Abstract: Novel polyamide-metal laminates which have desirable hydrolysis resistance are provided. The laminates comprise (A) a metal, (B) a tie layer, and (C) a polyamide composition. The tie layer is formed from a composition containing (B1) a polymer containing a comonomer having at least two adjacent carboxylic acid groups and (B2) an amino-silane containing a primary amine and at least one hydroxyl group.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for forming an azide-grafted polymer. The process comprises mixing a free-radical-reactive polymer with a free-radical initiator and an azide monomer that contains at least one unsaturated C?C bond capable of reacting with a radical, under solid-state grafting conditions, to form an azide-grafted polymer. The formed azide-grafted polymer can be used to prepare a long-chain branched or cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and/or methods are provided to substantially reduce warping of a reinforced polymer. For example, by pre-stressing a glass component proportional to the difference between coefficients of linear expansions of glass and polymers, warping may be reduced when the resulting glass-polymer compound is cooled.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of graft polymers obtained by polymerization in two stages.

Abstract: The present invention provides random copolymers containing phosphorylcholine and one or more functional agents, and methods of preparing such random copolymers.

Abstract: A method for producing a conjugated diene polymer is provided that includes a step of polymerizing a conjugated diene-containing monomer in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an alkali metal catalyst, thus giving a polymer having a catalyst-derived alkali metal at one terminus of a polymer chain comprising a conjugated diene-based monomer unit, and a step of reacting the polymer obtained in the step of polymerizing and a trialkoxysilane compound represented by the formula below. (In the formula, Y and Z independently denote an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, R1, R2, and R3 independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, m denotes an integer of 1 to 5, and n denotes an integer of 0 to 5.

Abstract: The composition and preparation of multiple graft low molecular weight polymers useful as dispersants are described. The dispersants described are suitable for controlling sludge and varnish as well as soot. The product is useful as a lubricant additive and a fuel additive.

Abstract: Lactam polymers has been modified with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) to yield lactam polymers bearing hydroxyl functional groups. These functional groups are useful for the covalent attachment of reactive groups, fluorescent probes, antimicrobial agents, bioactive factors, and drugs. The resulting as components for medical devices, specifically ophthalmic devices and more specifically contact lenses. Hydrogels based on these polymers are also useful for biomedical applications in the areas of drug delivery, tissue engineering, and implantable devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical-use pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet, which includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer containing a polymer formed of one or more monomer ingredients containing, as an indispensable monomer ingredient, a monomer of which homopolymer has a glass transition temperature of not lower than ?10° C., said sheet having a moisture content of at least 0.65% by weight after stored in an environment at 60° C. and 95% RH for 120 hours. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is preferably an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising at least one propylene-based polymer, at least one peroxide and at least one coagent.

Abstract: A redox polymer for use in an electrochemical-based sensor includes a hydrophobic polymer backbone (e.g., a hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) polymer backbone) and at least one hydrophilic polymer arm (such as a hydrophilic oligo(N-vinylpyrrolidinone) polymer arm) attached to the hydrophobic polymer backbone. The redox polymer also includes a plurality of redox mediators (e.g., ferrocene-based redox mediators) attached to the at least one hydrophilic polymer arm.

Abstract: Provided are surface modified contact lenses formed from one or more fumaric- or itaconic-containing prepolymers having reactive functionality that is complimentary to surface modifying polymers.

Abstract: A redox polymer for use in an electrochemical-based sensor includes a hydrophobic polymer backbone (e.g., a hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) polymer backbone) and at least one hydrophilic polymer arm (such as a hydrophilic oligo(N-vinylpyrrolidinone) polymer arm) attached to the hydrophobic polymer backbone. The redox polymer also includes a plurality of redox mediators (e.g., ferrocene-based redox mediators) attached to the at least one hydrophilic polymer arm.

Abstract: Ionic hydrophilic high molecular weight redox polymers for use in enzymatic electrochemical-based sensors include a hydrophilic polymer (such as a hydrophilic polymer backbone) with ionic portions (e.g., cationic monomers incorporated in the hydrophilic polymer backbone) and a plurality of attached redox mediators. The redox mediators can be, for example, covalently attached to the hydrophilic polymer in a pendant manner. An exemplary cationic hydrophilic high molecular weight redox polymer is synthesized by co-polymerization of a hydrophilic acrylamide monomer, [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethyl ammonium chloride and vinyl ferrocene.

