Abstract: Visual defects of the human eye in the form of refractive errors such as myopia, hyperiopia, astigmatism, athakis and keratoconus are corrected by a therapeutic method which includes the step of fitting to the patient's eye a corrective contact lens fabricated from a copolymer of a polysiloxanylalkyl acrylic ester and an alkyl acrylic ester. These visual corrections are made in accordance with this method with concommitent reduction in corneal edema since lenses so used have improved oxygen permeability. According to the preferred practice of this method, the lenses utilized have improved wettability which increases wearing confort and reduces interference with corneal metabolism, thereby extending the time period during which the corrective effect of the method is achieved. The corrective effect of this method is also enhanced by the capability of the lenses utilized therein to be precisely machined and polished.

Abstract: Hydroxyl-containing filler reinforced thermoplastic polymers, such as polyolefins, are disclosed having improved physical properties such as impact strength, break strength and flexural modulus. The filler is compatibilized with a thermoplastic polymer containing labile atoms by mixing the two together in the presence of a coupling agent, such as maleic anhydride and a free radical initiator such as a peroxide catalyst. In a preferred embodiment, clay is coated with polyethylene by mixing the two in the presence of a peroxide catalyst and maleic anhydride and the coated filler is then compounded with additional polyethylene. In another preferred embodiment, a filler is coated with a polyolefin having a high melt index and the coated filler is then compounded with a polyolefin having a lower melt index. Also disclosed are various means for molding the compatibilized composites of this invention.

Abstract: Novel homopolymers of the exo and endo cyclic adducts of maleic anhydride and cyclic conjugated dienes such as cyclopentadiene. The homopolymers are prepared by heating the cyclic adduct in the presence of a free radical catalyst, such as a peroxygen compound, at a temperature at which endo-exo isomerization does not occur during the reaction period and the catalyst has a half-life of no more than 2 hours.

Abstract: Novel copolymers of the endo and exo cyclic adducts of maleic anhydride and cyclic conjugated dienes such as cyclopentadiene. The copolymers are prepared by heating either of the cyclic adducts in the presence of a free radical precursor, such as a peroxygen compound, at a temperature at which endo-exo isomerization of the adduct occurs.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of carboxyl-containing polymer products which comprises reacting mono- or diolefin homopolymers or copolymers with a low molecular weight thermoplastic copolymer of a carboxyl-containing monomer and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer copolymerizable therewith under the influence of shearing forces. A process for the preparation of composites is also provided which comprises preparing the carboxyl-containing polymer products in the presence of hydroxyl-containing materials.

Abstract: Hydroxy-terminated polymers of butadiene having two hydroxy groups per molecule are prepared by polymerizing butadiene in a chain transfer solvent at a temperature of from about 50.degree. to about 170.degree.C. with t-butyl beta-hydroxyethyl peroxide as an initiator.

Abstract: There is disclosed the preparation of polymer composites with porous cellulosic materials, such as wood. The process for forming such a composite involves impregnating the wood with a polymerizable complex of a monomer combination such as a complex of maleic anhydride and styrene. The polymerization is uncatalyzed -- i.e., it is conducted without employing conventional means for inducing polymerization of monomers in wood, such as high-energy radiation or the thermal decomposition of a chemical free radical precursor. There is also disclosed a solid, stable complex of styrene and maleic anhydride.

Abstract: Hydroxyl containing filler reinforced thermoplastic polymers, such as polyolefins, are disclosed having improved physical properties such as impact strength, break strength and flexural modulus. The filler is compatibilized with a thermoplastic polymer containing labile atoms by mixing the two together in the presence of a coupling agent, such as maleic anhydride and a free radical initiator such as a peroxide catalyst. In a preferred embodiment, clay is precoated or encapsulated with polyethylene by mixing the two in the presence of a peroxide catalyst and maleic anhydride and the pretreated filler is then compounded with additional polyethylene. In another preferred embodiment, a filler is encapsulated in a polyolefin having a high melt index and the pretreated filler is then compounded with a polyolefin having a lower melt index.