Abstract: The resistance to discoloring of formed articles from polymer mixtures which comprise a polyphenylene ether and at least a second polymer can be improved by treating the surface of the formed articles with a solvent. The solvent is chosen so that the polyphenylene ether does dissolve therein, but the second polymer does not dissolve therein.

Abstract: An active agent delivery device comprises (a) microporous material comprising a matrix consisting essentially of linear ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, a large proportion of finely divided water-insoluble filler of which at least about 50 percent by weight is siliceous, and interconnecting pores; and (b) a releasable active agent or precursor thereof associated with at least a portion of the filler.

Abstract: A porous polymeric material has cell sizes within the range 100 to 0.5 .mu.m and total pore volume with respect to the overall volume of the material in the range 75 to 98% and includes cross-linked polycondensation polymeric material. The material can be made from a high internal phase emulsion in which the cross-linked polycondensation polymer is formed in the continuous phase. The materials are preferably open interconnected cellular structures. They can be made of a wide range of polycondensation materials. The materials are thus highly porous and light weight and have a range of properties depending primarily on their constituent polycondensation materials.

Abstract: The semipermeable membrane contains a polyarylate resin and a polysulfone resin as a major membrane material and has a fibrilliform structure with a high mechanical strength and has a water permeability of 1,500 ml/m.sup.2.hr.mmHg or lower as well as an inhibitory rate against bovine serum albumin of 80% or higher and against cytochrome C of 40% or lower. The membrane is prepared by discharging a stock solution containing the polyarylate resin and the polysulfone resin in the total amount of 10% to 25% by weight and a core solution of an organic solvent containing water in the amount of 25% to 80% by volume into a coagulating solution.

Abstract: A substrate comprises a porous polymeric material having a porosity of at least 75% and comprising pores having a diameter within the range 1 to 100 .mu.m and being interconnected by a plurality of holes, and a gel or material adapted in use to form a gel which gel or pre-gel materials is contained and retained within the pores of the polymeric material and is adapted in use to interact with a reactive species and can be made by depositing and retaining the gel or a material adapted in use to form the gel within the pores of the porous polymeric material. The high porosity of the porous polymeric material in combination with the retention of the gel within the pores permit high loading capacities, particularly in the area of peptide synthesis to be achieved. The substrate can be employed in chemical synthesis, chromatography techniques, ion exchange and separation techniques.

Abstract: An active agent delivery device comprises (a) microporous material comprising a matrix consisting essentially of linear ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, a large proportion of finely divided water-insoluble filler of which at least about 50 percent by weight is siliceous, and interconnecting pores; and (b) a releasable active agent or precursor thereof associated with at least a portion of the filler.

Abstract: The semipermeable membrane contains a polyarylate resin and a polysulfone resin as a major membrane material and has a fibrilliform structure with a high mechanical strength and has a water permeability of 1,500 ml/m.sup.2.hr.mmHg or lower as well as an inhibitory rate against bovine serum albumin of 80% or higher and against cytochrome C of 40% or lower. The membrane is prepared by discharging a stock solution containing the polyarylate resin and the polysulfone resin in the total amount of 10% to 25% by weight and a core solution of an organic solvent containing water in the amount of 25% to 80% by volume into a coagulating solution.

Abstract: Highly crosslinked polymer particles, which may be porous, consisting essentially of a non-hydrophilic polymer can be produced by adding a polymerizable monomer mixture comprising at least 20% by weight of at least one non-hydrophilic, crosslinking polyvinyl monomer to an aqueous dispersion containing a non-crosslinked, low molecular weight polymer particles having a weight average molecular weight of 500-10,000 as a dispersoid, with a non-reactive solvent in a proportion of not more than 1 part by weight per part by weight of the polymerizable monomer mixture, the proportion of the polymerizable monomer mixture plus the non-reactive solvent to the non-crosslinked, low molecular weight polymer particles being 4 to 20 parts by weight per part by weight of the non-crosslinked, low molecular weight polymer particles, and then subjecting the polymerizable monomer mixture to radical emulsion polymerization with stirring.

Abstract: Asymmetric membranes are prepared by selectively treating a major surface of an incompatible polymer blend prepared by melt blending having at least one extractable polymer component and then contacting the polymer blend with a solvent to extract the extractable polymer component. The treated surface becomes the dense layer of the membrane. The major surface is treated by crosslinking, by contacting the surface with a crosslinking agent which is subsequently cured, or by contacting the surface with an agent which reacts with groups on the surface and imparts a polar character to it.

