount of uncross-linked resins then cured into a polymeric matrix whereby the desired degree or percentage of overall cross-linking is obtained. The polymeric material may then be formed directly into a finished article by injection molding the polymeric material.

Abstract: A process for producing polypropylene having increased melt strength, the process comprising irradiating polypropylene which has been polymerised using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst with an electron beam having an energy of at least 5 MeV and a radiation dose of at least 10 kGray and mechanically processing the irradiated polypropylene to form long chain branches on the polypropylene molecules, whereby the polypropylene has a melt flow index (MFI) of at least 25 dg/min.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to ethylene polymers that are modified by ionizing radiation, prior to article formation, at a temperature less than the crystalline melt temperature and preferably under ambient atmosphere, as well as articles made from said polymers. The irradiated ethylene polymers exhibit enhanced melt strength, tensile strength, impact resistance, tear strength, adhesion to polar substances and thermal stability, decreased elongation, and lower melt flow index, but are easily processed and converted into and onto articles by conventional technologies including injection molding, extrusion, film and bottle blowing and powder coating.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of preparation of components and articles of manufacture containing at least one of such components, such as tires, and the resulting prepared components and fabricated articles, by use of directed high frequency energy internally heated silica-rich rubber compositions which contain sulfur curative and a significant content of high softening point polymer, namely a polymer and/or elastomer having a melting point (Tm) and/or high glass transition temperature (Tg) above 0° C., and particularly above 30° C., and which contains a minimal, if any, carbon black reinforcement. Such directed high frequency energy heating is provided, individually, by directed radio frequency (electromagnetic) radiation and/or by directed microwave radiation.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a production method by which a polymer of a functional group-terminated vinyl monomer can be easily and practically produced. Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide a functional group-terminated vinyl polymer which is useful as a material for the production of various functional products. The first aspect of the present invention is concerned with a production method of a functional group-terminated vinyl polymer comprising a step of synthesizing a halogen atom-terminated vinyl polymer by the radical polymerization reaction of a vinyl monomer in the presence of a halogen compound and a step of introducing a functional group to a terminus by substituting a functional group-containing group for the terminal halogen atom of said vinyl polymer.

Abstract: To provide an aqueous emulsion composition which has high adhesion strength for a wide variety of materials including molded products and affords sufficient wettability even for the object to be adhesive bonded of low surface polarity so that it can develop sufficient adhesiveness and whose emulsion is stable so satisfactorily as to provide good mechanical stability and storage stability, and to provide an adherent composition comprising the aqueous emulsion composition, at least ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or modified resin thereof, photo polymerization initiator, and unsaturated ethylenic monomer are mixed and dissolved or dispersed, to prepare oil drop component, followed by emulsifying the oil drop component in water by using a surface-active agent, whereby an aqueous emulsion composition, in which micelles each encapsulating at least the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or modified resin thereof, the photo polymerization initiator and unsaturated ethylenic monomer are dispersed in water, is prepared

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a material which resolves the drawbacks associated with polyimide polymers, and yet retains the advantages offered by conventional polyimide polymers. An amino group containing phenol derivative of the present invention is represented by a general formula (1) show below, and the present invention also provides a polyimide precursor produced using such an amino group containing phenol derivative. (wherein, R1, R2 and R3, which may be the same or different, each represent an alkyl group of 1 to 9 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a COOR group (in which R represents an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms) or a hydrogen atom; R4 and R5, which may be the same or different, each represent an alkyl group of 1 to 9 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom; X represents —O—, —S—, —SO2—, —C(CH3)2—, —CH2—, —C(CH3)(C2H5)—, or —C(CF3)2—; and n represents an integer of 1 or greater).

Abstract: A process for producing polypropylene having increased melt strength, the process comprising (i) homopolymerising polypropylene or copolymerising propylene with one or more comonomers selected from ethylene and C4 to C101-olefins to produce a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer respectively having a double bond concentration of at least 0.1 per 10,000 carbon atoms, (11) irradiating the polypropylene with an electron beam having an energy of at least 5 MeV and at radiation dose of at least 5 kGray, and (iii) melting and mechanically processing the melt of polypropylene to form long chain branches on the polypropylene molecules.

