Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions A composition comprising a polymerization product of an anionic polysaccharide, a diisocyanate, and a linker, wherein the linker comprises i) an ether group, an ester group, or a combination thereof and, ii) a chain extender comprising a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, an amine group, or a combination thereof. The disclosure further relates to medical devices comprising the aforementioned compositions, and to methods of using the compositions and devices. More particularly, the compositions, devices and methods described herein are useful for preventing protein adhesions in vivo, particularly the Vroman effect.

Abstract: An autoxidisable coating composition comprising i) 10 to 60 wt % of an autoxidisable material with: a) a number average molecular weight <4500 g/mol; b) optionally 1 to 20 carbohydrate units; c) a fatty acid content of ?60 wt %; d) a viscosity at 100% solids in the range of from 0.05 to 5 Pa·s at 20+/?5° C. at a shear rate of 5000 s?1; ii) 90 to 40 wt % of an autoxidisable urethanised resin with: e) a number average molecular weight ?4000 g/mol; f) a fatty acid content of ?50 wt %; g) an acid value in the range of from 0 to 20 mgKOH/g resin; h) an isocyanate content in the range of from 1 to 35 wt % by weight of autoxidisable urethanised resin; where i)+ii)=100 wt %, based on the total solids content of the autoxidisable coating composition.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible polyurethane composition synthesized by reacting isocyanate groups of at least one multifunctional isocyanate compound with at least one bioactive agent having at least one reactive group —X which is a hydroxyl group (—OH) or an amine group (—NH2). The polyurethane composition is biodegradable within a living organism to biocompatible degradation products including the bioactive agent. Preferably, the released bioactive agent affects at least one of biological activity or chemical activity in the host organism. A biodegradable polyurethane composition includes hard segments and soft segments. Each of the hard segments is preferably derived from a diurea diol or a diester diol and is preferably biodegradable into biomolecule degradation products or into biomolecule degradation products and a biocompatible diol. Another biodegradable polyurethane composition includes hard segments and soft segments.

Abstract: Provided is a silica particle coated with ?-cyclodextrin, wherein said cyclodextrin is attached to said silica particle via at least one crosslinking agent and/or at least one copolymer. Also provided are methods of removing contaminants from a flowing or stationary liquid phase comprising the step of contacting said liquid phase with the silica particle coated with ?-cyclodextrin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of therapeutic cyclodextrin containing polymeric compounds designed as a carrier for small molecule therapeutics delivery and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. These cyclodextrin-containing polymers improve drug stability and solubility, and reduce toxicity of the small molecule therapeutic when used in vivo. Furthermore, by selecting from a variety of linker groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein. The invention further relates to methods for conducting pharmaceutical business comprising manufacturing, licensing, or distributing kits containing or relating to the polymeric compounds described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of therapeutic cyclodextrin containing polymeric compounds designed as a carrier for small molecule therapeutics delivery and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. These cyclodextrin-containing polymers improve drug stability and solubility, and reduce toxicity of the small molecule therapeutic when used in vivo. Furthermore, by selecting from a variety of linker groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein. The invention further relates to methods for conducting pharmaceutical business comprising manufacturing, licensing, or distributing kits containing or relating to the polymeric compounds described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of therapeutic cyclodextrin containing polymeric compounds designed as a carrier for small molecule therapeutics delivery and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. These cyclodextrin-containing polymers improve drug stability and solubility, and reduce toxicity of the small molecule therapeutic when used in vivo. Furthermore, by selecting from a variety of linker groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein. The invention further relates to methods for conducting pharmaceutical business comprising manufacturing, licensing, or distributing kits containing or relating to the polymeric compounds described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of therapeutic cyclodextrin containing polymeric compounds designed as a carrier for small molecule therapeutics delivery and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. These cyclodextrin-containing polymers improve drug stability and solubility, and reduce toxicity of the small molecule therapeutic when used in vivo. Furthermore, by selecting from a variety of linker groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein. The invention further relates to methods for conducting pharmaceutical business comprising manufacturing, licensing, or distributing kits containing or relating to the polymeric compounds described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of therapeutic cyclodextrin containing polymeric compounds designed as a carrier for small molecule therapeutics delivery and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. These cyclodextrin-containing polymers improve drug stability and solubility, and reduce toxicity of the small molecule therapeutic when used in vivo. Furthermore, by selecting from a variety of linker groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein. The invention further relates to methods for conducting pharmaceutical business comprising manufacturing, licensing, or distributing kits containing or relating to the polymeric compounds described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of producing a stable acid denatured soy/urea adhesive having improved wet and dry strengths, with more efficient production and lower production costs. The method comprises combining urea with soy flour that has been acid treated until denatured and substantially free from urease activity. The soy flour is preferably lowered to a pH of 2.0 to 4.0 for at least 1 minute. Optionally, the method may also include adding a crosslinking agent, diluent or both to the soy flour/urea adhesive and/or adding an emulsified or dispersed polymer. Adhesives and dispersions prepared according to the methods of this invention offer increased stability and strength properties.

