Abstract: A method for forming polyacrylic acid granules and granules prepared therefrom, wherein the granules are flowable, have comparable swelling characteristics and provide comparable tablet properties to powdered polyacrylic acid, have increased bulk density and contain minimal amounts of very small particles that can cause dusting and static adherence. The granules are used to prepare controlled-release tablets, especially for pharmaceutical purposes. The tablets prepared from granules obtained by the method of present invention have superior controlled release properties.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for forming poly-acrylic acid granules and granules formed therefrom wherein the granules are flowable, have an increased bulk density relative to the as polymerized polyacrylic acids, and a low amount of dust which is generally characterized herein as particles which pass through a 325 mesh screen. The granules formed by the method of the present invention can be used to prepare controlled release tablets, especially controlled release pharmaceutical tablets. The controlled release properties of the tablets formed from granules prepared according to the present invention are unexpectedly better than tablets prepared from granules formed by other known granulation methods.

Abstract: A block copolymer for hair styling compositions includes hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks which allow for optimization of desirable characteristics of the hair styling composition, such as flow onto the hair, prevention of curl droop, style retention at high humidity, tack, hardness, resistance to flaking, restylability, volumizing, and washability from the hair. The copolymer includes a polyacrylate backbone of hydrophobic blocks, with hydrophilic acrylate side chains. The copolymer is suitable for the formulation of a number personal care, household, hair care, skin care and other formulation. The copolymer is suited to incorporation into low VOC hydro-alcoholic hair styling compositions to meet reduced VOC, regulations.

Abstract: An emulsion or suspension polymer comprising a vinyl chloride polymeric core and an acrylic ester-acrylonitrile polymeric shell is disclosed. The emulsion polymer is preferably prepared using a two-stage process. In the first stage, a vinyl chloride monomer is polymerized or copolymerized to form a first phase of a polymeric hard core having a relatively high chlorine content. In a second stage, the soft acrylic ester-acrylonitrile copolymer is made in situ in a reaction mixture comprising the first phase. The product provides both flame retardancy and low MFFT, and is useful in a variety of coating and binding applications.

Abstract: A novel hydrophilic ampholytic polymer synthesized by reacting polymerizable amino and carboxy functional ethylenically unsaturated monomers, together with a non-ionic hydrophilic monomer, to provide a polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) above about 50° C., and optionally hydrophobic monomer(s), and cross-linking monomer(s). The copolymer is precipitated from a polymerization media which includes a suitable organic solvent. The resulting copolymer is in the form of a fine powder, with submicron particle size. As such it is suitable for use as a thickener or rheology modifier in personal care formulations, such as shampoo, conditioner, and the like, as a bioadhesive, and for other pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium density chlorinated polyvinyl chloride foam and the method of preparing such a foam. The foam having a specific gravity in the range of about 0.3 to about 1.5 comprises chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, a nitrogen containing decomposition type blowing agent, a tin stabilizer, a costabilizer and a high molecular weight process aid.

Abstract: An analyzer apparatus and method is provided for analyzing restenosis associated with a stent implanted within a living body. The apparatus includes an input for receiving ultrasonic data from an ultrasonic imaging apparatus; digital memory for storing the ultrasonic data at least temporarily; a processor for analyzing the ultrasonic data, the processor being configured to analyze the data in accordance with at least one predefined criteria to diagnose a degree of restenosis experienced by the stent; and an output for outputting information indicative of the diagnosis.

Abstract: An analyzer apparatus and method is provided for analyzing restenosis associated with a stent implanted within a living body. The apparatus includes an input for receiving ultrasonic data from an ultrasonic imaging apparatus; digital memory for storing the ultrasonic data at least temporarily; a processor for analyzing the ultrasonic data, the processor being configured to analyze the data in accordance with at least one predefined criteria to diagnose a degree of restenosis experienced by the stent; and an output for outputting information indicative of the diagnosis.

Abstract: Improved crosslinked ionic polymers or salts thereof having a soluble polymer fraction of less than about 15 wt %, and methods for making the same. The polymers are useful as bioadhesives, thickeners, emulsifiers, suspending aids, and pharmaceutical controlled release excipients.

Abstract: A multilayer composite pipe structure is described. The multilayer composite pipe comprises a hollow inner conduit, a first layer of adhesive, a metallic intermediate layer, a second layer of adhesive, as well as, the outer thermoplastic layer, respectively. The hollow inner conduit is made from any rigid thermoplastic material. The outer thermoplastic layer is made from a rigid, amorphous thermoplastic polymer. This multilayer composite pipe is pressure bearing. In one embodiment, the multilayer composite pipe is solvent cementable; whereas in another embodiment, the multilayer composite pipe is heat fusible. In still yet another embodiment of the invention, the multilayer composite pipe is bendable. Furthermore, the multilayer composite pipe can be used in a fluid conduit system with fittings with an optional insert.

Abstract: A polymerization process for the preparation of (meth)acrylate containing homopolymers or block copolymers comprises heating a mixture of a free radical initiator, a stable free radical agent, and a polymerizable monomer compound to form a thermoplastic resin or resins with a narrow polydispersity. The stable free radical agent is a piperazinone or morpholone based nitroxide or any adducts thereof.