Abstract: Briefly, the present disclosure provides a film, tape or outer layer of a composite part comprising: a) at least one layer comprising a crosslinked polymer selected from the group consisting of crosslinked polyurethane, crosslinked polyurea, and crosslinked mixed polyurethane/polyurea polymer; and in some embodiments b) an adhesive layer. In some embodiments the layer additionally comprises a non-crosslinked polymer forming a semi-IPN with the crosslinked polymer. In some embodiments the non-crosslinked polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polyurea, and mixed polyurethane/polyurea polymer. In some embodiments the crosslinked polymer may additionally comprise an acrylate-containing component.

Abstract: A composite including a cross-linked interpenetrating network of an organic polymer including an alcohol adduct of, for example, a glycidyl ether substituted acrylate or epoxy substituted acrylate; and a sol-gel polymer. The composite having a low or no-shrinkage characteristic, and a method for making and using the composite, as defined herein.

Abstract: A novel method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of non-uniform polyurethane particles which comprises (a) preparing at least two isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers having different hydrophilicities; (b) preparing a uniform mixture of said prepolymers, and (c) dispersing the mixed prepolymers in an aqueous medium. The resulting dispersion of the prepolymers may optionally be chain extended. This method enables the preparation of core-shell particles as well as particles of other morphologies, including “raspberry”, interpenetrating network, “salt-and-pepper”, “ice-cream cone” and particles of gradient composition. Similarly, an aqueous dispersion of two different polyurethane polymers may be obtained by first preparing at least two different isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers, preparing a uniform mixture of such prepolymers and thereafter dispersing the mixture in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composition comprising a polymeric composition comprising a first crosslinked network; and a second crosslinked network; wherein the first crosslinked network is crosslinked at a first stress and/or a first strain and the second crosslinked network is crosslinked at a second stress and/or a second strain; where the first stress and/or the first strain is different from the second stress and/or the second strain either in magnitude or direction. Disclosed herein is a method comprising subjecting a polymeric mass to a first stress and/or a first strain level; crosslinking the polymeric mass to form a first crosslinked network; subjecting the polymeric mass to a second stress and/or a second strain level; and crosslinking the polymeric mass to form a second crosslinked network; where the first stress and/or the first strain level is different from the second stress and/or the second strain level.

Abstract: A composite including interpenetrating networks of an organic polymer, such as from an acrylate or olefin, having urethane groups; and an inorganic polymer, the composite having a low or no-shrinkage characteristic, and a method for making the composite, as defined herein.

Abstract: A nanocomposite material including organic-inorganic polymeric interpenetrating networks having a low or no-shrinkage characteristic and a method for making the composite, as defined herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyurethane systems which cure by radiation and thermal action with crosslinking, and use thereof for the production of holographic media. The polyurethane compositions of the invention comprise A) polyisocyanates, B) isocyanate-reactive block copolymers, C) compounds having groups which react on exposure to actinic radiation with ethylenically unsaturated compounds with polymerization, D) optionally free radical stabilizers and E) photoinitiators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acryl-silicon rubber complex polymer which has a seed-core-shell structure wherein vinyl monomer and hydrophilic monomer are cross-linked on the seed; the acryl-silicon complex IPN core having an IPN (interpenetrating network) structure formed by radical polymerization of acryl monomer and hydrosilyation of silicon rubber in which silicon rubber particles are dispersed by being cross-linked to acryl rubber, in a continuous phase, is formed on the seed; and a shell prepared by graft-polymerization of C1-C4 alkyl methacrylate to the acryl-silicon complex IPN core is formed on the core, and a method of preparation and use of the same, thereby having excellent impact resistance, weatherability and gloss, so that it can be effectively used as an impact modifier for vinyl chloride resin.

