Abstract: A hydrophobic molecular sieve having a pore size of about 5 ? can be blended into a silane grafted crosslinkable polyethylene to reduce the level of extractable methanol present in articles made with such polymeric compositions after crosslinking. The molecular sieve apparently acts to “lock-up” the methanol generated as a by-product of the crosslinking reaction without compromising the desirable chemical or physical properties of articles that are manufactured with the crosslinked polyethylene.

Abstract: The present invention describes plastic materials and food additives that are free or substantially free from endocrine disruptive chemicals. The plastic materials may be used in products which are exposed to individuals in which endocrine disruptive activity is particularly disadvantageous, such as baby bottles, baby toys, food containers, medical containers, animal cages and medical products. The food additives may be used in food products that are ingested by individuals in which endocrine disruptive activity is particularly disadvantageous, such as newborns or the physically infirm. The present invention also describes a series of assays which, when performed in combination, provide a novel method for determining the presence of endocrine disruptive activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of wood-base materials for the production of furniture parts, wall claddings, insulation materials and the like for reducing the formaldehyde content in the ambient air, the wood-base materials (iii) comprising polyamine as a binder or (iv) comprising a binder differing from polyamine and additionally having polyamine in or on the outer layers of the wood-base material and the polyamine having a molecular weight of at least 500 g/mol and at least 6 primary or secondary amino groups.

Abstract: A composition providing electrically conductive adhesive hydrogels suitable for use as skin contact adhesives and, particularly, suitable for use as an electrical interface for disposable medical devices. The present hydrogels provide for reduced skin irritation and/or malodor properties, hydrate a subject's skin, readily wet around a subject's skin surface hair, and protect against burning of a subject upon or due to electrical stimulation through the hydrogel. These hydrogels generally include a monomer, a first initiator, a solubilizer, and a cross-linking agent. The present hydrogels also desirably include a buffer system to help prevent discoloration of the hydrogels and/or hydrolysis of the hydrogels as well as to improve shelf-life. Other additives such as conductivity enhancers, pharmaceuticals, humectants, plasticizers, skin health agents, etc. may be added to the present hydrogels either before or after curing.

Abstract: This invention provides a grip for a tool that is treated with an anti-microbial material to minimize germs from passing from one person to another. The anti-microbial material includes: about 90% by weight of feldspar particles; about 5% by weight of alumina whiskers; about 2% by weight of silver; and about 3% by weight of zinc. The grip can be formed for a variety of tools such as a soldering iron.

Abstract: An ionically conductive polymeric composition is disclosed. The composition is especially useful for coating an implantable hot can defibrillator electrode. The polymeric composition, for example, polyethylene oxide containing NaCl or a similar ionic medium, can be used to coat and fill the pores of a high surface area electrode to provide a continuous ionic network from the can to the adjacent body tissue. The conductive polymeric composition is biocompatible, chemically and mechanically stable and does not dissolve or leach out over the useful lifetime of the defibrillator. A hot can defibrillator employing the polymeric coating avoids development of high polarization at the can/tissue interface and maintains a more uniform defibrillation threshold than conventional implantable defibrillators, thus increasing the feasibility of pectoral implantation, particularly in a “dry pocket” environment.

Abstract: Physiologically acceptable and non-corrosive silicone compositions are used for treating surfaces such as glass, porcelain, ceramic, marble, granite, metal, coated metal, plastic, wood, painted wood, cement, leather, textile, cloth, and other hard or soft composite surfaces, to render them water and soil repellent. Volatile organic compound (VOC) free cream, paste, powder and solid compositions are provided by the inclusion of particulate stabilizers in the silicone compositions. Solventless silicone compositions provide numerous advantages with improved water and soil repellency qualities.

Abstract: Copolymeric binders for use in paperboard-coating compositions are provided, which exhibit lower gel content than the latices employed in conventional paperboard-coating compositions. Paperboard-coating compositions incorporating the copolymeric binders of the present invention exhibit improved glueability. More specifically, paperboard coated with the composition of the present invention requires less time to develop backside fiber tear in comparison to conventional paperboard, at no sacrifice to the remaining paperboard properties.

