Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the parallel and combinatory synthesis of compounds bound to a continuous polymeric solid phase supporting material. According to the method, a continuous polymeric solid phase supporting material is prepared, the material comprising a matrix of a supporting polymeric material and graft copolymer chains covalently bound to the supporting matrix, the graft copolymer chains having reactive groups being able to react with organic compounds, thereby forming spatially defined reaction sites. The method then comprises the sequential spotting of synthesis building blocks or reagents at the various reaction sites on the continuous solid phase supporting material to yield a substrate library of compounds bound to the solid phase supporting material, whereby each reaction site on the continuous solid phase supporting material determines the composition of the synthesized compound, which is bound directly on the supporting matrix via the reactive groups of the graft polymer chain.

Abstract: A process of preparing water soluble or water swellable polymer comprising the steps,

Abstract: An Offset Lithographic Printing Process employing low VOC lithographic printing ink formulations containing monomeric diluents, curable by cationic polymerization in the presence of fountain solution and resin rheology modifiers compatible with cationic catalysts.

Abstract: Photoinitiator combinations comprising at least one compound of formula (I)  wherein R1 is C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy or halogen; R2 is hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy or halogen; R3 is, for example, C1-C20alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl-C1-C4alkyl, naphthyl or biphenylyl or an O-, S- or N-containing 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring; and at least one compound of formula (II)  wherein R1 and R2 are as defined above; R9 is, for example, C1-C20alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl-C1-C4alkyl, naphthyl, biphenylyl or an O-, S- or N-containing 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring; and R10 is, for example, C1-C20alkyl, C2-C20alkyl interrupted by one or more O atoms, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl-C1-C4alkyl, naphthyl, biphenylyl or an O-, S- or N-containing 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring; are reactive photohardeners causing only a low degree of yellowing in the cured substrates.

Abstract: Photoactivatable water born coating composition comprising

Abstract: A crosslinked micellar gel composition is comprised of a polymer formed by a reaction between (a) ionic surfactant units which include ionic surfactant molecules, each of which includes a counterion which has a first polymerizable functional group, (b) crosslinking agent molecules, each of which includes two second polymerizable functional groups, and (c) a reaction initiator selected from the group consisting of reaction initiator molecules and ultraviolet light radiation, wherein the reaction initiator initiates a reaction between a plurality of the ionic surfactant units with each other and a plurality of the ionic surfactant units with the second polymerizable functional groups. The polymer compositions formed from the reactions are crosslinked micellar gels which include a network structure of rodlike micelles forming a soft gel material which retains features and utility of rodlike micelles and benefits from the structural stability of a crosslinked polymer matrix.

Abstract: A water-dispersible, radiation-curable polyurethane composed essentially of a) organic, aliphatic or alicyclic polyisocyanates, b) cycloaliphatic diols and/or cycloaliphatic diamines, c) compounds containing at least one isocyanate-reactive group and at least one free-radically polymerizable unsaturated group, d) compounds containing at least one isocyanate-reactive group and at least one dispersing-active group, e) if desired, compounds containing at least two isocyanate-reactive groups having a molecular weight <1000 g/mol, f) if desired, compounds other than a) to d) containing at least one isocyanate-reactive group.