Abstract: Dispersion concentrates are claimed which consist of: I) 10-80% by weight of a crosslinked copolymer obtained by polymerization of 1 to 50% by weight of a cyclic N-vinylcarboxamide and 49.99 to 98.99 by weight of acryloyldimethyltauric acid, II) 20-90% by weight of a phase selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, an oil phase, and mixtures thereof, and III) up to 30% weight water based on the total weight of the stable dispersion concentrate. The stable dispersion concentrate is useful in preparing cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and dermatological compositions.

Abstract: A redox polymer for use in an electrochemical-based sensor includes a hydrophobic polymer backbone (e.g., a hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) polymer backbone) and at least one hydrophilic polymer arm (such as a hydrophilic oligo(N-vinylpyrrolidinone) polymer arm) attached to the hydrophobic polymer backbone. The redox polymer also includes a plurality of redox mediators (e.g., ferrocene-based redox mediators) attached to the at least one hydrophilic polymer arm.

Abstract: New polymers, and their applications in water-based wellbore service fluids, such as, for example, drilling fluids, yield desirable filtration control and rheological properties to such fluids even after exposure to HTHP aging. Typical temperatures encountered during such aging are around 350–400° F. and the duration of the exposure is some significant time such as 16 hours or longer. Preferably, the polymers are random terpolymers of N-vinylcaprolactam, vinyl sulfonate monomer 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, and monomer acrylamide, most preferably in a molar ratio of 15:20:65 respectively. The polymers reduce HTHP filtration volumes in fresh water, sea water, potassium chloride, and lime mud systems. The polymers may also be used to inhibit or reduce shale erosion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive system comprising at least one active surface of plastic from monomers containing at least one structural element derived from a carbon dioxide (A), and at least one substance associated to a linker with at least one structural element (B) capable of establishing a hydrogen bond, and involving an interaction between the structural elements (A) and (B). That interactive system is suitable for presenting and eliminating substances in liquids.

Abstract: Separation of a variety of analytes that are polar, nonpolar and ionic using functionalized polymeric media is disclosed. Preformed rigid particles of highly crosslinked homopolymer of polyvinylidene compounds are functionalize using the residual vinyl groups onto which monovinyl compounds are covalently bonded through polymerization. The functionalization imparts desirable surface properties for separation applications such as liquid chromatography and solid phase extraction.

Abstract: A thermal responsive, water soluble polymer. The polymer comprises the co-polymerization product of: (a) 5˜95 wt % of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIP); (b) 0.1˜80 wt % of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone (VPD); and optionally, (c) 0.1˜30 wt % of acrylic acid (AA). As the proportion of component (b) VPD increases, the Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) and water solubility of the polymer increases. On the other hand, as the proportion of component (c) AA increases, the Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) decreases and the COOH reactive groups increases, which impart high reactivity to the copolymer. By adjusting the proportion of the monomers, a broad range of LCST can be manipulated from about 20 to 80° C.

Abstract: A grafted polyolefin containing one or more of N-vinylimidazole, 4-vinylpyridine, or other ethylenically-unsaturated nitrogen-containing or oxygen-containing graftable monomers grafted to a polyolefin copolymer is disclosed. The grafted polyolefin preferably has a weight average molecular weight of from about 20,000 to about 500,000, a polydispersity of less than about 10, and an ADT value of at least about 8. The grafted polyolefin can be defined as containing more than about 1.2% by weight of grafted monomer on a polyolefin, or as containing at least about 13 moles of graftable monomers per mole of polyolefin, or as having an asphaltene dispersancy test (ADT) value of at least about 8. Also described is a lubricating oil comprising a lubricant base oil and a grafted polyolefin as described above. Also described is a method of making a dispersant viscosity index improver.

Abstract: A water-absorptive contact lens whose water content is in a range from 10% to 60% and which is formed of a polymeric material obtained by copolymerization of a polymerizable monomer composition that includes: (A) 20 to 70 wt. % of alkoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate having at least three ethylene glycol units, and (B) 30 to 80 wt. % of a silicon-containing macromonomer.

Abstract: This invention discloses resilient, acrylic graft polymers comprising &agr;-methylene lact(one)(am) monomers such as &agr;-methylene-&ggr;-butyrolactone, and blends of such polymers with thermoplastic matrix resins.

Abstract: N-halamine biocidal materials and coatings are provided. Monomeric oxazolidinones or hydantoins are homopolymerized or copolymerized with other monomers so as to produce materials or coatings, which upon exposure to solutions of chlorine or bromine become biocidal. The biocidal materials and coatings are effective at inactivating microorganisms upon surface contact and are regenerable following loss of efficacy upon further exposure to solutions of chlorine or bromine. Surfaces which could be treated with the materials and coatings include, but are not limited to: glass, plastic, metals, fibers, and wood for use in pool and tank liners, food wrappers, catheters, paints, tiles, shower walls, fabrics, sterile bandages, pipes, medical and dental coatings, preservatives, and the like.