Abstract: A soft hydrogel containing a triblock copolymer and water is disclosed. The copolymer has formula (I): X-G-Y, wherein G is a non-hydroxylated hydrophilic linear polymer block containing p repetitive units, where p is a number from 10 to 150, each of X and Y is a polyester block containing m and n repetitive units, respectively, and the ratio (m+n)/p is high enough for said copolymer to be water-insoluble, said ratio (m+n)/p being selected in such a way that adding water to a solution of the copolymer in a water-miscible organic solvent leads to the formation of a soft hydrogel capable of retaining an amount of water at least as great as the weight of said copolymer. Said hydrogel is suitable for retaining and gradually releasing hydrophobic substance and/or hydrophilic macromolecules, including drugs.

Abstract: Elastomeric silicones, especially elastomeric silicone polyethers, are prepared by combining and reacting (A) an ≡Si—H containing polysiloxane, (B) a mono-alkenyl polyether, (C) an active ingredient such as a vitamin, antimicrobial agent, sunburn prevention agent, astringent, or sex hormone, (D) an &agr;,&ohgr;-unsaturated hydrocarbon, (E) a platinum catalyst, and (F) an oil. The reaction of components (A)-(F) is allowed to continue, forming a crosslinked three-dimensional gelled network of the elastomeric silicone polyether containing the active ingredient and the oil. The compositions are useful in personal and health care applications, personal hygiene, and household cleaning applications.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel barrier webs that have certain desirable physical qualities such as water resistance, increased durability, improved barrier qualities and the like. The present invention further comprises a barrier web comprising a web that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selective binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.

Abstract: In the present invention method, the surface of articles made of acrylic polymers and methacrylic polymers are converted into thin biomimetic layers by using the process involving at least the following two steps:(a) The polymer surface is contacted, in the presence of water and for a predetermined reaction time necessary to form a continuous surface layer thinner than about 500 microns, with a solution containing one or more tetraalkylammonium hydroxides of the general formula:R.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 R.sub.4 N.sup.+ OH.sup.-where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 are the alkyl substituents, in which the sum of the number of carbon atoms is equal to or larger than 8 but smaller than 45; and,(b) The article is removed from the aqueous reaction solution and excess of tetraalkylammonium hydroxide is removed from the polymer surface by washing the polymer with a liquid miscible with the tetraalkylammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: This invention involves a novel paint formulation comprising a phosphate or metal sulfide heavy metal reactive compound, a binder, a solubilizing compound and a buffer which acts as a carrier for heavy metal reactive chemicals so that when this novel paint is applied to a heavy metal painted surface and both are subsequently removed, the heavy metal paint waste is rendered non-hazardous under the TCLP test.

Abstract: Opened-celled porous plastics or natural products are made flame retardant by coating the cell walls with a liquid containing carbonization auxiliaries and/or flame retardant agents. The excess liquid is removed and the mass is dried. The open-celled porous mass now has good fire characteristics. The carbonization auxiliaries and/or flame retardant agents may also be used in the production of the open-celled porous organic masses. These flame retardant porous masses may be used in furniture, mattresses, fire barriers, textile coating, laminates, linings and as insulators.

Abstract: The present invention provides an addition-curable composition containing an inorganic, organic or organometalic compound of palladium in an amount effective to reduce the amount of hydrogen gas evolved in the reaction of the composition. A preferred embodiment is a dental impression material composition comprising: (a) an addition-curable compound; (b) a crosslinker; (c) a platinum-containing catalyst; and (d) a palladium compound. This generally provides a positive gypsum model of, for example, a dental impression that is substantially free of pits.

Abstract: A polymeric device and method for the control of insects on animals is disclosed. The device is in the form of an ear tag or other shape which can be attached to an animal using known techniques. A unique polymer/insecticidal formulation is provided by combining an ectoparasiticidal active compound, such as one or more organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and organochlorines, with a polyurethane polymer. The polymer is the reaction product of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polytetramethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol. By utilizing the particular polymers described, high loadings of insecticides are possible and the resulting product shows no tendency to exude insecticide during prolonged storage. The product made according to the invention can provide effective control of horn flies on cattle for six months or more utilizing a single ear tag or the like where it would take two tags constructed according to the prior art to achieve comparable results.