Abstract: [Problems to be Solved] To provide highly hydrous contact lenses having a cellulose derivative as an essential component. [Means to Solve the Problems] The highly hydrous contact lens formed by exposing a pasty mixture containing a cellulose derivative, a polymerizable compound couplable to the foregoing cellulose derivative, and water to radiation.

Abstract: A bioactive and biocompatible polyurethane-butanediol-glycosaminoglycan copolymer for use in medical implant devices. The biocompatible urethane component being the reaction product of 4,4?-methylene-di-(p-phenyl isocyanate) and poly(tetramethylene oxide)n and further reacted with 1,4-butanediol, wherein n=10 to 40. The bioactive glycosaminoglycan being a salt of hyaluronic acid, such as a cetylpyridinium salt acid having 5 to 10,000 repeating units or a salt of heparin, such as a dimethyldioctadecylammonium salt of heparin has 5 to 65 repeating units or a suitable salt of dermatan sulfate. The weight content of the bioactive glycosaminoglycan is an amount sufficient to render the copolymer bioactive. The copolymers described herein have excellent hemocompatibility and biocompatibility.

Abstract: Embodiments of a composition useful for making sports equipment, such as golf balls, are disclosed comprising at least one polyurethane, polyurea, polymer precursor composition thereof, blocked polyurethane, blocked polyurea or blocked polymer precursor composition thereof, and an effective amount of a polyfunctional modifier. One disclosed embodiment of a method for forming a golf ball comprises providing a first composition comprising at least one polyurethane, polyurea, polymer precursor composition thereof, blocked polyurethane, blocked polyurea or blocked polymer precursor composition thereof, and an effective amount of a polyfunctional modifier. The first composition is combined with at least a second composition to make at least one component of a golf ball.

Abstract: A bio-based binder system for use in preparing foundry molds. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes the use of a) a polyermizable hydroxyl-containing component comprising a saccharide, b) an isocyanate component, and c) a catalyst, and preferably amine catalyst, component adapted to catalyze the polymerization of a) and b), in the presence of a foundry aggregate such as sand. The system can be used in any suitable manner, including in either a cold box process or no bake process as described herein.

Abstract: There is provided a starch-based coating composition with excellent storage stability as a one-pack type paint, which can form coating films with excellent drying property, finished appearances, pencil hardness, mar resistance, adhesion, alkali resistance, solvent resistance and weather resistance, as well as coated articles that have been coated with the starch-based coating composition. The starch-based coating composition comprises as the binder a resin composition obtained by reacting (A) starch and/or modified starch with (B) an isocyanate group-containing compound obtained by reacting a polyisocyanate compound (b1) and a polyhydric alcohol (b2), or by reaction of these components with a resin obtained by radical polymerization of a mixture comprising an aromatic-based radical polymerizing unsaturated monomer, a hydroxyl group-containing radical polymerizing unsaturated monomer and optionally another radical polymerizing unsaturated monomer.

Abstract: The present invention is an adhesive suitable for use in the production of engineered wood products, said adhesive comprised of an aromatic diisocyanate (99.0-10.0 parts by mass) and an aromatic petroleum distillate (1.0-90.0 parts by mass) with low volatility. The adhesive composition may result in improved coverage or distribution on the outer surface of raw materials, such as strands, particles, flakes, fibers, or veneer.