Abstract: Described herein is the use of a combination of organic additives that is particularly advantageous for the preparation of cementitious compositions having a high conservation of the degree of white, which contain in mass a photocatalyst that is able to oxidize, in the presence of light, air and ambient humidity, pollutant substances present in the environment, the said photocatalyst being, in particular, titanium dioxide prevalently in the form of anatase. The above combination of additives comprises the following: a melamine resin; a cellulose ether; a polymer chosen from among an ethylene polymer, an acrylic polymer, and a terpolymer comprising as co-monomers at least one ester of acrylic acid with an alcohol and at least one ester of vinyl alcohol with a carboxylic acid, or alternatively, an acrylic, styrene or butadiene latex; and a chemically modified starch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of mouldings, especially contact lenses, in which a soluble prepolymer comprising crosslinkable groups is crosslinked in solution, and also to mouldings, especially contact lenses, obtainable in accordance with that process. The present invention relates also to novel prepolymers that can be used in the process according to the invention, especially derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 that, based on the number of hydroxy groups of the polyvinyl alcohol, comprise from approximately 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides aqueous pigmented coating compositions having a pigment volume concentration pvc of at least 10 which are essentially free from volatile organic compounds and comprise: (i) at least one aqueous room temperature film forming polymer dispersion of at least one polymer P which is composed of esters of acrylic acid with C2-C20 alkanols or C5-C10 cycloalkanols and/or esters of methacrylic acid with C1-C20 alkanols or C5-C10 cycloalkanols, (ii) at least one inorganic pigment and, if desired, organic or inorganic fillers, (iii) from 0.05 to <0.3% by weight, based on the polymer P, of at least one nonpolymerizable photoinitiator, (iv) water, and customary auxiliaries.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a medical device comprising a hydrophilic coating using radiation said method comprising the steps of bringing the medical device-having such coating in contact with an aqueous liquid for wetting the hydrophilic coating, said liquid comprising a solution of a hydrophilic polymer and sterilizing the device by applying a sufficient amount of radiation provides coated devices showing a significantly increased and prolonged water retention and lower friction coefficient when wet.

Abstract: Process for using microwave irradiation to prepare solutions of polymers functionalized with acid groups The invention relates to a process for preparing aqueous, hydrous and anhydrous solutions of polymers functionalized with acid groups, which comprises using microwave radiation to supply the heat required to prepare the solution. The solutions are suitable as a starting material for producing gas diffusion electrodes, fuel cells and polymer-electrolyte-stabilized platinum nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous coating composition containing a) a urethane (meth)acrylate having (meth)acryloyl groups and optionally free isocyanate groups, b) optionally a further polyisocyanate, c) a UV initiator which initiates polymerization by a free radical mechanism, and d) one or more aqueous binders containing isocyanate-reactive groups. The present invention also relates to the use of the coating compositions for coating various substrates, especially metal substrates.

Abstract: This invention relates to radiation-curable coating compositions which contain A) compounds having one or more free-radically polymerisable double bonds which additionally contain at least one further functional group reactive for the purposes of an addition and/or condensation reaction, B) compounds having one or more free-radically polymerisable double bonds, which additionally contain at least one further functional group reactive for the purposes of an addition and/or condensation reaction, wherein the additional reactive functional group is complementary to or reactive towards the additional reactive functional groups of component A), C) optionally at least one monomeric, oligomeric and/or polymeric compound having at least one functional group reactive towards the functional groups from component A) or component B) D) one or more photoinitiators as well as E) optionally solvents, water, pigments and/or extenders as well as conventional lacquer additives, wherein component A) and component B) diffe

Abstract: The present invention relates to radiation curable aqueous polyurethane dispersions containing 0.05 to 20 wt. %, based on the weight of the non-aqueous constituents of the aqueous polyurethane dispersions, of 2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypropionic acid-(2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypropyl ester), (HPSNPG, calculated as MW 204.3). The invention also relates to substrates coated with these polyurethane dispersions, in particular to coated wood substrates with good grain enhancing properties.

Abstract: The invention provides for pigment preparations containing, as main components, A) at least a finely divided organic or inorganic pigment, B) a dispersing agent composed of formaldehyde-arylsulfonic acid or oxalkylated phenols condensates, C) a radiation curable binder, D) optionally a photoinitiator, and E) water. The invention also provides for the use of said preparations as inks for said ink jet printing method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions and methods for preventing corrosion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the production of mouldings, in particular contact lenses, in which a soluble prepolymer comprising units containing a crosslinkable group and at least one unit containing a modifier is crosslinked in solution, and to mouldings, in particular contact lenses, obtainable by this process. The present invention likewise relates to novel prepolymers which can be employed in the novel process, in particular derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 which comprises from about 0.

