Abstract: A filler composition for use in a casting formulation, where the filler composition includes a mineral filler, hollow plastic microspheres, and a food grade and non-flammable liquid, and where when the filler composition is mixed with a casting resin an OSHA 8-hour Permissible Exposure Limit set for Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated is not exceeded.

Abstract: A composition used for preparing foaming material comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a polylactic acid and a foaming agent, which posses certain tensile strength, elongation in break and expansion ratio as well as full bio-degradability, thus can be used in packaging industry.

Abstract: Methods of forming polymeric foams are provided. The methods may involve co-extruding a foam layer along with one or more skin layers. In some embodiments, the skin layer(s) may be removed (e.g., in a peeling operation); while, in other embodiments, the skin layer(s) may form part of the final article. The methods are particularly well suited for producing polymeric foams from polymeric materials that are considered to be difficult to foam by those of skill in the art.

Abstract: Polylactic acid resin expanded beads exhibiting excellent fusion bonding at the time of in-mold molding have such a crystal structure that gives a first time DSC curve when heated according to heat flux differential scanning calorimetry referenced in JIS K7122(1987) and a second time DSC curve when thereafter cooled and then again heated, the second time DSC curve having a fusion peak having a reference peak temperature and the first time DSC curve having at least one fusion peak with a peak temperature higher than the reference peak temperature and another at least one fusion peak with a peak temperature not lower temperature than the reference peak temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable multi-block copolymer, comprising at least two hydrolysable segments derived from pre-polymers A and B, which segments are linked by a multi-functional chain-extender and are chosen from the pre-polymers A and B, and triblock copolymers ABA and BAB, wherein the multi-block copolymer is amorphous at physiological (body) conditions. The invention further relates to a process for preparing said copolymer and to its use as a medical implant, a coating for a medical device or a drug delivery vehicle.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for producing a glycerol tri-carboxylic acid polyester foam which comprises the steps of combining glycerol and a tri-carboxylic acid in the liquid phase to provide a reaction mixture, and keeping the reaction mixture at a temperature of between 80° C. and 130+ C. from the start of the reaction until a conversion of at least 90% is obtained. The foamed polyester of the present invention is “green”, biodegradable, and non-toxic, and can be cleanly combusted. It finds application in, int. al., packaging materials, insulation materials, and materials with a short life cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogel contact lens having improved wettability, and particularly to a hydrogel contact lens of a complex membrane having an IPN (interpenetrating polymer network) intra structure, which is prepared by crosslinking composition for a contact lens comprising, as a main ingredient, an acryl monomer and an oligosaccharide and optionally a silicone compound. Due to the presence of an oligosaccharide in a contact lens herein, tensile strength and wettability can be maximized to provide a superior wearing feeling and maintain wettability even after a long-term storage in a care solution such as a washing solution, a storage solution and a protein-removing solution.

Abstract: An extensional flow static heat exchanger with at least two components of tubular cooling elements arranged in a flow passage, wherein the components are successively arranged in the flowing direction, each component having a first and a second set of at least two cooling elements, the cooling elements of the first set being angularly offset to the cooling elements of the second set, the cross sections of the cooling elements have a convex profile on the upstream and downstream side or a droplet shape, the cooling elements of the first and the second set, respectively of the adjacent component are arranged at least partially in the space between two cooling elements of the first and second set, respectively of the previous component, a process for producing a low density extruded thermoplastic foam material and a low density extruded thermoplastic foam material.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition includes a poly(carbonate-arylate ester); and an organophosphorus compound in an amount effective to provide 0.1 to 1.0 wt % phosphorus based on the total weight of the composition, wherein an article molded from the composition has a smoke density after four minutes (Ds-4) of less than or equal to 300 determined according to ISO 5659-2 on a 3 mm thick plaque and a maximum average rate of heat release emission (MAHRE) of less than or equal to 90 kW/m2 determined according to ISO 5660-1 on a 3 mm thick plaque.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that contains a rigid renewable polyester and has a voided structure and low density is provided. To achieve such a structure, the renewable polyester is blended with a polymeric toughening additive to form a precursor material in which the toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. The precursor material is thereafter stretched or drawn at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polyester (i.e., “cold drawn”). This creates a network of voids located adjacent to the discrete domains, which as a result of their proximal location, can form a bridge between the boundaries of the voids and act as internal structural “hinges” that help stabilize the network and increase its ability to dissipate energy. The present inventors have also discovered that the voids can be distributed in a substantially homogeneous fashion throughout the composition.

