Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a photoinitiating composition suitable for UV-LED light irradiation comprising: a) a photoinitiating system suitable for LED light irradiation having a wavelength in the range of 340-420 nm; b) a dispersing medium; wherein the dispersing medium comprises an organic solvent which is miscible with water.

Abstract: This invention provides preparations and applications of a highly strong and tough photo-crosslinked hydrogel material. The hydrogel materials are made from the o-nitrobenzyl phototriggers modified photosensitive polymer derivative, double bond groups modified polymer derivative, and photoinitiator. This invention significantly improved the properties of hydrogels by controlling the average molecular weight (arm length) of photosensitive poly (ethylene glycol) (with o-nitrobenzyl phototriggers modification) and its derivatives, and the molar ratio of o-nitrobenzyl phototriggers to poly (ethylene glycol) and its derivatives. Compared with prior technologies, the strength and/or toughness of the hydrogels in this invention are increased by one order of magnitude or even higher. These advances solve the problems of weak mechanical properties in current hydrogel materials and widen the applications of hydrogel materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modified allophanate compound bearing acrylate functions, resulting from the reaction of a particular allophanate with an ester from the reaction between an acid selected from acrylic acid and methacrylic acid and at least one polyol that does not contain an oxylakylene or aa (poly)oxyalkylene group. The invention further relates to the use of said modified allophanate for preparing a hydrophobic cross-linkable coating composition by means of UV radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an organic-inorganic hybrid composition containing a metal oxide (A) having a particle diameter of 1-400 nm and a polymer emulsion particle (B) having a particle diameter of 10-800 nm. The polymer emulsion particle (B) is obtained by polymerizing a hydrolyzable silicon compound (b1) and a vinyl monomer (b2) having a secondary and/or tertiary amide group in the presence of water and an emulsifying agent.

Abstract: A process for producing encapsulated metal colloids useful as inorganic colored pigments, including, reacting one or more glass-forming components according to the sol-gel process to obtain a sol dispersing a metal salt in the resulting sol in the presence of an additional reducing agent to form metal colloids, converting the resulting dispersion into xerogel-encapsulated metal colloids by spray drying, heating the resulting xerogel-encapsulated metal colloids to density them. The present invention relates, furthermore, to inorganic colored pigments, in particular producible by the process of the invention, including metal colloids produced from metal salts and encapsulated in an encapsulation, the encapsulation being produced from glass-forming components according to the sol-gel process and being densified to a xerogel or glass, the proportion of metal colloid in the capsules being at least 80%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a dispersion-based or hotmelt pressure-sensitive adhesive based on at least one polymer, which involves crosslinking the at least one polymer, the polymer having functional groups Y, the polymer additionally being admixed with at least one kind of functionalized particles which have at least one polymeric base unit, characterized in that the particles have a monomer as base unit, the monomer having at least one kind of functional groups Z which are not able to enter into any reaction with the functional group Y and which, by thermal energy, electromagnetic radiation, particulate radiation and/or sound energy, are converted into the group X, the crosslinking of the polymer being brought about at least in part by a reaction of the functional groups X of the particles and of the functional groups Y of the polymer, and additionally to pressure-sensitive adhesives based on at least one crosslinked polymer component, wherein the crosslinking of the polymer component

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a dispersion-based or hotmelt pressure-sensitive adhesive based on at least one polymer, which involves crosslinking the at least one polymer, the polymer having functional groups Y, the polymer additionally being admixed with at least one kind of functionalized particles which have at least one polymeric base unit, characterized in that the particles have a monomer as base unit, the monomer having at least one kind of functional groups Z which are not able to enter into any reaction with the functional group Y and which, by thermal energy, electromagnetic radiation, particulate radiation and/or sound energy, are converted into the group X, the crosslinking of the polymer being brought about at least in part by a reaction of the functional groups X of the particles and of the functional groups Y of the polymer, and additionally to pressure-sensitive adhesives based on at least one crosslinked polymer component, wherein the crosslinking of the polymer component

Abstract: An article comprising two chemically grafted polymer layers comprising a hydrogel layer and an end-functionalized polyurethane layer. The invention also includes methods of making and using the article.

Abstract: The present invention describes the preparation of an aqueous polyurethane dispersion which is cured by radiation, and its use as binder.

Abstract: An article comprising two chemically grafted polymer layers comprising a hydrogel layer and an end-functionalized polyurethane layer. The invention also includes methods of making and using the article.

