Abstract: Multicomponent ion exchange resin granules containing at least one acidic resin and at least one basic resin. Each granule contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin.

Abstract: A sulfur-containing water insoluble hydrogel polymer for selectively removing trace amounts of dissolved metal species is produced from a reaction product of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and polyethylenimine (PEI) which is then treated in a water-swollen state with carbon disulfide. The polymer has a physical configuration that facilitates formation of a porous stationary bed through which water can pass for treatment.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for forming microcellular polymeric material, via injection molding, blow molding, continuous extrusion, or the like, at very low blowing agent levels, are described. The invention involves, in one aspect, the discovery of a region of very low blowing agent level where, surprisingly, microcellular material can be formed. Articles with particularly good surface properties are provided.

Abstract: A composite porous structure includes a macroporous open-pore sponge of regenerated cellulose having disposed within the pores a microporous polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrate. The total empty space of the structure, produced by the pores, is between 60% and 92% of the outer envelope geometrical volume of the structure. The wet compressive strength of the structure is at least ten times greater than the wet compressive strength of the cellulose sponge without the PVC.

Abstract: Separation functional fibers are produced by exposing fibers with a core/sheath structure to an ionizing radiation and then grafting a polymerizable monomer to the fibers. Ion-exchange fibers are produced by introducing, through radiation-initiated graft polymerization, ion-exchange groups into the sheath of each of composite fibers the core and the sheath of which are composed of different kinds of high-polymer components. The separation functional fibers and the ion-exchange fibers are useful in various applications such as the production of pure water in electric power, nuclear, electronic and pharmaceutical industries and the demineralization of high-salt content solutions in the production of foods and chemicals. The fibers are also useful in removing harmful components from gases, as well as odorous components such as ammonia.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymeric netting for use as an ion-conducting ser in an electrodialysis stack having charged groups incorporated in a in polymeric coating applied thereto, imparting to the spacer an average ion exchange capacity of at least 0.25 meq/gr.

Abstract: A chromatographic composition for the selective binding of borate ion comprising support resin particle and polymers containing covalently bonded borate binding carbohydrates wherein said carbohydrates are a mono-, di- or polysaccharide of three to seven alcohol moieties per saccharide unit.

Abstract: A method of detecting heparin-induced antibodies to complete a diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia HITP is disclosed. In one embodiment, this method comprises binding human platelet factor 4 to a linear, non-glycosaminoglycan polymer carrying negative charges distributed along the polymer chain, wherein the negative charge carried by the polymer is less than 10 .ANG. from the polymer chain. In another embodiment, the negative charge is a strong negative charge. A complex having one or more epitopes recognizable by antibodies generated in a HITP immune response is formed. One then contacts blood plasma or serum from a human patient suspected of having HITP with the complex and analyzes the complex to determine if the HITP-related antibodies are present. In another embodiment of the invention, a kit for diagnosing HITP is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for altering a macroporous cross-linked hydrophobic copolymeric lattice produced by precipitation polymerization in a solvent of at least one monounsaturated ester monomer and at least one polyunsaturated ester monomer soluble therein, in order to render the hydrophobic copolymeric lattice hydrophilic. The method involves saponifying the hydrophobic copolymeric lattice by reacting the surface of the hydrophobic copolymeric lattice with an aqueous alkali. The surface can also be rendered hydrophilic by polymerizing an acrylate monomer onto the lattice in order to form a surface containing carboxylic acid sites. The carboxylic acid sites formed on the surface of the lattice are converted to carboxylate anions.

Abstract: A solid sorbent material comprising cellulose which has been modified by hydrolysis with a cellulase enzyme for a duration sufficient to increase the protein adsorption capacity of the solid sorbent material and methods for preparing the sorbent material. Methods for purifying a protein include passing a liquid medium containing the protein over the solid sorbent material are also included.

Abstract: Separation functional fibers are produced by exposing fibers with a core/sheath structure to an ionizing radiation and then grafting a polymerizable monomer to the fibers. Ion-exchange fibers are produced by introducing, through radiation-initiated graft polymerization, ion-exchange groups into the sheath of each of composite fibers the core and the sheath of which are composed of different kinds of high-polymer components. The separation functional fibers and the ion-exchange fibers are useful in various applications such as the production of pure water in electric power, nuclear, electronic and pharmaceutical industries and the demineralization of high-salt content solutions in the production of foods and chemicals. The fibers are also useful in removing harmful components from gases, as well as odorous components such as ammonia.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of connected microgel particles. According to the process, starting microgel particles having particle sizes of 100-0.01 .mu.m and a particle size distribution whose standard deviation is not greater than 100% of a mean particle size of the starting microgel particles are dispersed in a matrix component. The starting microgel particles are soaked with a monomer. The monomer is then polymerized, whereby the starting microgels are connected together. Also disclosed is an article comprising a base material and a layer of such connected microgel particles formed on a surface of the base material.

