Abstract: A method for making modified poly(ethylene oxide) by graft polymerizing thereto organic monomers containing a trialkoxy silane functional group or a moiety that reacts with water to form a silanol group, such as methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane, onto the poly(ethylene oxide) is disclosed. The graft polymerization is accomplished by mixing the poly(ethylene oxide), the silane-containing monomer(s) and an initiator and applying heat. Preferably, the method is a reactive-extrusion process. After graft polymerization, the modified poly(ethylene oxide) may be exposed or subjected to relatively high moisture conditions, thereby causing crosslinking and formation of a structure that is capable of absorbing relatively large amounts of saline. The resulting modified poly(ethylene oxide) has improved properties over articles similarly processed from unmodified poly(ethylene oxide).

Abstract: The present invention discloses water-soluble compositions comprising a blend of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(vinyl alcohol) that have improved ductility over water-soluble compositions comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) alone. In one desirable embodiment of the present invention, the poly(ethylene oxide) component of the blend is grafted. Grafted poly(ethylene oxide) resins have improved processability and improved blend compatibility with poly(vinyl alcohol). Films comprising a melt blend of poly(vinyl alcohol) and grafted poly(ethylene oxide) have improved melt processability as well as other improved properties. Films comprising compositions of the present invention have improved ductility over films comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) alone while retaining much of the high strength and water solubility exhibited by such poly(vinyl alcohol) films.

Abstract: A superabsorbent composition comprising a superabsorbent material and an elastomer. The superabsorbent composition has a two-phase morphology resulting in one of the superabsorbent material and elastomer being dispersed as aggregates in the other continuous material. The superabsorbent composition has a low glass transition temperature. The low glass transition temperature gives the superabsorbent composition many beneficial properties. This invention also discloses novel superabsorbent particles, fibers, films, and microporous films. Also disclosed in this invention are personal care articles comprising such particles, fibers, films and microporous films.

Abstract: Melt processable, flushable polymer fibers and methods of making melt processable, flushable polymer fibers are disclosed. The fibers comprise poly(ethylene oxide). Preferably, the poly(ethylene oxide) is modified by grafting polar vinyl monomers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, onto poly(ethylene oxide). The modified poly(ethylene oxide) has improved melt processability and can be used to melt process poly(ethylene oxide) fibers of thinner diameters.

Abstract: Absorbent, elastomeric materials and methods of making absorbent, elastomeric materials. The absorbent, elastomeric materials include an elastomeric substrate and a superabsorbent polymer non-adhesively attached to the substrate. The elastomeric substrate includes at least one nonwoven, and may include, for example, elastic strands, elastic film, and/or elastic foam between layers of nonwoven. The superabsorbent polymer includes particles that either encase fibers of the nonwoven or bond themselves to fibers of the nonwoven.

Abstract: Absorbent articles including an absorbent material that contains superabsorbent polymer non-adhesively attached to and restrained by a nonwoven. The material, used particularly in isolated portions of the absorbent articles of the invention, has a superabsorbent retention of at least 50% according to a stirbar retention test. Examples of such absorbent articles include pant-like garments with containment flaps and/or side panels made of the absorbent material. Other examples include swim wear garments containing the absorbent material.

Abstract: Absorbent structures having controlled liquid intake, distribution and absorption properties include at least one substrate layer and a flexible absorbent binder formed on and bound to the substrate at selected locations. The flexible absorbent binder is selectively formed so as to provide flow channels, regions of higher and lower fluid intake and absorption, dams for preventing fluid leakage, and other desirable features. The absorbent structures are useful in personal care absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, diapers, training pants, adult incontinence garments and the like.

Abstract: Selectively cold-water responsive compositions constructed of combinations of polymers including at least one hydrolytically degradable polymer and at least one cold-water soluble polymer are provided. Additionally, methods of making and using selectively cold-water sensitive compositions are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises combining a polylactide and a cold-water soluble polyvinyl alcohol at a temperature above the melting point of the polymer having the higher melting point, and below the decomposition point of the polymer having the lower decomposition point, to form a homogeneous polymer blend is also provided. The cold-water responsive properties of the compositions of the present invention may be varied include water dispersible, water disintegratable, and water weakenable.