Abstract: Rigid polyurethane foams or rigid polyisocyanurate foams with low brittleness are produced by the reaction of polyisocyanate polyetherester polyols based on aromatic dicarboxylic acids obtained by esterification of a dicarboxylic acid composition containing aromatic dicarboxylic acids and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, fatty acids, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diols having 2 to 18 carbon atoms or alkoxylates thereof, and a polyether polyol having a functionality of not less than 2.

Abstract: Durable hydrophilic compositions comprising aliphatic polyester, an anionic surfactant, and in some embodiments, a carrier.

Abstract: Compositions containing polymers and one or more heat labile and/or incompatible components adsorbed on carrier materials are provided. The heat labile components include materials that are inactivated, that volatilize, decompose, or undergo a chemical reaction or transformation at the polymer's processing temperatures (heat labile biocides). Incompatible components are materials that generally react or form gels or precipitates upon mixing. The carrier materials generally include inorganic or organic porous materials capable of remaining solid during processing temperatures. Methods for preparing the polymer compositions are provided.

Abstract: {Problems} The present invention is contemplated for providing a thermoplastic resin foam and a light reflecting material having a high reflectivity when being made thin, as well as a method of producing the thermoplastic resin foam. {Means to Solve} A thermoplastic resin foam, prepared by using a thermoplastic resin composition containing a melt-type crystallization nucleating agent (B) in a crystalline thermoplastic resin (A), which foam comprises a bubble having a mean bubble diameter of less than 1 ?m in the inside thereof.

Abstract: A process for forming polymer particles with aligned pores and controlled narrow particle size distribution, including: a) forming an oil phase by dissolving a polymeric binder in a solvent; b) dispersing the oil phase into a water phase containing a controlled amount of particulate stabilizer and forming an oil-in-water emulsion of controlled narrow dispersed oil phase droplet size distribution; c) freezing the emulsion to freeze solvent in the oil droplets to form frozen solvent domains within the polymeric binder, and also the water in the continuous water phase; and d) removing the frozen solvent from the polymeric binder and the frozen water in the continuous water phase, thereby forming porous polymer particles of controlled narrow particle size distribution and containing directional aligned non-spherical pore structures. Optionally, the porous particles may contain encapsulated functional ingredients.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer based material comprising a water binding agent present in an amount sufficient to chemically and/or physically absorb and/or adsorb water to prevent degradation of the polymer. The invention also provides a polymer based material comprising a plasticizer or organic solvent as well as a multi-component material or composite including materials encompassing a second polymer and/or an active agent. The invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the aforesaid polymer based material, which can be used for treatment of bone, cartilage and/or periodontal defects.

Abstract: Polyglycolic acid particles comprising polyglycolic acid having (a) at least 70% by mol of a glycolic acid repeating unit, (b) Mw of 30,000 to 800,000, (c) Mw/Mn of 1.5 to 4.0, (d) a melting point of 197 to 245° C. and (e) a melt crystallization temperature TC2 of 130 to 195° C., and having (i) an average particle diameter (D50) of 3 to 50 ?m, and preferably having (ii) D90/D10 of 1.1 to 12, a production process of the particles, including a solution-forming step of dissolving polyglycolic acid in an aprotic polar organic solvent at 150 to 240° C.; a cooling step of cooling the solution to 140° C. or lower at a rate less than 20° C./min to obtain a suspension of polyglycolic acid particles; and a separation step, and a slurry, (powder) coating or toner containing the particles.

