Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Improved diaper cores containing particles of the multicomponent super-absorbent gel particles also are disclosed.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Improved diaper cores containing particles of the multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles also are disclosed.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Improved diaper cores containing particles of the multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles also are disclosed.

Abstract: A nanocomposite concentrate composition comprising about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a layered silicate material and about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a matrix polymer comprising about 90-99.5% by weight of a polyolefin and about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably about 1% to about 6% by weight, of a maleic anhydride-modified polyolefin, based on the total weight of polyolefins, wherein the layered silicate material is dispersed uniformly throughout the matrix polymer. Shearing of the concentrate and later (after shear) addition of an added matrix polymer avoids thermal degradation of the added matrix polymer and optimizes the dispersion of the nanomer throughout the matrix polymer; provides increased tensile strength; and reduces degradation of the polymer by melt formation of a concentrate thereby decreasing heat degradation of added matrix polymer.

Abstract: Intercalated layered materials prepared by reacting the layered material with a coupling agent and co-intercalating an onium ion and an oligomer or polymer between the planar layers of a swellable layered material, such as a phyllosilicate, preferably a smectite clay. The spacing of adjacent layers of the layered materials is expanded at least about 3 Å, preferably at least about 5 Å, usually preferably to a d-spacing of about 15-20 Å, e.g., 18 Å with the onium ion spacing/compatibilizing agent. The intercalation of the oligomer or polymer then increases the spacing of adjacent layers an additional at least 3 Å, e.g., to at least about 20 Å, preferably about 25 Å to about 30 Å, generally about 28 Å, and provides a nanocomposite having increased tensile strength, flexibility, and ductility (less brittle).

Abstract: Improved diaper cores containing particles of multicomponent superabsorbent particles and having improved acquisition rates are disclosed.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent fibers are disclosed. The multicomponent fibers comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each fiber contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent fibers with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Articles containing the multicomponent superabsorbent fibers also are disclosed.

Abstract: Surface-crosslinked superabsorbent polymer particles are obtained by treating 100 parts by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles with about 0.001 to about 10 parts by weight of an oxazolinium ion. The oxazolinium ion can be formed in situ by heating superabsorbent particles treated with an oxazolinium ion precursor, such as a hydroxyalkylamide. A stable oxazolinium ion also can be used to surface crosslink the SAP particle. Surface crosslinking the superabsorbent polymer particles with an oxazolinium ion increases both the rate of liquid absorption and the quantity of liquid absorbed and retained by the superabsorbent particles.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent fibers are disclosed. The multicomponent fibers comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each fiber contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent fibers with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Articles containing the multicomponent superabsorbent fibers also are disclosed.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent fibers are disclosed. The multicomponent fibers comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each fiber contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent fibers with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Articles containing the multicomponent superabsorbent fibers also are disclosed.

Abstract: Intercalated layered materials prepared by co-intercalation of an onium ion and MXD6 nylon between the planar layers of a swellable layered material, such as a phyllosilicate, preferably a smectite clay. The spacing of adjacent layers of the layered materials is expanded at least about 3 Å, preferably at least about 5 Å, usually preferably to a d-spacing of about 15-20 Å, e.g., 18 Å with the onium ion spacing/coupling agent. The intercalation of the MXD6 nylon polymer then increases the spacing of adjacent layers an additional at least 3 Å, e.g., to at least about 20 Å, preferably about 25 Å to about 30 Å, generally about 28 Å.