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula:

Abstract: Amphiphilic fluorinated block copolymers are disclosed which are useful for increasing the dispersability of particles, preferably drug particles, in a fluorine-containing propellant.

Abstract: A grafted polyolefin containing one or more of N-vinylimidazole, 4-vinylpyridine, or other ethylenically-unsaturated nitrogen-containing or oxygen-containing graftable monomers grafted to a polyolefin copolymer is disclosed. The grafted polyolefin preferably has a weight average molecular weight of from about 20,000 to about 500,000, a polydispersity of less than about 10, and an ADT value of at least about 8. The grafted polyolefin can be defined as containing more than about 1.2% by weight of grafted monomer on a polyolefin, or as containing at least about 13 moles of graftable monomers per mole of polyolefin, or as having an asphaltene dispersancy test (ADT) value of at least about 8. Also described is a lubricating oil comprising a lubricant base oil and a grafted polyolefin as described above. Also described is a method of making a dispersant viscosity index improver.

Abstract: There is described the use of monomeric and polymeric N-pyrrolidinone-containing compounds as compatibilizers for plastic compositions, a process for improving the compatibility of plastic compositions, the improved plastic compositions obtainable thereby as well as novel polymeric N-pyrrolidinone-containing compounds.

Abstract: A grafted polyolefin containing one or more of N-vinylimidazole, 4-vinylpyridine, or other ethylenically-unsaturated nitrogen-containing or oxygen-containing graftable monomers grafted to a polyolefin copolymer is disclosed. The grafted polyolefin preferably has a weight average molecular weight of from about 20,000 to about 500,000, a polydispersity of less than about 10, and an ADT value of at least about 8. The grafted polyolefin can be defined as containing more than about 1.2% by weight of grafted monomer on a polyolefin, or as containing at least about 13 moles of graftable monomers per mole of polyolefin, or as having an asphaltene dispersancy test (ADT) value of at least about 8. Also described is a lubricating oil comprising a lubricant base oil and a grafted polyolefin as described above. Also described is a method of making a dispersant viscosity index improver.

Abstract: Modified polymers containing a poly(2-hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate) chain as the hydrophilic polymer segment in which a hydrophobic polymer chain or a lipid residue of a sterol is bound to either end of the poly(2-hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate) chain through a covalent bond or in which the poly(2-hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate) chain is grafted onto the backbone chain at either end thereof. These modified polymers are excellent in compatibility with liquid or a living body, thus being advantageously usable particularly in medical fields.

Abstract: Novel water-soluble or water-dispersible grafted copolymers comprising polyvinyl alcohol, vinylpyrrolidone or oxyalkylene oligomer or polymer units and hydrophilic copolymer units derived from ethylenically unsaturated anionic and amphoteric water-soluble monomers.

Abstract: What is described herein are conditioning/styling terpolymers of vinylpyrrolidone (VP), dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide (DMAPMA) and C9-C24 alkyl dimethylaminopropyl methacrylic acid quaternized monomers (QDMAPMA), in a defined compositional range. Hair and skin care compositions which include these terpolymers exhibit advantageous low tackiness and high humidity resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ring-opened polymer, which is prepared by reacting at least one pericyclic olefin elected from those represented by formulae (I) and (II) through ring-opening metathesis polymerization wherein A and B may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydrogen, C3-20 cyclic or pericyclic alkyl, C1-20 linear and branched alkyl, C6-20 aryl, C7-20 arylalkyl, C7-20 alkylaryl, silyl, alkylsilyl, germyl, alkylgermyl, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, and a heterocylic group; or, A and B are linked together to form a C3-20 saturated or unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon group or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group; C is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur,  —CH2—, and —SiH2—, wherein each R1 is independently selected from C1-20 alkyl and phenyl; each R is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, and C1-20 alkyl; and each n is an integer from 1 to 6

Abstract: Soot in a lubricated diesel engine is effectively dispersed without adversely affecting the viscosity of the lubricant by using a particular lubricant. The lubricant utilized comprises a lubricant base stock (e.g. more than 75% by weight), a dispersant (e.g. from 0.2-less than 4% from a detergent inhibitor (D1) package), and a functionalized viscosity index improver (e.g. from 0.1-2.5% by solids weight). The functionalized viscosity index improver is a highly functionalized graft copolymer reaction product of an oxygen, a nitrogen, or an oxygen and nitrogen containing, ethylenically unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic monomer having from 2 to about 50 carbon atoms grafted onto a polyolefin copolymer. Also, 0-2.5% by solids weight of another viscosity index improver besides the highly functionalized graft copolymer reaction product may be added, as well as other conventional additives.