Abstract: The processes disclosed herein provide methods for dehydrating diols such that dimers of the diols are formed and incorporated into polyesters during polycondensation. Control over this phenomenon provides unique polymer compositions with a range of thermo-mechanical properties, crystallinity, bio-content and biodegradability. Generation of a wide range of properties allows development of polymers that can be used for a wide range of applications.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) foams and foam structures of various shapes and forms. LCP foams of the invention have a high compression strength suitable for high performance energy-absorption and energy-impact applications and devices.

Abstract: Described are polyesters comprising (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid residues; optionally, aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues and/or modifying aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues. The polyesters may be manufactured into articles such as fibers, films, bottles, coatings, or sheets.

Abstract: Described are polyesters comprising (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid residues; optionally, aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues and/or modifying aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. The polyesters may be manufactured into articles such as fibers, films, bottles, coatings, or sheets.

Abstract: Described are polyesters comprising (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid residues; optionally, aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues and/or modifying aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues and ethylene glycol. The polyesters may be manufactured into articles such as fibers, films, bottles, coatings, or sheets.

Abstract: Described are polyesters comprising (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid residues; optionally, aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues and/or modifying aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues, ethylene glycol residues, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues. The polyesters may be manufactured into articles such as fibers, films, bottles, coatings, or sheets.

Abstract: Described are polyesters comprising (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid residues; optionally, aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues and/or modifying aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues and ethylene glycol residues. The polyesters may be manufactured into articles such as fibers, films, bottles, coatings, or sheets.

Abstract: Described are polyesters comprising (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid residues; optionally, aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues and/or modifying aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues. The polyesters may be manufactured into articles such as fibers, films, bottles, coatings, or sheets.

Abstract: A biodegradable composition includes: a polymer component including a first polymer of polybutylene-1,4-succinate (PBS); and a cross-linking agent capable of producing a free radical to allow the polymer component to be subjected to a free radical cross-linking reaction in such a condition that the biodegradable composition has a melt index ranging from 1.5 to 3.0.

Abstract: A method of making a biodegradable composite is carried out by: (a) providing an aqueous mixture comprising partially hydrolyzed cellulose in a dissolution media; (b) providing a solution comprising a aliphatic polyester in a polar organic solvent; (c) combining the mixture with the solution to form a precipitate; (d) washing the precipitate with water to remove solvent and dissolution media and form a wet biodegradable composite; and then (e) drying the wet biodegradable composite to form a dry biodegradable composite. Composites made from the method are also described.

Abstract: Ketal lactones of and methods for making such ketal lactones are disclosed. Also described are methods for making isolated cis- and trans-stereoisomers of hydroxyester ketals of oxocarboxylic acids and polymers having ketal units of such stereoisomers within the polymer backbone.

Abstract: Methods for making foamed adhesive compositions suitable for use in adhesive dressings for topical application to the body, the method including providing a molten adhesive composition, combining an inert gas with the molten adhesive composition in a first mixer, mixing the molten adhesive composition comprising the inert gas in the first mixer under conditions effective to form a first foamed adhesive composition; and mixing the first foamed adhesive composition in a second mixer that includes a rotating mixing blade under conditions effective to provide a second foamed adhesive composition having a substantially homogenous distribution of closed cells containing the inert gas.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to relates to foamed thermoplastic material objects and articles of manufacture having an internal layered cellular structure, as well as to methods of making the same. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a multi-layer foamed polymeric article of manufacture, comprising: a non-laminated multi-layer thermoplastic material sheet, wherein the multi-layer thermoplastic material sheet has first and second discrete outer layers sandwiching a plurality of discrete inner foamed layers, and wherein the two outer layers and plurality discrete inner foamed layers are integral with one another. The thermoplastic material may be a semi-crystalline polymer such as, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PEN (polyethylene napthalate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PLA (polyactide), polyhydroxy acid (PHA), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), or blends thereof.