Abstract: An absorbent fiber is produced from a melt processable polymer. An absorbent composite includes the absorbent fiber in addition to natural fibers and superabsorbent material. A method of producing the superabsorbent fiber and absorbent composite is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making modified poly(ethylene oxide) by graft polymerizing thereto organic monomers containing a trialkoxy silane functional group or a moiety that reacts with water to form a silanol group, such as methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane, onto the poly(ethylene oxide) is disclosed. The graft polymerization is accomplished by mixing the poly(ethylene oxide), the silane-containing monomer(s) and an initiator and applying heat. Preferably, the method is a reactive-extrusion process. The resulting modified poly(ethylene oxide) has improved water absorption characteristics and melt processabilities and may be used to make thermally processed articles, such as fibers, films and foams, that have improved properties over articles similarly processed from unmodified poly(ethylene oxide).

Abstract: A superabsorbent composition comprising a superabsorbent material and an elastomer. The superabsorbent composition has a two-phase morphology resulting in one of the superabsorbent material and elastomer being dispersed as aggregates in the other continuous material. The superabsorbent composition has a low glass transition temperature. The low glass transition temperature gives the superabsorbent composition many beneficial properties. This invention also discloses novel superabsorbent particles, fibers, films, and microporous films. Also disclosed in this invention are personal care articles comprising such particles, fibers, films and microporous films.

Abstract: This invention is a surge material having permanent storage properties that results in faster intake and greater saturation capacity and reduced fluid flowback. More specifically the invention is a surge material with a superabsorbent material printed on in a pattern of discrete regions. The objective of the invention is obtained by printing, or other known application process, a liquid superabsorbent precursor solution containing a crosslinkable composition onto a surge material and then curing the printed surge material to crosslink the polymers to get a surge material having discrete regions of superabsorbent material in the surge material. This invention is also useful in making an absorbent core of an absorbent article with improved strength, increased absorbency, and decreased shedding of superabsorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multicomponent fibers having poly(ethylene oxide) in at least a portion of the exposed surface of the fiber. In one embodiment, the PEO is a grafted poly(ethylene oxide). The multicomponent fibers of the present may be used to manufacture nonwoven webs that can be used as components in medical and health care related items, wipes and personal care absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinence garments, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, bandages and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to blend compositions of an unmodified poly vinyl alcohol and a thermoplastic elastomer and thermoplastic film and fiber structures comprising these blend compositions. More specifically, this invention relates to substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Water-soluble adhesive compositions based on novel poly(ethylene oxide) compositions are disclosed. The poly(ethylene oxide) compositions are grafted with a nonpolar monomer and have improved melt processability and properties that make the poly(ethylene oxide) compositions desirable for water-soluble and hot-melt adhesive applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Selectively cold-water responsive compositions constructed of combinations of polymers including at least one hydrolytically degradable polymer and at least one cold-water soluble polymer are provided. Additionally, methods of making and using selectively cold-water sensitive compositions are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises combining a polylactide and a cold-water soluble polyvinyl alcohol at a temperature above the melting point of the polymer having the higher melting point, and below the decomposition point of the polymer having the lower decomposition point, to form a homogeneous polymer blend is also provided. The cold-water responsive properties of the compositions of the present invention may be varied include water dispersible, water disintegratable, and water weakenable.

Abstract: Melt processable, flushable polymer fibers and methods of making melt processable, flushable polymer fibers are disclosed. The fibers comprise poly(ethylene oxide). Preferably, the poly(ethylene oxide) is modified by grafting polar vinyl monomers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, onto poly(ethylene oxide). The modified poly(ethylene oxide) has improved melt processability and can be used to melt process poly(ethylene oxide) fibers of thinner diameters.