Abstract: A novel method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of non-uniform polyurethane particles which comprises (a) preparing at least two isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers having different hydrophilicities; (b) preparing a uniform mixture of said prepolymers; and (c) dispersing the mixed prepolymers in an aqueous medium. The resulting dispersion of the prepolymers may optionally be chain extended. This method enables the preparation of core-shell particles as well as particles of other morphologies, including “raspberry”, interpenetrating network, “salt-and-pepper”, “ice-cream cone” and particles of gradient composition. Similarly, an aqueous dispersion of two different polyurethane polymers may be obtained by first preparing at least two different isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers, preparing a uniform mixture of such prepolymers and thereafter dispersing the mixture in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Siloxane-containing materials that have been prepared by a sol-gel method and polymeric binder materials from interpenetrating networks. Silicon-containing layers including such interpenetrating networks are provided. Methods for preparing interpenetrating networks and silicon-containing layers including interpenetrating networks are also provided. In addition, photoreceptors and image-forming apparatus including such silicon-containing layers are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides heat-curable thixotropic mixtures containing carbamate and/or allophanate groups, including at least one oligomer and/or polymer containing at least one of carbamate and allophanate groups, and at least one thixotropic agent that is a urea derivative preparable by reacting at least one amine and/or water with at least one isocyanate in the presence of at least one amino resin. The invention further provides processes for preparing the mixtures and coating materials, adhesives and sealing compounds prepared from the mixtures.

Abstract: This invention relates to a highly stable, dense interpenetrated crosslinked polymer network (ICPN) containing (a) a crosslinked, network-forming primary polymer containing vinyl lactam and/or acrylic acid moieties, and (b) a secondary, optionally crosslinked, distinctly different polymer interpenetrated into the network of (a) and derived from a monomer selected from the group consisting of an acrylate and/or acrylamide monomer. The invention also relates to the oil-suspension, sequential polymerization of (a) and (b) for producing the above described interpenetrated polymeric network.

Abstract: Curable pressure sensitive adhesive compositions comprising an acrylate copolymer, a mono-acrylate oligomer, a multi-acrylate oligomer having from 2 to 5 acrylate functional groups per molecule, and a photoinitiator, the adhesive exhibiting pressure sensitive adhesive characteristics and forms at least a semi-interpenetrating polymer network when cured; wherein the semi-IPN has an average molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc) greater than about 3000, and the cured adhesive has a peel strength greater than about 40 N/dm. Embodiments of the adhesive compositions, when cured, are optically clear and resistant to heat and moisture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric networks, which are characterised by particular mechanical properties and which, furthermore, allow the control of thermal and mechanical properties by simple variation of the components.

Abstract: A toner fuser member contains a substrate on which is disposed a toner release surface layer formed from a composition that includes a silsesquioxane and a curable epoxy resin. On curing, the composition forms an interpenetrating polymer network of the silsesquioxane and cured epoxy resin.

Abstract: An ocular lens material comprising a copolymer prepared by polymerization with heating of a monomer mixture and/or with irradiating a monomer mixture with ultraviolet ray by means of a molding method, the monomer mixture containing a polysiloxane macromonomer A, a Si-containing alkyl methacrylate B, a hydrophilic monomer C comprising NVP as C-1 and another hydrophilic monomer C-2, another monomer D and a crosslinkable monomer E comprising a crosslinkable monomer E-1 containing at least one group selected from acryloyl group, vinyl group and allyl group, and methacryloyl group, and a crosslinkable monomer E-2 containing at least two methacryloyl groups as main components, wherein (A+B)/C (weight ratio) is 30/70 to 70/30, A/B is 25/75 to 75/25, C-1/C-2 is 50/50 to 100/0, the amount of D is 0 to 20% by weight in the monomer mixture, which has high oxygen permeability, high mechanical strength, excellent surface wettability and low surface frictional property.

Abstract: A process for forming a surface modification on a polymer substrate and polymer substrates having such surface modifications. The process comprises the steps of absorbing a swelling monomer into the polymer substrate for a period of time in order to swell the polymer substrate; removing the swollen polymer from the swelling monomer; transferring the swollen polymer to a reaction mixture containing at least one functional monomer; polymerizing the functional monomer in the reaction mixture containing the swollen polymer substrate for a period of time; and removing the polymer from the reaction mixture. Because the surface modification produced by the process is a surface interpenetrating polymer network, the process is not sensitive to the reactive groups located on the surface of the polymer substrate. Further, the surface interpenetrating network bonds to the polymer substrate through caternary connections or other forms of chain entanglement and this is quite stable.

