Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing PHA capable of providing PHA (for example, a PHA powder) having excellent thermal stability with high productivity. The present invention is a method for producing polyhydroxyalkanoic acid, the method including a step (a) and a step (b) below: step (a) of preparing an aqueous suspension liquid containing polyhydroxyalkanoic acid and polyvinyl alcohol and having a pH of 7 or less; and step (b) of spray-drying the aqueous suspension liquid prepared in the step (a).

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to surgical gown with two distinctive features. 1) the back of the gown and the back of the gown sleeves are a contrasting or bright color and 2) these same two-toned gown areas, back of sleeves and gown back top to bottom could also have a resin painted on that would transfer to any object it comes into contact with. Resin transfer will result in a visible change in the gown, a color change and/or bare spot in the resin loss region of the gown.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser-ablatable mask film for the exposing of relief printing plates and screen printing stencils, comprising at least (i) a dimensionally stable base sheet, (ii) a UV-transparent adhesion layer, and (iii) a laser-ablatable mask layer, characterized in that the laser-ablatable mask layer (iii) comprises a) a binder comprising a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol, b) a material which absorbs UV/VIS light and IR light, and c) optionally an inorganic filler.

Abstract: A PPTC device is provided. The PPTC device may include a first electrode and a second electrode, disposed opposite the first electrode. The PPTC device may include a PPTC layer, disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, the PPTC layer comprising a polymer matrix formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material.

Abstract: A molecular sieve of *MRE framework can be synthesized using one or more of (2-hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium cations, (2-hydroxpropyl)trimethylammonium cations, propyltrimethylammonium cations, and benzyltrimethylammonium cations as a structure directing agent.

Abstract: Methods for making a bearing are disclosed, wherein the bearing includes a substratum and a self-lubricating surface coating composition. The self-lubricating surface coating composition further includes at least one cured thermosetting acrylate and at least one phenolic resin. Methods includes the step of disposing the self-lubricating surface coating composition onto the substratum.

Abstract: Fibers or one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional fibrous structures configured to be hydrogelling, produced from fibers made of a first fiber raw material, whereby the first fiber raw material contains water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol and/or polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, whereby the hydrogelling configuration of the fibers or fibrous structures is achieved by tempering the fiber raw material at a predetermined tempering temperature that is preferably higher than the glass transition temperature and/or lower than the melting or decomposition temperature of the first fiber raw material employed, as well as by tempering for a predetermined tempering duration, and whereby the fiber raw material is cross-linked by the tempering.

Abstract: Self-lubricated bearings contain a substratum and a self-lubricating surface coating composition disposed thereon, wherein the self-lubricating surface coating composition further contains at least one cured thermosetting acrylate and at least one phenolic resin. The phenolic resin preferably contains a mixture of phenolic resin and polyvinyl formal resin. A self-lubricating surface coating composition is also provided, as well as several methods of making the bearings. The self-lubricated bearings of the present invention have surprisingly long service lives.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing thermoplastic resin compositions, the method comprising the step of melt-blending (A) a thermoplastic elastomer composition, obtained by dispersing (ii) an acid anhydride-modified or epoxy-modified rubber in (i) an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, with (B-1) a resin composition comprising at least one resin selected from (i) unmodified polyamide resins and modified polyamide resins or (B-2) a thermoplastic elastomer composition obtained by dispersing (ii) an acid anhydride-modified or epoxy-modified rubber in (i) at least one resin selected from unmodified polyamide resins and modified polyamide resins. Said thermoplastic elastomer composition has excellent gas barrier properties and the decrease in gas barrier properties associated with fatigue has been reduced.

