Abstract: Superabsorbents made by the process of electron beam initiated polymerization of partially neutralized acrylic acid having improved absorbencies when a trivalent cationic salt, for example, Aluminum Acetate or a tetravalent cationic salt, for example, Platinum Tetrachloride, are added to the partially neutralized acrylic acid solution before polymerization is initiated.

Abstract: A process for oxidizing cellulose involves reacting the cellulose with a solution of nitrogen dioxide in a perfluorocarbon solvent. In preferred embodiments, the solvent has a boiling point in the range between about 30.degree. C. and 100.degree. C., the nitrogen dioxide concentration in the solution is in the range between about 2% and 12% by weight, and the reactants are maintained at a temperature between about 25.degree. C. and 60.degree. C. during a reaction time fo at least about 7 hours.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent compositions, to methods for handling and immobilizing particulate absorbents, and to absorbent articles produced from the absorbent compositions. Absorbent materials such as cross-linked, water-insoluble and water-swellable particulate polymers are immobilized and safely handled by adding thereto an aqueous liquid such as water or saline in amounts sufficient to form hydrates in which the water comprises from 20% to 80% by weight of the total hydrate. The hydrates may be extruded, sprinkled, or sprayed and can be incorporated into absorbent articles such as diapers and tampons by conventional means. The hydrates unexpectedly increase the total water absorbency of the absorbent on a dry basis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acrylate superabsorbent composition having an improved rate of absorbency, low residual acid content, and a low acrylate monomer content. Acrylic acid, an alkali metal salt of carbonic acid, aluminum acetate, sodium sulfate and water are uniformly reacted preferably using microwave radiation as the heat source.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an orthopedic bandage which hardens by means of a free radical catalyzed polymerization reaction, wherein said reaction is initiated by an improved redox catalyst system, and an improved method for forming a cast from said orthopedic bandage. The bandage comprises a flexible carrier having a cast forming composition comprising a monomer (polymerizable by means of said improved redox catalyst system) supported thereon, which monomer may be a solid, water soluble vinyl monomer such as diacetone acrylamide (DAA), N isopropylacrylamide (N-IPA) or mixtures thereof. The improved catalyst system includes a copper salt in combination with a reducing agent such as ferrous sulfate, sodium sulfite, oxalic acid and the like. The preferred copper salt is cupric acetylacetonate.The polymerization of the above monomer may be initiated by contacting the cast forming composition with water, in the presence of said improved redox catalyst system, e.g.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an orthopedic bandage which hardens by means of a free radical catalyzed polymerization reaction, including 1,2-ditertiary glycol to improve the conformability thereof. The bandage comprises a flexible carrier having a cast forming composition comprising a monomer (polymerizable by means of a redox catalyst system) supported thereon, which monomer may be a solid, water-soluble, vinyl monomer such as diacetone acrylamide (DAA), N-isopropylacrylamide (N-IPA) or mixtures thereof. The preferred 1,2-ditertiary glycol is pinacol.The polymerization of the above monomer is initiated by contacting the cast forming composition with water, in the presence of a redox catalyst system, e.g. by dipping the bandage, including the redox catalyst system supported thereon, in tap water.The dipped bandage of the instant invention is soft, conformable and easy to wrap; unlike similar bandages which do not include the 1,2-ditertiary glycol.