Abstract: The present invention relates to a block polymeric material. Typically the block polymer comprises units capable of having an average cationic charge density of about 15 or less, preferably 5 or less, more preferably from about 0.05 to about 5, even more preferably from about 0.05 to about 2.77, even more preferably from about 0.1 to about 2.75, most preferably from about 0.75 to about 2.25 units per 100 daltons molecular weight at a pH of from about 4 to about 12. The polymeric material is a suds enhancer and a suds volume extender for personal care products such as soaps and shampoos. The compositions have increased effectiveness for preventing re-deposition of grease during hand and body washing. The polymers are also effective as a soil release agent in fabric cleaning compositions.

Abstract: An cross-linked anion exchange resin or a salt thereof obtained by reacting a polymer (A) having amino and/or imino groups in the total number of two or more per molecule with a compound (B) having two or more functional groups capable of reacting with amino and/or imino group contained in the polymer (A). The resin or salt has a water absorption ratio of 4.0 or lower.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a separation functional material having more excellent adsorptive separation performance than previously. In order to attain this object, separation functional materials of the present invention are characterized in that they are formed by introducing a polymer side chain derived from a p-haloalkylstyrene onto the backbone of an organic polymer base and introducing a functional group onto the polymer side chain.

Abstract: A process is provided for modifying a porous polystyrene monolith to render its internal pore surfaces grafted with alkyl groups, preferably of at least four carbon atoms, which includes the step of alkylating the monolith with a uniform liquid solution containing a Friedel-Crafts catalyst and an alkyl halide. A surface-modified monolith produced thereby is an efficient separation medium in reversed-phase liquid chromatography for both small and large biomolecules.

Abstract: Ion-exchange materials comprising a polymeric backbone and a plurality of pendent styrenic or fluoridated styrenic macromonomers covalently bonded thereto, wherein the plurality of pendent styrenic or fluorinated styrenic macromonomers comprise a uniform number of styrenic or fluoridated styrenic monomer repeat units, and wherein predominantly all of the styrenic or fluoridated styrenic monomer repeat units have at least one charged group. Processes for making such material, as well as products related thereto, are also disclosed. In a representative embodiment, the ion-exchange material is utilized as a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) for use in a PEM fuel cell.

Abstract: A strong-acid cation exchange resin in acid form is contacted with an alkylcarhamoyl alkylthioester in the presence of water for producing a strong-acid cation exchange resin comprising a plurality of acid groups being partially neutralized with a mercaptoalkylamine. The produced partially neutralized cation exchange resin is useful as a catalyst in a process of producing a bisphienol by reaction of a phenolic compound with a carhonyl compound.

Abstract: Graft polymeric membranes and methods for making graft polymeric membranes have one or more trifluorovinyl aromatic monomers that are radiation graft polymerized to a polymeric base film. The membranes comprise a polymeric base film to which has been graft polymerized substituted &agr;,&agr;,&bgr;-trifluorostyrene and/or &agr;,&agr;,&bgr;-trifluorovinylnaphthylene monomers, which are activated towards graft polymerization. As ion-exchange membranes, the membranes are suitable for use in electrode apparatus, including membrane electrode assemblies in, for example, fuel cells. The membranes can also be crosslinked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer membranes for separating olefins from paraffins which have the similar molecular size and close boiling point. More particularly, it relates to a silver salt-containing facilitated transport membrane for olefin separation, and also a method for producing the same. An object of the present invention is to provide a silver salt-containing facilitated transport membrane for olefin separation having improved stability, and also a method for preparing the same, which exhibits no deterioration in membrane performance even when operated for an extended period of time. The facilitated transport membrane for olefin/paraffin separation of the present invention comprises a polymer, a silver salt, and a phthalate compound represented by the following formula (1) wherein R denotes an alkyl group of 2 to 8 carbon atoms or a phenyl group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing crosslinked ion exchangers with a homogeneous network structure based on unsaturated aliphatic nitriles in the presence of film-forming protective colloids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing gel-like anion exchangers by aminating crosslinked gel-like styrene divinybenzene bead polymers that contain halogenoalkyl groups in the presence of an inorganic salt and in the absence of organic solvents.