Abstract: A flexographic printing ink for use in a flexographic printing process with wet on wet capability, comprising a polymer and a combination of liquids comprising radiation curable monomers and/or oligomers, diluents, colorants, additives, and photoinitiators, the components having the Hansen Solubility Parameters adjusted to generate an ink with a capability to form a gel having the required physical characteristics, and that is in a liquid form in the presence of a small quantity of non reactive solvent, or is brought to a liquid state during the printing process. The disclosure is also directed to a flexographic printing process with wet on wet capability based on controlled polymer or polymer segment precipitation that leads to gel formation of ink compounds by controlling the solubility parameter of the ink system.

Abstract: Curable aqueous polyurethane polymer dispersions are described. The dispersion comprises a polyurethane copolymer having pendant (meth)acrylate groups and pendant carboxylic groups along the main chain and a tertiary aminofunctional unsaturated monomer that has reacted in an acid/base reaction with the carboxylic acid groups on the main chain. The dispersion can be applied to the surface of a substrate and cured using ultra-violet or electron-beam radiation to form a cured polyurethane having desired properties that does not emit volatile amine compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of alkoxysilane components in the presence of acid-generating photoinitiators in radiation-curable, free-radically crosslinkable formulations which in the cured state offer a particular degree of corrosion control for metallic substrates.

Abstract: A chemically patterned modified hydrogel formed from a modified hydrogel is provided. The hydrogel is conjugated with a multiphoton photocleavable molecule. The molecule has a multiphoton-labile protective group and a protected group. The protective group is cleavable upon multiphoton excitation to deprotect the protected group, without substantial polymerization of the hydrogel. The chemically patterned modified hydrogel is formed by exposing the modified hydrogel to multiphoton excitation to deprotect a portion of the protected groups.

Abstract: An article comprising two chemically grafted polymer layers comprising a hydrogel layer and an end-functionalized polyurethane layer. The invention also includes methods of making and using the article.

Abstract: A coating composition includes a UV curable film forming resin; a thixotropic and/or pseudoplastic anti-settling agent selected from at least one of an amine salt of a synthetic wax, a microcrystalline cellulose compound (MCC), a urea urethane, or a urethane enzymatically modified starch; a mar/scratch resistant additive selected from at least one of a mineral abrasive, glass particles, and ceramic particles; and water.

Abstract: Provided are substantially flat membranes that include a block or graft co-polymer and a water transport protein, such as Aquaporin-Z, or a synthetic mimic of such proteins. Also provided are methods of removing contaminants from a liquid, by contacting the liquid with a substantially flat membrane that includes a block or graft co-polymer and a water transport protein or synthetic mimic thereof. Also provided are methods of making such membranes. Further provided are compositions that include at least one active ingredient and vesicles surrounding the active ingredient, where the vesicles include a block or graft copolymer and a water transport protein or synthetic mimic surrounding the active ingredient. Also provided are methods that include administering such compositions to patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an electret material, to a new class of electret materials and to a device comprising such electret materials.

Abstract: Methods for generating metallic particles in situ in a polymer are disclosed. A method includes (a) contacting the polymer with a solution comprising (i) a solvent, (ii) a metal salt, and (iii) a free radical generator; (b) removing the polymer from the solution; and (c) exposing the polymer to actinic radiation. Polymer composites and polymer nanocomposites comprising inorganic particulates comprising metallic particles generated in the polymer are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a R—N2+ diazonium salt carrying an aromatic group R, for grafting of the aromatic group onto insulating, semiconductor, binary or ternary compound or composite material surfaces, the diazonium salt being present at a concentration close to its solubility limit, notably at a concentration higher than 0.05 M, and preferably varying between approximately 0.5 M to approximately 4 M.

Abstract: Water-based digital inks that exhibit broad adhesion and high-elongation characteristics are provided. The inks are capable of curing by various mechanisms such as through exposure to UV light and/or catalytic reactions resulting from the evaporation of water from the ink.

Abstract: A method of making a hard latex from a latex comprising an aqueous dispersion of a polymer, the method comprising the step of exposing the latex to infrared radiation.

