Abstract: A water-swellable polymer gel prepared by reacting an ester of a carboxyl group-containing polysaccharide with a compound having at least two &agr;-amino groups, which is derived from a natural amino acid, and a foamed article thereof. The water-swellable polymer gel can be used in the fields such as industry, agriculture, food and medicine. The applications of the water-swellable gel in the medical field include wound dressings, adhesion-preventing materials, dialysis membranes, hemostatic materials, adhesive materials, sealants, contact lenses, materials for tissue regeneration, microcapsule materials and drug delivery systems.

Abstract: A blown foamed film of polyester resin, obtained by blow-molding a foamed tubular sheet at the outlet of a foaming extruder.

Abstract: Highly crosslinked monolithic porous polymer materials for chromatographic applications. By using solvent compositions that provide not only for polymerization of acrylate monomers in such a fashion that a porous polymer network is formed prior to phase separation but also for exchanging the polymerization solvent for a running buffer using electroosmotic flow, the need for high pressure purging is eliminated. The polymer materials have been shown to be an effective capillary electrochromatographic separations medium at lower field strengths than conventional polymer media. Further, because of their highly crosslinked nature these polymer materials are structurally stable in a wide range of organic and aqueous solvents and over a pH range of 2-12.

Abstract: Molding, including injection molding, of crystalline or semicrystalline polymeric material is described. Microcellular polymeric material is preferred. The invention involves use of a viscosity-reducing additive in molding that results in relatively better crystallinity at relatively lower mold temperatures, and lower aging time.

Abstract: Composites of at least two different plastics materials joined directly to one another, wherein A) is a thermoplastic polymer or a thermoplastic mixture of polymers which contain at least one polar compound of at least one of the metals of the 1st to the 5th main group or of the 1st to 8th subsidiary group of the Periodic System as an extremely finely divided powder, and B) is polyurethane.

Abstract: In a process for preparing expanded or expandable polymer beads based on biodegradable saturated polyesters made from at least one diol and from at least one dicarboxylic acid, A. polymer pellets are dispersed in a liquid, B. a volatile blowing agent is injected into the dispersion and made to impregnate the pellets at an elevated temperature, C. the pressure on the dispersion is reduced at an elevated temperature, whereupon the pellets comprising blowing agent expand to give foam, and, respectively, D. the pellets are isolated from the liquid.

Abstract: Functionalized perfluoropolyethers are used as foam generating additives with ester-based lubricants in combination with chlorine-free hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants.

Abstract: Composites of at least two different plastics materials joined directly to one another, wherein

Abstract: Polyester resin foamed sheet, usable for the production of containers for beverages and foods, having a density lower than 700 kg/m3 and crystallization rate such that, when the material is heated at 120° C. for 5 minutes, the crystallinity does not reach values higher than 15%. The aromatic polyester resin used for preparing the foamed sheet can be mixed with an aliphatic polyester resin to impart biodegradability and/or compostability to the sheet.

Abstract: A method of preparing cellular pellets from a prepolymer comprising a blowing agent, the method comprising the steps of: a) extruding the prepolymer through a die, the die maintained at conditions such that the blowing agent remains in the condensed phase in the prepolymer prior to emerging from the die, and b) upon emergence of the prepolymer through the die, substantially simultaneously cooling the prepolymer by contacting the prepolymer with a cooling agent and cutting the prepolymer; the conditions outside the die being maintained such that the blowing agent vaporizes in the prepolymer to form pores.

Abstract: Nanoporous materials are fabricated from polymers having backbones with reactive groups used in crosslinking. In one aspect of preferred methods and compositions, the reactive groups in the backbone comprise a diene and a dienophile. The diene may advantageously comprise a tetracyclone, and the dienophile may advantageously comprise an ethynyl. In another aspect of preferred methods and compositions, the reactive groups in the backbone are included in a conjugated system. Especially preferred polymeric strands comprise a poly(arylene ether) synthesized from a difluoroaromatic portion and an aromatic bisphenolic portion. It is still more preferred that the difluoroaromatic portions of the poly(arylene ether) are modified in such a way that some difluoroaromatic portions carry a thermolabile portion. In still other aspects crosslinking may advantageously occur without reliance on an exogenous crosslinker.

Abstract: Foamed beads of polyester resin having rheological and crystallizability characteristics suitable for the preparation of foamed articles by sintering beads in a mold heated with superheated steam or with inert gas or air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sustained release composition and methods of forming and using said composition for the sustained release of biologically active agent. The sustained release compositions of the invention comprise a biocompatible polymer and a biologically active agent characterized by a porous center and a less porous outer layer wherein the center and outer layer consist of essentially the same materials. The sustained release compositions can be prepared by annealing at least a substantial portion of the exterior surface of a polymer/active agent matrix. The compositions which have been annealed exhibit a decrease in the release of agent over the first 24 hours following administration (i.e., reduced burst) and as a result can show an increase in the duration of sustained release thereby providing increased therapeutic benefits.

