Abstract: The polyurethane-acrylic hybrid interpenetrating polymer network is formed by blending a polyurethane prepolymer having acid or amine salt forming groups, air curable ethylenic unsaturation and terminal isocyanate groups or both terminal isocyanate groups and terminal vinyl groups, with one or more vinyl monomers, inert to isocyanate functionality, dispersing the prepolymer/vinyl monomer blend into water, chain extending the terminal isocyanate groups of the prepolymer with one or more active hydrogen containing compound, and reacting the vinyl monomers by free radical polymerization.

Abstract: Compositions for tissue engineering and drug delivery have been developed based on solutions of two or more polymers which form semi-interpenetrating or interpenetrating polymer networks upon exposure to active species following injection at a site in a patient in need thereof. The polymers crosslink to themselves but not to each other; semi-interpenetrating networks are formed when only one of the polymers crosslink. The resulting viscous solutions retain the biologically active molecules or cells at the site of injection until release or tissue formation, respectfully, occurs. As a result of studies conducted with polymer-cell suspensions forming interpenetrating polymer networks, it has been determined that polymer solutions can be formulated wherein the active species is provided by exposure of the polymer solution to an exogenous souce of active species, typically electromagnetic radiation, preferably light.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a process for the manufacture of a hydrophilic polymeric product, consisting in causing a material comprising a crosslinked silicone polymer matrix and photoinitiator groups dispersed and immobilized within the polymer matrix to swell in a swelling solution comprising a solvent for swelling the crosslinked silicone polymer of the matrix of the material, a photopolymerizable hydrophilic monomer and optionally a crosslinking agent and a proton- or electron-donating coinitiator compound, when the material comprises photoactivable photoinitiator groups and does not comprise proton- or electron-donating coinitiator groups causing the photopolymerizable hydrophilic monomer to diffuse into the swollen material, and polymerizing, by irradiation, the photopolymerizable hydrophilic monomer.

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: A formulation for covering vehicle panels, such as the inner fenders or floor boards of an automobile, with a chip resistant, vibration damping coating. The formulation includes a blocked polyurethane prepolymer (or a blocked polyisocyanate and a polyol), an epoxy resin, a filler and a plasticizer. A method for forming a chip resistant, vibration damping coating on such a panel including the steps of applying a coating mixture to the panel, the coating mixture including a blocked polyurethane prepolymer (or a blocked polyisocyanate and a polyol) and an epoxy resin, and then heating the panel to form the coating. An improved vehicle panel, wherein the improvement is a polyurethane modified epoxy coating (or a coating which is an interpenetrating network of polyurethane resin and epoxy resin) on the panel.

Abstract: Polymer compositions containing a mixture of an elastomer and a fluoropolymer can be made by diffusing fluorinated olefins and free radical initiators in preferably swollen elastomers and polymerizing the fluorinated olefins. The resulting compositions have useful properties, such as reduced sliding friction, which makes them useful for seals in contact with moving surfaces, and for other uses.

Abstract: An adhesive binder for optical fiber packages is described which comprises a silicone-epoxy IPN (Interpenetrating Polymer Network), with the epoxy cured to give reinforcing domains within the cured silicone. The adhesive binder is prepared by cross-linking and polymerizing a silicone polymer and an epoxy resin, with a cross-linking agent and a catalyst for curing the epoxy and silicone, optionally with the addition of a silane wetting agent, such as methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane. In preparing a wound optical fiber package, the adhesive binder is applied in solution to the fiber, during its winding, by passing the fiber through the solution or by brushing the solution on each layer when its winding is completed.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric compositions are provided, wherein biodegradable polyphosphazenes are combined with at least one other polymer, either in the form of a blend, a semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN), or an interpenetrating network IPN. The side groups and composition of the polyphosphazenes are used to determine the properties of the compositions, for example, the rate and extent of degradation, and mechanical properties. These are useful in biomedical applications, including controlled drug delivery and tissue regeneration, and environmental applications. In the most preferred embodiment, as demonstrated by the examples, the polyphosphazenes contain hydrophobic side groups, such as p-methylphenoxy and other aromatic groups, and groups which impart hydrolytic instability, such as amino acid alkyl esters, and degrade by surface erosion. A preferred example is ethyl glycinato-substituted polyphosphazene (PPHOS) with p-methylphenoxy as co-substituent.