Abstract: Solid and liquid compositions containing particles of highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functional groups with an ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. The compositions contain at least about 25% by weight of polymer particles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm.

Abstract: A method of purification of physiological liquids of organism has the step of passing a physiological liquid through a material which has a size, a shape, and a structure selected so as to remove toxic compounds from the physiological liquid and is composed of a partially chloromethylated porous highly crosslinked styrene or divinylbenzene copolymer which initially have surface exposed chloromethyl groups in which thereafter chlorine is replaced with an element which forms different surface exposed functional groups with a greater hydrophilicity and greater biocompatibility than that of the chloromethyl group.

Abstract: Crosslinked sulphonic fluorinated ionomers having an equivalent weight 380-1300 g/eq, comprising: (A) monomeric units deriving from one or more fluorinated monomers containing at least one ethylene unsaturation; (B) fluorinated monomeric units containing sulphonyl groups —SO2F in an amount such as to give the above indicated equivalent weight.

Abstract: Ion exchange resin granules containing a crosslinked polymerized &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated acid, like acrylic acid, or a vinyl monomer containing an amino group, like polyvinylamine, and methods of manufacturing the resin, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a support media from a cross-linked polymerisate based on vinyl compounds, and exhibiting residual vinyl groups. The characteristic feature of the method is that the polymerisate is subjected to a heating step that preferably is carried out under reduced access of oxygen. The use of the support media is also described.

Abstract: Liquid compositions containing particles of highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functional groups with an ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. The compositions contain at least about 25% by weight of polymer particles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm.

Abstract: A method of preventing the growth of heterotrophic bacteria and the subsequent establishment of a biofilm on the surface and in the micropores of an antimicrobial synthetic ion exchange resin. An antimicrobial synthetic ion exchange resin that prevents the growth of heterotrophic bacteria and the subsequent establishment of biofilm on the surface and in the micropores of the resin. A broad spectrum organic antimicrobial agent that is water insoluble and thus precipitates out and becomes encapsulated within micropores of the resin during suspension polymerization. The antimicrobial agent is submicron sized and has a high surface area. The antimicrobial agent protects the antimicrobial synthetic ion exchange bead from the growth of heterotrophic bacteria and the subsequent establishment of biofilm on the surface and in the micropores of the resin. The antimicrobial agent is nontoxic, noncarcinogenic, substantially nonleaching and durable over the lifespan of the bead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of fabricating composite membranes wherein at least one of the components is initially provided in the form of a precursor. The composite material comprising the precursor is processed to transform the precursor and obtain a membrane having a desired property. Including a thermoplastic precursor to a desired component, which itself is less thermoplastic, permits separate pieces of the membrane to be joined by welding or other thermal processes relying on the meltability of the components to achieve a bond. The invention also encompasses fabricating a reinforced ion conducting membrane by melting and mixing a non ion-conducting precursor to an ion-conducting polymer with an essentially inert polymer. The composite material is then processed to transform the non ion-conducting polymer into the ion-conducting form.

Abstract: A functional polymer having active and stable functional groups, for separation or reactive processes in chemical manufacture or analysis, has carbon-linked functional groups on dimethylene spacers; a method of preparation is from pre-existing polymers comprising polymeric 1-(vinylphenyl)ethylene repeat units, by treating with H—X in the presence of free radicals, wherein X comprises a carbon atom that is linked to the —CH[Ph-CH2CH2—]—CH2— remainder of said —CH[Ph-CH2CH2—X]—CH2— repeat unit in said product as a consequence of said reaction; the carbon atom can have characteristics selected from being sp2-hybridized and doubly bonded to an oxygen, being sp3-hybridized and singly bonded to an oxygen, being sp3-hybridized and singly bonded to a nitrogen that is also singly bonded to an sp2-hybridized carbon, being sp3-hybridized and singly bonded to a nitrogen and also to an sp2-hybridized carbon, and being sp3-hybridized and singly bonded