Abstract: A moulded ion exchange resin structure suitable for use in reactive distillation is prepared by compressing particles of an ion exchange resin precursor having chemically reactive functional groups on their surfaces, into a preform having a predetermined shape, subsequently chemically bonding the particles together by reaction of the functional groups for example by acid-catalysed condensation and converting the precursor to an ion exchange resin, for example by sulphonation.

Abstract: An open-celled cellulosic sponge contains a thermally insolubilized polyethyleneimine (PEI) capable of selectively removing dissolved ions from aqueous systems. By virtue of a cuboid configuration of critically selected dimensions, the insolubilized PEI is substantially uniformly distributed in useful amounts throughout the sponge.

Abstract: Undesirable ionic species are removed from water by way of a passive treatment employing apparatus in the form of a porous container which confines a multitude of pieces of sponge containing a chelation polymer. The container, preferably of tubular shape and having a draw-string closure, is emplaced into a region through which water to be treated is caused to flow. The manner of emplacement is such as to prevent by-pass of water around the container. After a suitable time interval, the apparatus is removed and replaced with similar apparatus having fresh sponge.

Abstract: The improved electrically regenerable demineralizing apparatus uses ion exchangers that are produced by radiation-initiated graft polymerization and that are packed in the demineralizing compartment of an electrodialyzer. The apparatus may use a mosaic ion exchanger that consists of alternately arranged cation- and anion-exchange groups. Alternately, the apparatus may have an immobilized amino acid packed in the demineralizing compartment of an electrodialyzer. The apparatus maintains consistent water quality for a prolonged time, is capable of treating from small to large volumes of water and yet is easy to service and manage.

Abstract: A novel, heterogeneous ion exchange membrane, methods for making such a membrane, and devices containing such a membrane are disclosed. Such membranes comprise linear low or linear medium density polyethylene or high molecular weight high density polyethylene as a binder and can incorporate a wide variety of ion exchange resin materials. The membranes can be fabricated using extrusion or other melt processing procedures to produce a product, which upon conditioning in water, exhibits properties adapted for use in numerous applications.

Abstract: Ion exchange fibers comprising a polymer component having a main chain of a syndiotactic poly(1,2-butadiene) structure and containing ion exchange functional groups introduced at least part of side chain ethylene groups. These fibers may be suitably formed into a non-woven fabrics, and thus an ion exchange cloth can be obtained, which has excellent ion exchange capacity, flexibility excellent processing capacity, high mechanical strength and elongation. The ion exchange fibers have excellent ion exchange capacity with respect to fluid such as water or gas and thus can be used as cartridge filters and fiber-filled filters.

Abstract: The improved organic polymeric adsorbent is used to adsorb and remove suspended impurities present in trace amounts in the water being treated in an apparatus for producing ultrapure water for use in the semiconductor industry or in a condensate purifier in steam power generating facilities and it is composed of a particulate or powdered cation exchange resin and/or anion exchange resin. The improvement is that this adsorbent has such a surface layer structure and morphology that granules are seen to bind with one another when examined under a scanning electron microscope in a field of view ranging from a magnification of 50 to 200,000. The adsorbent may be used as the constituent of a packing layer and/or a filter layer to make a material for removing suspended impurities.

Abstract: The improved electrically regenerable demineralizing apparatus uses ion exchangers that are produced by radiation-initiated graft polymerization and that are packed in the demineralizing compartment of an electrodialyzer. The apparatus may use a mosaic ion exchanger that consists of alternately arranged cation- and anion-exchange groups. Alternately, the apparatus may have an immobilized amino acid packed in the demineralizing compartment of an electrodialyzer. The apparatus maintains consistent water quality for a prolonged time, is capable of treating from small to large volumes of water and yet is easy to service and manage.

Abstract: Molded bodies in the form of packing bodies comprising a macroporous strongly acid or basic ion exchange resin having a voids fraction of 5-95 vol % of the macro shape without pores, a BET surface area of 0.1-1,000 sq m/g, and an ion exchange capacity of 0.05-10 meq/g.

