Abstract: A method for preparing multipolymers of guayule resin with methacrylic, acrylic, vinyl and styrenic monomers and the resultant compositions are disclosed. As a result of the multipolymerization, the physical and chemical properties of the resin are improved. The primary advantage of multipolymerization over mixtures of resin with homopolymers is that it leads to a homogeneous material, the properties of which can be regulated by adjusting the ratio of the concentration of monomers in the feed. One attractive feature is the production of low viscosity resins with reactive groups that can compete directly with oligomers and macro-monomers used in solventless inks, coatings and adhesives. The low cost of the resin, a byproduct from the extraction of hypoallergenic rubber from guayule and other plants bearing rubber or rubber-like hydrocarbons provides for hybrid low molecular weight copolymers that are cost competitive with state-of-the-art oligomers.

Abstract: A bioadhesive for bonding to wet skin is disclosed, including a novel non-Hevea-based resin, which serves as a tackifier for the rubber, possessing strong wet adhesion to human skin and the remarkable property of bonding to it underwater, and a novel non-Hevea rubber that provides cohesive strength to the adhesive. Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes are used in many applications where there is a need to adhere to skin, for example, medical tapes, wound or surgical dressings, athletic tapes, surgical drapes, or tapes or tabs used in adhering medical devices such as sensors, electrodes, ostomy appliances, and so on.

Abstract: Novel lower temperature hot melt adhesive and coating composition that melts at temperatures less than 190.degree. F. (about 87.8.degree. C). This composition has a sufficient modulus to bind ophthalmic lenses to metal blocks during grinding processes. The composition also exhibits low melt viscosity and may be mechanically removed without leaving significant residue. Composition comprises a resin, a tackifier, a wax (generally with a molecular weight less than 600), and an optional stabilizer.

Abstract: An optical shield which is transparent to ambient light but which blocks high intensity light such as that from a laser, with a response speed on the order of several picoseconds or less, to provide eye protection and to protect light sensors from laser beams. The shield is a multilayer structure with layers in which colloidal silica particles are dispersed in a transparent polymer binder having an index of refraction close to that of the silica particles under ambient light conditions. The application of multiple sealant layers of pure binder material results in improved transmittance of ambient light. High intensity light such as that from a laser causes third order nonlinear optical effects, particularly photorefractive effects, in the silica which change its effective index of refraction so that the mismatch between the effective index of refraction of the silica and the index of refraction of the binder causes scattering of the incident light.