Abstract: The present invention is a polymer solution for the efficient separation of charged macromolecules by electrophoresis that includes a plurality of polymers. These polymers are entangled to form an interpenetrating network with greater entanglement times than corresponding homopolymers of the same length. These polymers are different and do not phase separate when dissolved in solution. Preferred polymers are PAM and PVP or PDAM and PVP. The polymer solutions of the present invention provide at least a 500-base read length in one run for a single-stranded DNA separation.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for the rapid in-situ curing of polymerizable materials to provide macromolecular networks and articles of manufacture that are “morphology-trapped”; that is, they exhibit a fixed phase morphology and/or molecular orientation that is locked in by the curing step. The process includes the steps of mixing together a dead polymer, a reactive plasticizer and an initiator to give a polymerizable composition; further processing the mixture in order to achieve a desired phase morphology and/or molecular orientation of the polymeric constituents; shaping the polymerizable composition into a desired geometry; and exposing the polymerizable composition to a source of polymerizing energy, without mixing, to give a final product with the desired phase morphology and/or molecular orientation locked in place.

Abstract: A method for making thermoplastic elastomeric compositions is disclosed wherein a polyamide, a silicone base, a stabilizer, and optional compatibilizer are first mixed, then a hydrosilation catalyst and subsequently an organohydrido silicon compound are added, and the silicone base is dynamically vulcanized.

Abstract: Materials comprising proteinaceous prepolymers comprising at least one first reactive group reacted with one or more reactive groups on synthetic prepolymers, and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: Shape memory polymer compositions, articles of manufacture thereof, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The shape memory polymer compositions can hold more than one shape in memory. Suitable compositions include at least one hard segment and at least one soft segment. At least one of the hard or soft segments can contain a crosslinkable group, and the segments can be linked by formation of an interpenetrating network or a semi-interpenetrating network, or by physical interactions of the blocks. Objects can be formed into a given shape at a temperature above the Ttrans of the hard segment, and cooled to a temperature below to Ttrans of the soft segment. If the object is subsequently formed into a second shape, the object can return to its original shape by heating the object above the Ttrans of the soft segment and below the Ttrans of the hard segment.

Abstract: A method for preparing a thermoplastic elastomer is disclosed, said method comprising (I) mixing (A) a rheologically stable polyamide resin having a melting point or glass transition temperature of 25° C. to 275° C., (B) a silicone base comprising (B′) 100 parts by weight of a diorganopolysiloxane gum having a plasticity of at least 30 and having an average of at least 2 alkenyl radicals in its molecule and (B″) 5 to 200 parts by weight of a reinforcing filler, the weight ratio of said silicone base to said polyamide resin is from 35:65 to 85:15, (C) 0.

Abstract: A method for preparing a thermoplastic elastomer is disclosed, said method comprising (I) mixing (A) a rheologically stable polyamide resin having a melting point or glass transition temperature of 25° C. to 275° C.

Abstract: A thixotropic amino formaldehyde resin with a urea-functional compound, obtainable by adding a polyisocyanate-functional compound to a monoamine-functional compound or a monoisocyanate-functional compound to a polyamine-functional compound in the presence of the amino formaldehyde resin and reacting the amine and isocyanate-functional compounds to form the urea-functional compound entangled to the resin. The thixotropic amino formaldehyde resin can be used in the formulation of coating or adhesive compositions.

Abstract: A coating liquid for forming a silica-containing film with a low-dielectric constant, which enables the formation of a low-density film having a dielectric constant as low as 3 or less and having excellent resistance to oxygen plasma and process adaptation but also in the adhesion to a substrate and film strength, is provided. The coating liquid for forming a silica-containing film with a low-dielectric constant comprises a polymer composition mainly constituted by (i) a polysiloxane and (ii) a readily decomposable resin, said polysiloxane being a reaction product between fine particles of silica and a hydrolyzate of at least one alkoxysilane represented by the following formula (I): XnSi(OR)4−n  (I),  wherein X represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, an unfluorinated or fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group or a vinyl group; R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group or a vinyl group; and n is an integer of 0 to 3.