Abstract: Radiation curable polyester composition AB, capable of forming solutions or dispersions in water of high solid content which can be produced by mixing or pre-condensing a water soluble, radiation-curable emulsifying resin A which contains ester and acid groups and has an acid number from 20 to 300 mg/g and water-insoluble, radiation-curable polymer B containing ester and/or ether groups, wherein resin A is a reaction product of an alkoxylated polyol A1 having at least 3 hydroxyl groups and 3 to 10 oxyalkylene units per molecule, these oxyalkylene units containing 2 to 4 carbon atoms each, with an &agr;, &bgr;-unsaturated carboxylic acid A2 having each a free carboxyl group per molecule, and a carboxylic acid A3 which is at least tri-functional and wherein polymer B is a reaction product of aliphatic, linear, branched or cyclic alcohols B1 with compounds B2, selected from alkylene oxides B21, dicarboxylic acids B22 and aliphatic lactones B23 having 4 to 12 carbon atoms as well as compounds B3 selected from &ag

Abstract: Photoinitiator combinations comprising at least one compound of formula (I) R1 is C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy or halogen; R2 is hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy or halogen; R3 is, for example, C1-C20alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl-C1-C4alkyl, naphthyl or biphenylyl or an O—, S— or N-containing 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring; and at least one compound of formula (II) R1 and R2 are as defined above; R9 is, for example, C1-C20alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl-C1-C4alkyl, naphthyl, biphenylyl or an O—, S— or N-containing 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring; and R10 is, for example, C1-C20alkyl, C2-C20alkyl interrupted by one or more O atoms, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl-C1-C4alkyl, naphthyl, biphenylyl or an O—, S— or N-containing 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring; are reactive photo hardeners causing only a low degree of yellowing in the cured substrates.

Abstract: An actinic radiation curable, cationic polymerizable, ink and coating composition having greatly enhanced reactivity, and reduced viscosity and are low in odor comprised of an aqueous solution containing a cationic polymerizable compound such as an cycloaliphatic epoxy compound, a water compatible hydroxy functional cyclic ether compound, particularly, an epoxy or oxetane compound, and water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a UV-curable transfer ink which can be cured by UV and used to emboss a precise and clear pattern on a substrate. It comprises 20-40% by weight of a UV-reactive ink, 20-40% by weight of an acrylic copolymer, 4-6% by weight of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, 25-35% by weight of an organic solvent and 0.5-5% by weight of a bulking agent. A printing sheet is also provided, on which the transfer ink is printed in a predetermined pattern. An embossed pattern is obtained by applying the sheet to a substrate, exposing it to UV to cure the printed transfer ink, releasing the printing sheet to leave the cured transfer ink on the substrate, and etching the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photo-curable composition comprising the following components (A) to (C): (A) hydrolyzable silane compound represented by the general formula (1) or a hydrolyzate thereof: (R1)pSi(X)4−p (1) wherein R1 is a non-hydrolyzable organic group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, X is a hydrolyzable group, and p is an integer of 0 to 3; (B) photo acid generator; and (C) dehydrating agent. By such constitution, it is possible to provide a photo-curable composition which has a rapid photo-curable rate, is excellent in characteristics such as storage stability, heat resistance, weather-ability, scratch resistance and the like, and is applicable to base materials having low heat resistance such as plastics, as well as a cured product obtained therefrom.

Abstract: Polymerization of gels for electrophoresis with improved photoinitiators results in gels which are suitable for electrophoresis. The new initiator systems are much faster than current systems for making such gels. Moreover, the polymerization reaction can be conducted in the presence of oxygen, which greatly simplifies gel casting. In particular, it is possible with the invention to cast and use gels of acrylic monomers in a “submarine” mode, which was not previously possible with acrylamide gels. Continuous casting of gels is facilitated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a radiation curable silicone coating composition comprising an alkoxylated resin-polymer organosilicone network containing radiation curable functionality and a cationic photoinitiator. The radiation curable silicone compositions of this invention are useful as fast curing low and high release coating compositions which are especially suitable for release of pressure sensitive adhesives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation-curable binder BM consisting of a copolymer which is composed of: A) from 80 to 99% by weight of a hydroxyl-containing polyether acrylate and/or polyester acrylate A), which optionally contains a mono-, di- and/or polyamine AA) as adduct, and of B) from 1 to 20% by weight of benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid, its anhydrides and/or its esters. The invention additionally relates to processes for the preparation of the binder BM and to the use of the binders BM in radiation-curable coating compositions.

