Abstract: A multi-stage modified thermoplastic starch (TPS) masterbatch is obtained by four-stage modification treatment as follows: (i) 100 parts of starch with a moisture content of 15% to 30% are added to a high-speed mixer and stirred under room temperature; (ii) Heated to 50° C. to 70° C., polybutadiene (PB), plasticizer and a chemical modifier are added. The mixture is then stirred a second time; (iii) Heated to 75° C. to 95° C., tackifier, lubricant, filler and chain extender are added. The mixture is again stirred a third time. (iv) A biodegradable resin is added at this temperature, and the resulting mixture is stirred a fourth time. After the stirring is completed, the resulting mixture is incubated at this temperature for a predetermined time, and then added to a twin-screw extruder for melt extrusion. The present invention also discloses a preparation method and use.

Abstract: Provided are a polylactide-grafted cellulose nanofiber that is suitable as a molding material, and a production method thereof. A polylactide-grafted cellulose nanofiber includes grafted cellulose having a graft chain bonding to cellulose constituting a cellulose nanofiber, wherein the graft chain is a polylactide, and a ratio of an absorbance derived from C?O of the polylactide to an absorbance derived from O—H of the cellulose on an infrared absorption spectrum is no less than 0.01 and no greater than 1,000. In addition, a production method of a polylactide-grafted cellulose nanofiber includes carrying out graft polymerization of a lactide to cellulose constituting a cellulose nanofiber in the presence of an organic polymerization catalyst which includes an amine and a salt obtained by reacting the amine with an acid. As the organic polymerization catalyst, 4-dimethylaminopyridine and 4-dimethylaminopyridinium triflate are preferred.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyesters of the following general formula, wherein the residues R1, R2, R3, R4, R5a (as a special case of residue R5), R6, R7 and R8 are free of carboxy, hydroxy, thiol, imino, and primary and secondary amino groups, the residues R5b (as a special case of R5) and R9 contain hydroxyl groups, 10 to 100 mol % of which can be present in salt form analogously to polymers or otherwise capped, u=0 or 1, v=1 to 60 and w=1 to 20. The invention further relates to wetting agents and dispersants that contain the aforementioned polyesters or consist thereof and to a method for producing said wetting agents and dispersants, to the use of the polyesters and reaction products of the method according to the invention as wetting agents and dispersants, and to compositions containing the polyesters, wetting agents and/or dispersants or reaction products of the method according to the invention and particulate solids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing grafted copolymers of lignin and/or cellulose, comprising the generation of macroradicals in situ by mechanical impact on the backbone of said lignin and/or cellulose of said lignin and/or cellulose containing material and grafting monomers and/or polymers to said backbone. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the grafted copolymers obtainable by said method, composite materials comprising said copolymers as well as to uses thereof.

Abstract: Forming multifunctional materials and composites thereof includes contacting a first material having a plurality of oxygen-containing functional groups with a chalcogenide compound, and initiating a chemical reaction between the first material and the chalcogenide compound, thereby replacing oxygen in some of the oxygen-containing functional groups with chalcogen from the chalcogen-containing compound to yield a second material having chalcogen-containing functional groups and oxygen-containing functional groups. The first material is a carbonaceous material or a macromolecular material. A product including the second material is collected and may be processed further to yield a modified product or a composite.

Abstract: A composition composed of an adhesive copolymer may be a reaction product of a first mixture and a monosaccharide monomer, in which the first mixture may be a reaction product of a diol monomer and a dicarboxylic monomer.

Abstract: Adhesive copolymers and methods for preparing them are disclosed. An adhesive copolymer may be prepared from a reaction mixture containing monosaccharide monomers and dicarboxylic monomers. The monosaccharide monomers may include any of a number of C5 and/or C6 monosaccharides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to degradable polyacetal polymers having a C(O)—(CH2CH2O)n—R5 or a saccharide attached to amine radical of the backbone of the polymer, their polymer-active agent conjugates and their preparation processes, to compositions, and hydrogels containing them, as well as their use in therapy, diagnostic imaging and cosmetics.

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: Adhesive copolymers and methods for preparing them are disclosed. An adhesive copolymer may be prepared from a reaction mixture containing monosaccharide monomers and dicarboxylic monomers. The monosaccharide monomers may include any of a number of C5 and/or C6 monosaccharides.