Abstract: A bioerodible polymeric semi-IPN alloy which comprises a first bioerodible polymer capable of producing acidic products upon hydrolytic degradation; a second bioerodible polymer, which provides a biopolymeric scaffolding or internal reinforcement; and optionally a buffering compound that buffers the acidic products within a desired pH range. In a preferred embodiment, the second bioerodible polymer comprises polypropylene fumarate (PPF), which is cross-linked, desirably by a vinyl monomer such as vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) to form the biopolymeric scaffolding which provides the semi-IPN with dimensional and geometric stability.

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 present invention discloses a stable aqueous polyurethane dispersions comprising a reaction product of a water dispersible isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymer (A), an aqueous polyurethane dispersion (B) and water, and a method wherein a water dispersible isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymer (A) is dispersed in at least one aqueous polyurethane dispersion (B) and water, and reacted at about 35.degree. C. to about 95.degree. C. until substantially free of isocyanate. The inventive dispersions are useful in adhesives, coatings, binders, primers and sizers.

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.

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: Composites which include a polymer matrix having natural free volume therein and an inorganic or organic material disposed in the natural free volume of the polymer matrix are disclosed. In addition, methods for making a composite are described. A polymer matrix having free volume therein is provided. The free volume is evacuated, and inorganic or organic molecules are infused into the evacuated free volume of the polymer matrix. The inorganic or organic molecules can then be polymerized under conditions effective to cause the polymerized inorganic or organic molecules to assemble into macromolecular networks. Alternatively, where the polymer matrix contains a functionality, the inorganic or organic molecules can be treated underconditions effective to cause the inorganic or organic molecules to interact with the polymer matrix's functionality.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens suited for extended-wear periods of at least one day on the eye without a clinically significant amount of corneal swelling and without substantial wearer discomfort. The lens has a balance of oxygen permeability and ion or water permeability, with the ion or water permeability being sufficient to provide good on-eye movement, such that a good tear exchange occurs between the lens and the eye. A preferred lens is a copolymerization product of a oxyperm macromer and an ionoperm monomer. The invention encompasses extended wear contact lenses, which include a core having oxygen transmission and ion transmission pathways extending from the inner surface to the outer surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curable coating composition that includes a compound having carbamate functionality of the structure ##STR1## wherein R is H or alkyl, a compound having hydroxyl functionality, a polyisocyanate crosslinking agent, and an aminoplast crosslinking agent. The effective equivalents of the aminoplast crosslinking agent is equal to or less than the equivalents of carbamate functionality and the effective equivalents of polyisocyanate crosslinker is equal to or less than the equivalents of hydroxyl functionality. The carbamate-functional resin and the aminoplast crosslinking agent provide rheology control during the early part of the bake to cure an applied coating of the coating composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing bile salts from a patient, comprising the step of administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a polymer network composition comprising a cationic polymer. In one embodiment, the polymer network is an interpenetrating polymer network. In another embodiment, the polymer network is a semi-interpenetrating polymer network.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for preparing a polymer composition, that is free-radical/photochemical and thermal curing epoxide-methacrylate and/or isocyanate-methacrylate adhesives in broadest terms, dental/medical adhesives, and dental restoratives. Furthermore the dual curing epoxide-methacrylate and/or isocyanate-methacrylate adhesives can be used in the optical industry, in optoelectronics and microelectronics, for example for the adhesion of complicated optical components in the combination glass/glass, glass/metal. Advantageous is the small shrinkage during polymerization and the good mechanical properties in combination with the possibility of step-wise or one-step polymerization.

Abstract: Disclosed are sealant compositions and electrical connectors having excellent low temperature repairability and outstanding sealing ability at both high and low temperatures. The preferred connectors contain a sealant composition comprising an elastomeric thermoplastic polymer and an extender for said polymer, said extender constituting a major proportion by weight of said sealant composition and said polymer constituting a minor proportion by weight of said sealant composition, wherein said composition preferably has a low-temperature wire insertability of at least about 80 mm. Furthermore, the preferred compositions are both slump and spew resistant over the operating temperature range of the connector.

Abstract: Compositions for bone repair have been developed based on linear hydrophobic degradable polymers and monomers or macromers, at least one of which includes an anhydride linkage. The monomers and/or macromers crosslink each other but not to the linear polymer to form semi-interpenetrating networks. The compositions can include various excipients, therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents. The compositions can be polymerized in the presence of dissolvable particles such as inorganic salts and proteinaceous materials to provide a porous polymer network. The compositions can be injected into a patient and polymerized in situ or can be polymerized ex vivo and implanted. When polymerized ex vivo, the composition can be shaped into various articles, such as pins, screws, and hollow tubes, which can be used to repair broken bones.

