Abstract: Higher molecular weight copolymers of polyaspartic acid which are suitable for the inhibition of scale deposition may be obtained by reacting maleic acid and ammonia in a stoichiometric excess, with a diamine or a triamine, at 120.degree.-350.degree. C., preferably 180.degree.-300.degree. C., and then converting the copolymer of polysuccinimlde formed to a salt of a copolymer of polyaspartic acid by hydrolysis with a hydroxide.

Abstract: Polyamino acids or their salts mixed with citric acid or its salts, in a ratio of 75:25 to 0.1:99.9, polyamino acid or its salt to citric acid or its salts, and especially in a ratio of 1:1 to 1:99 polyamino acids or their salts to citric acid or its salts, provide a much higher rate of chelation of calcium ion than expected on the basis of the addition of the polyamino acid to citric acid. Such mixtures may be used in high volume water applications such as boiler, cooling, oil well, agricultural sprays and irrigation water. They are also useful in preventing scale formation on fabrics when formulated with laundry detergents and in preventing scale formation on glassware when formulated in dishwashing detergents.

Abstract: Polyaspartate, useful for inhibition of incrustations due to materials causing hardness in water and of value in detergent formulations, can be prepared by reacting maleic acid or fumaric acid in a molar ratio of 1:1-2.1 at temperatures greater than 190.degree. C., followed by conversion of the polymer formed in this reaction to a salt of polyaspartic acid by basic hydrolysis.

Abstract: Higher molecular weight copolymers of polyaspartic acid which are suitable for the inhibition of scale deposition may be obtained by reacting maleic acid and ammonia in a stoichiometric excess, with a diamine or a triamine, at 120.degree.-350.degree. C., preferably 180.degree.-300.degree. C., and then converting the copolymer of polysuccinimide formed to a salt of a copolymer of polyaspartic acid by hydrolysis with a hydroxide. Alkyl or substituted alkyl groups may be incorporated in the backbone of the polymer by adding a alkyl or substituted alkyl monoamine to maleic acid and ammonia and heating at 120.degree. C. or more until polymerization has occurred.

Abstract: Copolymers of polyamino acids formed by reaction of polysuccinimide with alkyl, alkenyl, aromatic amines or alkyl and alkenyl polyamines are useful as inhibitors of mineral scale deposition. Such compounds may be used in high volume water applications such as boiler, cooling, oil well, agricultural sprays and irrigation water. They are also useful in preventing scale formation on fabrics when formulated with laundry detergents and in preventing scale formation on glassware when formulated in dishwashing detergents.

Abstract: Solutions of polymers of aspartic acid or its amine copolymers prepared by thermal condensation are reacted with a decolorizing agent selected from the group consisting of hypochlorfte, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, a peroxycarboxylate or ozone, sufficient in strength to effect the desired decolorization.

Abstract: Copolymers of polyamino acids formed by reaction of an alcohol with maleic anhydride to form the half ester followed by addition of ammonia, ammonia and an amine, or ammonia and a polyamine. The mixture is then heated to 120.degree.-350.degree. C. to form polysuccinimide or a derivative thereof. The resulting polysuccinimide may be hydrolyzed to form a derivative of polyaspartic acid or its salt.

Abstract: An oral pharmaceutical composition comprising a hydrophobic resin or ion exchange resin which has a therapeutic agent bound thereto forming an agent-resin complex is disclosed. The complex is coated with a water-permeable diffusion barrier of poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer cryogel.

Abstract: Polyaspartate, useful or inhibition of incrustations due to materials causing hardness in water and of value in detergent formulations, can be prepared by reacting maleic acid or fumaric acid in a molar ratio of 1:1-2.1 at temperatures greater than 170.degree. C., followed by conversion of the polymer formed in this reaction to a salt of polyaspartic acid by basic hydrolysis.

Abstract: Higher molecular weight copolymers of polyaspartic acid which are suitable for the inhibition of scale deposition may be obtained by reacting maleic acid and ammonia in a stoichiometric excess, with a diamine or a triamine, at 120.degree.-350.degree. C., preferably 180.degree.-300.degree. C., and then converting the copolymer of polysuccinimide formed to a salt of a copolymer of polyaspartic acid by hydrolysis with a hydroxide.

Abstract: Copolymers of polyamino acids formed by reaction of polysuccinimide with alkyl, alkenyl, aromatic amines or alkyl and alkenyl polyamines are useful as inhibitors of tartar deposition. Such compounds may be used in conventional dentrifice compositions to prevent tartar deposition on natural or false teeth.

Abstract: A controlled-release bandage containing therapeutic agents in a poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogel is disclosed. The bandage may include particulate absorbants such as ion exchange resins and hydrophobic particles to further insure controlled and constant release of therapeutic agents. The bandage may also include plasticizing agents to provide softness in the event of drying the bandage.