Abstract: An ocular lens material comprising a copolymer prepared by polymerization with heating of a monomer mixture and/or with irradiating a monomer mixture with ultraviolet ray by means of a molding method, the monomer mixture containing a polysiloxane macromonomer A, a Si-containing alkyl methacrylate B, a hydrophilic monomer C comprising NVP as C-1 and another hydrophilic monomer C-2, another monomer D and a crosslinkable monomer E comprising a crosslinkable monomer E-1 containing at least one group selected from acryloyl group, vinyl group and allyl group, and methacryloyl group, and a crosslinkable monomer E-2 containing at least two methacryloyl groups as main components, wherein (A+B)/C (weight ratio) is 30/70 to 70/30, A/B is 25/75 to 75/25, C-1/C-2 is 50/50 to 100/0, the amount of D is 0 to 20% by weight in the monomer mixture, which has high oxygen permeability, high mechanical strength, excellent surface wettability and low surface frictional property.

Abstract: A composition comprises a curable epoxy-containing material, a first thermoplastic polyurethane component, a curative for the epoxy-containing material, and optionally, a second thermoplastic polyurethane component that is different than the first thermoplastic polyurethane component. The compositions are useful for sealing discontinuities in a substrate surface, especially those found in motor vehicles. Sealant articles and methods of sealing discontinuities are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing a thermoplastic elastomer is disclosed, said method comprising: (I) mixing (A) a Theologically stable polyamide resin having a melting point or glass transition temperature of 25° C. to 275° C., (B) a silicone base comprising a diorganopolysiloxane gum having a plasticity of at least 30 and having an average of at least 2 alkenyl groups in its molecule and optionally (B″) 5 to 200 parts by weight of a reinforcing filler, the weight ratio of said silicone base to said polyamide resin is from 35:65 to 85:15, (C) a compatibilizer selected from glycidyl ester polymers or organofunctional grafted polyolefins, (D) an organohydrido silicon compound which contains an average of at least 2 silicon-bonded hydrogen groups in its molecule and (E) a hydrosilation catalyst, components (D) and (E) being present in an amount sufficient to cure said diorganopolysiloxane (B′); and (II) dynamically curing said diorganopolysiloxane (B′).

Abstract: A connecting material for bonding and connecting elements each having electrodes thereon in a correspondingly confronting relation to each other, while attaining electroconductive connection between the corresponding electrodes, which material has a high heat resistance and can avoid occurrence of faulty electrical conductance even in the case of bonding elements having a large number of electrodes arranged, thus, at a considerably small interval under such a condition that the bonded assembly is exposed to a service environment of high temperature or of high temeperature and high humidity, wherein the connecting material contains a thermosetting resin and an inorganic filler and has, after having been cured, characteristic features of a modulus of elasticity of 1-12 GPa, a glass transition temperature Tg of 120-200° C., a coefficient of linear expansion (&agr;1) of 50 ppm/° C. or less at temperatures below the Tg and a coefficient of linear expansion (&agr;2) of 110 ppm/° C.

Abstract: A composite of a substrate having an application of superabsorbent polymer. The composite is made by applying, directly onto the substrate, an application of a polymer that will, upon being subjected to radiation, convert to a superabsorbent polymer. The substrate with applied polymer is subjected to radiation, such as being heated at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time, to obtain the composite of substrate with superabsorbent polymer adhered to it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprising a poly(1-alkene) elastomer and a multifunctional (meth)acrylate component. The invention also relates to articles comprising the composition and a method of making the composition.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the preparation of a diene polymer interpenetrated with a polysiloxane comprising the polymerization of (A) at least one silane monomer of the formula: (B) at least one silane monomer of the formula: (C) at least one diene monomer, said polymerization being conducted in the presence of an anionic base, an inert solvent and a polymerization initiator, wherein each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and aryl radicals having 6 carbon atoms and R2 is selected from the group consisting of where x is an integer of from 1 to 8.