Abstract: An extrusion expansion of low molecular weight polyalkylene terephthalates having an IV of below 1.0 dl/g to produce gas-charged beads is disclosed. The process includes an extrusion expanding of the resins and an underwater pelletizing of the melt threads. The obtained beads show a composite structure and are characterized by an IV of 0.69 dl/g or more and a melt viscosity ?0 of higher than 300 Pa·s.

Abstract: An expanded bead of a polylactic acid resin, having an exterior surface, a surface region including the entire exterior surface and having a weight of one-sixth to one-fourth the weight of the expanded bead, and a center region located inside the surface region and having a weight of one-fifth to one-third the weight of the expanded bead, wherein the expanded bead, the surface region and the center region, after having been subjected to a pretreatment including a heat treatment at 110° C. for 120 minutes followed by cooling at a cooling speed of 2° C./min, have endothermic calorific values of (Br:endo), (Brs:endo) and (Brc:endo), respectively, when measured by heat flux differential scanning calorimetry at a heating speed of 2° C./min in accordance with JIS K7122(1987), and wherein (Br:endo) is greater than 25 J/g and (Brs:endo) is smaller than (Brc:endo) and is not smaller than 0 J/g.

Abstract: A composition comprising a block copolymer that includes at least one polyester block and at least one linear polyolefin block, wherein the composition is in the form of a nano-structured, bicontinuous composite that includes a continuous matrix phase and a second continuous phase. The continuous matrix phase comprises the linear polyolefin block of the block copolymer, and the second continuous phase comprises the polyester block of the block copolymer. The composite may be treated to remove the polyester block, thereby forming a plurality of nano-pores.

Abstract: Polycondensates with long-chain linear methylene sequences, their production, a method for producing linear odd-numbered C>20 ?,?-dicarboxylic acids and derivatives thereof and applications of the polycondensates are described.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from which pyrogen has been removed are provided. PHAs which have been chemically modified to enhance physical and/or chemical properties, for targeting or to modify biodegradability or clearance by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), are described. Methods for depyrogenating PHA polymers prepared by bacterial fermentation processes are also provided, wherein pyrogens are removed from the polymers without adversely impacting the polymers' inherent chemical structures and physical properties. PHAs with advantageous processing characteristics, including low melting points and/or solubility in non-toxic solvents, are also described. The PHAs are suitable for use in in vivo applications such as in tissue coatings, stents, sutures, tubing, bone, other prostheses, bone or tissue cements, tissue regeneration devices, wound dressings, drug delivery, and for diagnostic and prophylactic uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixtures comprising of biodegradable polyesters comprising at least one polymer of natural origin and at least two aliphatic-aromatic polyesters of the diacid-diol type of which at least one with a high content of long chain aliphatic diacids of renewable origin showing excellent mechanical properties, sufficiently high melting temperatures, adequate crystallization rates, improved biodegradability properties as well as stability of physical properties over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable composition comprising at least one polymer of natural origin and at least one aliphatic-aromatic copolyester obtained starting from mixtures comprising aliphatic diols, polyfunctional aromatic acids, and at least two aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, at least one of which is long chain. Said composition combines improved biodegradability, excellent mechanical properties, a high level of industrial processability, limited environmental impact as well as stability of physical properties under the influence of environmental factors.

Abstract: Silicone foams having good foam structure and rapid cure are produced from foamable mixtures containing a physical blowing agent and an organically modified organopolysiloxane containing at least one urea or urethane group and an alkoxy(alkyl)siloxy unit.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that load and encapsulate an agent, such as a protein, in a porous self-healing polymer. A delivery system includes a porous self-healing polymer, an ionic affinity trap within the pores of the self-healing polymer, and an agent associated with the ionic affinity trap. Methods of encapsulating an agent in a polymer include providing a porous self-healing polymer comprising an ionic affinity trap within the pores. The polymer is incubated with an agent having an affinity for the ionic affinity trap. At least a portion of the pores in the polymer are then healed. Active encapsulation of macromolecules at low concentrations may be achieved due to affinity of the agent for the ionic affinity trap within the pores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of coating a porous material such as a medical implant with a layer of calcium phosphate, wherein the material is submersed in an aqueous solution of calcium, phosphate and carbonate ions, and the pH of the solution is gradually increased. A calcium phosphate coating is formed on an internal surface of the porous material by agitating the solution during coating formation.