Abstract: Composite pressure sensitive adhesive microspheres are provided comprising two or more water insoluble polymers that are mixed wholly within the boundaries of polymeric microspheres. The range of monomers and polymers are chosen to tailor the properties of the composite pressure sensitive adhesive microspheres for specific performance and/or application requirements. Any polymer that can be dissolved into a solvent monomer or mixture of solvent monomers can be used to prepare the composite pressure sensitive adhesive microspheres. Pressure sensitive adhesive microspheres according to this invention can be prepared using free radical suspension polymerization.

Abstract: Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN's), composed of polyisoprene (PI) and polyurethane (PU), together with a process for their preparation and their use in the manufacture of medical devices, such as catheters and catheter balloons, are disclosed. Both components are elastomers. The PI component is chemically crosslinked. The PU component is crystallizable and contains only physical crosslinks. The IPN's have glass transition temperatures in the range of from -65.degree. C. to -40.degree. C.

Abstract: Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN's), composed of polyisoprene (PI) and polyurethane (PU), together with a process for their preparation and their use in the manufacture of medical devices, such as catheters and catheter balloons, are disclosed. Both components are elastomers. The PI component is chemically crosslinked. The PU component is crystallizable and contains only physical crosslinks. The IPN's have glass transition temperatures in the range of from -65.degree. C. to -40.degree. C.

Abstract: Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN's), composed of polyisoprene (PI) and polyurethane (PU), together with a process for their preparation and their use in the manufacture of medical devices, such as catheters and catheter balloons, are disclosed. Both components are elastomers. The PI component is chemically crosslinked. The PU component is crystallizable and contains only physical crosslinks. The IPN's have glass transition temperatures in the range of from -65.degree.C. to -40.degree.C.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens screening method suited for extended-wear for periods of at least one day on the eye without a clinically significant amount of corneal swelling and without substantial wearer discomfort. The lens has a balance of oxygen permeability and ion or water permeability, with the ion or water permeability being sufficient to provide good on-eye movement, such that a good tear exchange occurs between the lens and the eye. A preferred lens is a copolymerization product of a oxyperm macromer and an ionoperm monomer. The invention encompasses extended wear contact lenses, which include a core having oxygen transmission and ion transmission pathways extending from the inner surface to the outer surface.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens suited for extended-wear for periods of at least one day on the eye without a clinically significant amount of corneal swelling and without substantial wearer discomfort. The lens has a balance of oxygen permeability and ion or water permeability, with the ion or water permeability being sufficient to provide good on-eye movement, such that a good tear exchange occurs between the lens and the eye. A preferred lens is a copolymerization product of a oxyperm macromer and an ionoperm monomer. The invention encompasses extended wear contact lenses, which include a core having oxygen transmission and ion transmission pathways extending from the inner surface to the outer surface.

Abstract: A number of new poly(organophosphazenes) have been synthesized which bear 2-butenoxy or 4-allyloxyphenylphenoxy side groups. Co-substituent groups included trifluoroethoxy, phenoxy, or benzyloxyphenoxy groups. Species with 4-allyloxyphenylphenoxy units underwent Si--H coupling to linear silanes or siloxanes to extend the side groups and form hybrid phosphazene/organosilicon polymers. A number of these polymers are rubbery elastomers which are readily cross-linked by heat or light. Seven of the mixed-substituent, cross-linked polymers were incorporated into interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN's) with polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polyacrylonitrile, poly(acrylic acid) and poly(dimethylsiloxane). The phase compatibility characteristics of the IPN's were assessed by DSC, TEM, FT-IR spectroscopy, and 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy data.

Abstract: Phenolic siloxane compositions are prepared in a first embodiment by combining phenol with an aldehyde and an alkoxy or silanol-functional silicone intermediate; in a second embodiment by combining a phenolic novolac resin with a formaldehyde donor and an alkoxy or silanol-functional silicone intermediate; and in a third embodiment by combining a phenolic resole resin with an alkoxy or silanol-functional silicone intermediate. Optionally, a catalyst to facilitate formation of a phenolic resin from phenol and formaldehyde can be added, a catalyst to facilitate condensation of the phenolic resin can be added, and at least one catalyst to facilitate hydrolysis and/or condensation of the silicone intermediate can be added. The phenolic resin catalyst can include acids, bases, and formaldehyde donors. The silicone intermediate catalyst can include organometallic compounds, amine compounds, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an organic phosphorus compound-containing which comprises an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) produced by polymerizing free-radically polymerizable monomers comprising at least an allyl group-containing monomer and an epoxy resin.