Abstract: Anion exchange material surfaces are provided with zwitterionic and cationic groups, preferably by coating with a polymer formed from monomers including a zwitterionic monomer, a cationic monomer and, optionally, a termonomer providing stable binding at the substrate surface. The ion exchange materials may be used to scavenge heparin from blood by an ion exchange separation process. The zwitterionic group reduces the rate of fouling by biological materials such as proteins.

Abstract: Described are non-swelling, crosslinked, bead forms of ampholytic base polymers that can be utilized in the chromatographic-type separation of acids from other compounds. Preferred polymers are prepared by modifying a poly-2 or poly-4-vinylpyridine resin crosslinked with divinylbenzene.

Abstract: A cation exchanger or a chelating agent having at least structural units represented by the following formula (I), the structural units being derived from a crosslinkable monomer containing an unsaturated hydrocarbon group: wherein A represents a C3-C8 alkylene group or a C4-C9 alkoxymethylene group; L represents SO3−X+, where X+ is a counter ion coordinated with the SO3− group, or a chelate-forming functional group; and the benzene ring may be substituted with an alkyl group or a halogen atom.

Abstract: A method and composition for removing perchlorate from a highly selective ion exchange resin is disclosed. The disclosed approach comprises treating the resin in a solution of super critical or liquid carbon dioxide and one or more quaternary ammonium chloride surfactant compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for the preparation of free-flowing end products of strongly acidic cation exchangers. In the case of the strongly acidic cation exchangers prepared by the processes described in Patent Application P 195 48 012.0, the particle beds of the end products are not free-flowing.

Abstract: A method of removing ammonium ions or amines from contaminated water includes treating the water with sodium tetraphenylborate under acidic conditions. Advantageously, the tetraphenylborate is immobilized on polymer beads and the water is contacted with the beads or passed through a bed of the beads.

Abstract: Polymer-metal ion composites and methods are provided for reversibly binding target compounds using such composites. Broadly, the composites comprise an amorphous polymer matrix having a plurality of channels with metal ion-ligand complexes immobilized therein. The composites are formed by polymerizing a polymeric moiety with a metal complex template in the presence of a solvent. The template is formed of a metal ion having a ligand bonded thereto as well as to polymer matrix. The metal ion and ligand are selected to yield a composite having a particular chemical and/or physical environment around the metal sites, depending upon the desired end use. Preferred metal ions include ions of the transition metals. The composites can be contacted with target compounds for reversibly binding the compounds. Exemplary compounds include those selected from the group consisting of oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, compounds having an atom of P, S, or N, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing novel, monodisperse crosslinked bead polymers having thiourea groups and their use for adsorbing metal compounds, in particular heavy metal compounds or noble metal compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing material for purification of physiological liquids of organism. A material has a size, shape and structure selected so as to remove toxic compounds in the molecular range of 300 to 3000 Dalton, and the material is produced from a porous hydrophobic divinylbenzne copolymer, which initially has surface exposed vinyl groups, in which thereafter the vinyl groups are chemically modified so as to form different surface exposed functional groups with a greater hydrophilicity and greater biocompatibility than those of the vinyl groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing mono-disperse adsorber resin gels by polymerizing monomer droplets to give monodisperse polymers, followed by haloalkylating and crosslinking the resultant polymers, and also relates to the use of these resins.