Abstract: Method of forming a composition comprising impregnated polylactic acid (PLA) resin beads, by impregnating PLA resin beads with CO2. The method is carried out by contacting the beads with liquid CO2, and holding the impregnated beads at a temperature and pressure that prevents the beads from foaming while allowing the level of impregnated CO2 to reduce to about 4 to 20 weight % relative to the total weight of the beads and CO2.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of thermoplastic auxetic foams comprising the steps of: a) taking conventional thermoplastic foam; b) subjecting said foam to at least one process cycle wherein the foam is biaxially compressed and heated; c) optionally subjecting the foam to at least one process cycle wherein the biaxial compression is removed and the foam mechanically agitated prior to reapplying biaxial compression and heating; d) cooling said foam to a temperature below the softening temperature of said foam; and e) removing said compression and heat.

Abstract: Cleavable, disulfide-coupled block copolymers as can be used in the preparation of nanoporous thin films, micellar configurations and related structures.

Abstract: Polyester compositions based on 1,3-propanediol and aromatic and aliphatic diacids that can contain a large fraction of biologically derived content are disclosed. Transesterification between polyesters in blends of such compositions is greatly reduced using phosphorous-containing additives. The blends have properties similar to poly(ethylene terephthalate).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particulate expandable polylactic acid which functions as a starting material for producing foamed moulded products. The present particulate expandable polylactic acid is provided with a coating so as to improve the fusion properties. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a particulate expandable polylactic acid as well as to a method for producing a foamed moulded product and to the moulded product obtained thereby.

Abstract: A composition containing poly(lactic acid), at least one bacteriocin (e.g., nisin, generally in the form of Nisaplin®), and at least one plasticizer (e.g., lactic acid, lactide, triacetin, glycerol triacetate), and optionally at least one pore forming agent. A method of making the composition, involving mixing about 100% of the total of the poly(lactic acid), about 50% to about 90% of the total of the at least one plasticizer, and optionally at least one pore forming agent at a first temperature of about 150° to about 170° C. to form a mixture, cooling the mixture to a second temperature of about 115° to about 125° C., adding at least one bacteriocin and about 10% to about 50% of the total of the at least one plasticizer and the remainder of the total of the poly(lactic acid) to the mixture and mixing to form the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer obtained from the polymerization of: (i) at least one monomer of formula (I) (CH2?CR1)CO—K (I) wherein: K represents 0-Z or NH—Z, Z representing (CR2R3)m—CH3, (CH2—CH2—O)m—H, (CH2—CH2—O)m—CH3, (CH2)m—NR4R5 with m representing an integer from 1 to 30; R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently represent H or a C1-C6 alkyl; and (ii) at least one bio-resorbable block copolymer cross-linker.

Abstract: A microporous membrane may be manufactured using a polymer binder and a filler material using a liquid pore forming agent having a surface free energy that is lower than that of the filler and higher than that of the polymer. The repulsion of the pore forming agent to the polymer may form the pores of the membrane, while the attraction of the polymer to the filler may encapsulate the filler into the structure of the membrane. The filler may be particles that are on the order of or smaller than the wall thickness of the microporous structure.

Abstract: PET foam articles and methods of forming the same are described herein. Processing conditions may be controlled to form PET foam sheets having desirable characteristics.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic copolyester comprising: A) an acid component comprising repeating units of: 1) 53 to 54 mol % of an aromatic carboxylic acid; 2) 47 to 36 mol % of an aliphatic acid at least 50% of which is azelaic acid; B) a diol component selected from the group consisting of C3, C4 and C6 diols said AAPE being disintegrated according to the Standard ISO 20200 in 90 days.