Abstract: A novel polyurethane derivative which is thermoplastic and excellent in thermoformability to a film or a tube and a process for producing the same are provided. Further, a biocompatible material with less blood platelet adhesion is provided. A linear oligosaccharide- or an acylated linear oligosaccharide-containing polyurethane derivative, and a process for producing a linear oligosaccharide-containing polyurethane obtained by reacting a linear oligosaccharide and a diol compound with a diisothiocyanate compound, and a process for producing an acylated linear oligosaccharide-containing polyurethane obtained by acylating the linear oligosaccharide-containing polyurethane. The biocompatible material characterized by using the linear oligosaccharide-containing polyurethane.

Abstract: A viscosifying agent for wellbore fluids is described including a polymer polymerized using at least two pre-polymers “A” and “B”, the polymer being capable of essentially fully degrading into soluble fragments after the initiation of a breaking process.

Abstract: Disclosed are glucoside alkyl urethanes composed of units of the formula: A(O—CO—NH—R)3 wherein A represents a glucosyl unit of a starch hydrolysate molecule, the starch hydrolysate having a Dextrose Equivalent (D.E.) ranging from 1 to 47, (O—CO—NH—R) represents an N-alkyl aminocarbonyloxy group replacing a hydroxyl group of the glucosyl unit A, and wherein R represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group containing from 3 to 22 carbon atoms, and s represents the number of alkyl carbamate groups per glucosyl unit which number is expressed as degree of substitution (DS) with said DS value ranging from about 0.01 to about 2.0 which are useful as surface-active agents. Also disclosed are a method for their manufacture and compositions containing one or more glucoside alkyl urethanes. The glucoside alkyl urethanes have good to excellent tensio-active properties in combination with good biodegrability and they are suitable as surfactants for use in household and industrial applications, e.g.

Abstract: A bioactive and biocompatible polyurethane-butanediol-glycosaminoglycan copolymer for use in medical implant devices. The biocompatible urethane component being the reaction product of 4,4?-methylene-di-(p-phenyl isocyanate) and poly(tetramethylene oxide)n and further reacted with 1,4-butanediol, wherein n=10 to 40. The bioactive glycosaminoglycan being a salt of hyaluronic acid, such as a cetylpyridinium salt acid having 5 to 10,000 repeating units or a salt of heparin, such as a dimethyldioctadecylammonium salt of heparin has 5 to 65 repeating units or a suitable salt of dermatan sulfate. The weight content of the bioactive glycosaminoglycan is an amount sufficient to render the copolymer bioactive. The copolymers described herein have excellent hemocompatibility and biocompatibility.

Abstract: A hydrogel composition comprising a modified cyclodextrin crosslinked with a polyurethane prepolymer. In one embodiment, the hydrogel includes a ratio of the modified cyclodextrin to the polyurethane prepolymer selected to result in formation of the hydrogel. The hydrogel composition may be used in a personal care product. A process for preparing a hydrogel, including providing a modified cyclodextrin; providing a polyurethane prepolymer; combining the modified cyclodextrin with the polyurethane prepolymer; and allowing the polyurethane prepolymer to react with and crosslink the cyclodextrin to form the hydrogel. A process for preparing a hydrogel-containing article such as a personal care product, including preparing the hydrogel and applying it or the components thereof to a suitable substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of a haemocompatible polymer, consisting of a polyurethane bound covalently to sulphated hyaluronic acid. These sulfated derivatives have anticoagulative, non-thrombogenic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. They also have the ability to inhibit platelet adhesion, aggregation and activation. The invention is particularly advantageous in resisting the enzyme hyaluronidase, therefore ensuring anti-coagulant activities for longer periods of time when compared to similar compounds. This biocompatible polymer material is well suited for surgical or other medicinal uses.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of producing a stable urea-denatured soy flour-based adhesive having improved wet and dry strengths, with more efficient production and lower production costs. The method comprises heating soy flour until denatured and then adding urea to the denatured soy flour. The soy flour may be heated up to 40° C. to 100° C. for at least 15 to 500 minutes. Optionally, the method may also include adding a cross-linking agent to the soy flour/urea mixture and/or adding an emulsified or dispersed polymer. Adhesives prepared according to this invention offer increased stability and strength properties.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating biologics within a hydrogel by using an aqueous solution of an isocyanate-functional hydrogel prepolymer which is mixed with an amount of biologics and an aqueous solution containing a dithiol crosslinking agent under physiological pH conditions. An additional bidentate crosslinking agent may be included. The product of such method may be a bioreactor or an assay device having a plurality or different biologics encapsulated at predetermined locations in a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns treated fibrous porous material having a defined nanostructure comprising reactive sites thereon, wherein said fibrous porous material is treated with a low viscosity organic solution comprising organic solvent, isocyanate component unsaturated resin and optionally additional additives. The treated fibrous porous material is further mixed with a resin to form a composite. The composite may be formed by various methods of mixing and molding. The invention is further directed to various composites made therefrom. The fibrous porous material is selected from the group comprising cellulose, lignin, synthetic ceramics, porous metal nanopowders, kaolin, bio fibers and porous powders of biological origin or their mixtures. The resin may be any polymer virgin or scrap obtained from industrial or domestic waste, and is selected from thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a foam prepared from a resin comprising: one or more saccharides; one or more isocyanates; one or more resin polyols; and water. The foam may be for example polyurethane foam or polycyanurate foam, either flexible or rigid. Another embodiment includes a method for preparing a foam comprising: forming a resin by mixing one or more saccharides with one or more isocyanates and then mixing the one or more saccharides and the one or more isocyanates with water; and admixing one or more foam polyols to the resin. Another embodiment includes a method for manufacturing a foam derived from an isocyanate, comprising replacing all or a portion of the isocyanate with a resin comprising: one or more saccharides; one or more isocyanates; one or more resin polyols; and water. Another embodiment includes an article of manufacture comprising such foam.