Abstract: A process for preparing mechanically stabilized polyazoles, comprising the following steps: I) treating at least one polyazole having at least one amino group in a repeat unit with a solution comprising (i) at least one strong acid and (ii) at least one stabilizing reagent, the total content of stabilizing reagents in the solution being in the range from 0.01 to 30% by weight, II) performing the stabilization reaction directly and/or in a subsequent processing step by heating to a temperature greater than 25° C., the stabilizing reagent used being at least one polyvinyl alcohol. The polyazoles thus obtainable are notable especially for a high conductivity and a very good mechanical stability. They are therefore especially suitable for applications in fuel cells.

Abstract: A metal adsorbent which can adsorb a wide variety of metals, can conform to various uses, and adsorbs metals in large amounts. Metal adsorbents in various forms, which have the property of highly efficiently adsorbing metals, are produced by (a) a method in which a polyamine polymer is chemically bonded and immobilized to a porous support, (b) a method in which a polyamine polymer is blended into a solution of a raw material for fibers and the mixture is formed into fibers by wet-spinning or dry spinning, and (c) a method in which a polyamine polymer is blended into a solution of a film-forming polymer and the mixture is formed into a film by a method of film formation from solution.

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for providing melt processable poly(vinyl alcohol) blends and poly(vinyl alcohol) based membranes are generally disclosed.

Abstract: Composite polyamide fine particles include a polyamide (A1) which has a melting point or a glass transition temperature of over 100° C. and a polymer (A2) which is different from the polyamide (A1). The composite polyamide fine particles have: a dispersion structure in which a plurality of domains each having an average particle diameter of 0.05 to 100 ?m whose main component is the polymer (A2) are dispersed in a polyamide (A1) based matrix; an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 500 ?m; and a sphericity of 80 or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of poly(amino oxalate) (PAOX) using oxalyl chloride, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and piperazinediethanol, the preparation of biodegradable polymer particles using the PAOX, and the use of PAOX particles as a drug delivery vehicle. The PAOX according to the present invention is a polymer that has three characteristics of biodegradability, biocompatibility, and cationic properties at the same time with appropriate hydrophobicity and thus can be prepared as particles that allow rapid drug release. Moreover, the particles improve the delivery efficiency of a drug into cells and thus can be efficiently used as a drug delivery vehicle for the treatment of acute inflammatory diseases such as acute liver failure and acute lung injury.

Abstract: A resin composition, contains: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A); a thermoplastic polyurethane (B); and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C), wherein an isocyanate group content (mole) in raw materials of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is greater than a hydroxyl group content (mole) therein, an isocyanate group content (mole) in raw materials of the thermoplastic polyurethane (B) is nearly equal to a hydroxyl group content (mole) therein, and the thermoplastic polyurethane (B) and the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C) have a mass ratio (B/C) of from 70/30 to 99/1 and a content of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A), based on 100 parts by mass of a total of the thermoplastic polyurethane (B) and the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C), is from 1 to 30 parts by mass. Thus, a resin composition is provided that contains thermoplastic polyurethanes and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and is good in melt shapability.

Abstract: A plastic preform, container or article includes a multilayer wall having at least one layer of a matrix resin, at least one layer of a barrier resin, an adhesion-promoting material blended with the barrier resin and/or matrix resin, and an active oxygen barrier composition blended with the barrier resin and/or matrix resin. The adhesion-promoting material promotes bonding between the barrier and matrix resin layers and includes an amine polymer, preferably an imine polymer having a number of available primary, secondary or tertiary amine groups. The matrix resin preferably is an ester-containing resin, such as PET. The barrier resin preferably is EVOH. The active oxygen barrier composition includes a metal with an additive compound, and may also include a host polymer.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to storage stable aqueous solutions of stilbene optical brighteners with polyvinyl alcohols which can be directly used by the papermaker in that they may be diluted with water and/or be metered directly into a coating composition, to provide coated papers of a particularly high whiteness.