Abstract: An interpenetrating gel and a method of forming an interpenetrating gel which undergoes a significantly large volume change in response to a physical or chemical stimululs is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing a powdered carboxyl-containing polymer comprising mixing a solution of a water-insoluble polymer containing a carboxyl group per molecule in a hydrophilic organic solvent (e.g., ethanol) and an aqueous solution of a dispersant comprising a neutralized copolymer of a carboxyl-containing unsaturated monomer and a (meth)acrylic ester to precipitate the water-insoluble polymer. Fine polymer particles free from adhesion or agglomeration are obtained efficiently. Since any residual unreacted carboxyl-containing monomers are dissolved out in water as a precipitating solvent, the resulting powdered polymer has a reduced residual content of the unreacted monomers which may be poisonous and is therefore useful as a base resin of cosmetics or a coating resin for applications involving contact with the skin.

Abstract: A polymeric device and method for the control of insects on animals is disclosed. The device is in the form of an ear tag or other shape which can be attached to an animal using known techniques. A unique polymer/insecticidal formulation is provided by combining an ectoparasiticidal active compound, preferably an organophosphate, with a polyurethane polymer. The polymer is the reaction product of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polytetramethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol. By utilizing the particular polymers described, high loadings of insecticides are possible and the resulting product shows no tendency to exude insecticide during prolonged storage. The product made according to the invention can provide effective control of horn flies on cattle for six months or more utilizing a single ear tag or the like where it would take two tags constructed according to the prior art to achieve comparable results.

Abstract: A clinically-acceptable hydrophilic silicone-based soft gas permeable contact lens produced by subjecting the lens material to extraction with a hydrophilic, polar group-containing, organic solvent followed by replacement of the organic solvent with a physiological saline solution.

Abstract: A sanitary rubber composition or article comprising a synthetic rubber prepared by solution polymerization and a fine powder of polyethylene having a molecular weight of 1.times.10.sup.6 to 1.times.10.sup.9 and having excellent chemical and physical properties is described.

Abstract: A substantially nonthixotropic composition capable of minimizing the amount of airborne asbestos particles released during removal of asbestos from a structural unit and encapsulating the removed asbestos to permanently prevent the release of airborne asbestos particles. The composition includes (i) a major proportion of water, (ii) a nonionic-surfactant-stabilized latex, such as a latex of styrene butyl rubber, having a viscosity of less than about 300 cps and a maximum particle size of less than about 0.4 microns, (iii) sufficient nonionic surfactant to reduce the surface tension of the composition to less than about 40 dynes per cm, and (iv) a cationic surfactant. Optionally, the composition may further include a defoamant, a corrosion inhibitor, a pH buffering agent, a freezing point depressant and/or a dye.

Abstract: A novel antiwicking composition is provided for which comprises a fluorinated ethylene/propylene copolymer, a polymeric fluoroaliphatic ester, a liquid carrier, and a dispersant. Preferably, the novel antiwicking compositions also comprise a wetting/saturating agent. A method for imparting antiwicking properties to a fabric also is provided for, which method comprises applying the novel antiwicking compositions to the fabric. Additionally, fabrics having more universal resistance to wicking are provided for, which nonwicking fabrics comprise fabrics treated with the novel antiwicking compositions.

Abstract: A substantially nonthixotropic composition capable of minimizing the amount of airborne asbestos particles released during removal of asbestos from a structural unit and encapsulating the removed asbestos to permanently prevent the release of airborne asbestos particles. The composition includes (i) a major proportion of water, (ii) a nonionic-surfactant-stabilized latex, such as a latex of styrene butyl rubber, having a viscosity of less than about 300 cps and a maximum particle size of less than about 0.4 microns, (iii) sufficient nonionic surfactant to reduce the surface tension of the composition to less than about 40 dynes per cm, and (iv) a cationic surfactant. Optionally, the composition may further include a defoamant, a corrosion inhibitor, a pH buffering agent, a freezing point depressant and/or a dye.

Abstract: Air is mechanically entrained in an aqueous solution of surfactant, polyamine reactant, and low moisture sensitive poly(oxyalkylene) poly(aliphatic isocyanate) prepolymer the poly(oxyalkylene) portion of which contains sufficient oxyethylene units to render the prepolymer water-soluble and hydrophilic, to form a fluid, water-based, air foam which is sprayed or otherwise applied to exposed surface of a substrate, such as a body of hazardous material, the applied foam gelling or increasing in viscosity, due to reaction of the polyisocyanate prepolymer with the polyamine in the presence of the water to form a poly(oxyalkylene) polyurea polymer containing polyurylene-containing segments formed from the reaction, and forming a persistent gelled air foam or viscous air foam in the form of a coating on the exposed surface, thus sealing or otherwise protecting or controlling the substrate.