Abstract: A method for curing an active single phase water compatible actinic radiation curable composition, comprising: irradiating a water compatible non emulsion, non dispersing compound, water, and a maleimide derivative.

Abstract: A resin composite characterized in that it includes: a polymer compound which is an alternating copolymer of a saccharic compound and an aliphatic compound and has a three-dimensional network; and a plasticizer contained in the gap in the three-dimensional network of the above polymer compound, the production of the resin composite contributing to making good use of waste vegetable resources, such as used paper and waste molasses, as raw materials, the resin composite having elasticity and flexibility just as does rubber.

Abstract: A golf ball which is excellent in durability, sufficient to be used in a golf practice range, wherein the golf ball includes a core, a cover covering the core, and a mark printed on the surface of the cover, wherein: the cover is formed from a mixture of an ionomer and an epoxy group-containing polymer and the mark is printed with an ink containing a pigment, an isocyanate compound, and a base resin which is curable with the isocyanate compound.

Abstract: A novel resin for binding composite lignocellulosic, cellulosic and non-cellulosic products is disclosed. The resin is comprised of one or more isocyanates, one or more saccharides, one or more polyols, and water. Preferaby, the saccharide is a polysaccharide comprised of corn syrup. Preferably, the isocyanate is a polyisocyanate and the polyol is an ethylene glycol. Also disclosed are methods for preparing and applying the resin as well as the products prepared from the resin.

Abstract: A curable starch composition comprising a mixture of a starch and a curing agent having a functional group complementally reactive with at least one hydroxyl group contained in a starch molecule; and a modified starch having at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon group, acid group, blocked isocyanate group, isocyanate group, oxidative polymerizable group, radical polymerizable unsaturated group and amide group in a starch molecule.

Abstract: A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating the graft initiator, a polymerizable silicon softener, and at least one additional prepolymer, each of the softener and the prepolymer which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. The treated fiber exhibits excellent crockfastness, color fastness, and abrasion resistance, strength, and has a soft hand.

Abstract: Building materials based on polyisocyanate-impregnated lignocellulosic substrates provide increased strength and water, fire, insect, and fungi resistance compared to prior art building materials. At the same time, such building materials exhibit an aesthetically pleasing surface and can, therefore, be used in consumer visible applications (such as furniture) as well as in consumer invisible (such as door frames and stiles) applications.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of molded particles for microbial cell-immobilization which is characterized in that: an aqueous liquid composition which comprises: (a) an ethylenically unsaturated group-containing urethane resin which is obtained by making a tertiary amino group-containing diol react with a polyisocyanate compound, and by further introducing an ethylenically unsaturated group; (b) a polymerization initiator; and (c) water-soluble macromolecular polysaccharides; is gelatinized, in an aqueous medium which contains metal ion, to be particulate gel which is then subjected to photopolymerization and/or thermopolymerization by which to cause the crosslinking reaction of ethylenically unsaturated group in said particulate gel.