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: Polymers of improved surface quality are obtained by polymerization of microencapsulated monomer droplets suspended in an aqueous phase if the monomer and/or the aqueous phase contain a polymerization inhibitor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making an ion exchange material, the process comprising:(A) forming an aqueous solution comprising a water-soluble polymer containing pendent carboxyl groups and a water-soluble polyol, the number of carboxyl groups provided by said polymer being in excess of the number of hydroxyl groups provided by said polyol;(B) forming a thin film or a composite with the solution from step (A), the composite comprising the solution from step (A) in contact with a support material;(C) drying the solution to form a dried polymer;(D) heating the dried polymer from step (C) under esterification conditions to produce a water-insoluble partially esterified crosslinked polymer; and(E) contacting said partially esterified crosslinked polymer from step (D) with alkali or alkaline earth metal ions to form said ion exchange material.

Abstract: Mesomorphic complexes which comprise anionic polyelectrolytes, cationic polyelectrolytes and/or polyampholytes and cationic, anionic, nonionic and/or amphoteric surfactants.

Abstract: A modified polymeric cation exchange membrane for use in an electrochemical cell, the said membrane having a salt selected from the group consisting of silver, tungsten, molybdenum and a mixture thereof deposited within the polymer matrix, the said salt being insoluble in the electrolytes which, in use, contact either side of the membrane.The membranes are of particular use in electrochemical cells and combine a low electrolytic resistivity with a high permselectivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ion selective resin templated for Pb(II) ion, said resin synthesized by the steps of: copolymerizing styrene monomers with lead vinylbenzoate complexes; cross-linking said complexes with divinylbenzene; removing said Pb(II) ion by acid washing thereby creating cavities templated for Pb(II) ion. Also provided is an ion selective electrode which utilizes a Pb(II) ion templated ion exchange resin.

Abstract: A strongly basic anion exchange resin of gel type having trimethylamine type quaternary ammonium groups and a cross-linked three dimensional polymer structure formed by copolymerization of a monovinyl aromatic monomer with a cross-linkable aromatic monomer, wherein the water content X (wt %) of the resin with counter ions being a standard type (chlorine type) and the salt-splitting capacity Y (meq/g-Resin) are in a relation represented by the following formula (1) or (2):Y.gtoreq.0.0214X+3.26 (1)provided 50<X.ltoreq.75Y.gtoreq.0.0722X+0.711 (2)provided 40.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.50.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with improved chelating resins. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with macroporous, aminoalkylphosphonic or iminodiacetic acid chelating resins having improved stability and capacity in the removal of cations (e.g. calcium, magnesium, barium and strontium) from brines and in the removal of metals (e.g. nickel, copper and zinc) from waste streams.

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 method for hydrophilizing a hydrophobic plastic surface which exhibits a hydrophobic polymer that has hydrogens that bind to sp.sup.3 -hybridized carbon atoms, characterized by the steps of: (i) contacting the plastic surface with a liquid having dissolved therein (a) a hydrogen-abstracting UV-initiator and (b) a hydrophilic polymer which has one or more alkene groups; and (ii) irradiating the solution with UV light which activates the initiator.

Abstract: A process for producing a fabric absorbent that is capable of efficient removal of odorous substances, in particular malodorous substances. The absorbent is obtained by exposing an organic high-molecular weight compound, such as polyolefinic polymers or halogenated polyolefinic polymers, to an ionizing radiation and thereafter graft polymerizing the high-molecular weight compound with a polymerizable monomer that contains ion-exchange groups and/or a polymerizable monomer that can be converted to ion-exchange groups so as to incorporate the ion-exchange groups in the high-molecular weight compound.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of superabsorbent polymers, characterised in that aqueous emulsions of uncross-linked and cross-linked polyacrylonitrile homopolymers and/or copolymers, the polyacrylonitrile concentrations in the reaction mixture being from 10 to 45 w.t. %, are hydrolysed with aqueous alkali hydroxide solutions at 50.degree. to 100.degree. C. in a continuously operating reactor suitable for carrying out highly viscous reactions, and that from the highly viscous gels formed the products in the form of superabsorbent powders are continuously precipitated by means of continuous precipitation using low-boiling monoalcohols, and the use thereof in sanitary articles, as water-storing materials in agriculture or for sheathing electrical cables.