Abstract: A resin composition of the present invention is obtainable by adding a photo-polymerization initiator (d) to a resin solution (a) containing a modified product of a thermoplastic resin (A). The modified product is prepared by conducting radical polymerization of the thermoplastic resin (A) with a (co)polymer (B) of a copolymerizable monomer (C) comprising a monomer having an ?,?-mono-ethynically unsaturated group, or the monomer and other copolymerizable monomers in a weight ratio (A)1(B) of 1/9 to 9/1, in an organic solvent, or by conducting polymerization of a copolymerizable monomer (C) comprising a monomer having an ?,?-mono-ethylenically unsaturated group, or the monomer and other copolymerizable monomers in a weight ratio (A)/(C) of 1/9 to 9/1, in an organic solvent in the presence of the thermoplastic resin (A), and then conducting radical polymerization thereof. A paint including the resin composition and a process for forming a coating film are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic medical device exhibiting improved wear resistance is fabricated by irradiating at least one polyolefinic material in the presence of an inert atmosphere to yield a cross-linked irradiated polyolefinic material; blending at least one non-irradiated polyolefinic material with the at least one irradiated polyolefinic material, and forming the prosthetic medical device from the blended material. Selectively cross-linked polymeric compositions may be created by blending a specific amount of cross-linked resins with a specific amount of uncross-linked resins then cured into a polymeric matrix whereby the desired degree or percentage of overall cross-linking is obtained. The polymeric material may then be formed directly into a finished article by injection molding the polymeric material.

Abstract: This invention is a process for making UV curable adhesives, sealants, coatings, ink, flexible printing plates, laminating adhesives, fibers, gaskets, and related compositions, films, and thin parts, wherein an epoxidized monohydroxylated polydiene polymer comprised of at least two different diene monomers wherein at least one is a diene monomer which yields unsaturation suitable for epoxidation is used as the binder for the composition. The preferred epoxidized monohydroxylated polymers are block copolymers of isoprene and butadiene wherein a hydroxyl group is attached at one end of the polymer molecule. These polymers may be hydrogenated or unhydrogenated. The process involves mixing the above polymer or the polymer with one or more other formulating ingredients together with and insoluble photoinitiator which is preferably selected from the group consisting of triaryl sulfonium salts.

Abstract: A latent material having various controlled shrinkage tensions and patterns and a method of making the same. The materials include polymer materials that are capable of absorbing microwave energy. Different degrees of shrinkage of the material may be controlled to create different tensions in the material. Additionally, various stereo and three-dimensional patterns may be generated on the material. These materials may be used in the formation of personal care articles. The materials are made by incorporating a polymer material onto the film, wherein the polymer material is capable of turning microwave energy into heat. Upon exposure to microwave radiation, the heat will cause the latent material to shrink. The use of different types and amounts of polymer materials will result in a latent material having different tensions and patterns.

Abstract: Certain essentially phenol antioxidant-free stabilizer systems that comprise either a binary hindered amine/hydroxylamine or nitrone or amine oxide or benzofuranone system or a ternary hindered amine/hydroxylamine or nitrone or amine oxide or benzofuranone/organic phosphite or phosphonite system are especially effective towards protecting polyolefins against the deleterious effects of gamma irradiation. Polyolefin articles such as medical packaging, hospital garments, draperies, woven and non-woven fiber products, surgery utensils, blow-molded I.V. bottles, hypodermic syringes, needle shields, laboratory ware such as trays, funnels, Petri dishes and filters, and hygiene related articles may be sterilized with gamma irradiation and are stabilized according to the present invention.

Abstract: Irradiated, oxidized olefin polymer coupling agents for use in the manufacture of non-halogenated flame retardant-containing and filler-containing olefin polymer compositions and coupling agent-containing olefin polymer concentrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention provides a sterile medical implant or medical implant part comprising ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene that has a molecular weight of about 400,000 atomic mass units or more. The invention also provides methods for producing, using, and preparing a medical implant or medical implant part, which comprise contacting the medical implant or medical implant part with water, such that the weight of the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene is increased, and the wear performance of the medical implant or medical implant part desirably is enhanced.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for quenching free radicals present in irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene comprising the steps of (a) providing a mass of irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, wherein the mass comprises free radicals, (b) immersing at least a portion of the mass of irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene in a non-polar solvent having a temperature for a time and under conditions sufficient to quench a substantial portion of the free radicals contained therein, wherein the temperature of the non-polar solvent is maintained below the melting point of the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, (c) removing the mass of irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene from the non-polar solvent, and (d) removing any non-polar solvent from the mass of irradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: A method of modifying a polymeric material which comprises the steps of activation-treatment and a hydrophilic polymer-treatment, or comprises the steps of activation-treatment, a hydrophilic polymer-treatment, and monomer grafting in this order, or comprises the step of a solvent-treatment followed by these steps. Thus, the polymeric material, e.g., polyolefin, is improved in hydrophilicity, adhesion, etc. without lowering the practical strength thereof. The polymeric material thus improved in adhesion and other properties can be used in many applications where water absorption and adhesion are required, such as an absorption material, e.g., a wiping/cleansing material, a water retention material, a material for microorganism culture media, a separator for batteries (or cells), a synthetic paper, a filter medium, a textile product for clothing, a medical/sanitary/cosmetic supply, and reinforcing fibers for composite materials.