Abstract: A curable composition comprises 0.1 to 50 weight percent of a curable epoxy resin, the weight percent being based on the total resin composition, an effective mount of a curative for the curable epoxy resin, 50 to 99.9 weight percent of at least one of a fully prepolymerized hydrocarbon polyolefin resin and a fully prepolymerized functionalized polyolefin resin, the weight percent being based on the total resin composition, wherein said hydrocarbon polyolefin is present in the range of 25 to 99.9 weight percent of the total resin composition and said functionalized polyolefin is present in the range of 0 to 49.9 weight percent of the total resin composition, said composition being free of epoxidized natural and/or synthetic rubber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interpenetrating polymer network comprised of a polyurea network interpenetrated with a polyacrylic network and the article of manufacture, such as a contact lens, made therefrom.

Abstract: The present process is directed to using a reaction injection molding process to make contact lenses made up of an interpenetrating polymer network of polyurea and polyacrylic by the reaction injection molding process.

Abstract: Combinations of IPN type molecular or intramolecular materials, which are thermoadhesive at temperatures not exceeding 90.degree. C. and which can be molded and shaped at said temperature, are characterized in that they contain a first rubber-like elastoviscous constituent having a softening point not exceeding 90.degree. C. and a second, semi-cristalline constituent essentially of the polyester type having a fusion temperature of 35.degree. to 80.degree. C. These combinations have controlled adhesiveness and adequate fluidity for application by hand particularly in do it yourself applications, orthopedics, sport and physiotherapy, and as an adhesive material on rough or porous bodies.

Abstract: A lock unimolecular micelle includes at least one engineered acceptor specifically binding a ligand (or specifically a "key" unimolecular micelle) thereto. A key unimolecular micelle comprises a core molecule and a plurality of branches extending therefrom, at least one of the branches including a shank portion extending therefrom having a terminal moiety at an end thereof for binding to a complimentary acceptor of a lock unimolecular micelle. Together, the lock and key micelles form a unit, either irreversibly or reversibly bound wherein the lock micelles is a soluble receptor engineered to specifically bind to the specifically engineered key micelle.

Abstract: A method and composition for improving the impact resistance of thermoplastics is disclosed. An impact resistant thermoplastic is formed by forming a silicone containing thermosetting component, compounding it with a thermoplastic to form a silicone-thermoplastic mixture, disposing a catalyst on the mixture, and activating the catalyst while compounding the mixture with a thermoplastic. The silicone containing thermosetting component includes a first silicone compound containing hydride groups and a second silicone compound containing unsaturated groups. Activating the catalyst, preferably a platinum complex, causes the thermosetting component to cure, creating a silicone-thermoplastic semi-interpenetrating polymer network having higher impact resistance than the unmodified thermoplastic.

Abstract: In the process of the present invention, a non-polar, aprotic solvent is removed from an oligomer/polymer solution by freeze-drying in order to produce IPNs and semi-IPNs. By thermally quenching the solution to a solid in a short length of time, the size of the minor constituent-rich regions is greatly reduced as they are excluded along with the major constituent from the regions of crystallizing solvent. The use of this process sequence of controlling phase morphology provides IPNs and semi-IPNs with improved fracture toughness, microcracking resistance, and other physical-mechanical properties as compared to IPNs and semi-IPNs formed when the solvent is evaporated rather than sublimed.

Abstract: Disclosed are optically clear xerogel polymer compositions containing an interpenetrant.

Abstract: Compositions, preferably elastomeric compositions, comprise high refractive index polysiloxane-based cross-linked copolymers and high refractive index polymeric resin components. Such compositions, which have refractive indexes of at least about 1.46, preferably at least about 1.48, are useful in producing foldable intraocular lenses.

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: High impact strength cast sheet materials having an unnotched Charpy impact strength of at least 60 kJ/m.sup.2 comprise an interpenetrating network of a major amount of a reticulated methyl methacrylate polymer and from 3% to 8% by weight of an elastomeric polyurethane.