Abstract: Anionic graft copolymers and scale inhibition compositions including the anionic graft copolymers in which the anionic graft copolymers include a natural component grafted with an ethylenically unsaturated anionic monomer where the anionic graft copolymer includes 1 or more reacted anhydroglucose units per every 100 anhydroglucose units in the anionic graft copolymer.

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: Disclosed is a polymer film excellent in performance of inducing Rth.

Abstract: A process for making a material for acquisition of liquids comprising individualized, crosslinked cellulosic fibers having an effective amount of a polymeric acid crosslinking agent reacted with the fibers in intra-fiber crosslink ester bond form. A process for making disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers, containing this material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a biodegradable polymer composition, said method comprising melt mixing a first biodegradable polyester and a masterbatch, wherein said masterbatch has been formed separately by melt mixing in the presence of a transesterification catalyst a polysaccharide, a second biodegradable polyester and a biodegradable polymer having pendant carboxylic acid groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a biodegradable polymer composition, said method comprising melt mixing a first biodegradable polyester and a masterbatch, wherein said masterbatch has been formed separately by melt mixing in the presence of a transesterification catalyst a polysaccharide, a second biodegradable polyester and a biodegradable polymer having pendant carboxylic acid groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new (meth)acrylate compositions, their preparation and their use in ultraviolet light curable applications such as coatings, inks and adhesives.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic cellulose composition according to the present invention includes a process of ring-opening polymerization of cyclic ester with a cellulosic material or oligoesterified cellulose after mechanochemical pretreatment or during mechanochemical treatment, to improve thermoplasticity of the resultant thermoplastic cellulose composition.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition is provided that includes a modified starch and a silane coupling agent, and optionally, a crosslinking agent. The starch from which the modified starch is derived is natural in origin, biorenewable, and is derived from plant sources. The modified starch has been chemically modified from its natural form and may have a degree of polymerization from about 20 to about 4000. Additionally, the modified starches have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. Advantageously, the modified starches are water dispersible and have excellent resistance to water after curing. In addition, the binder has a light color after being cured. The crosslinking agent may be any compound suitable for crosslinking the starch based compound. In exemplary embodiments, the silane coupling agent is an aminosilane. The environmentally friendly, biorenewable binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: Rotary spinning processes, more particularly processes for making hydroxyl polymer-containing fibers using a rotary spinning die, hydroxyl polymer-containing fibers made by the processes and webs made with the hydroxyl polymer-containing fibers are provided.

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: The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic biodegradable polymers. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linking is performed by functionalization of one or more OR groups on the pre-polymer backbone with vinyl, followed by photopolymerization to form the elastic biodegradable polymer composition or material. Preferably, acrylate is used to add one or more vinyls to the backbone of the pre-polymer to form an acrylated pre-polymer. In various embodiments, acrylated pre-polymers are co-polymerized with one or more acrylated co-polymers.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic cellulose composition according to the present invention includes a processs of ring-opening polymerization of cyclic ester with a cellulosic material or oligoesterified cellulose after mechanochemical pretreatment or during mechanochemical treatment, to improve thermoplasticity of the resultant thermoplastic cellulose composition.

Abstract: A formaldehyde-free curable aqueous composition comprising an adduct of (a) carbohydrate polymer and (b) a multi-functional crosslinking agent such as a polybasic acid may be used as a binder for non-woven products such as fiberglass insulation.

Abstract: An organopolysiloxane-modified polysaccharide prepared by esterification reacting (A) an organopolysiloxane having residual carboxylic anhydride groups and (B) a polysaccharide having hydroxyl groups, wherein the organopolysiloxane is bonded to the polysaccharide through half ester groups, and a process for the preparation of organopolysiloxane-modified polysaccharide, in which component (A) and component (B) are subjected to an esterification reaction in the presence of (C) a non-protonic polar solvent. The organopolysiloxane-modified polysaccharide comprising polysaccharide and organopolysiloxane bonded thereto through half ester groups is novel. The process for the preparation of organopolysiloxane-modified polysaccharide permits introduction of organopolysiloxane into polysaccharide at a high introduction ratio.

