Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for biphasic polymerization processes in which an aqueous solution of a first monomer that is hydrolytically unstable below a pH of about six or above a pH of about eight is admixed with a water-immiscible organic solvent and there is added to the admixture a catalyst selected from tertiary amine, quaternary amine and phosphonium catalysts, an acid-forming co-monomer for the first monomer, an acid scavenger, after which the resulting polymer is recovered, wherein the improvement includes providing the aqueous solution at a pH between about si and about eight, and adding to the admixture the acid-forming co-monomer and the acid scavenger at relative rates effective to maintain the pH of the admixture between about six and about eight. The catalyst may be added in a molar ratio to the first monomer effective to provide a predetermined weight-average or number-average molecular weight for the resulting polymer.

Abstract: A polymer with a hydrolytically labile backbone and having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.9 is an alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group with up to 18 carbon atoms having a pendent carboxylic acid group or the benzyl ester thereof;R.sub.12 is an alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group with up to 18 carbon atoms having a pendent carboxylic acid ester group selected from straight and branched alkyl and alkylaryl esters containing up to 18 carbon atoms and ester derivatives of biologically and pharmaceutically active compounds covalently bonded thereto, provided that the ester group is not a benzyl group or a group that is removed by hydrogenolysis;each R.sub.7 is independently an alkylene group containing up to four carbon atoms;A is selected from: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.8 is selected from saturated and unsaturated, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, aryl and alkylaryl groups containing up to 18 carbon atoms;k is between about 5 and about 3,000; andx and f independently range from zero to less that one.

Abstract: Improved contraceptive compositions are disclosed which comprise a spermicide or virucide, a polymeric delivery component and optionally a cosmetic ingredient. The improvement is directed to the use of certain hydrophobically modified polysaccharides as the polymeric delivery component. Quite advantageously, the hydrophobically modified polysaccharides of the present invention can alter sperm motility. Moreover, the hydrophobically modified polysaccharides can provide reduced irritation potential when used in combination with spermicides such as, for example, nonoxynol-9, which may reduce the potential for infection of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and herpes.

Abstract: Double-substituted, water-soluble, cellulose ethers substituted with a cationic substituent and a hydrophobic substituent are disclosed. The levels of substitution for the cationic substituent and the hydrophobic substituent can provide enhanced properties when used in personal care compositions, such as, for example, enhanced substantivity, saline capability and low irritation potential to mucosal linings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for topical application of a pharmaceutically or therapeutically active agent through the use of a covalent chitosan derivative or chitosonium polymer. The present invention is particularly well suited for the topical delivery of pharmaceutically active quaternary ammonia compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is alkyl having between 5 and 11 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Permeable membranes comprised predominantly of specifically defined tetrabromobisphenols and aromatic dicarboxylic acids. The invention also pertains to the novel permeation processes for recovery of an oxygen/nitrogen or carbon dioxide/methane component form a mixture of said component with other components.

Abstract: A biocompatible, film-forming delivery system for the delivery of pharmaceutical or therapeutic actives to a desired topical site of a subject, the system including:an active salt compound, wherein the active salt compound is at least a partial salt of(1) a carboxylic acid moiety-containing, biocompatible, film-forming polymer with(2) at least one active selected from the group consisting of pharmaceutical actives, therapeutic actives and a combination thereof, wherein the at least one active is capable of complexing with at least one carboxylic acid moiety of the polymer to form the active salt compound, andwherein the active salt compound forms an active salt compound film on the topical site and the active salt compound disassociates into the polymer and the at least one active while the delivery system is in contact with the topical site such that the polymer remains thereon as a polymer film and the at least one active is delivered to the topical site in an absorbable form.

Abstract: Permeable membranes comprised predominantly of specifically defined polyester of 4,4'-(1H-alkylidene)bis[2,3,6-trialkylphenol] and aromatic dicarboxylic acids. The invention also pertains to the novel permeation processes for recovery of an oxygen/nitrogen or carbon dioxide/methane or helium/methane component from a mixture of said component with other components in the mixture.

Abstract: Cationic, anionic and amphoteric polymers suitable for the preparation of acid viscosifier compositions and the acid viscosified compositions are provided. The polymers are water soluble or water dispersible and are based on acrylyl monomers having the stated ionic charge. They are capable of viscosifying acid solutions that have important use in recovery of gas and oil from subterranean formations.

Abstract: Delivery systems containing at least one aminopolysaccharide derivative are provided for the delivery of pharmaceutical or therapeutic actives to a desired topical or mucous membrane site in a subject, and wherein upon delivery, the systems provides a biocompatible, substantive, gas permeable, film from which actives are available at the designated site.

Abstract: Heterogeneous acid decrystallization of aminopolysaccharides, especially chitosen, using diluent, organic acid and water, provides novel salts and covalent derivatives useful in diverse applications including biomedicine, personal care and fluid separation.

Abstract: Combinations of glycosaminoglycan and certain cationic polymers provide modified glycosaminoglycan properties and can provide substantivity to keratinous material, compatibility, stability, humectancy, rheology and other properties useful in personal care or medical applications.

Abstract: Gelable acid compositions containing novel crosslinkable copolymers and the novel copolymers. The copolymers contain an N-(alkoxymethylene)acrylyl moiety. In addition there are provided gelable acid compositions containing a group of polyfunctional reactants that contain a plurality of --CH.sub.2 OH and/or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH groups in the molecule.

Abstract: Partially hydrolyzed, poly(N-acyl alkylenimines), and novel nitrogen-substituted derivatives thereof, provide useful and improved personal care compositions and processes.

Abstract: Partially hydrolyzed, poly(N-acyl)alkylenimines), and novel nitrogen-substituted derivatives thereof, provide useful and improved personal care compositions and processes.

Abstract: Combinations of glycosaminoglycan and certain cationic polymers provide modified glycosaminoglycan properties and can provide substantivity to keratinous material, compatibility, stability, humectancy, rheology and other properties useful in personal care or medical applications.

Abstract: Described herein is a composition which contains a specific group of hardeners, an epoxy resin and a thermoplastic polymer. When combined with a structural fiber the composition produces composites which have improved impact resistance, improved tensile properties and high compressive properties.

Abstract: A process for the water-in-oil emulsion polymerization of at least one ethylenically-unsaturated water-soluble monomer is disclosed which comprises forming a water-in-oil emulsion of said monomer, forming a small amount of polymer of said monomer in said emulsion to obtain a shear stable emulsion and then completing the polymerization of the monomer.

Abstract: Water-soluble, cationic polysaccharides, including quaternary nitrogen-containing cellulose ethers, containing hydrophobic substitution, are substantially water-soluble; provide aqueous solutions having enhanced viscosity, foaming and preferably improved surface properties; and possess utility in personal care, emulsions and cleansers.

Abstract: Described herein is a composition which contains a specific group of hardeners, an epoxy resin and a thermoplastic polymer. When combined with a structural fiber the composition produces composites which have improved impact resistance, improved tensile properties and high compressive properties.