Abstract: A process for removing an oxidizable organic compound from an oxidizing gas stream which includes contacting the gas stream with a bed of carbonaceous adsorbent particles, wherein the adsorbent particles comprise porous pyrolyzed particles of a polysulfonated cross-linked synthetic copolymer, to adsorb the oxidizable organic compound on the adsorbent particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new anion exchanger with excellent heat resistance and its use for treating a fluid to remove unwanted or unnecessary substances from it.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel ion-exchange and chelate-exchange resins having improved exchange kinetics for separating chemical species from liquids. The resins are prepared from copolymer beads consisting of a monovinyl aromatic monomer and a cross-linking monomer. The copolymer beads are functionalized such that weak-base exchange moieties are substituted at haloalkylated sites which are most accessible to diffusion into the beads, while hydrophilic, strong-base exchange moieties are substituted at haloalkylated sites which are least accessible to diffusion. The resins have improved exchange kinetics due to shortened diffusion path lengths for the chemical species being separated and improved diffusion into the resin beads due to the hydrophilic, strong-base exchange moieties.

Abstract: A method for altering a macroporous cross-linked hydrophobic copolymeric lattice produced by precipitation polymerization in a solvent of at least one monounsaturated ester monomer and at least one polyunsaturated ester monomer soluble therein, in order to render the hydrophobic copolymeric lattice hydrophilic. The method involves saponifying the hydrophobic copolymeric lattice by reacting the surface of the hydrophobic copolymeric lattice with an aqueous alkali. The surface can also be rendered hydrophilic by polymerizing an acrylate monomer onto the lattice in order to form a surface containing carboxylic acid sites. The carboxylic acid sites formed on the surface of the lattice are converted to carboxylate anions.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel ion-exchange and chelate-exchange resins having improved exchange kinetics for separating chemical species from liquids. The resins are prepared from copolymer beads consisting of a monovinyl aromatic monomer and a cross-linking monomer. The copolymer beads are functionalized such that weak-base exchange moieties are substituted at haloalkylated sites which are most accessible to diffusion into the beads, while hydrophilic, strong-base exchange moieties are substituted at haloalkylated sites which are least accessible to diffusion. The resins have improved exchange kinetics due to shortened diffusion path lengths for the chemical species being separated and improved diffusion into the resin beads due to the hydrophilic, strong-base exchange moieties.

Abstract: Polyaromatic fibers or microbeads which are swollen with solvent and crosslinked while swollen in such a way that the expanded, or macronet, structure of the swollen fiber or microbead is stabilized and retained even after drying exhibit high surface area and significant adsorptive capacity.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel ion-exchange and chelate-exchange resins having improved exchange kinetics for separating chemical species from liquids. The resins are prepared from copolymer beads consisting of a monovinyl aromatic monomer and a cross-linking monomer. The copolymer beads are functionalized such that weak-base exchange moieties are substituted at haloalkylated sites which are most accessible to diffusion into the beads, while hydrophilic, strong-base exchange moieties are substituted at haloalkylated sites which are least accessible to diffusion. The resins have improved exchange kinetics due to shortened diffusion path lengths for the chemical species being separated and improved diffusion into the resin beads due to the hydrophilic, strong-base exchange moieties.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing ion-exchange resin particles of relatively uniform size by partial functionalization of non-uniform copolymer beads with ion-exchange groups. The non-uniform copolymer beads are preferably functionalized in a manner such that the ion-exchange groups are substituted at available sites which are most accessible to diffusion by functionalizing agents. Due to the size difference between individual copolymer particles, a greater proportion of available sites is functionalized in a small particle when compared to that of a large particle. Due to the greater proportion of ion-exchange groups present in a small particle, the small particle swells relatively more than a larger particle. The result is effectively a narrowing of the size distribution for the partially functionalized resin particles.

Abstract: A method for preparing an oil-in-water type uniform dispersion of liquid droplets, which comprises ejecting into an aqueous medium containing a dispersion stabilizer, which forms a continuous phase and moves upwards, a hydrophobic liquid having a specific gravity smaller than the aqueous medium, through a nozzle plate having a plurality of perforations capable of ejecting the hydrophobic liquid upwards, to form liquid droplets of the hydrophobic liquid in the aqueous medium, wherein a nozzle plate having a number of perforations for ejection arranged in a ring form is used as said nozzle plate, and a polymerization method for preparing polymer beads of uniform particle size, which comprises applying the method for preparing an oil-in-water type uniform dispersion of liquid droplets.