Abstract: A thermosetting powder coating composition resistant to overspray incompatibility defects that comprises solid particulates of a uniform mixture of (a) a polyester resin having an average of two or more carboxyl groups, (b) a first crosslinker that is reactive toward the carboxyl groups of the polyester resin, (c) from 1% to 20% of a reactive acrylic copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 10,000 to 40,000, and (d) a second crosslinker that is reactive toward the reactive functionality of the acrylic copolymer is described.

Abstract: A nonlinear optical interpenetrating polymer network which can exhibit nonlinear optical properties includes a first polymer, and a second polymer interpenetrating the first polymer. At least one of the polymers includes a nonlinear optical component. A method of forming a nonlinear optical interpenetrating polymer network which can exhibit nonlinear optical properties includes combining a first prepolymer, which can react to form a first polymer, with at least one monomer which can react to form a second polymer. At least one of either the first prepolymer or the monomer include a nonlinear optical component. The nonlinear optical component is poled and the first prepolymer and the monomer, or monomers, of the second prepolymer are reacted while the nonlinear optical component is being poled.

Abstract: An interpenetrating network copolymer, method of producing same, and method of producing optical lens blanks and finished lenses therefrom. The method broadly involves the preparation of first and second mixtures of polymerizable vinyl monomers and interrupting the polymerization of the first mixture at a relative viscosity of from about 1.05 to about 10 by admixing the partially polymerized first mixture with the second mixture to create a casting solution and thereafter, when desired, polymerizing molded casting solution in heat to create a solid lens material.

Abstract: Compositions, preferably elastomeric compositions, comprise high refractive index polysiloxane-based cross-linked copolymers and high refractive index polymeric resin components. Such compositions, which have refractive indexes of at least about 1.46, preferably at least about 1.48, are useful in producing foldable intraocular lenses.

Abstract: An interpenetrating network copolymer, method of producing same, and method of producing optical lens blanks and finished lenses therefrom. The method broadly involves the preparation of first and second mixtures of polymerizable vinyl monomers and interrupting the polymerization of the first mixture at a relative viscosity of from about 1.05 to about 10 by admixing the partially polymerized first mixture with the second mixture to create a casting solution and thereafter, when desired, polymerizing molded casting solution in heat to create a solid lens material.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition of matter comprises a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, a cyanate ester resin, optionally a polyol, and, as initiator, a Bronsted acid. When cured, the compositions provide interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs). The IPNs are useful as high temperature stable vibration damping materials, adhesives, binders for abrasives, and protective coatings.

Abstract: A high temperature semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) was developed which had significantly improved processability, damage tolerance and mechanical performance, when compared to the commercial Thermid.RTM. materials. This simultaneous semi-IPN was prepared by mixing a thermosetting polyimide with a thermoplastic monomer precursor solution (NR-15082) and allowing them to react upon heating. This reaction occurs at a rate which decreases the flow and broadens the processing window. Upon heating at a higher temperature, there is an increase in flow. Because of the improved flow properties, broadened processing window and enhanced toughness, high strength polymer matrix composites, adhesives and molded articles can now be prepared from the acetylene endcapped polyimides which were previously inherently brittle and difficult to process.

Abstract: Disclosed are optically clear xerogel polymer compositions containing an interpenetrant.

Abstract: Curable partially plasticised (optionally particulate) compositions comprising partially crystalline polymers which can be made by for example a non-attritive method comprising heating a mixture of the polymer in a preferably moderate curable solvent for the polymer to a temperature above the melting point of the polymer when in the solvent and then cooling whereupon the polymer re-crystallizes from the mixture. Also the use of such compositions in coating and in coating formulation.

Abstract: Certain organic polymeric materials are capable of reversibly accepting or donating electrons from a reducing entity. The redox sites in the polymer accept electrons and, as a result, a change in the properties of the polymer occurs. This change is useful in modifying or etching the polymeric material. The material can be modified by incorporation of metallic seeds into the material at a controlled depth. The seeds are incorporated by interaction of cations of the metals with the redox sites in the polymer, which cause the reduction of the cations to form the neutral metallic seeds. Subsequent exposure of the polymeric material containing the seeds to an electroless bath causes further deposition of metal having the desirable characteristic of good adhesion to the polymeric material. Etching of the polymeric material can be carried out as a result of an increase in solubility of the polymer in aprotic solvents when its redox sites have accepted electrons.