Abstract: This invention relates to an alloy comprising polyurethane and polyolefin. It has now surprisingly been found that a specific composition of polyolefin and polyurethane has surprising mechanical properties and at the same time has transparent characteristics and/or appearance. The present invention provides an alloy with remarkable mechanical properties. The phases do not macro-phase separate. Thus, this stable and potentially broad interface is very effective in stress transfer when the alloy is strained. As one might expect, the hardness values for the alloys are in between the hardness values of each component but the other physical properties are no adjusted. In this way, when considering the hardness and mechanical values, these alloys behave like two compatible polymers.

Abstract: A surface-modified polymer composition formed from an oligomeric or polymeric additive and a base polymer is disclosed. The surface-modified polymer provides non-fouling and/or non-thrombogenic properties. The composition is particularly useful in articles and materials for medical applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymers made from low molecular weight polyamide oligomers and telechelic polyamides (including copolymers) containing N-alkylated amide groups in the backbone structure. The described telechelic polyamides are used as the soft segment in the described TPU. These telechelic polyamides are unique in that they have an unexpectedly low glass-transition (desirably 30 degrees C. or lower) which makes them suitable for further reaction and polymerization, allowing for the formation of the described TPU. The resulting TPU can provide improved hydrolytic, oxidative and/or thermal stability as well as improved adhesion to other materials, especially polar materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) that contain alkylene substituted spirocyclic compounds. The present invention provides for TPU which exhibit high temperature resistance.

Abstract: The polymer compositions described herein include the reaction product obtained from a mixture that includes: (i) a hydroxyl terminated intermediate containing at least one furan functional group; and (ii) a polyisocyanate component. The polymer compositions may further include a polymaleimide compound which may be (a) added as a component of the polymer composition, (b) incorporated into the structure of the hydroxyl terminated intermediate containing at least one furan functional group, or (c) both. The resulting polymer composition is capable of thermally reversible crosslinking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compositions that contain alkylene substituted spirocyclic compounds as chain extender and polycarbonate polyol. The present invention provides for TPUs which exhibit high temperature resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compositions that contain linear monohydric alcohols. The present invention provides for TPU compositions which may be applied at relatively low temperatures, but upon activation (e.g., activation by ultraviolet light), exhibits higher temperature and melt resistance.

Abstract: The TPU of this invention contains unsaturation in its polymeric backbone. The unsaturation can be present in the soft segment or in the hard segment or in both the soft and hard segments of the TPU. The TPU can be molded like a thermoplastic, and can be subsequently crosslinked by exposure to electron beam irradiation into thermoset articles having excellent chemical resistance, dimensional stability, set properties, heat resistance, oxidative resistance, and creep resistance. In one embodiment, the TPUs of this invention are the reaction product (1) a hydroxyl terminated intermediate, (2) a polyisocyanate, (3) a saturated glycol chain extender, and (4) a glycol chain extender containing carbon-carbon double bonds, such as the allyl moieties present in trimethylolpropane monoallyl ether.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compositions that have crystalline chain ends. The TPU compositions of the invention can provide improved resiliency, lower surface free energy, and/or reduced stickiness, while maintaining other desirable physical properties. The present invention also provides the described TPU compositions that are further grafted with vinyl alkoxysilane moieties allowing for crosslinked networks of the TPU compositions. The present invention also provides plasticizer-free, very soft TPU compositions without the processing difficulties often associated with such materials. The invention further provides means of reducing the surface tension of a TPU composition which can allow for improved blend compositions, and means of crosslinking the described TPU compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compositions that have crystalline chain ends. The TPU compositions used to make the articles of the invention can provide reduced stickiness and/or tackiness, while maintaining other desirable physical properties, leading to significantly improved handling and processability.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymers made from low molecular weight polyamide oligomers and telechelic polyamides (including copolymers) containing N-alkylated amide groups in the backbone structure. The described telechelic polyamides are used as the soft segment in the described TPU. These telechelic polyamides are unique in that they have an unexpectedly low glass-transition (desirably 30 degrees C. or lower) which makes them suitable for further reaction and polymerization, allowing for the formation of the described TPU. The resulting TPU can provide improved hydrolytic, oxidative and/or thermal stability as well as improved adhesion to other materials, especially polar materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compositions that have crystalline chain ends. The TPU compositions of the invention can provide improved resiliency, lower surface free energy, and/or reduced stickiness, while maintaining other desirable physical properties. The present invention also provides the described TPU compositions that are further grafted with vinyl alkoxysilane moieties allowing for crosslinked networks of the TPU compositions. The present invention also provides plasticizer-free, very soft TPU compositions without the processing difficulties often associated with such materials. The invention further provides means of reducing the surface tension of a TPU composition which can allow for improved blend compositions, and means of crosslinking the described TPU compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a bioabsorbable blend of (i) a polymer component comprising polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), a copolymer of PLA and PGA, or any combination thereof and (ii) thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) tailored to a medical application, and a process for making the same. In some embodiments the TPU comprises units derived from a diol chain extender, a diisocyanate, and a polyol formulated to provide a set biodegradation rate in combination with at least one physical property. The blend of the invention provides useful materials for medical applications that have the individual benefits of polylactic acid and TPU while moderating each material's typical limitations.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a bioabsorbable thermoplastic polyurethane tailored to a medical application are provided. The method includes identifying suitable thermoplastic polyurethane properties based on the medical application. The thermoplastic polyurethane comprises units derived from a diol chain extender, a diisocyanate, and a polyol. The thermoplastic polyurethane properties include a biodegradation rate and at least one physical property. The method includes identifying a base thermoplastic polyurethane and altering at least one parameter of the base thermoplastic polyurethane which relates to the desired thermoplastic polyurethane properties to generate a candidate thermoplastic polyurethane. The altering may be performed iteratively until the suitable range of thermoplastic polyurethane properties based on the medical application is met.