Abstract: Water-absorbing foamlike crosslinked polymers which are obtainable by (I) foaming a polymerizable aqueous mixture which consists of (a) monoethylenically unsaturated monomers containing acid groups, which are at least 50 mol % neutralized, (b) with or without other monoethylenically unsaturated monomers, (c) crosslinker, (d) initiators, (e) from 0.1 to 20% by weight of at least one surfactant, (f) with or without one or more solubilizers and (g) with or without thickeners, foam stabilizers, polymerization regulators, fillers and/or cell nucleating agents, the foaming being performed by dispersing fine bubbles of a gas inert to free radicals, and (II) polymerizing the foamed mixture with formation of a foamed hydrogel, with or without adjusting the water content of the foamed polymer to from 1 to 60% by weight, processes for their preparation and their use in sanitary articles which are used for absorbing body fluids and in dressing materials for covering wounds are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to moulded ophthalmic articles, especially contact lenses, which are obtainable by cross-linking a prepolymer which is the copolymerization product of (a) at least one polyalkylene glycol of the formula (1): HO--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O).sub.n --(CHY.sub.1 --CHY.sub.2 --O).sub.m --(CHY.sub.3 --CHY.sub.4 --O).sub.p --H or (1'): HO--[(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--)].sub.q --H, (b) at least one polyhydroxy compound selected from the group consisting of (I) a linear or branched aliphatic polyhydroxy compound of the formula (2): R.sub.1 --(OH--).sub.x or a polyether polyol or polyester polyol derived therefrom, and (ii) a cycloaliphatic polyol selected from the group polyhydroxy-C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 -cycloalkane and unsubstituted mono- or disaccharide, (c) at least one di- or polyisocyanate of the formula (3): R.sub.2 --(NCO).sub.

Abstract: Radiation-curable preparations comprise at least one polymer which has ethylenically unsaturated double bonds and are used for the coating of mineral moldings.A process for coating mineral moldings, and also mineral moldings which have a coating cured by radiation, are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of articles with a three-dimensional surface structure, in which a substrate is printed, at least one of the printing inks employed for the printing being varnish-repellent, and the printed substrate is then varnished. In accordance with the invention, the printed substrate is varnished with a radiation-curable varnish which contains no amino resin and comprisesA) from 18 to 99.9% by weight of an epoxy acrylate, a polyether acrylate or a polyester acrylate,B) from 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of a Bronsted acid or an acid anhydride,C) from 0 [sic] to 12% by weight of a photoinitiator,D) from 0 to 40% by weight of water or at least one organic solvent,E) from 0 [sic] to 10% by weight of a polyol which may be ethoxylated and/or propoxylated and has from 2 to 50 carbon atoms in the molecule, andF) from 0 [sic] to 30% by weight of other auxiliaries and additives,and the varnish coat applied is cured with high-energy radiation.

Abstract: A coating composition which is comprised of an emulsion of a silicone resin, typically a water-insoluble, silanol group-bearing silicone resin dispersed in water, and contains photocatalyst particles, typically titanium oxide forms a hydrophilic film having a water-drop contact angle of no more than 60.degree. when irradiated with UV-containing light. The composition eliminates the use of organic solvents and has excellent dispersion and storage stability. Films obtained by applying this coating composition to the surface of substrates have excellent weathering resistance and antifouling properties due to a self-cleaning effect arising from the photocatalytic action of the particles.

Abstract: A photocured crosslinked-hyaluronic acid gel, which has a storage modulus (G') of from 50 to 1500 Pa, a loss modulus (G") of from 10 to 300 Pa, and a tangent delta (G"/G') of from 0.1 to 0.8 in dynamic viscoelasticity at a frequency of 10 Hz, and which is a hydrogel obtained by irradiation with ultraviolet rays of a photoreactive hyaluronic acid derivative in which a photoreactive crosslinking group is chemically linked to a functional group of the hyaluronic acid and crosslinking of mutual photoreactive crosslinking groups, methods for preparing the same, and uses thereof as biomedical materials.