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula:FG--(Q).sub.d --Z--J--[A(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3)].sub.x (I)wherein FG is a protected or non-protected functional group; Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons, alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof; d is an integer from 10 to 200; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; J is oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen; [A(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3)].sub.x is a protecting group, wherein A is an element selected from Group IVa of the Periodic Table of Elements; R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.

Abstract: A grafted polyolefin containing one or more of N-vinylimidazole, 4-vinylpyridine, or other ethylenically-unsaturated nitrogen-containing or oxygen-containing graftable monomers grafted to a polyolefin copolymer is disclosed. The grafted polyolefin preferably has a weight average molecular weight of from about 20,000 to about 500,000, a polydispersity of less than about 10, and an ADT value of at least about 8. The grafted polyolefin can be defined as containing more than about 1.2% by weight of grafted monomer on a polyolefin, or as containing at least about 13 moles of graftable monomers per mole of polyolefin, or as having an asphaltene dispersancy test (ADT) value of at least about 8. Also described is a lubricating oil comprising a lubricant base oil and a grafted polyolefin as described above. Also described is a method of making a dispersant viscosity index improver.

Abstract: A grafted polyolefin containing at least about 13 moles of N-vinylimidazole or other ethylenically-unsaturated nitrogen-containing and/or oxygen-containing monomers per mole of a grafted polyolefin backbone is disclosed. The graft polyolefin has a weight average molecular weight of from about 20,000 to about 500,000 and a polydispersity of less than about 10. The grafted polyolefin can alternatively be defined as containing more than about 1.2% by weight of grafted monomer on a polyolefin. Also described is a lubricating oil comprising a lubricant base oil and a grafted polyolefin as described above. Also described is a method of making a dispersant-viscosity index improver. N-vinylimidazole or other ethylenically unsaturated nitrogen-containing and/or oxygen-containingmonomers and a graftable polyolefin are reacted with enough of an initiator to graft at least about 13 moles of the monomer to each mole of the polyolefin.

Abstract: Polymers comprising reversible hydrophobic functionalities are disclosed. The preferred embodiment polymers comprise Lewis acid segments and Lewis base segments. The polymer segments are, by themselves, hydrophilic and will either swell or dissolve in water. When the segments are incorporated into a polymer according to the present invention, the segments form water-insoluble or hydrophobic complexes. Upon changes in pH, temperature or solvent type, these complexes may dissociate, giving large transitions in polymer viscosity, emulsification ability, mechanical strength or transport properties. These polymers are useful as reversible emulsifiers which form stable emulsions at acidic pH and unstable emulsions at basic pH, as water-borne thickeners having low viscosity at low pH and high viscosity at high pH, as superabsorbing resins, or as coatings for pharmaceutical or agricultural agents.

Abstract: A covalently crosslinked absorbent graft copolymer is provided comprised of a water-soluble base monomer and a water-soluble or water-dispersible macromer. In a preferred embodiment, the water-soluble base monomer comprises a carboxylic hydroxyalkyl ester monomer and the water-soluble macromer comprises an ethoxylated or propoxylated hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate. The covalently crosslinked absorbent graft copolymer exhibits desirable water absorbency and water vapor transmission rates and may be used in a variety of medical applications such as a wound dressing, medical adhesive or biomedical electrode.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there are provided a process for producing a vinyl alcohol polymer comprising reaction of a vinyl ester polymer (A) having an epoxy group with a compound (B) having a thiol or thioester group and hydrolysis thereof, said hydrolysis being conducted during or after said reaction; and a process for producing a vinyl alcohol polymer comprising reaction of a vinyl ester polymer (C) having a thiol or thioester group with a compound (D) having an epoxy group and hydrolysis thereof, said hydrolysis being conducted during or after said reaction. According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently introduce into PVA various functional groups having excellent reactivity, crosslinkability, ionic interactivity, water-solubility, interfacial physical properties, low-temperature flexibility, etc., under relatively mild reaction conditions.

Abstract: Copolymers containing carboxyl groups in aqueous dispersion form or redispersible powder form and their water-soluble salts, based on ethylenically unsaturated and copolymerizable monomers, the macro-molecules of which contain at least 24% by weight of monomer units carrying carboxyl groups prepared, by emulsion copolymerization initiated by free radicals in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) dissolved in the aqueous phase and isolation of the copolymers in aqueous dispersion form, and optionally subsequent removal of water by spray drying to obtain redispersible copolymer powders and processes for their preparation and their use as thickeners in aqueous formulations which copolymers, by conversion into their water-soluble salt forms, are useful as thickening agents having a surprisingly advantageous rheology-modifying action in aqueous systems.