Abstract: A polyisocyanate composition used for binding lignocellulosic materials comprising a polyisocyanate prepolymer, the prepolymer being the reaction product from a polyisocyanate comprising an isomer mixture of diphenylmethane diisocyanate and at least one polyether polyol having from 2 to 8 hydroxyl groups, wherein the polyether polyol comprises polymerized alkylene units containing at least 15% ethylene oxide units.

Abstract: A biologic can be immobilized in a transparent polyurethane-hydrogel composition. Such a polyurethane-hydrogel composition can be prepared from forming a polyurethane-hydrogel mixture and immobilizing a biologic in the mixture. The mixture can be formed by admixing a prepolymer and a water-soluble crosslinker in aqueous solvent and in the substantial absence of organic solvent. A suitable prepolymer generally includes at least one water-soluble polyol and at least one isocyanate and can be added to the mixture in an amount of no greater than about 5 weight percent based on total weight of all components. A suitable crosslinker generally has a crosslinker functionality of at least 2. A biologic includes cells, peptides, nucleics, peptide nucleic acids, saccharides, lipopolysaccharides, glycolipids, and combinations of these. A polyurethane-hydrogel composition having an immobilized biologic can be particularly useful for biomedical applications.

Abstract: A method of modulation of synthesis capacity on and cleavage properties of synthetic oligomers from solid support is described. The method utilizes linker molecules attached to a solid surface and co-coupling agents that have similar reactivities to the coupling compounds with the surface functional groups. The preferred linker molecules provide an increased density of polymers and more resistance to cleavage from the support surface. The method is particularly useful for synthesis of oligonucleotides, oligonucleotides microarrays, peptides, and peptide microarrays. The stable linkers are also coupled to anchor molecules for synthesis of DNA oligonucleotides using on support purification, eliminating time-consuming chromatography and metal cation presence. Oligonucleotides thus obtained can be directly used for mass analysis, DNA amplification and ligation, hybridization, and many other applications.

Abstract: Methods of forming crosslinked hyaluronic acid anti-adhesion barriers, crosslinked hyaluronic acid anti-adhesions barriers, methods for preventing or inhibiting adhesions, and methods of promoting healing of a wound are provided. The method of forming the crosslinked hyaluronic acid anti-adhesion barrier includes freeze-drying a solution including hyaluronic acid to form a hyaluronic acid foam, which is then reacted with a crosslinking agent to form a crosslinked hyaluronic acid foam. The crosslinked hyaluronic acid foam is mixed with a solution containing hyaluronic acid to form an anti-adhesion barrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in the preparation of a hot press molded board from a lignocellulose or an inorganic material as a main raw material, an isocyanate-based binder composition with which a board having eternally good releasability from a hot press plate, excellent physical properties and a low hygroscopic linear expansion coefficient can be obtained with improved productivity. The binder composition comprises (A) a compound having at least two isocyanate groups, (B) a low molecular weight polyethylene and (C) water as indispensable components.

Abstract: The present invention includes a polyol produced according to the process comprising reacting a multifunctional alcohol with a first multifunctional component to form a reaction product and reacting the reaction product with a vegetable oil to form a polyol. The present invention also relates to the material comprising the reaction product of an A-side and a B-side, wherein the A-side comprises an isocyanate and the B-side comprises the product formed by the process comprising the steps of reacting a multifunctional alcohol with a first multifunctional component to form a precursor polyol and then reacting the precursor polyol with a vegetable oil to form a vegetable based polyol with selectable functionality.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chemically crosslinked material, comprising a natural material or a derivative thereof having crosslinks formed by the combination of a primary crosslinking agent and an enhancer compound, wherein the crosslinks formed comprise crosslinks which include at least one additional hydroxyl group and/or at least one additional linear ether linkage as compared to crosslinks formed by the primary crosslinking agent alone. The materials according to preferred embodiments of the invention provide a chemically crosslinked material that has favorable antigenicity/flexibility characteristics.