Abstract: A flexible, low density thermoplastic foam and a method for lowering the density and increasing the flexibility of a thermoplastic foam having a melting temperature and being either amorphous with a softening temperature or semicrystalline with a glass transition temperature.

Abstract: A blown foamed film of polyester resin, obtained by blow-molding a foamed tubular sheet at the outlet of a foaming extruder.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing porous polymer materials by a combination of gas forming and particulate leaching steps. The invention is also directed to porous polymer material prepared by the process, particularly having a characteristic interconnected pore structure, and to methods for using such porous polymer material, particularly for tissue engineering.

Abstract: A superporous hydrogel composite is formed by polymerizing one or more ethylenically-unsaturated monomers, and a multiolefinic crosslinking agent, in the presence of particles of a disintegrant and a blowing agent. The disintegrant, which rapidly absorbs water, serves to greatly increase the mechanical strength of the superporous hydrogel and significantly shorten the time required to absorb water and swell. Superporous hydrogel composites prepared by this method have an average pore size in the range of 10 &mgr;m to 3,000 &mgr;m. Preferred particles of disintegrant include natural and synthetic charged polymers, such as crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose, crosslinked sodium starch glycolate, and crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone. The blowing agent is preferably a compound that releases gas bubbles upon acidification, such as NaHCO3. Improved hydrogel composites formed without a blowing agent are also provided.

Abstract: Biodegradable polyether esters P1 obtainable by reacting a mixture essentially comprising: (a1) a mixture essentially comprising: 20-95 mol % of adipic acid or ester-forming derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, 5-80 mol % of terephthalic acid or ester-forming derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, and 0-5 mol % of a compound containing sulfonate groups, where the total of the individual mole percentages is 100 mol %, and (a2) a mixture of dihydroxy compounds essentially comprising (a21) from 15 to 99.8 mol % of a dihydroxy compound selected from the group consisting of C2-C6-alkanediols and C5-C10-cycloalkanediols, (a22) from 85 to 0.2 mol % of a dihydroxy compound containing ether functionalities of the formula I: HO—[(CH2)n—O]m—H  I where n is 2, 3 or 4 and m is an integer from 2 to 250, or mixtures thereof, where the molar ratio of (a1) to (a2) is chosen in the range from 0.4:1 to 1.

Abstract: A flexible, low density thermoplastic foam and a method for lowering the density and increasing the flexibility of a thermoplastic foam having a melting temperature and being either amorphous with a softening temperature or semicrystalline with a glass transition temperature.

Abstract: A foamable polyester composition comprising a combination of blowing agent and mixed polymer composition comprising: a) a semi-crystalline polyester composition comprising a polycondensed branched polyester polymer, and b) an aromatic polycarbonate polymer. The foamable composition has a high extrusion melt strength, and can pulled across a die without ripping, to form a continuous thermoformable closed cell polyester sheet. The foamed sheets have a uniform, fine, and closed cell morphology; and simultaneously are less dense but have a higher impact strength than comparable closed cell polymers made in only with linear polyesters as the polyester component or without the aromatic polycarbonate.

Abstract: A flexible, low density thermoplastic foam and a method for lowering the density and increasing the flexibility of a thermoplastic foam having a melting temperature and being either amorphous with a softening temperature or semicrystalline with a glass transition temperature.

Abstract: A polycarbonate resin foamed molding having a density D of 0.6 g/cm3 or less and at least 30 (kg·cm/cm3)/(g/cm3) of a value E80/D obtained by dividing an amount of energy absorbed through 50% compression of the molding at 80° C. (E80 kg·cm/cm3) by the density of the molding. A shock absorber for a vehicle includes a core of the above molding, and a skin covering a surface of the core.

Abstract: Nanoporous polymeric materials are fabricated in which polymeric strands are crosslinked via ring structures. Preferred ring structures are formed de novo during crosslinking, and at least some of the ring structures are preferably included in the backbones of the strands. At least one of the ring structures may advantageously comprise an aromatic structure, and may more advantageously comprise a benzyl moiety. Especially preferred polymers comprise a poly(arylene ether) synthesized from a difluoroaromatic portion and an aromatic bisphenolic portion. In another preferred aspect, the difluoroaromatic portions of the poly(arylene ether) carry at least two different crosslinking functionalities. In an even more preferred aspect, the crosslinking functionalities comprise an ethynyl and a tetracyclone. Nanoporosity is preferably introduced by thermolyzing one or more thermolabile portions in the crosslinked polymer. An especially preferred thermolabile portion comprises ethylene glycol-poly(caprolactone).