Abstract: A polyester/glyoxalated polyvinyl alcohol semi-interpenetrating polymer network hot-melt adhesive and preparation method therefore, mainly inlcudes the steps of: 1) transesterification of certain amounts of dimethyl terephthalate and another dibasic ester with 1,4-butanediol and other diols in the presence of an organotin catalyst under a nitrogen atmosphere in a reactor, completed upon the amount of distillation of a monohydric alcohol byproduct reaching greater than 95% of the theoretical amount; 2) after the temperature is maintained for a period of time, adding in a stabilizer and a polycondensation catalyst and incrementally increasing the temperature to trigger a polycondensation reaction under a reduced pressure to produce particles of a copolymer, and freezing and pulverizing the copolymer particles to produce a powder of a copolyester; 3) uniformly blending a polyvinyl alcohol/glyoxal mixture with the powder produced in step 2) at ambient temperature to produce the target product.

Abstract: A dynamically vulcanized alloy contains at least one isobutylene-containing elastomer and at least one thermoplastic resin, wherein the elastomer is present as a dispersed phase of small vulcanized or partially vulcanized particles in a continuous phase of the thermoplastic resin. The dynamically vulcanized alloy also contains an anhydride functionalized oligomer. The alloy maintains a high Shore A hardness value while obtaining improved flowability for processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymerizate in the form of an aqueous polymer dispersion, the polymerizate being obtainable by radical polymerization of monomers in an aqueous medium in the presence of a free radical initiator and a protective colloid, wherein the monomers comprise a) 50-99.99 wt. % of at least one vinyl monomer chosen from the group of vinyl esters, (meth)acrylic esters, vinyl aromatic compounds, vinyl halides, and olefins, and b) 0.01-30 wt. % of at least one macromonomer M, the macromonomer M being a reaction product of components (i), (ii), and (iii), said —component (i) having at least one olefinically unsaturated group and at least one hydroxyl, amine and/or thiol group, —component (ii) being a di- or triisocyanate, and —component (iii) having at least two terminal groups selected from hydroxyl, amine and/or thiol groups, c) 0-20 wt % of at least one vinyl monomer with at least one functional group, wherein the monomers a), b), and c) sum up to 100 wt. % of total monomers employed.

Abstract: Provided is a composite of saponified product of an ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer from which films excellent in gas barrier properties and film rigidity and highly inhibited from having fish eyes are obtained. It is a process for producing a composite of saponified product of an ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer, which comprises: mixing a composition (a) containing a saponified product of ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer (A1) and having a moisture content of 50% by weight or higher with a water-swellable layered inorganic compound (B) to obtain a composition (C); and mixing the composition (C) in the state of having a moisture content of 10% by weight or higher and less than 60% by weight with a saponified product of ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer (A2).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an encapsulant for solar cells, which can improve the load bearing property, and achieve the frameless implementation, the use of inexpensive glass, and the reduction in weight for solar cells. In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide an interlayer film for laminated glass, which is excellent in adhesion to glass, and able to improve the load bearing property of laminated glass. The present invention relates to an encapsulant for solar cells or an interlayer film for laminated glass, which has a storage elastic modulus of 1000 to 4000 MPa measured at a frequency of 0.3 Hz and 25° C. in accordance with JIS K 7244-4 and a compression shear strength of 5 to 80 MPa measured at 25° C. for a laminate with glass bonded at both surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric compositions comprising a biodegradable copolymer that possesses shape-memory properties and implantable devices (e.g., drug-delivery stents) formed of materials (e.g., a coating) containing such compositions. The polymeric compositions can also contain at least one non-fouling moiety, at least additional biocompatible polymer, at least one biobeneficial material, at least one bioactive agent, or a combination thereof. The polymeric compositions are formulated to possess good mechanical, physical and biological properties. Moreover, implantable devices formed of materials comprising such compositions can be delivered to the treatment site in a conveniently compressed size and then can expand to dimensions appropriate for their medical functions.