Abstract: This invention relates to water-dispersible polyisocyanates obtained by reacting a) at least one bishydroxy-functional compound of the formula (I) HO—R1,—[O—CR2R3—O—R1]n—OH  (I)  wherein R1, R2, R3, and n are defined herein, with b) at least one polyisocyanate of the formula (II) Q[NCO]q  (II)  wherein Q and q are defined herein, and subsequently, in any order, with c) at least one monofunctional polyether alcohol of the formula (III) R4—[O—R5]m—O—H  (III)  wherein R4, R5, and m are defined herein, and optionally with d) at least one compound of the formula (IV) H—O—[R5—O]o—N+R6R7R8 X−  (IV)  wherein R5, R6, R7, R8, O, and X− are defined herein.

Abstract: A coating composition is provided comprising hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof and a blocked polyisocyanate in a solvent comprising water. A method is provided for preparing the coating on a substrate comprising forming a coating mixture of hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof and a blocked polyisocyanate in a solvent comprising water; applying the coating mixture to the substrate; and curing the coating.

Abstract: Cellulose-containing, optionally wood-containing materials which have been obtained using water-dispersible polyisocyanates which in turn have been prepared by reaction of the following starting components:a) modified polyisocyanates of the formula (I) ##STR1## in which: R.sup.1 denotes an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 2 to 18 carbon atoms; a cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 4 to 15 carbon atoms; an aromatic hydrocarbon radical having 6 to 15 carbon atoms or an araliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 8 to 15 carbon atoms,R.sup.2 denotes an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical which has 10 to 35 carbon atoms and optionally contains double bonds,R.sup.3 denotes a hydrocarbon radical which is at least divalent and can also be heterocyclic, with inclusion of the ester oxygen or amide nitrogen from X, ##STR2## where R.dbd.H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, or R is a constituent of a cyclic structure,n denotes a number .gtoreq.2 and y denotes a number .gtoreq.

Abstract: A modified cellulose compound and a photopolymerizable resin composition containing the same are disclosed, the modified cellulose compound being obtained by reacting a hydroxyl group of cellulose or a cellulose derivative with an isocyanate group of a specific (meth)acryloyloxyalkylene isocyanate compound. The photopolymerizable resin composition has excellent adhesion to a substrate and high flexibility, and the modified cellulose compound has properties of easily decomposing and volatilizing even after baking.

Abstract: A lignin-polyol mixture is reacted with an isocyanate to produce a urethane material. The rate of the reaction is controlled by the sodium concentration in the lignin-polyol mixture. The lignin includes sodium and it is desirable to have the sodium at concentrations of less than 1% by weight of the lignin. Polyether and polyester polyol, are the preferred polyols in the lignin-polyol mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for thermoplasticizing starch, a melt-processible polymer composition, which contains a starch-based component and a thermoplastisized polymer component, and a method for preparating such a composition. According to the invention the starch component, which contains hydroxyl groups capable of reacting with isocyanate groups, is modified so that it can be dissolved or gelatinized/plastisized in the melt of a hydroxy acid polymer. The starch component is then reacted with a thermoplastic component formed by a hydroxy acid polymer, in particular a lactic acid polymer, in order to produce a melt-processible, biologically degradable starch-based polymer, which can be used as an adhesive and for coating of paper and cardboard products and for preparation of injection moulded and thermoformed articles.

Abstract: New and useful products are based on sheeted cellulose impregnated with a polyfunctional isocyanate and a fire retardant material. The fire retardants are chosen from organophosphorous esters compatible with the isocyanate in the proportions used. Preferred impregnating compositions use about one part of isocyanate and two parts of a halogenated diphosphate ester. Other compatible phosphorous based materials may be included for viscosity control.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of a modified cellulosic product by:1) coating or impregnating a composition of:a) a polymethylene poly(phenyl isocyanate),b) water, andc) an organic compound having an hydroxy functionality of from 2 to 8, and having a molecular weight of from about 60 to about 8000, and being selected from the group consisting of i) ester group-free polyhydric alcohols, ii) polyether polyols and iii) mixtures thereof, and2) allowing the impregnated cellulosic material to cure at room temperature and without application of pressure.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I: ##STR1## are disclosed. The compounds are photoinitiators which can be functionalized by means of ethylenic groups or can be bonded to H-active substances, in order, for example, to modify surfaces by means of photopolymerizable substances. The compounds are especially useful in the manufacture of contact lenses.