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided in which nanoporous polymeric materials are produced via stable, polymeric template strands having reactive groups that can be used for forming crosslinking functionalities and/or adding thermolabile groups, wherein at least some of the thermolabile groups are thermolyzed to produce voids. The template strands preferably comprise aromatic systems and vicinal keto groups, such as a polybenzil formed from fluorene bisphenol or 3,3'-dihydroxytolane with 4,4'-difluorobenzil. At least some of the reactive groups preferably react using an addition-elimination reaction. Especially preferred thermolabile groups comprise poly(propylene oxide), and especially preferred crosslinkers comprise ethynyl-moiety and tetracyclone moieties.

Abstract: A silicate-based blowing agent and method for producing foamed polymers provides a blowing agent containing at least one metal silicate, boric acid or a salt thereof, a peroxy compound, a reaction initiator and, optionally, a desiccant. The blowing agent is prepared by mixing the ingredients at least one time and allowing the mixture to rest without mixing until a dry dilatent gel is formed. The blowing agent is useful for the production of foamed polymers, especially for the production of foamed rubber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ablative fire resistant hydrophilic polyurea foam made from low molecular weight polyols capped with an isocyanate, with the polyol mixture including a fire retardant polyol that preferably includes carborane disilanol, with the fire retardant polyol containing the carborane disilanol imparting superior fire retardancy characteristics. The present invention also relates to a prepolymer for forming the polyurea foam and the present invention especially relates to the use of a carborane disilanol fire retardant polyol. The present invention also relates to a method for forming the polyurea foam and the prepolymer.

Abstract: A foamable polyester composition comprising a combination of blowing agent and mixed polymer composition comprising:a) a semi-crystalline polyester composition comprising a polycondensed branched polyester polymer, andb) an aromatic polycarbonate polymer.The foamable composition has a high extrusion melt strength, and can pulled across a die without ripping, to form a continuous thermoformable closed cell polyester sheet. The foamed sheets have a uniform, fine, and closed cell morphology; and simultaneously are less dense but have a higher impact strength than comparable closed cell polymers made in only with linear polyesters as the polyester component or without the aromatic polycarbonate.

Abstract: Process for making polyisocyanate based xerogels by trimerisation of an organic polyisocyanate in an organic solvent in the presence of a (co)polymer containing an isocyanate-reactive group, gellation and drying of the obtained sol-gel.

Abstract: A foamed cellular material which can be obtained from foamed aromatic polyester resins with a bulk density of 50 to 700 kg/m3 by heating in vacuum to temperatures which are higher than the Tg of the material and lower than its melting point. The foamed material, generally in the form of a sheet or panel, has high-level characteristics in terms of flexibility and dimensional thermostability depending on the degree of crystallinity after the vacuum treatment.

Abstract: Biodegradable polyether esters are obtained by reacting a mixture of(a1) from 95 to 99.9% by weight of polyether ester obtained by reacting(b1) a mixture comprising20-95 mol % of adipic acid or ester-forming derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof,5-80 mol % of terephthalic acid or ester-forming derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, and0-5 mol % of a compound which contains sulfonate groups, and(b2) a mixture of dihydroxy compounds,(a2) from 0.1 to 5% by weight of a divinyl ether C1 and(a3) from 0 to 5 mol %, based on component (b1) from the preparation of P1, of compound D,and other biodegradable polymers and thermoplastic molding compositions, processes for the preparation thereof, the use thereof for producing biodegradable moldings, and adhesives, biodegradable moldings, foams and blends with starch obtainable from the polymers and molding compositions according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable expanded material having excellent expandability, moldability, impact resistance, heat resistance and storage stability. The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of the foregoing expanded material. The present invention further provides a laminate of a non-expanded material layer and an expanded material layer prepared from the foregoing expanded material which exhibits excellent impact resistance and heat resistance and an excellent transparency in the non-expanded material even after heat treatment so that a pattern printed on the inner side of the non-expanded material layer can be clearly viewed from the outside.

Abstract: A foamable polyester composition comprising a combination of blowing agent and mixed polymer composition comprising:a) a semi-crystalline polyester composition comprising a polycondensed branched polyester polymer, andb) an aromatic polycarbonate polymer.The foamable composition has a high extrusion melt strength, and can pulled across a die without ripping, to form a continuous thermoformable closed cell polyester sheet. The foamed sheets have a uniform, fine, and closed cell morphology; and simultaneously are less dense but have a higher impact strength than comparable closed cell polymers made in only with linear polyesters as the polyester component or without the aromatic polycarbonate.