Abstract: This invention relates to an alloy comprising polyurethane and polyolefin. It has now surprisingly been found that a specific composition of polyolefin and polyurethane has surprising mechanical properties and at the same time has transparent characteristics and/or appearance. The present invention provides an alloy with remarkable mechanical properties. The phases do not macro-phase separate. Thus, this stable and potentially broad interface is very effective in stress transfer when the alloy is strained. As one might expect, the hardness values for the alloys are in between the hardness values of each component but the other physical properties are no adjusted. In this way, when considering the hardness and mechanical values, these alloys behave like two compatible polymers.

Abstract: The TPU of this invention contains unsaturation in its polymeric backbone. The unsaturation can be present in the soft segment or in the hard segment or in both the soft and hard segments of the TPU. The TPU can be molded like a thermoplastic, and can be subsequently crosslinked by exposure to electron beam irradiation into thermoset articles having excellent chemical resistance, dimensional stability, set properties, heat resistance, oxidative resistance, and creep resistance. In one embodiment, the TPUs of this invention are the reaction product (1) a hydroxyl terminated intermediate, (2) a polyisocyanate, (3) a saturated glycol chain extender, and (4) a glycol chain extender containing carbon-carbon double bonds, such as the allyl moieties present in trimethylolpropane monoallyl ether.

Abstract: The TPU of this invention contains unsaturation in its polymeric backbone. The unsaturation can be present in the soft segment or in the hard segment or in both the soft and hard segments of the TPU. The TPU can be molded like a thermoplastic, and can be subsequently crosslinked by exposure to electron beam irradiation into thermoset articles having excellent chemical resistance, dimensional stability, set properties, heat resistance, oxidative resistance, and creep resistance. In one embodiment, the TPUs of this invention are the reaction product (1) a hydroxyl terminated intermediate, (2) a polyisocyanate, (3) a saturated glycol chain extender, and (4) a glycol chain extender containing carbon-carbon double bonds, such as the allyl moieties present in trimethylolpropane monoallyl ether.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a melt processable copolyetheramide made by reacting (a) one or more segments of polyamide hard blocks derived from a lactam-terminated diisocyanate and a lactam monomer, and (b) one or more segments of polyether soft blocks derived from a polyether diol. The invention further provides for methods of making said copolyetheramide, including a continuous extruder method of production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a melt processable polyurea and/or copolyurea elastomers made by reacting a lactam-terminated diisocyanate, and an alkylene diol of the general formula HO—R—OH where in is an alkylene group containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms. The invention further provides for methods of making said polyurea and/or copolyurea elastomers, including a continuous extruder method of production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a melt processable copolyetheramide made by reacting (a) one or more segments of polyamide hard blocks derived from a lactam-terminated diisocyanate and a lactam monomer, and (b) one or more segments of polyether soft blocks derived from a polyether diol. The invention further provides for methods of making said copolyetheramide, including a continuous extruder method of production.