Abstract: A method to make a silicone foam. A layer of crystalline material is embedded in a layer of uncured silicone. The crystalline material is closely packed in crystal-to-crystal contact, the crystals being provided in a plurality of sizes or ranges of size to increase the packing ratio of the crystals as a group. The silicone is cured and then the crystals are dissolved out with a solvent that dissolves them but does not dissolve the silicone.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for the preparation of an article from a blend of at least two molecularly compatible polymers by treating the blend with a solvent which is a solvent for one of the polymers and a non-solvent for the other. The solvent can be removed while the article is restrained from undergoing substantial shrinkage, in which case a microporous article is obtained. Alternatively, the solvent can be removed while the article is permitted to shrink. In this case high shrinkage force (also referred to as recovery force) results which can be utilized to apply the article to a substrate. The final and intermediate articles are novel. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a microporous article having an average pore size of about 0.005 microns to about 1 micron.

Abstract: A method of producing a plastic sheet with a porous surface layer suitable for use as, for example, a recording medium on which characters and images are printed by ink jet or thermal-transfer printing method. The method comprises preparing a solution by dissolving two or more kinds of plastics having low levels of miscibility to each other in a solvent, applying said solution to a substrate, passing said substrate with said solution applied thereto through a liquid which dissolves said solvent but does not dissolve said plastics thereby solidifying said plastics, and drying said substrate with the solidified plastic layer. Preferably, two or more kinds of plastics having low levels of miscibility to each other include mainly a material A which is vinyl chloride or its compolymer and a material B which is acrylonitrile or its copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for manufacturing a porous polymer containing many voids in its interior, which has a small apparent specific gravity and is superior in terms of water absorbing properties, permeability and elasticity. The process comprises (1) forming O/W emulsion by using a water soluble surfactant wherein an inner phase of the O/W emulsion is a hydrophobic phase and an outer phase thereof is a water phase containing at least one water-soluble polymerizable monomer; (2) adding said O/W emulsion to a hydrophobic dispersing medium containing an oil-soluble surfactant to form O/W/O emulsion; and (3) polymerizing the monomer.

Abstract: Precursor microporous material comprising a matrix consisting essentially of linear ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, a large proportion of finely divided water-insoluble siliceous filler, and interconnecting pores is stretched to increase the porosity and provide regions of stretch-induced molecularly oriented polymer in the matrix.

Abstract: Vesiculated granules of cross-linked carboxylated polyester resin prepared by the free radical polymerization of a dispersion of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, a carboxylated unsaturated polyester resin having an acid value of from 5-50 mg KOH/g and an alkyl acryloyl derivative. Aqueous compositions comprising the granules are used in conjunction with fibrous cellulosic or non-cellulosic materials for the preparation of paper containing the vesiculated polymeric granules dispersed therein. The paper has improved optical opacity.

Abstract: Hydrophilic semipermeable membranes which retain their capacity for filtration, even after drying, and which are well adapted for either ultrafiltration or microfiltration, are comprised of at least 70% by weight of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVFD) and up to 30% by weight of a hydrophilic polymer compatible therewith, e.g., a cellulose acetate or sulfonated polysulfone.

Abstract: A porous, open-pore, hardened, plastic composition suitable as a replacement for plaster for use as a mold in shaping a ceramic article by any of various ceramic shaping methods prepared by subjecting a water-in-oil emulsion to hardening, without breaking the emulsion, and then drying the hardened product, the emulsion having a viscosity of 1600-5000 cP and/or containing 2-12% by weight of an alkali-reactive, water-binding material, the water phase/oil phase ratio providing an open pore volume in the composition equivalent to 10-60% of the total volume of the composition.

Abstract: This invention discloses a novel elastic cross-linked porous polymer having a porosity in the range 75 to 98% internal phase volume and having interconnected pores, said pores having a mean pore diameter in the range 15 .mu.m to 80 .mu.m, said polymer having an elastic return from 50% compression to 90% of initial thickness of less than 120 seconds, and a process for its production.

Abstract: A microporous membrane suitable for use in microfiltration. The membrane is a hydrophilic skinless sheet, formed of polytetramethylene adipamide, either alone, or in admixture with at least one other polyamide.