Abstract: Non-evaporative processes for coating ion-containing polymers onto selected substrates and the articles made thereby, which processes fundamentally comprise contacting a substrate with a dispersion or solution of an ion-containing polymer and especially a solventless dispersion of a perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer, and thereafter contacting the dispersion- or solution-wetted substrate with a solution of a salt or of a strongly ionizing acid of a sufficient concentration to cause an adherent coating of the ion-containing polymer to be formed on the substrate.

Abstract: A curable silicone composition based on an organopolysiloxane having a cyclotrisiloxane structure quickly cures by brief heating or ultraviolet exposure. It further contains an acid, acid generator, base or base generator or an oniom salt photo-initiator as a curing agent. The cured product has release property from adhesive substance which remains unchanged with the lapse of time and good mold release properties, and thus provides a lightly releasable cured film. The composition is widely used as adhesive tape backing agents, mold release agents, protective coating agents, water and oil repellent agents, and paint base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surface-modified polymeric adsorbent material comprising a porous post-crosslinked polymer as a substrate and at least one surface-modifying polymer. The porous post-crosslinked polymer comprises a polymer of at least one monoethylenically unsaturated monomer, wherein the polymer has been post-crosslinked in a swollen state in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst. A process for preparing the surface-modified polymeric adsorbent materials, and the use of these materials in the separation of organic compounds, enantioselective synthesis and resolution of racemic mixtures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Gelled material compositions for use as adsorbents and ion exchangers. The composition including a specific extractant, an organic solvent and a halopolymer modified by substitution with a radical of a substance compatible with the specific extractant. Optionally the composition may be in form of beads.

Abstract: Anion exchange resins including at least two positively charged sites and a ell-defined spacing between the positive sites are provided together with a process of removing anions or anionic metal complexes from aqueous solutions by use of such resins. The resins can be substituted poly(vinylpyridine) and substituted polystyrene.

Abstract: A modified polymeric cation exchange membrane for use in an electrochemical cell, the membrane having a salt selected from the group consisting of silver, tungsten, molybdenum and a mixture thereof deposited within the polymer matrix, the salt being insoluble in the electrolytes which, in use, contact either side of the membrane.The membranes are of particular use in electrochemical cells and combine a low electrolytic resistivity with a high permselectivity.

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: The present invention concerns the synthesis of several biomimetically important polymer-supported, sulfonated catechol (PS-CATS), sulfonated bis-catechol linear amide (PS-2-6-LICAMS) and sulfonated 3,3-linear tris-catechol amide (PS-3,3-LICAMS) ligands, which chemically bond to modified 6% crosslinked macroporous polystyrene-divinylbenzene beads (PS-DVB). These polymers are useful for the for selective removal and recovery of environmentally and economically important metal ions from aqueous solution, as a function of pH. The Fe.sup.3+ ion selectivity shown for PS-CATS, PS-2-6-LICAMS, and PS-3,3-LICAMS polymer beads in competition with a similar concentration of Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+,Mg.sup.2+, Al.sup.3+, and Cr.sup.3+ ions at pH 1-3. Further, the metal ion selectivity is changed at higher pH values in the absence of Fe.sup.3+ (for example, Hg.sup.2+ at pH 3). The rates of selective removal and recovery of the trivalent metal ions, e.g. Fe.sup.3+ Al.sup.3+ ion etc.

Abstract: Sulfonyl fluoride substituted .alpha.,.beta.,.beta.-trifluorostyrene monomers are disclosed. The monomers are incorporated into polymeric compositions which are conveniently hydrolyzed to produce polymeric compositions which include ion-exchange moieties. The resulting compositions which include ion-exchange moieties are particularly suitable for use as solid polymer electrolytes in electrochemical applications, such as, for example, electrochemical fuel cells.