Abstract: A bio-liquid crystal polymer is made from a tissue-derived compound or the derivatives. The bio-liquid crystal polymer has a characteristic of liquid crystal under predetermined conditions and is biocompatible.

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: The invention is directed to a hybrid polymer material or system that combines naturally occurring building blocks with synthetic building blocks. The sets of naturally occurring and synthetic building blocks are mixed and joined on a molecular or nanoscopic level to give homogeneous or microphase-separated morphologies to the resulting mixed polymer system. These hybrid polymers combine the comfort attributes of natural materials with the robustness and design properties of synthetic materials.

Abstract: In the present invention, there are obtained aliphatic polyesters having a controlled thermal decomposing property, hydrolizability, and biodegradability, in which OH terminals and COOH terminals are decreased to 50% and 30%, respectively, through a ring-opening polymerization of a lactone and lactide by a mono alcohol having a high boiling point or a metal alkoxide, or by further decreasing both terminals through combining produced polymer terminals with a diisocyanate and, from a composition containing the polyesters, there is obtained a particle-state composition for agriculture and gardening in which a duration period of a fertilizing effect can be controlled, and which is not remained in soil by decomposition.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing polyol fatty acid polyesters comprising the steps of (1) mixing ingredients comprising (a) unesterified first polyol having hydroxyl groups, (b) second polyol esterified with fatty acids, (c) basic catalyst, and (d) emulsifying agent to form a mixture of ingredients; (2) reacting the mixture of ingredients at a temperature sufficient to obtain a transesterification reaction products and by-products; and (3) removing at least a portion of the by-products from the transesterification reaction mixture; and (4) further heating the transesterification reaction products and ingredients from step (3) at a temperature and for a time sufficient to esterify at least about 50% of the hydroxyl groups of the first polyol.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel polymer compositions comprising cellulose acrylamide, acrylamide and/or a fluorescent indicator species, and membranes made with these compositions. Optical pH sensors for monitoring the pH in a fluid sample, and methods for making such pH sensors are also disclosed. The pH sensors have reduced sensitivity to sample components that can interfere with pH measurements.

Abstract: A method of preparing a resin-fortified polymer emulsion is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises polymerizing at least one monomer in the presence of a surfactant, an initiator, a resin and sugar-based vinyl monomer under emulsion polymerization reaction conditions effective for initiating polymerization, wherein an emulsion polymerization product is formed that comprises a sugar-based vinyl monomer. A composition comprising resin-fortified emulsion polymer comprising a sugar-based vinyl monomer, a resin and at least one emulsion polymerizable monomer is also disclosed. An ink comprising a pigment and a resin-fortified polymer emulsion comprising a sugar-based vinyl monomer, a resin and at least one emulsion polymerizable monomer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An amphoteric polymer dispersion obtained in the presence of at least one of starch or a starch derivative by a two-stage polymerization using anionic and cationic monomers is useful as a sizing agent for paper products, as a coating for various substrates, and as a binder in pigment-free coatings or pigment-containing coatings. The dispersion is exceptionally compatible with widely differing sizing agent systems and coating chemicals.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermally formed article having biodegradability, recycling ability and thermoplasticity. The thermally formed article comprises a sugar polymer represented by the following general formula wherein G is a residue of a monosaccharide, oligosaccharide or polysaccharide, R is a linear or branched alkylene group having at least 4 carbon atoms when G is the residue of the monosaccharide, or a linear or branched alkylene group having at least 6 carbon atoms when G is the residue of the oligosaccharide or polysaccharide, and n is an integer of 1 to 5,000.

Abstract: Biological oils, conjugated biological oils, and metathesized or cometathesized biological oils are polymerized or co-polymerized faith divinylbenzene, norboradiene and dicyclopentadiene using a BF3.OEt2 initiator to provide plastics from renewable resources. The products are thermosetting polymers having highly crosslinked structures, room temperature modulus of about 109 Pa, and excellent thermal stability, making the products useful for applications where current biodegradable plastics are not useable.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for enhancing the toughness, e.g., resistance to cracking upon flexation, of coatings made from cycloaliphatic epoxide derivatives wherein the cycloaliphatic epoxide derivative is a cycloaliphatic epoxide ester of a hydroxy-functional compound containing at least one branched, 1,2-alkylene oxide unit. Processes for making the cycloaliphatic epoxide derivatives and coating formulations comprising the cycloaliphatic epoxide derivatives are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-swellable, hydrophilic polymer compositions which can be prepared by free-radical (co)polymerization of one or more hydrophilic monomers in the presence of starch and/or chemically modified starch, wherein a free-radical initiator which forms three or more free radical sites per molecule is used.

