Abstract: A process of continuously manufacturing a poly(hydroxy acid) copolymer is provided. The process comprises copolymerizing at least two different monomers in the presence of a catalyst in a reactor system by ring-opening-polymerization. At least one of the monomers is a cyclic ester of hydroxy acid. A molar ratio of a total amount of the different monomers to a total amount of the at least one catalyst is more than 10,000. The reactor system comprises in series at least two polymerization reactors including a continuous stirred-tank reactor, a loop reactor or a plug flow reactor, one of the reactors comprising at least one of a mixer and a heat transfer element. The reactor system comprises at least two different feeding points through each of which a monomer composition is fed. A first monomer composition fed through one feeding point is different from a second monomer composition fed through another feeding point.

Abstract: A new class of multifunctional tracers has been synthesised for use in the oil industry, specifically during waterflooding operations. They are used either in a traditional way (i.e., mapping the connections of oilfield selections) or to provide information on important physical-chemical parameters (such as oil content, temperature and rock permeability) useful for optimizing the oilfield management and subsequent improvement/increase in oil extraction. The multifunctional tracers have a polymer chain having a plurality of units different from one another and recurring along the chain and having respective specific functionalities.

Abstract: A fragrance-containing microparticle of water-insoluble polymeric material, the polymer having a glass transition temperature of from 0° C. to 50° C. and a zeta potential lying within the ranges ?40 mV to ?5 mV and +5 mV to +45 mV. The microparticles have enhanced substantivity to hair, resulting in a longer-lasting fragrance.