Abstract: Provided is a resin composition from which a melt molded product which is excellent in transparency, gas barrier property and flexibility and has biodegradability can be obtained. The present invention relates to a resin composition, which comprises a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin (i) comprising a structural unit represented by the following general formula (1) and an aliphatic-aromatic polyester (ii) comprising a specific component, wherein each of R1, R2 and R3 independently represents a hydrogen atom or an organic group, X represents a single bond or a bonding chain, and each of R4, R5 and R6 independently represents a hydrogen atom or an organic group.

Abstract: Fibers or one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional fibrous structures configured to be hydrogelling, produced from fibers made of a first fiber raw material, whereby the first fiber raw material contains water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol and/or polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, whereby the hydrogelling configuration of the fibers or fibrous structures is achieved by tempering the fiber raw material at a predetermined tempering temperature that is preferably higher than the glass transition temperature and/or lower than the melting or decomposition temperature of the first fiber raw material employed, as well as by tempering for a predetermined tempering duration, and whereby the fiber raw material is cross-linked by the tempering.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is, in a thermoplastic elastomer composition in which a modified rubber is dispersed and filled in an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer matrix in order to improve the low-temperature durability of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, to reduce the extrusion load during extrusion molding thereof into a film without deteriorating the low-temperature durability. The present invention is a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) and a modified rubber (B) dispersed in the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A), wherein the modified rubber (B) has an acid anhydride group or epoxy group and is dynamically cross-linked by a compound (C) having at least two amino groups. This thermoplastic elastomer composition can be suitably used in the production of an inner liner of a pneumatic tire.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocompatible prepolymer comprising hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments, wherein the hydrophobic segments have at least one ethylenically unsaturated functional group and at least 5% of the segments have two or more ethylenically unsaturated functional groups and water. The invention further provides a biocompatible prepolymer composition comprising hydrophilic and hydrophobic prepolymers, wherein at least one of the hydrophobic prepolymers has at least one ethylenically unsaturated functional group and at least 5% of the prepolymers have two or more ethylenically unsaturated functional groups and water. The invention further provides use of the prepolymer or prepolymer compositions of the invention in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, as bone substitutes or scaffolds, and in wound treatment.

Abstract: A polymer composition and its use for thin film packaging applications including on a dry basis: a) from 45 to 90% by weight of starch; b) from 0.1 to 15% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, and copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch component; and c) from 5 to 45% by weight of one or more plasticizers having a molecular weight in the range of 50-6000, more preferably 50-2500 and more preferably still 100-400 and desirably selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol, erythritol, glycerol trioleate, tributyl citrate, acetyl tri-ethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, polyethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: A composition for producing an organic insulator is provided which comprises an organic-inorganic hybrid material (as defined). The hybrid material shows high solubility in organic solvents and monomers, and superior adhesion to substrates. In addition, the hybrid material displays a high dielectric constant and a high degree of crosslinking. Based on these advantages, the composition comprising the organic-inorganic hybrid material can be utilized during the fabrication of various electronic devices by a wet process. A method for producing the organic insulator while utilizing the composition also is provided, as well as the resulting organic insulator, and an organic thin film transistor which incorporates the resulting insulating layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyamide composition including at least one semi-aromatic copolyamide, said semi-aromatic copolyamide consisting essentially of about 25 to about 55 mole percent repeat units of the formula —C(O)(CH2)mC(O)NHCH2ArCH2NH—??(I) and about 45 to about 75 mole percent repeat units of the formula —C(O)(CH2)mC(O)NH(CH2)nNH—??(II) wherein m is 8, 10, and/or 12, n is 6, 10 and/or 12 and Ar is a meta-substituted benzene ring; and said polyamide has a melting point equal to or less than 225° C.; and 0.25 to 20 weight percent of one or more polyhydroxy polymer(s) having a number average molecular weight of at least 2000 and selected from the group consisting of ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer and poly(vinyl alcohol). Also disclosed are molded or extruded articles including the polyamide composition.

