Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a polymer hydrogel, comprising cross-linking a precursor comprising a hydrophilic polymer optionally in combination with a second hydrophilic polymer, using a polycarboxylic acid as the cross-linking agent. The invention further concerns the polymer hydrogel obtainable by the method of the invention and the use thereof in a number of different applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a composite polymeric material containing nanometric inorganic inclusions comprising the steps of: mixing a polymer with a thermolytic precursor to provide a homogeneous dispersion of said at least one precursor and of said at least one polymer; subjecting said homogeneous dispersion to heating to provide a molten polymer and thermolytic fission of the precursor, generating the inclusions dispersed in the molten polymer.

Abstract: A method of producing a soybean-based biomaterial which is suitable for use in a biomedical product, the method comprising: defatting soy flour; either prior to or at the same time as, performing a solvent extraction; to produce a biomaterial comprising variable levels of soy proteins, carbohydrates and isoflavones. The resulting biomaterials have a range of biomedical uses and are particularly desirable because of their isoflavone content. Examples of biomedical products containing the biomaterials include wound dressings; scaffolds for tissue engineering; fillers or implants for use in surgery; temporary barriers for use in dental or surgical procedures or to prevent post-surgical tissue adherence; carriers for the delivery of drugs, bioactive peptides or plasmids; anti-inflammatory agents; coatings for wound dressings or for dental, medical, surgical or veterinary devices or implants; and compositions for soothing skin or gum irritation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a polymer hydrogel, comprising cross-linking a precursor comprising a hydrophilic polymer optionally in combination with a second hydrophilic polymer, using a polycarboxylic acid as the cross-linking agent. The invention further concerns the polymer hydrogel obtainable by the method of the invention and the use thereof in a number of different applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of continuous silver wires having micrometric or sub-micrometric diameter comprising a step of thermal decomposition of silver dodecyl-mercaptide in the presence of metallic aluminum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a superabsorbent polymer hydrogel, comprising the steps of (i) crosslinking a 3% overall aqueous solution of carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt and hydroxyethylcellulose with 5% carbodiimide, in the presence of an acid catalyst; (ii) washing the gel obtained at least once by swelling in a polar organic solvent; and (iii) drying the gel by phase inversion in a non-solvent for cellulose. The invention further concerns the superabsorbent hydrogels obtainable by said method and the uses thereof.

Abstract: The method for the production of polymer/metal or metal sulphide composites comprises the stages of: preparing a dispersion of a metal mercaptide in a polymer, the metal of the mercaptide being selected from the group comprising the transition metals and earth metals, and heating the said dispersion so as to cause thermal decomposition of the mercaptide and obtain the corresponding metal or metal sulphide in the form of inclusions in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: The method for the production of polymer/metal or metal sulphide composites comprises the stages of: preparing a dispersion of a metal mercaptide in a polymer, the metal of the mercaptide being selected from the group comprising the transition metals and earth metals, and heating the said dispersion so as to cause thermal decomposition of the mercaptide and obtain the corresponding metal or metal sulphide in the form of inclusions in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of continuous silver wires having a micrometric or sub-micrometric diameter comprising a step of thermal decomposition of silver dodecyl-mercaptide in the presence of metallic aluminium.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polysaccharide can be obtained by crosslinking a polysaccharide or derivative thereof with at least 1% by weight of a flexible spacer having a chain length of at least 9 chain atoms and having terminal activated coupling groups. The flexible spacer may comprise a polyalkyleneglycol with a molecular weight from about 400 to 10,000. The coupling groups may be provided by divinyl sulphone units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a composite polymeric material containing nanometric inorganic inclusions comprising the steps of: mixing a polymer with a thermolytic precursor to provide a homogeneous dispersion of said at least one precursor and of said at least one polymer; subjecting said homogeneous dispersion to heating to provide a molten polymer and thermolytic fission of the precursor, generating the inclusions dispersed in the molten polymer.

Abstract: A polyelectrolyte membrane includes at least one syndiotactic styrenic polymer or copolymer in its clathrate form. The syndiotactic styrenic polymer or copolymer in its clathrate form is syndiotactic polystyrene. The polyelectrolyte membrane has a good electrical conductivity as well as good mechanical properties. This type of membrane is used for fuel cells and similar electrochemical applications.

Abstract: The invention provides thermoplastic materials for biomedical applications through the processing of soybean de-fatted Tofu cheese. The material films show a relatively high degree of water uptake from the dry state as well as good tensile strength and elastic modulus when tested in wet conditions. The materials minimise in vitro the humoral and cell-mediated inflammatory response, promote the formation of calcium phosphate crystals and undergo a slow degradation in buffer systems. Adhesion and proliferation of tissue cells are favoured by this natural composite material.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polysaccharide can be obtained by crosslinking a polysaccharide or derivative thereof with at least 1% by weight of a flexible spacer having a chain length of at least 9 chain atoms and having terminal activated coupling groups. The flexible spacer may comprise a polyalkyleneglycol with a molecular weight from about 400 to 10,000. The coupling groups may be provided by divinyl sulphone units.

Abstract: Provided are orthopedic fasteners and replacements such as nails, screws, pins, hip and knee replacements, etc., coated with hydrogels and other biocompatible/biodegradable materials which expand in the presence of liquids. Swelling of such coatings causes the fastener or replacement to be securely fixed into position once inserted into bone material. Useful coating materials include methacrylates, hyaluronic acid esters, and crosslinked esters of hyaluronic acid resulting from the esterification of hyaluronic acid with polyhydric alcohols. Also provided is a method for fixing a bone or bone replacement in position employing such coated orthopedic fasteners or replacements.

Abstract: This invention relates to composite manufactured articles formed by a set of uniaxially oriented isotatic polypropylene films, having a resistance to delamination of at least 0.4 kg/cm are prepared by heating under pressure a plurality of isotatic polypropylene films superimposed to each other and separated from each other by a non oriented polypropylene films. The oriented films show an orientation of the crystalline phase such as to produce X-ray scattering angles .DELTA..times. equal to or lower than 10.degree.. The non oriented film show an orientation of the crystalline phase such as to produce X-ray scattering angles higher than 20.degree., at a temperature between a temperature equal to or higher than the melting temperature, measured in non restrain conditions, of the non oriented film and a temperature lower than the melting temperature, measured in restrained conditions, of the oriented films.