Abstract: A branched random aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters suitable for foaming has increased melt viscosity and melt strength during extrusion and comprises repeating units of:[--{(O--R.sup.1 --O).sub.a --(CO--R.sup.2 --CO).sub.b }--{(O--R.sup.3 --O).sub.c --(CO--Ar--CO).sub.d }--](BA).sub.x.The mole percent of the acid components and diol components are each based on 100 mole percent. The aliphatic acid residue, --CO--R.sup.2 --CO--, is present in an amount b ranging from 30 to 95 percent and the aromatic acid residue, --CO--Ar--CO--, is present in an amount d ranging from 5 to 70 percent. The diol residues, --O--R.sup.1 --O-- and --O--R.sup.3 --O--, are present in an amount a of 0 to 100 mol percent and in an amount c of 100 to 0 mol percent, respectively. The branching agent, BA, is present in an amount x of 0.01 to 10 weight percent based on the total weight of acid residues, diol residues and branching agent. A foamed article of the branched random aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters is disclosed.

Abstract: A urine absorber superior in smell extinguishing and urine absorption properties and in absorption stability is to be prepared. To this end, a polymer of styrene and/or conjugate diene and acrylonitrile, containing a predetermined amount of a sulfonide and/or its salts, is used as the urine absorber.

Abstract: The present application relates to a process for the preparation of porous, hydrophilic, highly swellable hydrogels, which comprises freeze-drying hydrophilic, highly swellable hydrogels which have been swollen with water.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a method for producing ultramicrocellular polymer foams at low pressures. A polymer is saturated with a blowing agent at low temperatures and pressures within a short time period, due to retrograde vitrification. The blowing agent may be in the form of a gas or a volatile liquid. Polymer-blowing agent combinations are selected to provide a processing temperature/pressure in the area below the positive slope portion of the retrograde vitrification profile of the glass transition temperature of the polymer versus pressure. The polymer thus saturated has an exceptionally high blowing agent content, and is then foamed to produce materials with small cells and high cell density.

Abstract: The novel blend comprises:(A) from 1 to 99% by weight of at least one thermotropic-liquid-crystalline polyester and/or polyesteramide and(B) from 1 to 99% by weight of at least one sulfoxide group-containing polymer,in each case based on the total weight .SIGMA.?(A)+(B)!. Component (B) is a linear and/or branched polymer having a mean molecular weight M.sub.w in the range from 4,000 to 200,000 comprising recurring units of the formula ?--F--S).sub.c --(F--SO).sub.d --!, where F, independently of one another, are simple or para-, meta- or ortho-linked arylene systems having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably phenylene, naphthylene or biphenylene, where the sum c+d is 1, with the proviso that d is always .gtoreq.0.70. Component (A) is a thermotropic liquid-crystalline polymer having a mean molecular weight M.sub.w in the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g/mol and a transition temperature of >250.degree. C., and/or an amorphous thermotropic liquid-crystalline polymer having a mean molecular weight M.sub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing an absorbent foam. The process generally comprises forming a solution of a polymer in a solvent, freezing the solution at a relatively slow cooling rate to a temperature below the freezing point of the solvent, removing the solvent from the frozen solution, and recovering the polymer to form a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymeric foam. The process has been found to enable one to prepare an absorbent foam that exhibits desirable softness and flexibility properties yet is highly absorbent. Such an absorbent foam may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: An improved method or process and device for treating and healing a bone void is disclosed, and in particular a method employing a surfactant for efficiently incorporating a biologically active agent into the interstices (voids or pares) of a porous hydrophobic biodegradable material wherein the biologically active agent is deposited on the internal surfaces defining the voids or pores of the biodegradable material. The biodegradable body or device, now containing surfactant and a biologically active agent in the body itself as well as on the external surfaces and the internal surfaces defining the voids or pores, is than applied into the bone void or cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is are high molecular weight copolyester compositions which possess high melt viscosity and melt strength which render them foamable with a wide range of foaming agents. The copolyesters consist essentially of (A) diacid residues comprising (i) from about 99.9 to about 95 mol % of residues of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid having 8 to 12 carbon atoms and (ii) from about 0.1 to about 5.0 mol % of residues of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid sulfonate monomer containing at least one divalent metal sulfonate group attached to an aromatic nucleus, and (B) diol residues comprising residues of at least one aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diol having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, the mol % being based on 100 mol % dicarboxylic acid residues and 100 mol % diol residues.