Abstract: Polyaromatic fibers or microbeads which are swollen with solvent and crosslinked while swollen in such a way that the expanded, or macronet, structure of the swollen fiber or microbead is stabilized and retained even after drying exhibit high surface area and significant adsorptive capacity.

Abstract: Uniform discoid particles made of at least one member selected from the group consisting of a natural high molecular substance, a synthetic high molecular substance and an inorganic compound, wherein each particle has a diameter of 20 to 2,000 .mu.m and a thickness/diameter ratio of 1/2 to 1/50, and not less than 80% of the whole particles have a diameter within the range of 0.5 to 2 times the number average diameter, and a process for preparing the particles. The discoid particle of the present invention has a larger surface area and therefore has a high efficiency when employed in various uses such as a parent material for an ion exchange resin, a packing material for a chromatograph, a catalyst and an culture medium for cell culture in comparison with conventional spherical particle.

Abstract: The sulfonation of aromatic polyether sulfones in a controllable manner is possible by means of sulfur trioxide in concentrated sulfuric acid as solvent. By maintaining a sulfur trioxide content of less than 6 percent by weight, based on the solvent, and a reaction temperature of less than 30.degree. C., side reactions and degradation reactions are to a large extent suppressed. The resultant products are suitable for preparation of membranes.

Abstract: An absorber is capable of selective adsorption and removal of acidic gases of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, chlorine compounds and sulfur-containing compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, as well as organic acid gases. The absorber is characterized by having a metal phthalocyanine supported on an ion exchanger, wherein the ion exchanger has a quarternary ammonium group as an ion-exchange group and the metal phthalocyanine contains iron phthalocyanine in an amount of 0.05-30 wt % of the ion exchanger.

Abstract: A hair cosmetic composition comprising fine particles of a crosslinked polymer, which are insoluble in water and ethanol and do not form a film at normal temperature, is disclosed. A conventionally known film-forming polymer may also be formulated optionally. The hair cosmetic is free from stiffness, stickiness, or excessive gloss imparted to the hair which are the defects of conventional hair cosmetics using only conventional film-forming polymers, and provides excellent hair conditioning and hair-resetting effects.

Abstract: Carbonaceous adsorbent particles having multimodal pore size, including micropores and macropores, with improved adsorptive and separative properties, are prepared by partial pyrolysis of polysulfonated macroporous precursor resins, said resins being in turn derived from macroporous poly(vinylaromatic) resins. The particles may be further treated by activating with reactive gases or by functionalization.

Abstract: A process for purifying a gaseous mixture comprising arsine, phosphine, ammonia, and/or inert gases, to remove Lewis acid and/or oxidant impurities therefrom, comprising contacting the mixture with a scavenger including a support having associated therewith an anion which is effective to remove such impurities, such anion being selected from one or more members of the group consisting of: (i) carbanions whose corresponding protonated compounds have a pK.sub.a value of from about 22 to about 36; and (ii) anions formed by reaction of such carbanions with the primary component of the mixture.

Abstract: A finely powdered polymer latex in the rod-like form having a major axis of from 0.1 to 100 microns and a minor axis of below 1/3 times the major axis. When the particles are dispersed in water at a concentration of 15 wt %, the thixotropy index, .eta.3/.eta.30 is not less than 1.5.The polymer powder of the above size and configuration is useful in various fields including paint binders, diagnostic means and cosmetics.The polymer latex is prepared by solubilizing a polymerizable monomer in rod-shaped micelles, and polymerizing the monomer while keeping the rod-shaped micelle structure.

Abstract: Lewis acid and oxidant impurities are removed from inert fluids by contacting with a high capacity macroreticulate polymer comprising a macroreticulate polymer backbone having a plurality of pendant functional groups or mixtures of functional groups having the general formula: ##STR1## where Ar is an aromatic hydrocarbon radical containing from one to three rings; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl hydrocarbon radicals, methylene-bridged benzophenone radicals, salts of methylene-bridged benzophenone, methylene-bridged fluorenone radicals and salts of methylene-bridged fluorenone; and M is selected from the group consisting of lithium, potassium, sodium, alkyl magnesium, and alkyl zinc.