Abstract: A method is provided for the production of a water-soluble or water-dispersible copolymer. The copolymer is comprised of a water-soluble base monomer and/or a water-soluble or water-dispersible macromer. The disclosed method involves a two step polymerization procedure wherein in a first step a minor portion of the reactants are polymerized to conversion under conditions which result in the formation of a low molecular weight product, and in a second step the remaining portion of the reactants are polymerized to conversion in the presence of the reaction product of the first step under conditions which result in the production of a higher molecular weight product.

Abstract: A grafted polyolefin containing N-vinylimidazole, 4-vinylpyridine, or other ethylenically-unsaturated nitrogen- or oxygen-containing graftable monomers grafted to a polyolefin copolymer. The grafted polyolefin preferably has a weight average molecular weight of from about 20,000 to about 500,000 and a polydispersity of less than about 10. The grafted polyolefin can contain more than about 1.2% by weight of grafted monomer or 13 or more moles of graftable monomers per mole of polyolefin and have an asphaltene dispersancy test (ADT) value of at least about 8. Also described is a lubricating oil comprising such a grafted polyolefin. Also described is a method of making a grafted polyolefin dispersant viscosity index improver by adding the graft monomer or the initiator slowly during the reaction. The present reaction can optionally be carried out by providing a melted reactant composition in an extruder or other polymeric mixer.

Abstract: Adhesive beads comprise a core comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive material and an essentially discontinuous organic polymer disposed about the core. The beads are free-flowing at room temperature. Upon application of heat and/or pressure the core is activated and blends with the coating to provide a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A water-soluble or water-dispersible pressure sensitive adhesive is provided comprised of a normally-tacky copolymer of a water-soluble base monomer and a water-soluble or water-dispersible macromer. In a preferred embodiment, the water-soluble base monomer comprises a carboxylic hydroxyalkyl ester monomer and the water-soluble macromer comprises an ethoxylated or propoxylated hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate.

Abstract: Adhesive beads comprise a core comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive material and an essentially discontinuous organic polymer disposed about the core. The beads are free-flowing at room temperature. Upon application of heat and/or pressure the core is activated and blends with the coating to provide a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A grafted polyolefin containing at least about 13 moles of N-vinylimidazole or other ethylenically-unsaturated nitrogen-containing and/or oxygen-containing monomers per mole of a grafted polyolefin backbone is disclosed. The graft polyolefin has a weight average molecular weight of from about 20,000 to about 500,000 and a polydispersity of less than about 10. The grafted polyolefin can alternatively be defined as containing more than about 1.2% by weight of grafted monomer on a polyolefin. Also described is a lubricating oil comprising a lubricant base oil and a grafted polyolefin as described above. Also described is a method of making a dispersant-viscosity index improver. N-vinylimidazole or other ethylenically unsaturated nitrogen-containing and/or oxygen-containing monomers and a graftable polyolefin are reacted with enough of an initiator to graft at least about 13 moles of the monomer to each mole of the polyolefin.

Abstract: A water-soluble or water-dispersible pressure sensitive adhesive is provided comprised of a normally-tacky copolymer of a water-soluble base monomer and a water-soluble or water-dispersible macromer. In a preferred embodiment, the water-soluble base monomer comprises a carboxylic hydroxyalkyl ester monomer and the water-soluble macromer comprises an ethoxylated or propoxylated hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate.

Abstract: A water-absorptive contact lens obtained by saponification of a copolymer composed essentially of (A) from 1 to 30% by weight of a (meth)acrylate polymer having at least one polymerizable group per molecule on an average obtained by copolymerizing (a) an alkyl (meth)acrylate and (b) a monomer having at least two polymerizable groups per molecule, as the main components; (B) from 45 to 95% by weight of a fatty acid vinyl ester; (C) from 0.02 to 10% by weight of a crosslinking agent which is not decomposable by saponification; and (D) from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a crosslinking agent which is decomposable by saponification.

Abstract: Multilayered barrier structures comprising a gas barrier layer of a non-chlorine containing organic polymer which is substantially impermeable to oxygen gas and a moisture barrier layer of a mesophase propylene-based material are provided. These structures are environmentally compatible and radiation resistant, and exhibit one or more additional properties, including gas barrier properties, moisture barrier properties, toughness, heat sealability, softness, and quietness during wrinkling. Also provided are methods of preparing and using such multilayered barrier structures, and articles, such as films, pouches, and tubings, formed from these structures.