Abstract: A flushable personal care article contains a backing or barrier layer comprising a water degradable polyolefin-containing film having greater than about 55 weight percent of a modified polyolefin and less than about 45 weight percent of unmodified poly(ethylene oxide). The polyolefin is modified by grafting thereto a monomer selected from 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and polyethylene glycol ethyl ether methacrylate in an amount ranging between about 0.1 weight percent and about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polymer blend. The polyolefin-containing film, when immersed in water for about 30 seconds, loses at least 10% in two or more of the tensile properties: percent strain-to-break, peak stress, energy-to-break and modulus when compared to the dry or pre-immersion values.

Abstract: A flushable personal care article contains a backing or barrier layer comprising a water degradable modified polyolefin-modified poly(ethylene oxide-containing film having greater than about 55 weight percent of a modified polyolefin and less than about 45 weight percent of a modified poly(ethylene oxide). The polyolefin and poly(ethylene oxide) polymers are modified by having grafted thereto from about ⇄0.1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of a monomer selected from 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or polyethylene glycol ethyl ether methacrylate. The modified polyolefin-modified poly-(etheylene oxide)-containing film of the invention, when immersed in water for about 30 seconds, loses at least 10% in two or more of the tensile properties: percent strain-to-break, peak stress, energy-to-break and modulus when compared to the dry or pre-immersion values.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to methods of making blend compositions of an unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and a metallocene polyolefin or grafted metallocene polyolefin and thermoplastic film and fiber structures comprising these blend compositions. More specifically, this invention relates to methods of making substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and a metallocene polyolefin or grafted metallocene polyolefin.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to methods of making 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 methods of making substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and a thermoplastic elastomer.

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: 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: 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: 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: A polyolefin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, is modified by grafting onto the polyolefin backbone from 5 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. Suitable polyethylene compositions for grafting include ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, high density polyethylene, ultra low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene and polypropylene.

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: A compositional blend having from about 1 weight percent to about 85 weight percent of a modified polyolefin and from about 99 weight percent to about 15 weight percent of a modified poly(ethylene oxide). The modified polyolefin and modified poly(ethylene oxide) have a total of from about 1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of a monomer grafted thereto. Included is a method for making the blend comprising using a single pass extruder to perform the steps of melt blending a polyolefin, a poly(ethylene oxide), a polar, vinyl monomer and a sufficient amount free radical initiator to graft from about 1 percent to 100 percent of the monomer onto the polyolefin and poly(ethylene oxide).

Abstract: Flushable film compositions and methods of making flushable film compositions are disclosed. The film compositions comprise poly(ethylene oxide). The modification of the poly(ethylene oxide) can be accomplished 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 is used to melt process thin poly(ethylene oxide) films of less than 5 mils in thickness. Films can be produced that have balanced mechanical properties and that are water-dispersible and flushable.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to thermoplastic film and fiber structures and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to thermoplastic film and fiber structures and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: Modifyied poly(ethylene oxide) compositions are disclosed. The poly(ethylene oxide) compositions have improved melt processability and properties and can be used to thermally process articles which have improved properties over articles similarly processed from unmodified poly(ethylene oxide) compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-degradable polyolefin-containing film having greater than about 55 weight percent of a polyolefin and less than about 45 weight percent of poly(ethylene oxide) of weight average molecular weight of less than about 100,000. Preferably, the polyolefin is low density polyethylene. The polyolefin-containing film, when immersed in water for about 30 seconds, loses at least 10% in two or more of the tensile properties: percent strain-to-break, peak stress, energy-to-break and modulus when compared to the dry or pre-immersion values.Also provided are flushable personal care articles such as infant diapers, feminine hygiene napkins, and adult incontinence garments having a backing or barrier layer comprising a water degradable polyolefin-containing film of the invention.

Abstract: A method for modifying poly(ethylene oxide) by grafting polar vinyl monomers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylates and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, onto the poly(ethylene oxide) is disclosed. The grafting is accomplished by mixing the poly(ethylene oxide), the monomer(s) and an initiator and applying heat. Preferably, the method is a reactive-extrusion process. The resulting modified poly(ethylene oxide) has improved melt processability and may be used to thermally process articles which have improved properties over articles similarly processed from unmodified poly(ethylene oxide).

Abstract: The invention provides a water degradable polyolefin-containing film having greater than about 55 weight percent of a modified polyolefin and less than about 45 weight percent of unmodified poly(ethylene oxide). The polyolefin is modified by grafting thereto a monomer selected from 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and polyethylene glycol ethyl ether methacrylate in an amount ranging between about 0.1 weight percent and about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polymer blend. The polyolefin-containing film, when immersed in water for about 30 seconds, loses at least 10% in two or more of the tensile properties: percent strain-to-break, peak stress, energy-to-break and modulus when compared to the dry or pre-immersion values. Also provided are flushable personal care articles such as infant diapers, feminine hygiene napkins, and adult incontinence garments having a backing or barrier layer comprising a water degradable polyolefin-containing film of the invention.

Abstract: A process for making the grafted polyolefin includes the steps of adding a predetermined amount of polyolefin, a predetermined amount of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and a free radical initiator to a reaction vessel. Preferably, the reaction vessel is an extruder. The constituents are then mixed under melt grafting conditions so that at least 5 weight percent of the 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate is grafted onto the polyolefin to form a copolymer. The grafted polyolefin is then solidified.