Abstract: An interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) or semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) comprises a first phase which is continuous and comprises a flexible polymer and a second phase which is a fluorescent or nonfluorescent durable dispersed or continuous phase and comprises a dye and a polymer, wherein the polymer enhances durability of the dye. Such networks are particularly useful in fluorescent traffic signs or safety devices or in pavement marking tape or paint.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel crosslinkable prepolymers of formula (1), wherein the variables have the meanings given in the claims, to homo- or co-polymers obtainable therefrom by crosslinking and to mouldings, such as, especially, contact lenses, made from those homo- or co-polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkoxysilane/organic polymer composition for use in producing an insulating thin film, comprising (A) a specific alkoxysilane; (B) a specific organic polymer; and (C) a solvent for alkoxysilane (A) and organic polymer (B), wherein solvent (C) comprises at least one organic solvent selected from the group consisting of amide linkage-containing organic solvents and ester linkage-containing organic solvents. Also disclosed are a silica-organic polymer composite thin film which is produced by a process comprising: forming a thin film of the composition of the present invention; subjecting the thin film to a hydrolysis and dehydration-condensation reaction with respect to the alkoxysilane thereof, to thereby cause the alkoxysilane to be gelled in the thin film; and removing the solvent remaining in the thin film by drying, and a porous silica thin film which is obtained by removing the organic polymer from the silica-organic polymer composite thin film.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for stabilizing and at the same time phase compatibilising plastics or plastic compositions by incorporating polymeric compounds obtainable by reacting a compound selected from the group consisting of the sterically hindered phenols, sterically hindered amines, lactones, sulfides, phosphites, benzotriazoles, benzophenones and 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazines, which compounds contain at least one reactive group, with a compatibilisator.

Abstract: A contact printable adhesive composition comprises (a) swellable, elastomeric microspheres and (b) at least one polymerizable monomer or a mixture of polymerizable monomers capable of swelling the microspheres. As used in this application “contact printable adhesive composition” is a composition that can be used in a contact printing process and then cured. The cured contact printable adhesive composition will generally be referred to as “contact printed adhesive”.

Abstract: An interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) or semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) comprises a first phase which is continuous and comprises a flexible polymer and a second phase which is a fluorescent or nonfluorescent durable dispersed or continuous phase and comprises a dye and a polymer, wherein the polymer enhances durability of the dye. Such networks are particularly useful in fluorescent traffic signs or safety devices or in pavement marking tape or paint.

Abstract: Shape memory polymer compositions, articles of manufacture thereof, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The shape memory polymer compositions can hold more than one shape in memory. Suitable compositions include at least one hard segment and at least one soft segment. The Ttrans of the hard segment is preferably between −30 and 270° C. At least one of the hard or soft segments can contain a crosslinkable group, and the segments can be linked by formation of an interpenetrating network or a semi-interpenetrating network, or by physical interactions of the blocks. Objects can be formed into a given shape at a temperature above the Ttrans of the hard segment, and cooled to a temperature below the Ttrans of the soft segment. If the object is subsequently formed into a second shape, the object can return to its original shape by heating the object above the Ttrans of the soft segment and below the Ttrans of the hard segment.

Abstract: Shaped-medical devices, e.g. stents, having improved mechanical properties and structural integrity are disclosed. The devices comprise shaped polymeric hydrogels which are both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked and which exhibit improved structural integrity after selective removal of the crosslinking ions. Process for making such devices are also disclosed wherein an ionically crosslinkable polymer is both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked to form a shaped medical device. When implanted in the body, selective in-vivo stripping of the crosslinking ions produces a softer, more flexible implant having improved structural integrity.