Abstract: The UV-curable aqueous coating composition is characterized by using a UV-curable aqueous emulsion obtained by urethane reaction with a mixture including a poly-carbonate polyol or polyester polyol; an isocyanate compound; a urethane-reactive carboxylic acid; a UV-curable acrylic oligomer having 2 to 9 functional acrylate groups; a UV-curable acrylic monomer; and a urethane-reactive acrylate without an organic solvent. The aqueous composition provides good environmental acceptability and satisfactory film properties comparable to those of the prior oily UV-curable coating composition and, therefore, it is useful for coating various plastics.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dental filling material with dual hardening mechanism, wherein i) a first hardening mechanism is based on a photocuring reaction, preferably a radical reaction, and ii) a second hardening mechanism is dependent on H2O as a reactant, especially as a ligand. Preferably, the second hardening mechanism is a gypsum-type reaction. Owing to the expansion of the composition an excellent marginal seal can be achieved, while the first hardening mechanism allows for a rapid cure on demand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymerizable N-substituted acrylamide phosphorus-containing monomers, organic polymers formed from the same. Incorporation of said monomers into adhesives, pigment dispersants, coatings or films for polar surfaces or particles gives improved adhesive, anti-corrosive, and flame retardant properties.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing a water absorbent resin which method is a method for producing surface cross-linked water absorbent resin particles, the method including the successive steps of: (a) adding a surface cross-linking agent and water to a particulate water absorbent resin in a mixer; and (b) reacting the resulting water absorbent resin mixture taken out from the mixer with the surface cross-linking agent in a reactor by heating or active energy ray irradiation, water vapor being used as part or all of the water added in the mixer. This makes it possible to provide a method for producing a water absorbent resin in which method a surface cross-linked water absorbent resin that has excellent properties can be obtained efficiently at low cost with high productivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition comprising at least one photo-initiator and at least one (meth)acryl-polymer having units that are derived from (meth)acryl-monomers that have at least one double bond and 8 to 40 carbon atoms in the alkyl residue. The present invention furthermore relates to a monomer mixture comprising at least one (meth)acryl-monomer having at least one double bond and 8 to 40 carbon atoms in the alkyl residue and at least one photo-initiator monomer and a (meth)acryl-polymer that can be obtained by polymerization of said monomer mixture. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for producing a coating. The present invention furthermore relates to a coated object comprising a coating obtained by said method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biomedical molding, in particular a contact lens, which is obtainable by crosslinking, in a mold, an aqueous solution of a crosslinkable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) prepolymer comprising at least 0.5 weight-%, based on the entire formulation, of a non-reactive PVA, wherein the number-average molecular weight of the non-reactive PVA is higher than that of the crosslinkable PVA. A contact lens of the invention has an improved wearing comfort.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogels having advantageous physical properties, and covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogel compositions made by such methods, as well as articles of manufacture comprising such covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogel compositions. The physical properties of the produced hydrogels can be adjusted by varying controlled parameters such as the proportion of physical associations, the concentration of polymer and the amount of radiation applied. Such covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogels can be made translucent, preferably transparent, or opaque depending on the processing conditions. The stability of the physical properties of the produced vinyl polymer hydrogel can be enhanced by controlling the amount of covalent crosslinks.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for preparing polymer hydrogel spherical particles on a nanometer scale (nanogels). The method includes encapsulating hydrogel-forming components into liposomes, diluting the large unilamellar liposomes suspension to prevent polymerization outside the liposomes, and polymerizing the encapsulated hydrogel-forming components. The lipid bilayer may be solubilized with detergent. The phospholipid and detergent molecules and their micelles may then be removed by dialysis. The resulting nanogels may then be dried by evaporation in a temperature gradient. Poly(acrylamide), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-1-vinylimidazole) hydrogel particles with a diameter from 30 to 300 nm were detected and characterized by dynamic light scattering technique. The solvent, temperature, pH, and ionic sensitivities of the nanogels were studied.

Abstract: A method of surface treating particulate materials with electromagnetic radiation that is carried out with a so-called roll reactor comprising a rotating roll and an irradiation source. Radical former molecules can be applied on the surface of superabsorbent polymer particles, which are fed onto the surface of the roll and irradiated while moved with the rotating roll. The irradiation source is provided such that the radiation is able to reach at least part of the particulate material that has been fed onto the surface of the roll.

Abstract: Provided are substantially flat membranes that include a block or graft co-polymer and a water transport protein, such as Aquaporin-Z, or a synthetic mimic of such proteins. Also provided are methods of removing contaminants from a liquid, by contacting the liquid with a substantially flat membrane that includes a block or graft co-polymer and a water transport protein or synthetic mimic thereof. Also provided are methods of making such membranes. Further provided are compositions that include at least one active ingredient and vesicles surrounding the active ingredient, where the vesicles include a block or graft copolymer and a water transport protein or synthetic mimic surrounding the active ingredient. Also provided are methods that include administering such compositions to patients.

