Abstract: A material for improving the sound pressure level at the bass reproduction limit of the present invention is composed of an activated carbon having a cumulative pore volume of 0.4 ml/g or more for the pores each having a radius of 50 angstroms or less. Preferably, this activated carbon has a cumulative pore volume of 0.1 ml/g or less for the pores each having a radius of 7 angstroms or less. In particular, when a sound pressure level improving material in which the activated carbon has a cumulative pore volume of 0.5 ml/g or more for the pores each having a radius of 18 angstroms or less is installed in a cabinet of a loudspeaker device, the material alleviates pressure fluctuations of a gas within the cabinet caused by vibration of a loudspeaker, and thus a very good bass reproduction effect is attained. Moreover, in the case where a sound pressure level improving material in which the activated carbon has a cumulative pore volume of 0.

Abstract: A material for improving the sound pressure level at the bass reproduction limit of the present invention is composed of an activated carbon having a cumulative pore volume of 0.4 ml/g or more for the pores each having a radius of 50 angstroms or less. Preferably, this activated carbon has a cumulative pore volume of 0.1 ml/g or less for the pores each having a radius of 7 angstroms or less. In particular, when a sound pressure level improving material in which the activated carbon has a cumulative pore volume of 0.5 ml/g or more for the pores each having a radius of 18 angstroms or less is installed in a cabinet of a loudspeaker device, the material alleviates pressure fluctuations of a gas within the cabinet caused by vibration of a loudspeaker, and thus a very good bass reproduction effect is attained. Moreover, in the case where a sound pressure level improving material in which the activated carbon has a cumulative pore volume of 0.

Abstract: A composite particulate article which comprises a particulate article and, carried thereon, a fine particulate compound entangled in a fibrillated fiber; a method for preparing the composite particulate article; a gas clarifying material comprising the composite particulate article; a water clarifying material comprising the composite particulate article; and a water clarifying device using the water clarifying material. The composite particulate article exhibits a reduced resistance to the passing of a gas or a liquid through it, without detriment to the performance capabilities inherent in the particulate article, and also satisfactorily exerts the specific performance capabilities of the fine particulate compound with respect to adsorption or a catalytic reaction.

Abstract: A polyvinyl alcohol is provided containing structural units of the following formula (I) at a molar fraction of 0.05-0.50 and the structural units of the following formula (II) at a molar fraction of 0.0001 to 0.50; ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sub.3 and X are as desribed herein, and its use in preparation of gels, particularly hydrogels, effective for use in wound dressing materials.

Abstract: A polyvinyl alcohol is provided containing structural units of the following formula (I) at a molar fraction of 0.05-0.50 and the structural units of the following formula (II) at a molar fraction of 0.0001 to 0.50; ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and X are as desribed herein, and its use in preparation of gels, particularly hydrogels, effective for use in wound dressing materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wound dressing composed of a hydrogel with the principal component being a vinyl alcohol polymer of a viscosity average polymerization degree of 300 or more, wherein the vinyl alcohol polymer contains 5 to 50 mol % of one or more vinyl ester units represented by the following formula (I): ##STR1## and the vinyl alcohol polymer has a block character (.eta.) of 0.6 or less, the block character being represented by the following mathematical formula (II);.eta.=?OH, VES!/2?OH!?VES! (II)Because the wound dressing of the present invention is excellent in terms of transparency, flexibility, hot water resistance, water absorption, and safety, the dressing is useful for the treatment and promotion of the healing of wounds including general wounds such as abrasions, cuts and acne; surgery wounds such as excision wounds and dermabrasions; burns; ulcers; and pressure sores.

Abstract: Provided are high-performance polyvinyl alcohol fibers having excellent resistances to hot water and dry heat as well as excellent strength and elastic modulus. The fibers are produced from a highly syndiotactic polyvinyl alcohol containing units from vinyl pivalate in an appropriate amount, which renders it possible to draw the highly crystalline fiber in a high drawing ratio of at least 16.

Abstract: Vinyl alcohol polymers having a high syndiotacticity and a high degree of polymerization. They are useful as water-resistant films, heat-resistant films, material for high-strength gel and as paper processing agents.