Abstract: Described are aqueous, radiation-curable coating compositions comprising:a) from 5.0 to 90.0% by weight of at least one water-dispersible polymer P comprising at least one .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated, radiation-polymerizable double bond,b) from 0.1 to 90% by weight of at least one radiation-curable compound S which is different from P and which is soluble in water or is dilutable with at least 10% by weight of water, based on the overall weight of the coating composition, and which comprises at least one .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated, radiation-polymerizable double bond,c) from 0 to 20% by weight of a photoinitiator,d) from 0 to 60% by weight of a filler,e) from 0 to 20% by weight of further additives,f) water to 100% by weight and their use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the production of mouldings, in particular contact lenses, in which a crosslinkable polymer comprising units containing crosslinkable groups, units containing a bound photoinitiator and, if desired, units containing further modifiers is crosslinked in solution, and to mouldings, in particular contact lenses, obtainable by this process. The present invention likewise relates to novel crosslinkable polymers which can be employed in the process, in particular derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 which comprises from about 0.5 to about 80%, based on the number of hydroxyl groups in the polyvinyl alcohol, of units of the formula I ##STR1## in which the variables are as defined in the description, and units of the formula IV, as defined in the description, which contain a bound photoinitiator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition of photopolymerizable coatings forming cosmetic films that are especially useful for human and animal nail coatings. The coating compositions are based on certain cellulose ester derivatives, which possess groups capable of free radical addition reactions with unsaturated ethylenic pendant groups on other compounds upon exposure to actinic radiation in the presence of an photoinitiator. The coating compositions contain solvents, pigments, modifying resins, plasticizers, and other compounds mixed and maintained in a liquid solution.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ink comprising a pigment, a water-soluble resin, a water-soluble monomer to be set by application of energy and a photopolymerization initiator in an aqueous liquid medium.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a friable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) product that has particles of a desired size which are flowable and do not tend to agglomerate. To achieve this result, the PTFE starting material is handled at a temperature below 66.degree. F., and preferably below 55.degree. F., before irradiating. The PTFE starting material may be mixed with a wetting agent before irradiating to provide a product that has enhanced dispersibility. The source of radiation may include electron beam radiation, nuclear radiation, or radiation from a cobalt-60 (CO.sub.60) source.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying a fluoropolymer including the following steps: providing a fluoropolymer surface, adding a solution including a a reactive species to the fluoropolymer surface, and exposing the reduced fluoropolymer surface to ultraviolet radiation in the presence of ozone or oxygen. The method reduces the discoloration of the fluoropolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of mouldings, especially contact lenses, in which a soluble prepolymer comprising crosslinkable groups is crosslinked in solution, and also to mouldings, especially contact lenses, obtainable in accordance with that process. The present invention relates also to novel prepolymers that can be used in the process according to the invention, especially derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 that, based on the number of hydroxy groups of the polyvinyl alcohol, comprise from approximately 0.5 to approximately 80% of units of formula I ##STR1## wherein R is lower alkylene having up to 8 carbon atoms,R.sup.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl andR.sup.

Abstract: An improved barrier or drug delivery system which is highly adherent to the surface to which it is applied is disclosed, along with methods for making the barrier. The barrier can be prepared by staining tissue with a photoinitiator, applying a solution containing a polymerizable barrier material solution and a photoinitiator to the tissue, and polymerizing the polymer solution on exposure to light. The resulting polymer adheres strongly to the tissue surface, and also forms a gel in the rest of the applied volume. The polymerizable barrier materials are highly useful for sealing tissue surfaces and junctions against leaks of fluids. The method can be used to adhere preformed barriers to tissue or other surfaces, or to adhere tissue surfaces to each other. Tissue surfaces can be adhered to each other to repair wounds. In addition to photochemical initiators, non-photochemical initiators and combinations of chemical initiators and photochemical initiators can be used.

Abstract: A free-radical polish composition is described. The composition can be applied and cured as an ultra thin film on finished surfaces to provide enhanced chemical and mar resistance. The composition comprises an aqueous emulsion including an olefin-functional polymer having low glass transition temperature or an olefin-functional prepolymer, and a silicone or silicone copolymer preferably with photoinitiators for UV and EB cure. The polish/emulsion can be applied, for example, to wet the surface of nitrocellulose lacquer wood finishes. The polish wet surface is first wiped to remove excess polish and thereafter exposed to UV radiation to provide a thin, polymerized permanent protective film on the polished surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new form of biocompatible materials (e.g., lipids, polycations, polysaccharides) which are capable of undergoing free radical polymerization, e.g., by using certain sources of light; methods of modifying certain synthetic and naturally occurring biocompatible materials to make polymerizable microcapsules containing biological material coated with said polymerizable materials, composites of said polymerizable materials, methods of making microcapsules and encapsulating biological materials therein, and apparatus for making microcapsules containing biological cells (particularly islets of Langerhans) coated with polymerizable alginate or with a composite thereof (e.g., alginate and PEG). The present invention also relates to drug delivery systems relating to the foregoing, as well as bioadhesives and wound dressings made utilizing the foregoing technology.

