Abstract: The invention relates to hydrogels containing polyvinyl alcohols and/or polyvinyl alcohol copolymers having special geometries, methods for the production of said hydrogels, and the use of the hydrogels as materials in the biomedical and pharmaceutical field, for producing contact lenses, for the controlled release of active substances, as a carrier material for inclusion-immobilized biocatalysts, a carrier material for transition metal catalysts, a material for producing reactive membranes, an additive to drilling fluid, a displacing agent in oil recovery, a cement additive and an additive to highly viscous liquids such as crude oil to improve the flowability and increase the speed of conveyance, and a component of cosmetic products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polymers, which are based on poly(vinyl ester) copolymers and poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers having excellent thermal properties because of their special composition and to the use of said polymers. The poly(vinyl alcohol-polyalkene) copolymers and polymer mixtures obtained in this way are characterized by a strongly modified melting behavior compared to linear poly(vinyl alcohols).

Abstract: The present invention relates to new polyvinyl polymers, to initiator systems for preparing them, to a process for preparing the polymers, and also to their use as an adhesive component, emulsifier, detergent, lubricant, coating component, for electrically insulating magnetic wires, for producing laminated glass sheets, as an adhesive primer, for textile coatings, as an additive for motor fuels, engine oils, concrete, and in papermaking, for producing water-soluble films and for preparing biodegradable and water-soluble polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyvinyl alcohols, to polyvinyl alcohol copolymers having specific geometries, to a process for preparing such polyvinyl alcohols and polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, and to their use.