Abstract: An odor-controlling superabsorbent polymer and methods of manufacturing the odor-controlling superabsorbent polymer are disclosed. The odor-controlling superabsorbent polymer has an odor-controlling compound homogeneously distributed therein. The odor-controlling compound is a material selected from the group consisting of a cyclodextrin compound, an amphoteric surfactant, a water-insoluble phosphate, triclosan, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Nanocomposite layered materials prepared by co-intercalation of an onium ion, preferably an alkoxylated onium ion and an ethylene vinyl alcohol oligomer or polymer between the planar layers of a swellable layered material, such as a phyllosilicate, preferably a smectite clay. The spacing of adjacent layers of the layered materials is expanded at least about 3 Å, preferably at least about 5 Å, usually preferably to a d-spacing of about 15-20 Å, e.g., 18 Å with the alkoxylated onium ion spacing/coupling agent. The intercalation of the ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer then increases the spacing of adjacent layers an additional at least 2 Å, e.g., to at least about 20 Å, preferably about 25 Å to about 30 Å, generally about 28 Å. Improved O2 barrier properties are observed over a broad range of humidity conditions when intercalation is accomplished by both the solvent route and the direct compounding route.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Improved diaper cores containing particles of the multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles also are disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a flexible, fibrous support structure or framework in a fixed shape or configuration having particles of a superabsorbent material adhered thereto with temperature softened outer support surfaces, or with an adhesive to maintain sufficient spacing between adjacent superabsorbent particles such that liquid can more freely enter the absorbent article for contact with the superabsorbent particles.

Abstract: A superabsorbent foam material is made by a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion polymerization comprising the steps of (a) dissolving an organic solvent-soluble surfactant in a water-insoluble monomer to form an organic phase; (b) blending the-organic phase with an aqueous phase using high shear mixing to form an emulsion, said aqueous phase comprising a water-soluble polymer, a cross-linking agent, and water; (c) polymerizing the water-insoluble monomer in the organic phase; (d) cross-linking the water-soluble polymer in the aqueous phase; and (e) final curing and drying the resulting foam.

Abstract: A superabsorbent foam material is made by a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion polymerization comprising the steps of (a) dissolving an organic solvent-soluble surfactant in a water-insoluble monomer to form an organic phase; (b) blending the-organic phase with an aqueous phase using high shear mixing to form an emulsion, said aqueous phase comprising a water-soluble polymer, a cross-linking agent, and water; (c) polymerizing the water-insoluble monomer in the organic phase; (d) cross-linking the water-soluble polymer in the aqueous phase; and (e) final curing and drying the resulting foam.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved process for producing water-soluble and water-insoluble carboxylic acid polymers and copolymers. The process comprises the steps of polymerizing a carboxylic acid monomer, and a polyfunctional cross-linker monomer in a second embodiment, in an effective molar ratio, in a silicone solvent under an inert atmosphere in the presence of an effective amount of an initiator. The preferred copolymer of the second embodiment includes acrylic acid as the carboxylic acid monomer and a lauryl methacrylate and/or stearyl methacrylate as a comonomer. The resulting copolymers have new and unexpected tolerance to salt-containing water when mixed therewith.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved process for producing water-soluble and water-insoluble carboxylic acid polymers and copolymers. The process comprises the steps of polymerizing a carboxylic acid monomer, and a polyfunctional cross-linker monomer in a second embodiment, in an effective molar ratio, in a silicone solvent under an inert atmosphere in the presence of an effective amount of an initiator. The preferred copolymer of the second embodiment includes acrylic acid as the carboxylic acid monomer and a lauryl methacrylate and/or stearyl methacrylate as a comonomer. The resulting copolymers have new and unexpected tolerance to salt-containing water when mixed therewith.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the water absorbance of and increasing the particle size of fine water absorbent cross-linked polyacrylic polymer particles includes impregnating the polymer particles with an impregnating monomer solution containing an acrylic monomer, with or without a cross-linking agent for the acrylic monomer. The solution is impregnated into the resin in a weight ratio of cross-linked polyacrylic polymer, dry basis, to impregnating monomer solution in the range of about 1:1 to about 1:10; and subjecting the impregnated polymer to conditions, such as increased temperature, e.g., 100.degree. C.-150.degree. C. to polymerize the impregnated monomer, within the cross-linked polymer particles, to form a cross-linked polyacrylic polymer having enhanced water absorbance and increased particle size.