Abstract: This invention relates to dicyclopentyl-oxyethyl methacrylate acrylic copolymer latices forming photocurable coalesced films and prepared by adding a photoinitiator to the latex, and which are useful for preparing lacquers and paints, particularly for building facades.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a curable composition which comprises a) a N-substituted 4-(o-nitrophenyl)dihydropyridine which constitutes a base-generating substance that is caused to generate a base by the action of ultraviolet light, and (b) a silicone polymer (R.sub.2 SiO.sub.2/2)(RSiO.sub.3/2) containing silicon-hydrogen bonds (Si--H) which are capable of reacting with hydroxy groups to form silicon-oxygen bonds (Si--O) and hydrogen molecules (H.sub.2) under the effect of the base. This composition is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light. Patterns are formed by placing a mask between a coating film of the composition and the ultraviolet light source during the irradiation with ultraviolet light, and then dissolving and removing the uncured portions of the composition following said irradiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of mouldings, especially contact lenses, in which a soluble prepolymer comprising crosslinkable groups is crosslinked in solution, and also to mouldings, especially contact lenses, obtainable in accordance with that process. The present invention relates also to novel prepolymers that can be used in the process according to the invention, especially derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 that, based on the number of hydroxy groups of the polyvinyl alcohol, comprise from approximately 0.5 to approximately 80% of units of formula I ##STR1## wherein R is lower alkylene having up to 8 carbon atoms,R.sup.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl andR.sup.

Abstract: A method for hydrophilizing a hydrophobic plastic surface which exhibits a hydrophobic polymer that has hydrogens that bind to sp.sup.3 -hybridized carbon atoms, characterized by the steps of: (i) contacting the plastic surface with a liquid having dissolved therein (a) a hydrogen-abstracting UV-initiator and (b) a hydrophilic polymer which has one or more alkene groups; and (ii) irradiating the solution with UV light which activates the initiator.

Abstract: Gels for thermotropic layers, obtainable by irradiation of a mixture comprisinga) an uncrosslinked polymer,b) monomers capable of free-radical polymerization andc) water or an organic solvent or mixtures thereof, with high-energy light.

Abstract: This invention pertains to cross-linked hydrophilic polymeric films, the process of making such films, and their use. The films of this invention are produced by solubilizing a water-soluble polymer with a photosensitive or light degradable catalyst, optionally drying said solution, and exposing the solution to an energy source, particularly light. These films are suitable for use as a carrier for biologically active agents, such as pharmaceuticals, both human and veterinary, insecticides, and fertilizers; as hydrophilic membranes for separation processes; as bandages for wound treatment; as body implants or as coatings for such implants; and as coatings on glass, metal, wood or ceramics.

Abstract: This invention pertains to cross-linked hydrophilic polymeric films, the process of making such films, and their use. The films of this invention are produced by solubilizing a water-soluble polymer with a photosensitive or light degradable catalyst, optionally drying said solution, and exposing the solution to an energy source, particularly light. These films are suitable for use as a carrier for biologically active agents, such as pharmaceuticals, both human and veterinary, insecticides, and fertilizers; as hydrophilic membranes for separation processes; as bandages for wound treatment; as body implants or as coatings for such implants; and as coatings on glass, metal, wood or ceramics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of mouldings, especially contact lenses, in which a soluble prepolymer comprising crosslinkable groups is crosslinked in solution, and also to mouldings, especially contact lenses, obtainable in accordance with that process. The present invention relates also to novel prepolymers that can be used in the process according to the invention, especially derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 that, based on the number of hydroxy groups of the polyvinyl alcohol, comprise from approximately 0.5 to approximately 80% of units of formula I ##STR1## wherein R is lower alkylene having up to 8 carbon atoms,R.sup.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl andR.sup.