Abstract: Porous particles of crosslinked PVC are disclosed. The particles are skinless and have a fast powder mix time. Processes to produce the novel particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Porous membranes of aromatic polymer (preferably ether ketone) are prepared with pore size and surface area allowing use in place of asbestos membranes in hot alkaline electrolysis cells. The membranes are prepared by solvent extraction of a polymer which is "partially incompatible" with the aromatic from a blend of the two. The membranes are preferably dried in the presence of a surfactant to enhance re-wetting in use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for manufacturing a porous polymer containing many voids in its interior, which has a small apparent specific gravity and is superior in terms of water absorbing properties, permeability and elasticity. The process comprises (1) forming O/W emulsion by using a water soluble surfactant wherein an inner phase of the O/W emulsion is a hydrophobic phase and an outer phase thereof is a water phase containing at least one water-soluble polymerizable monomer; (2) adding said O/W emulsion to a hydrophobic dispersing medium containing an oil-soluble surfactant to form O/W/O emulsion; and (3) polymerizing the monomer.

Abstract: A method for producing a plastic material from a water-in-oil emulsion of an unsaturated polyester resin dissolved in a hardenable compound containing an ethylenically unsaturated group. The emulsion has an adjusted viscosity of 1600-5000 cp. The plastic material is suitable as a replacement for plaster in the shaping of ceramics. The emulsion may contain an alkali-reactive water-binding material to increase the ceramic forming capability of the plastic material.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for the preparation of an article from a blend of at least two molecularly compatible polymers by treating the blend with a solvent which is a solvent for one of the polymers and a non-solvent for the other. The solvent can be removed while the article is restrained from undergoing substantial shrinkage, in which case a microporous article is obtained. Alternatively, the solvent can be removed while the article is permitted to shrink. In this case high shrinkage force (also referred to as recovery force) results which can be utilized to apply the article to a substrate. The final and intermediate articles are novel. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a microporous article having an average pore size of about 0.005 microns to about 1 micron.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydrophilized porous polyolefin membrane with a polymer of a monomer, which has an HLB value of 2-20, held on at least a part of the pore walls of a porous polyolefin membrane as well as its production process. This hydrophilized porous polyolefin membrane has long-lasting hydrophilicity and good mechanical strength.

Abstract: An expansible macromolecular material is produced by a method which comprises mixing an aqueous polyvinyl alcohol solution, an acidic aqueous macromolecular electrolyte solution, and a basic aqueous macromolecular electrolyte solution thereby preparing a composite polymer and subjecting this composite polymer to at least one cycle of alternate freezing and defrosting treatments. A macromolecular membrane constituted of said expansible macromolecular material and containing numerous through holes is obtained by mixing, freezing, and defrosting the aforementioned three mixed aqueous solutions under specific conditions.

Abstract: A urea adsorbent and a method for its production are disclosed, the adsorbent comprising hollow microspheres each having an outer layer formed of a urea-permeable polymer and an inner layer formed of a polymer containing a polyoxyalkylene glycol derivative expressed by the following formula:--(CH.sub.2).sub.n -O--.sub.m Rwherein R stands for hydrogen or a methyl group and n is an integer of 2-5 and m is an integer of at least 3. The adsorbent can selectively adsorb urea with a high adsorbing activity and does not interact with other substances than urea and, therefore, is useful as a artificial kidney. The adsorbent may be prepared by subjecting a w/o/w type emulsion to polymerization wherein a radical polymerizable polyoxyalkylene glycol derivative is dissolved in the inner aqueous phase of the emulsion and an oil-soluble radical polymerizable monomer is used as the outer oil phase.

Abstract: A porous polymer article for use as a filter medium or battery separator is prepared by admixing a cellulosic compound and a thermoplastic polymer, both usually in powder form, forming the article under pressure and heat to melt and flow the thermoplastic polymer into a continuous phase and after cooling to set the polymer matrix, contacting the set admixture with a solvent, e.g. water, for the cellulosic compound which will not also dissolve the polymer matrix to produce a porous polymer which has a predetermined degree of porosity and is free from residual salt. The article so produced is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydrophilized porous polyolefin membrane with a polymer of a monomer, which has an HLB value of 2-20, held on at least a part of the pore walls of a porous polyolefin membrane as well as its production process. This hydrophilized porous polyolefin membrane has long-lasting hydrophilicity and good mechanical strength.

Abstract: A urea adsorbent and a method for its production are disclosed, the adsorbent comprising hollow microspheres each having an outer layer formed of a urea-permeable polymer and an inner layer formed of a polymer containing a polyoxyalkylene glycol derivative expressed by the following formula:--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --O--.sub.m Rwherein R stands for hydrogen or a methyl group and n is an integer of 2-5 and m is an integer of at least 3. The adsorbent can selectively adsorb urea with a high adsorbing activity and does not interact with other substances than urea and, therefore, is useful as an artificial kidney.The adsorbent may be prepared by subjecting a w/o/w type emulsion to polymerization wherein a radical polymerizable polyoxyalkylene glycol derivative is dissolved in the inner aqueous phase of the emulsion and an oil-soluble radical polymerizable monomer is used as the outer oil phase.