Abstract: Lipobeads (liposome-encapsulated hydrogels) combine properties of hydrogels and liposomes to create systems that are sensitive to environmental conditions and respond to changes in those conditions in a fast time scale. Lipobeads may be produced by polymerizing anchored or unanchored hydrogels within liposomes or by mixing anchored or unanchored hydrogels with liposomes. Giant lipobeads may be produced by shrinking unanchored nanogels in lipobeads and fusing the resulting lipobead aggregates, long-term aging of anchored or unanchored lipobeads, or mixing anchored or unanchored aggregated nanogels with liposomes. Poly(acrylamide), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-1-vinylimidazole) lipobeads were produced and characterized.

Abstract: An absorbent member and a method for making such an absorbent member. The absorbent member includes a modified water absorbent resin having good production efficiency, absorbency against pressure, absorption speed, gel strength, and liquid permeability. The modified water absorbent resin may be made by mixing a water absorbent resin, water, and a water-soluble radical polymerization initiator without addition of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer to obtain a water absorbent resin composition, and irradiating the water absorbent resin composition with active energy rays. During irradiation, the surface water content of the water absorbent resin is at least 3.0 wt %.

Abstract: A process for preparing functionalised microporous polymers (which are also known as micro-cellular polymers or polyHIPE polymers (PHPs)) using intensified internal heating (for example by microwave irradiation).

Abstract: This invention is to provide an absorbent member and a method for making such an absorbent member. The absorbent member comprises modified water absorbent having good production efficiency, good absorbency against pressure, good absorption speed, gel strength, good liquid permeability, and the like. The modified water absorbent resin is made by a method, which comprises (i) a mixing step comprising mixing a water absorbent resin, water, and a water-soluble radical polymerization initiator without addition of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, to obtain a water absorbent resin composition, and (ii) an irradiating step comprising irradiating said water absorbent resin composition obtained in the mixing step with active energy rays, wherein the surface water content of said water absorbent resin in said water absorbent resin composition at least at any point of time in the irradiating step (ii) is controlled to a level of not lower than 3.0% by weight based on 100% by weight of the water absorbent resin.

Abstract: An absorbent material formed at least in part of a cross-linked polymer. The absorbent material has a centrifuge retention capacity as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 20 g/g and a gel bed permeability under load as determined by a Gel Bed Permeability Under Load Test of at least about 300×10?9 cm2 or a free swell gel bed permeability as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least about 2,500×10?9 cm2. The cross-linked polymer may comprise either at least about 75 weight percent anionic polymer or at least about 75 weight percent cationic polymer. In one embodiment, the cross-linked polymer is surface treated with a water soluble non-cross-linked polymer having a potential for becoming charged opposite that of the cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions useful for laminating cellulosic substrates are formulated using an aqueous emulsion of a vinyl ester polymer such as polyvinyl acetate, one or more monomers or oligomers functionalized with (meth)acrylate groups, and a photoinitiator. The adhesive is cured by drying and exposing the adhesive to UV or visible light and is particularly useful for attaching clear films to cellulosic substrates such as paper and boxboard (e.g., in the manufacture of envelopes or folding cartons having windows).

Abstract: The invention relates to radiation-curable compounds, to processes for preparing them, to their use, and to coating compositions comprising them and featuring high scratch resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a dispersion-based or hotmelt pressure-sensitive adhesive based on at least one polymer, which involves crosslinking the at least one polymer, the polymer having functional groups Y, the polymer additionally being admixed with at least one kind of functionalized particles which have at least one polymeric base unit, characterized in that the particles have a monomer as base unit, the monomer having at least one kind of functional groups Z which are not able to enter into any reaction with the functional group Y and which, by thermal energy, electromagnetic radiation, particulate radiation and/or sound energy, are converted into the group X, the crosslinking of the polymer being brought about at least in part by a reaction of the functional groups X of the particles and of the functional groups Y of the polymer, and additionally to pressure-sensitive adhesives based on at least one crosslinked polymer component, wherein the crosslinking of the polymer component

Abstract: A polymeric surfactant formed by the reaction of an oligomeric or polymeric substrate with at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, wherein the reaction is conducted in the presence of a type II photo initiator and by the action of actinic radiation. The polymeric surfactant is useful for stabilising the interface in emulsions or dispersions.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process of preparing microcapsules in a UV curable water immiscible phase. The microcapsules formed according to the invention contain an aqueous phase core. The process comprises dispersing a water soluble or dispersible core material along with at least one wall forming prepolymer and a polycondensation polymerization catalyst into an aqueous solution. The aqueous phase is then dispersed into the water immiscible phase comprising UV curable monomers or oligomers forming droplets of the aqueous phase solution in the water immiscible phase. Polycondensation of the prepolymers is initiated to form polymeric wall material or microcapsules at or near the interface of the water immiscible solvent and droplets of aqueous phase solution. Following capsule formation, a UV initiator is dispersed in the water immiscible phase. The UV curable dispersion containing aqueous microcapsules can be coated on a substrate.

