Abstract: The present invention provides an isotropic, skinless, porous, polyvinylidene fluoride membrane having a K.sub.UF of at least about 15 psi (103 kPa), and preferably below about 50 psi (345 kPa), when tested using liquid pairs having an interfacial tension of about 4 dynes/cm (4 mN/m). The present inventive membrane preferably has a titer reduction of at least about 10.sup.8 against T.sub.1 bacteriophage, more preferably also against PR772 coliphage, and even more preferably also against PP7 bacteriophage. The present inventive membrane can have a thickness of about 20 mil (500 .mu.m) or less and even as low as about 5 mil (125 .mu.m) or less. The present invention also provides a method of preparing such a membrane by providing a casting solution comprising polyvinylidene fluoride and a solvent therefor, heating the casting solution to a uniform temperature of about 57.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery separator comprising a nonwoven web of first and second fibers having a mean diameter of about 15 .mu.m or less, wherein the first fibers comprise at least about 60 wt. % of a first polyolefin having a first melting temperature and no more than about 40 wt. % of a second polyolefin having a second melting temperature which is lower than the first melting temperature, the second fibers comprise a third polyolefin having a third melting temperature which is higher than the second melting temperature, the nonwoven web has two sides, one of which sides has been contacted with a heated surface such that the nonwoven web has been subjected to a temperature higher than the second melting temperature and lower than the first and third melting temperatures so as to render the contacted side more smooth than the other side, the battery separator is spontaneously wettable by an electrolyte, the battery separator has a thickness of at least about 50 .mu.

Abstract: Sunscreening compositions are disclosed which comprise a pharmaceutical extending medium having incorporated therein a substantive, dermally non-irritating, ultraviolet light absorbing compound which is a polyfunctional organic molecule containing two or more ultraviolet absorbing moieties connected by two or more polar linking groups to one or more aliphatic bridging groups. These sunscreening compositions are resistant to removal by water and mild abrasion but are readily removed by soap and water.

Abstract: Dermal protective compositions are disclosed which comprise a pharmaceutical extending medium having incorporated therein a substantive, dermally non-irritating compound which is a polyfunctional organic molecule containing one or more fluorocarbon-containing groups joined by one or more polar linking groups to a polyvalent organic radical. When applied to skin, these compositions provide repellency against a wide variety of dermal irritants and are resistant to removal by mild abrasion and/or detergent solutions.

Abstract: Sunscreening compositions are disclosed which comprise a pharmaceutical extending medium having incorporated therein a substantive, dermally non-irritating, ultraviolet light absorbing compound which is a polyfunctional organic molecule containing two or more ultraviolet absorbing moieties connected by two or more polar linking groups to one or more aliphatic bridging groups. These sunscreening compositions are resistant to removal by water and mild abrasion but are readily removed by soap and water.