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: The present invention relates to a modified cellulose ester containing unsaturated pendent groups which can be prepared by reacting a cellulose ester containing residual hydroxyl groups with, for example, maleic anhydride in acetic acid solvent with sodium acetate catalyst. The modified cellulose ester is not homopolymerizable but will copolymerize in the presence of vinyl crosslinking agents and a photoinitiator upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The modified cellulose ester is useful as a protective and/or decorative coating for wood, metal, plastics, paper, board, and other substrates, as well as an additive to printing inks, and as a nail polish. In addition, because of the propensity for the pendant carboxyl groups to form hydrophilic salts with amines, the modified cellulose esters can be formulated to be water-dispersible.

Abstract: An oligomer composed of a carbohydrate head group and an oligomer chain is disclosed. Methods for increasing the oligomerization rates of lactones and cyclic carbonates are also disclosed.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising (A) a modified copolymer which is a partial ester of a styrene-carboxylic anhydride copolymer, a hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate and, if required, a monovalent alcohol; (B) at least one diluent for the modified copolymer; (C) at least one multifunctional epoxy; and (D) a photoinitiator or a system capable of initiating photopolymerisation; and being characterised in that it further includes (E) at least one catalyst for the reaction between carboxylic acid functions and epoxy functions. The composition is useful for coating substrates by heat and radiation curing.

Abstract: Novel biodegradable amphiphilic polymers are described. Preferred polymers have a lipophilic binding moiety coupled covalently to a hydrophilic tissue adhesion moiety through a divalent linker comprising a natural metabolite or a polymer biodegradable into a natural metabolite. In one embodiment the biodegradable polymers of the invention exhibit the property of self-assembly characteristic of liquid crystals. The present amphiphilic biodegradable polymers can be used alone or in combination with other biocompatible polymers, with cells, growth factors, hormones, and/or other pharmaceutical agents in fabrication of implantable matrices for tissue repair. The polymers are biodegradable into art-recognized biocompatible components, preferably natural metabolites.

Abstract: A process for producing an amphoteric aqueous polymer dispersion by two-step radical copolymerization includes (a) decomposing a starch by treatment with an enzyme or acid hydrolysis to provide a starch solution composed of decomposed starch and/or derivatives thereof having an average molecular weight ranging from 500 to 2000 g/mole and with the starch solution having an internal viscosity<0.

Abstract: A degradable polymer and a process for preparing the degradable polymer which has a structure resulting from combination of a star-shaped polymer comprising a polyfunctional base compound of polycarboxylic acid having three or more carboxyl groups and/or anhydride of the same or aliphatic polyhydric alcohol having three or more hydroxyl groups and a unit of aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, with aliphatic polyhydric alcohol having two or more hydroxyl groups or polycarboxylic acid having two or more carboxyl groups or anhydrides of the same. The degradable polymer leads to remarkably low coloration as compared with a polymer comprising polysaccharide as a polyfunctional base compound, has high melt tension as compared to common aliphatic polyester is excellent in processability on various molding methods, foam molding and blow molding in particular, and high transparency.

Abstract: A polyester represented by the following general formula (I) and a copolymer which comprises two structural units represented by the following general formulae (I') and (II). ##STR1## and a coating material for use in large intestine-selective drug release pharmaceutical preparations, which contains the above polyester and/or copolymer. The polyester and copolymer of the present invention contain a saccharide residue which is hydrolyzed and/or assimilated specifically in the large intestine, drugs contained in solid oral pharmaceutical administration pharmaceutical preparations coated with the coating material of the present invention are not decomposed or absorbed by digestive organs other than the large intestine, but instead are released selectively and therefore in a high concentration in the large intestine.