Abstract: A polymeric sulfoxide based on a polymer or copolymer of vinyl alcohol is disclosed, as well as a method of producing it. Sulfoxide containing polymers are useful as catalysts, as membranes and to hold metal cations. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics can be varied over wide ranges.The general formula for the polymeric sulfoxide of the invention is: ##STR1## where x and y are both greater than 0, z=0-0.8, and x+y+z=1.

Abstract: This invention relates to terpolymers which are capable of forming hydrogels having very good compatibility with living tissues and may be used as substitutes for damaged tissues, as in the form of implants and various prostheses. The terpolymers are comprised of an oligourethane having an average molecular weight from 1200 to 3000, 2-hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate or 2-hydroxypropyl(meth)acrylate, and N-vinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: Graft copolymers are formed having a backbone formed by monomeric units, selected from the group of vinyl monomers comprising acrylates, methacrylates, acrylamide, styrene and N-vinyl-2-phyrrolidone, and side branches formed by 10-80 wt. % of oligourethanes based on aliphatic, aromatic and alkylaromatic diisocyanates and low-molecular-weight diols with 2-4 carbon atoms in the molecule. The graft copolymers are prepared in two steps: the first step consists in the synthesis of oligourethane with the terminal unsaturated group; the second step is the radical copolymerization of this oligourethane with the above vinyl monomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite polymeric material suitable for biological and medical applications and to the method for preparation thereof. The composite material consists of 1-99 wt. % of hydrophilic polymer or copolymer based on methacrylic or acrylic esters, 1-99 wt. % of fibrillar collagen, and up to 2.5 wt. % of a crosslinking agent, based on both polymeric components. The composite material may further comprise biologically active compounds and other auxiliary materials, as fillers and/or plasticizers. The composite material is prepared by dispersing the fibrillar collagen in a solution or a highly swollen dispersion of the synthetic hydrophilic polymer or copolymer in a lytropic agent and the subsequent removal of the lyotropic agent, thus forming a matrix of the synthetic polymer or copolymer penetrated by fibrillar collagen or vice versa. The composite material may be applied on a solid support or reinforced with glass, plastics, cellulose, or metallic materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite polymeric material suitable for biological and medical applications and to the method for preparation thereof. The composite material consists of 1-99 wt. % of hydrophilic polymer or copolymer based on methacrylic or acrylic esters, 1-99 wt. % of fibrillar collagen, and up to 2.5 wt. % of a crosslinking agent, based on both polymeric components. The composite material may further comprise biologically active compounds and other auxiliary materials, as fillers and/or plasticizers. The composite material is prepared by dispersing the fibrillar collagen in a solution or a highly swollen dispersion of the synthetic hydrophilic polymer or copolymer in a lyotropic agent and the subsequent removal of the lyotropic agent, thus forming a matrix of the synthetic polymer or copolymer penetrated by fibrillar collagen or vice versa. The composite material may be applied on a solid support or reinforced with glass, plastics, cellulose, or metallic materials.