Abstract: There is provided a thermoplastic resin composition which comprises a modified rubber having excellent low-temperature durability dispersed in a polyamide resin matrix in order to improve the low-temperature durability or repeated fatigue resistance of the polyamide resin and which maintains its flowability and can be formed into a film even at a high content of the modified rubber, and has excellent low-temperature durability. The thermoplastic resin composition comprises a modified polyamide resin (A) obtained by melt blending 100 parts by weight of a polyamide resin (A1) and 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of a compound (A2) capable of binding to a terminal amino group of the polyamide resin, at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the polyamide resin (A1), and a modified rubber (B) having an acid anhydride group, an epoxy group, or a carboxyl group or a derivative thereof. The compound (A2) is preferably a monofunctional epoxy compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of poly(amino oxalate) (PAOX) using oxalyl chloride, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and piperazinediethanol, the preparation of biodegradable polymer particles using the PAOX, and the use of PAOX particles as a drug delivery vehicle. The PAOX according to the present invention is a polymer that has three characteristics of biodegradability, biocompatibility, and cationic properties at the same time with appropriate hydrophobicity and thus can be prepared as particles that allow rapid drug release. Moreover, the particles improve the delivery efficiency of a drug into cells and thus can be efficiently used as a drug delivery vehicle for the treatment of acute inflammatory diseases such as acute liver failure and acute lung injury.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for preventing and treating diseases and risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome by targeting the RGD-binding site of selected intra- and extracellular proteins. Exemplary compositions include RGD-polyphenol conjugates via an ester linkage; polyphenol polymer conjugated to RGD analogs or mimetics; and RGD polymer conjugates linked to polyphenol.

Abstract: Membranes, methods of making membranes, and methods of separating gases using membranes are provided. The membranes can include at least one hydrophilic polymer, at least one cross-linking agent, at least one base, and at least one amino compound. The methods of separating gases using membranes can include contacting a gas stream containing at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl with one side of a nonporous and at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl selectively permeable membrane such that at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl is selectively transported through the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inner liner for a pneumatic tire, the inner liner including no less than 8 resin-layers, the resin-layer having a layer A constituted with a resin composition containing a gas barrier resin, and a layer B constituted with a resin composition containing an elastomer, at least one of the resin compositions included in the layer A and the layer B that are adjacent with each other containing a metal salt, the content of the metal salt being no less than 1 ppm and no greater than 10,000 ppm in terms of metal element equivalent, and an interlayer adhesive force between the layer A and the layer B being no less than 500 g/15 mm. The layer A and the layer B are preferably alternately laminated.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyamide resin compositions include the essential components of polyamide resins, polyalcohol and epoxy resin, and, optionally, one or more additives selected from among thermoplastic impact modifiers, reinforcement agents, and polyoxides; such thermoplastic polyamide resin compositions provide superior impact resistance, heat resistance, low degree of deformation, low degree of contraction, and external appearance, but also superior paint adhesion properties without requiring a primer, and function as an adhesion medium that advantageously may be applied to the interior and exterior parts of an automobile requiring painting.

Abstract: A prepreg composite material that includes a fiber layer and a resin comprising a thermoset resin component, a curing agent and a fibrous micropulp. The micropulp component is an aramid fiber having a volume average length of from 0.01 to 100 micrometers. The prepreg is useful in composite panel construction for minimizing fluid permeation into the cured structure. This prepreg is particularly suitable for making honeycomb sandwich panels. Film adhesives, liquid and paste resins containing aramid fiber micropulp are also disclosed.

Abstract: Toughened polyhydroxyalkanoate resin compositions are disclosed, comprising thermoplastic polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions and a toughener comprising a vinyl acetate homopolymer or copolymer and optionally polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the invention includes grafting a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive material to a shape memory polymer surface.