Abstract: Expanded articles have a compressible and resilient body including two biodegradable components. One component preferably is starch or a modified starch. Another component is a water insoluble, synthetic polymer, preferably a hydroxy-functional polyester. The article may be thermoformed, and has exterior surfaces with substantial resistance to moisture.

Abstract: A polycarbonate resin-containing composition is extruded through a die together with a blowing agent to produce a foamed body. The composition has a storage modulus G'.sub.A dyn/cm.sup.2 at a temperature of 250.degree. C. and an angular frequency of 0.1 rad/sec and a storage modulus G'.sub.B dyn/cm.sup.2 at a temperature of 250.degree. C. and an angular frequency of 10 rad/sec, wherein the storage modulus G'.sub.A and storage modulus G'.sub.B satisfy the following conditions:0.ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.2.02.20.ltoreq..beta..ltoreq.5.70where .alpha. represents (logG'.sub.B -logG'.sub.A)/2 and .beta. represents (logG'.sub.B+logG'.sub.A)/2.

Abstract: Highly uniform microporous foam suitable for medical applications and methods for preparing these foams. The highly uniform microporous foams are of controlled pore size that may be utilized in a variety of applications. In preparing the foams, an organic crystalline polymer is melted and combined with a selected solid crystalline fugitive compound to produce a substantially isotropic solution. The solution is cooled under controlled conditions, which foster solid--solid phase separation by the simultaneous crystallization of the fugitive compound and the polymer, to produce a foam precursor containing the solidified fugitive compound dispersed through a matrix of the organic polymer. Crystals of fugitive compound are then removed by solvent extraction and/or sublimation, or like process to produce microcellular foams having a continuous, open-cell structure.

Abstract: A structure of synthetic resin foam has a core layer of thermoplastic resin foam and skin layers of non-foamed thermoplastic resin merged with the core layer, and the skin layers gives rise to increase the mechanical strength of the structure.

Abstract: A polyester polymer containing micro glass fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 1000, preferably from about 2000 to about 5000. Those micro glass fibers having these aspect ratios, preferably with mean fiber diameters of 1 microns or less, act as excellent nucleating agents to promote crystallization of the polymer melt during its cooling phase, improve the rheological behavior of the melt, reduce the crystalline half time during cooling phases, and are acceptable in polyester molded or thermoformed products which come into contact with food or beverage.

Abstract: Concentrates of dianhydrides of tetracarboxylic acids in polycarbonate resins containing up to about 50% by weight of dianhydride. The concentrates can be added to aromatic polyester resins in the melt in quantities equivalent to contents of dianhydride from 0.05 to 2% by weight of the resin.

Abstract: A continuous process for making moldable foam beads comprising a non-crosslinked or crosslinked thermoplastic polymer foam are produced by mixing a composition comprising a non-crosslinkable or crosslinkable thermoplastic polymer or a thermoplastic polymer with a crosslinking agent, additives to achieve specific properties, a blowing agent, extruding the admixture under pressure, crosslinking, when applicable, the admixture under pressure, modulating the admixtures temperature to achieve the desired foaming properties, and then expanding the admixture in a zone of lower pressure to form a foam bead that can be molded.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of poly-o-hydroxyamides and poly-o-mercaptoamides, a bis-o-aminophenol or a bis-o-aminothiophenol is reacted at a temperature of .ltoreq.0.degree. C. with a mixed dianhydride of a dicarboxylic acid and a sulfonic acid with the following structure:E--SO.sub.2 --O--CO--R*--CO--O--SO.sub.2 --Ewhere E is an (optionally substituted) methyl, phenyl, or naphthyl group and R* is the parent body of the dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: An improved method or process and device for treating and healing a bone void is disclosed, and in particular a method employing a surfactant for efficiently incorporating a biologically active agent into the interstices (voids or pores) of a porous hydrophobic biodegradable material wherein the biologically active agent is deposited on the internal surfaces defining the voids or pores of the biodegradable material. The biodegradable body or device, now containing surfactant and a biologically active agent in the body itself as well as on the external surfaces and the internal surfaces defining the voids or pores, is then applied into the bone void or cavity.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of poly-o-hydroxyamides and poly-o-mercaptoamides, a bis-o-aminophenol or a bis-o-aminothiophenol is reacted with a dicarboxylic acid derivative of the following structure: ##STR1## with D=O, S, or NH and where R* is the parent body of the dicarboxylic acid and the groups R.sup.1 through R.sup.4 are H, F, CH.sub.3, or CF.sub.3 (with a maximum of two CH.sub.3 or CF.sub.3 groups).