Abstract: The invention provides a means of boosting the mechanical performance of shaped shaped medical devices comprising polymer hydrogels, such as stents, so that they may be more easily inserted into or removed from the body. In one aspect, the invention provides shaped medical devices having increased mechanical strength and comprising both ionic and covalent crosslinks. In another aspect, the invention provides a shaped medical device having a heterogeneous polymer composition and a variable dissolution or degradation rate along its length. The shaped medical devices according to the present invention retain their shape and stiffness during insertion into the body and can swell and soften inside the body to enhance patient comfort.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of matter containing aromatic cyanate ester containing at least two rings linked by a group containing an unsaturated group and selected aromatic hydroxyl compounds that exhibited improved heat release and curing properties. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing said compounds and cured articles resulting from curable mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for preparing a thermoplastic elastomer is disclosed, said method comprising (I) mixing (A) a rheologically stable polyamide resin having a melting point or glass transition temperature of 25° C. to 275° C., (B) a silicone base comprising (B′) 100 parts by weight of a diorganopolysiloxane gum having a plasticity of at least 30 and having an average of at least 2 alkenyl radicals in its molecule and (B″) 5 to 200 parts by weight of a reinforcing filler,  the weight ratio of said silicone base to said polyamide resin being greater than 35:65 to 85:15, (C) 0.

Abstract: A method for preparing a thermoplastic elastomer is disclosed, said method comprising (I) mixing (A) a rheologically stable polyamide resin having a melting point or glass transition temperature of 25° C. to 275° C.

Abstract: A semi-interpenetrating polymer network including at least one epoxy monomer, at least one olefin monomer forming a co-monomer mixture with the epoxy monomer and a catalytic amount of at least one palladium compound uniformly distributed in said co-monomer mixture to promote formation of the semi-interpenetrating polymer network under ambient conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of at least a first polymer and a second polymer from a first and second component wherein the first component is the first polymer, or a polymerizable reactant selected from monomers or pre-polymers polymerizable to the first polymer and mixtures thereof, and the second component is a polymerizable reactant selected from monomers or pre-polymers polymerizable to the second polymer and mixtures thereof, the method comprising the steps of forming a reaction mixture of at least the first component, the second component, an initiator or catalyst and a crosslinker, effecting polymerization and crosslinking of polymerizable reactant, and recovering the IPN so obtained, wherein during the polymerization and crosslinking, a surface of the reaction mixture is maintained in contact with a third component comprising each said polymerizable reactant at a chemical potential similar to the chemical potential of the same reactant in th

Abstract: An interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composition and a process for the manufacture of hydrogel contact lens using the invention material. The polymeric materials are formed by polymerization of: (1) an unsaturated alkyl(meth)acrylate or its derivatives such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate as the principle monomer; (2) optionally vinyl containing comonomer(s) to enhance the resulting hydrogel water absorbing capability; (3) polymerizable multi-functional crosslinking agent(s); (4) an irradiation initiator and/or thermal initiator; (5) optionally other additives to impart the resulting hydrogel specific properties such as ultra-violet blocking ability and handling colors; in the presence of a soluble, hydrophilic IPN agent such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or poly-2-ethyl-2-oxazoline (PEOX) with a specific molecular weight range.

Abstract: Adhesive formulations are blends of aqueous polymer dispersions and a hydrophobic plasticizer. The blended dispersed polymers include at least one hard sulfonated polyester urethane, at least one soft non-sulfonated polyester urethane, and at least one polar non-polyurethane water-based polymer or copolymer. A high molecular weight elastomeric non-sulfonated polyurethane polymer and a crosslinker are optional further components in the blend. The formulations are useful as non-heat activating, one-component adhesives which generate excellent green strength, water and heat resistant bonds.

Abstract: A process for forming a surface modification on a polymer substrate and polymer substrates having such surface modifications. The process comprises the steps of absorbing a swelling monomer into the polymer substrate for a period of time in order to swell the polymer substrate; removing the swollen polymer from the swelling monomer; transferring the swollen polymer to a reaction mixture containing at least one functional monomer; polymerizing the functional monomer in the reaction mixture containing the swollen polymer substrate for a period of time; and removing the polymer from the reaction mixture. Because the surface modification produced by the process is a surface interpenetrating polymer network, the process is not sensitive to the reactive groups located on the surface of the polymer substrate. Further, the surface interpenetrating network bonds to the polymer substrate through caternary connections or other forms of chain entanglement and thus is quite stable.