Abstract: Lipobeads (liposome-encapsulated hydrogels) combine properties of hydrogels and liposomes to create systems that are sensitive to environmental conditions and respond to changes in those conditions in a fast time scale. Lipobeads may be produced by polymerizing anchored or unanchored hydrogels within liposomes or by mixing anchored or unanchored hydrogels with liposomes. Giant lipobeads may be produced by shrinking unanchored nanogels in lipobeads and fusing the resulting lipobead aggregates, long-term aging of anchored or unanchored lipobeads, or mixing anchored or unanchored aggregated nanogels with liposomes. Poly(acrylamide), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-1-vinylimidazole) lipobeads were produced and characterized.

Abstract: A hydrophobic acidic group-containing polymeric monomer (a); a water-soluble polymeric monomer (b); water (c); a photopolymerization initiator (d); an aromatic tertiary amine (e) having an electron-withdrawing group; a cross-linkable polymeric monomer (f); and a basic compound (g) for producing a water-soluble salt through a reaction with a part of the hydrophobic acidic group-containing polymeric monomer (a) are included as essential compounding ingredients. A one-part dental adhesive composition that exhibits high adhesive strength and high storage stability in adhesion between a teeth, and more particularly enamel or dentine, and a dental repairing material, and more particularly a resin material, is provided.

Abstract: A photocurable pigment type inkjet ink composition including 5 to 95 wt % of water; 0.5 to 20 wt % of a pigment; 1 to 70 wt % of a photocurable component; and 0.0001 to 30 wt % of a reactive surfactant. The reactive surfactant can serve as a pigment dispersant for dispersing pigment particles or as an emulsifier for emulsifying the photocurable component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of acrylic polymers and in particular to their modification with the purpose of the formation of compounds of still higher molecular masses. Plastic materials of the type of acrylic universal polymer (PAU), e.g. sold under the tradename “POLYGOR”, can be used as starting material. The acrylic starting material is then modified by appropriate modifier compounds. In this way modified polymers can have molecular weights in the range between 2×105 and 15×107 a.u. and are water-soluble. This allows to use them as flocculation, coagulation, ion-exchange means and as additives to surface active agents for raising their washing and foaming capabilities.

Abstract: A method of surface cross-linking superabsorbent polymer particles using UV irradiation is provided. The method is carried out in a so-called drum reactor, which comprises a hollow drum and an irradiation source. The drum has a longitudinal axis and a cross-section. Superabsorbent polymer particles are fed into the drum and are irradiated while they move within the drum, which is rotated around its longitudinal axis. The irradiation source is provided such that the radiation emitted by the irradiation source is able to reach superabsorbent polymer particles within said drum. The irradiation source for use in the method is able to emit UV radiation of a wavelength between about 100 nm and about 200 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for providing shaped biodegradable and elastomeric structures of (co)polymers of 1,3trimethylene carbonate (TMC) with improved (mechanical) properties which can be used for tissue or tissue component support, generation or regeneration. Such shaped biodegradable elastomeric structures are obtainable by forming homopolymers and/or copolymers of 1,3-trimethylene carbonate (TMC) into a desired shape and irradiating said desired shape with actinic radiation in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of surface cross-linking superabsorbent polymer particles using UV irradiation is provided. The method is carried out in a so-called drum reactor, which comprises a hollow drum and an irradiation source. The drum has a longitudinal axis and a cross-section. Radical former molecules are applied on the surface of superabsorbent polymer particles. These superabsorbent polymer particles are fed into the drum and are irradiated while they move within the drum, which is rotated around its longitudinal axis. The irradiation source is provided such that the radiation emitted by the irradiation source is able to reach superabsorbent polymer particles within said drum. The irradiation source for use in the method is able to emit UV radiation of a wavelength between about 201 nm and about 400 nm.

Abstract: A color-stable superabsorbent polymer having long-term color stability, and methods of manufacturing the polymer, are disclosed. The color-stable superabsorbent polymer is prepared in the essential absence of a persulfate, and is subjected to a low dose of ultraviolet radiation. The resulting superabsorbent polymer resists color degradation during periods of extended storage, even at an elevated temperature and humidity.