Abstract: There are provided poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers and copolymers containing vinyl alcohol or vinyl acetate and derivatives thereof such as poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers or polyether-grafted poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers. These polymers can contain various functional groups. Such polymers can be use as polymer matrix or solid support for various chemical substrates such as organic substrates and reagents. Cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers and copolymers are also provided. Methods for preparing such polymers as well as several of their uses are also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modifying acetalated polyvinyl alcohols comprising reacting a melt acetalated polyvinyl alcohols with epoxides. The invention also relates to uses of the resultant modifying acetalated polyvinyl alcohols, including uses in ceramic applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions based on 2,5-diisocyanato-1,4:3,6-dianhydro-2,5-dideoxy-D-manitol (I), 2,5-diisocyanato-1,4:3,6-dianhydro-2,5-dideoxy-D-glucitol (II), and/or 2,5-diisocyanato-1,4:3,6-dianhydro-2,5-dideoxy-L-iditol (III), alone or in any mixtures.

Abstract: A resin composition, contains: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A); a thermoplastic polyurethane (B); and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C), wherein an isocyanate group content (mole) in raw materials of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is greater than a hydroxyl group content (mole) therein, an isocyanate group content (mole) in raw materials of the thermoplastic polyurethane (B) is nearly equal to a hydroxyl group content (mole) therein, and the thermoplastic polyurethane (B) and the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C) have a mass ratio (B/C) of from 70/30 to 99/1 and a content of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A), based on 100 parts by mass of a total of the thermoplastic polyurethane (B) and the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C), is from 1 to 30 parts by mass. Thus, a resin composition is provided that contains thermoplastic polyurethanes and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and is good in melt shapability.

Abstract: A resin composition for laser engraving, comprising (Component A) a compound having two or more ring structures selected from the group consisting of an epoxy ring, an oxetane ring and a five-membered carbonate ring, (Component B) a curing agent capable of reacting with Component A to thus form a crosslinked structure, and (Component C) a compound having at least one of a hydrolyzable silyl group and a silanol group.

Abstract: This invention relates to iodonium salts, acetal copolymers and polymer binders comprising functional groups capable of undergoing cationic or radical polymerization, their method of preparation and their use in the preparation of coating solutions and coatings. This invention also relates to coatings containing the iodonium salts, acetal copolymers and/or polymer binders and to negative working lithographic printing plates comprising these coatings.

Abstract: Base soluble polymer comprising at least one sulfonyl group where at least one carbon atom at ?-position and/or ?-position and/or ?-position with respect to the sulfonyl group has a hydroxyl group, where the hydroxyl group is protected or unprotected are described.

Abstract: A water detector wire 1.002 for use in a power cable or building, the cable having a wire 1.004 with a water soluble insulating jacket 1.006 made of two or more components, wherein a first component has a first solubility in water, and the second component has a second solubility in water, the second solubility being less than the first solubility. The second component can be substantially insoluble. On exposure to water, the soluble insulation 1.006 dissolves at the location of the water exposing the wire 1.004. This can be detected when the wire is close to a return path such as a return wire 4.038 or a cable screen 13.232. The location of a fault can then be detected by measuring the linear resistance of the wire. Two such wires 3.006, 3.007 can be used together.

Abstract: Membranes, methods of making membranes, and methods of separating gases using membranes are provided. The membranes can include at least one hydrophilic polymer, at least one cross-linking agent, at least one base, and at least one amino compound. The methods of separating gases using membranes can include contacting a gas stream containing at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl with one side of a nonporous and at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl selectively permeable membrane such that at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl is selectively transported through the membrane.

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: A PVA resin composition is provided which is excellent in melt-formability and free from emanation of odor in a melt-forming process, and is capable of providing a product free from residual odor, a highly transparent film and a laminate film having higher interlayer adhesive strength. The resin composition comprises: (A) a polyvinyl alcohol resin having a 1,2-diol structural unit represented by the following formula (1): and having a saponification degree of 80 to 97.9 mol %; and (B) an alkylene oxide adduct of a polyvalent alcohol containing 5 to 9 moles of an alkylene oxide per 1 mole of the polyvalent alcohol.