Abstract: A resin chelating agent and process for making it are disclosed. The process comprises reacting the crosslinked product formed from the reaction of an aqueous suspension of a polyethyleneimine with a polycarboxylic acid with a mixture of a caustic agent comprising an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide and carbon bisulfide to produce the finished resin. The resin can be produced in both head and powder form and is capable of selectively removing a large number of metallic contaminants from process and waste water streams. It is also essentially insensitive to the presence of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal ions dissolved in said streams.

Abstract: A process for preparing anion exchange resin having macroreticular structure by suspension copolymerizing a polyvinylidene crosslinking monomer and a monoethylenically unsaturated aliphatic ester of acrylic acid in the presence of a liquid which is substantially immiscible with the aqueous phase of the suspension polymerization medium, which is a solvent for the monomers, and which does not substantially swell the resulting copolymer; the resulting macroreticular copolymer is isolated and aminolyzed to form an anion exchanger.

Abstract: An unfoamed permeable material, which absorbs and desorbs moisture satisfactorily and which is suitable for making thin-walled articles having a maximum thickness of 3 mm, is based on plastic and/or rubber mixtures containing macromolecular hydrophilic fillers. The hydrophilic fillers are synthetic, water insoluble, cross-linked macromolecular materials containing pendent polar groups, which are able to bind water reversibly, e.g. hydroxy, amine, amide, carboxylic and sulfonic groups in H.sup.+, Na.sup.+, K.sup.+, Li.sup.+, Ca.sup.++, or Ba.sup.++ form, or quaternary ammonium groups in CH.sup.-, Cl.sup.- or HSO.sub.4.sup.- form.

Abstract: Powdered synthetic polymeric resin is produced by swelling or shrinking resin particles by contact with water or an organic solvent to introduce strain within the particles and comminuting the swollen or shrunk particles by grinding them in a rotary attrition mill. This process is particularly useful for the production of powdered resins for oral consumption, for example powdered cholestyramine resin, since particle sizes such that 90% by weight and/or number is below 30 microns in average particle diameter in the wet swollen state may be achieved.

Abstract: Emulsion copolymer particles with diameters smaller than 1.5 micrometers and functionalized with cation exchange functional groups are prepared and suspended as emulsions in liquid media to form liquid cation exchange materials.

Abstract: Emulsion copolymer particles with diameters less than 1.5 micrometers are functionalized with anion exchange functional groups by a method involving coagulation of the emulsion. Both weakly basic and strongly basic anion exchange resins are prepared from aromatic or acrylic copolymers, and the emulsion coagula may be resuspended to form anion exchange emulsions.

Abstract: A spherically shaped material at least the surface layer of which comprises an acylated product of de-N-acetylated chitin. The spherical material is insoluble in water, acids, alkaline solutions and organic solvents. The materials can be employed to separate materials on a column, as a base material on which enzyme is immobilized and as an adsorbent, etc.

Abstract: An ion-exchange composition comprising a substrate of a macroporous synthetic resin having ion-exchanging sites at least on its available surface; and finely divided, synthetic resin particles having a volume average diameter less than 0.1 micron and greater than about 0.005 micron and having, at least on their outer surfaces, ion-exchanging sites which attract the ion-exchanging sites of the substrate, irreversibly attached as a monolayer to the available surface of the substrate. The composition is used for removal and separation of ions, and is especially useful in liquid ion-exchange chromatography.

Abstract: Ion exchange materials are prepared by retaining a vinyl monomer solution within the interstices of a fiber structure, such as a woven or non-woven fabric, polymerizing these monomers in the presence of an organic solvent sparingly soluble or totally insoluble in water to form a macroreticular polymer, and functionalizing the macroreticular polymer with an ion exchange functional group.

Abstract: Superfine fibers of polyvinyl alcohol type having a single fiber diameter of 0.1-1.0.mu. and a fineness of 0.8-80.times.10.sup.-4 d/f are baked in the presence of a dehydration catalyst so that the weight loss ratio of fibers falls under the range of about 5 to 40%.When ion-exchange radicals are introduced into the partially dehydrated fiber, superfine fibers with a high ion-exchange rate are obtained.

Abstract: Process for preparing cation exchange resin having macroreticular structure, high surface area and lowered apparent density from a macroreticulated copolymer produced by copolymerizing a mixture of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer and a polyethylenically unsaturated monomer dissolved in an organic liquid which is a solvent for said monomers but unable to substantially swell the resulting copolymer, and macroreticulated cation exchange resin beads produced by the process.