Abstract: A method of making and composition for a co-continuous dispersion of incompatible polymers in a polymer matrix comprises forming a solution of the incompatible polymers in a solvent which is common to both polymers and rapidly evaporating the solvent. The remaining material is in the form of the polymer matrix.

Abstract: Biocompatible, highly antithrombogenic material for reconstructive surgery, which is based on poly (L-lactic acid) and or poly (dL-lactic acid) and segmented polyester and urethanes or polyether urethanes.

Abstract: A polymeric porous membrane having a matrix made from an aliphatic thermoplastic polyamide or from an aliphatic thermoplastic polyamide/polyimide copolymer which has both relatively non-crystalline and relatively crystalline portions. The pores in the membrane are defined by spaces between the relatively crystalline portions and at least some of the relatively crystalline portions are linked together by the reaction of a bis-aldehyde with the membrane matrix.

Abstract: A composition for use in a chloride ion electrode is provided herein. This composition is made up of a mixture of an epoxy resin, a vinyl chloride resin, one or more solvents, a quaternary ammonium salt and hardening agents for setting said epoxy resin; wherein said epoxy resin and the vinyl chloride resin is used at a ratio of 8:1 to 1:2 by weight. The present invention also relates to a response membrane produced from said composition and a method for producing the response membrane by setting or hardening the aforementioned composition. When the response membrane is used in the chloride ion selective electrode, it is capable of measuring a sample containing blood or protein and by use of the response membrane, it is possible to selectively determine chloride ions in a sample with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: Membrane compositions useful in filtration and distillation applications are prepared by providing a glassy polymer composition (e.g., polystyrene) optionally having an amount of crosslinking and crazing the polymer composition in the presence of a monomer (e.g., methyl methacrylate) which can graft to said polymer composition. The membrane compositions so prepared comprise a microporous structure wherein the micropores can contain polymeric material. Alternatively, the surface region of the membrane composition and/or the surface region of the micropores has a polymeric material grafted thereto.

Abstract: A method of making and composition for a fine particle dispersion of incompatible polymers in a polymer matrix comprises forming a solution of the incompatible polymers in a solvent which is common to both polymers and rapidly evaporating the solvent. The remaining material is in the form of the polymer matrix.

Abstract: Porous, cross-linked polymeric materials comprising hydrocarbon residues can be sulphonated to produce sulphonated polymers which are able to absorb large volumes of ionic solutions and also act as ion-exchange resins.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a composite reverse osmosis membrane. The process involves forming a porous polysulfone membrane from a solution of polysulfone followed by quenching the polysulfone membrane in an aqueous solution of m-phenylenediamine followed by reacting the m-phenylenediamine on the polysulfone membrane with either trimesoyl chloride or cyclohexane-1,3,5-tricarbonyl chloride in a water immiscible solution thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molded articles of an open-cell structure, containing a copolymer which is comprised of copolymerized, fluorinated olefin, copolymerized vinyl acetate and optionally copolymerized olefin, the acetate groups of the copolymer being optionally saponified into OH groups. The molded articles possess an inherent latent structural convertibility and have effective pores of a diameter in the range from 0.002 to 10 .mu.m. The invention further includes processes for the preparation of the specified molded articles and processes for converting their structure. The invention also relates to several uses of molded articles according to the invention.

Abstract: Cross-linked homogenous porous polymeric materials are prepared by polymerization of monomers as the continuous phase in a high internal phase emulsion having above a critical limit of surfactant to ensure adequate absorbtivity. The porous materials may be dried and refilled with selected liquids and act as a high capacity reservoir.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a composite reverse osmosis membrane. The process involves forming a porous polysulfone membrane from a solution of polysulfone followed by quenching the polysulfone membrane in an aqueous solution of m-phenylenediamine followed by reacting the m-phenylenediamine on the polysulfone membrane with either trimesoyl chloride or cyclohexane-1,3,5-tricarbonyl chloride in a water immiscible solution thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molded articles of an open-cell structure, containing a copolymer which is comprised of copolymerized, fluorinated olefin, copolymerized vinyl acetate and optionally copolymerized olefin, the acetate groups of the copolymer being optionally saponified into OH groups. The molded articles possess an inherent latent structural convertibility and have effective pores of a diameter in the range from 0.002 to 10 .mu.m. The invention further includes processes for the preparation of the specified molded articles and processes for converting their structure. The invention also relates to several uses of molded articles according to the invention.

Abstract: Vesiculated beads having improved scattering efficiency and resistance to shrinkage are prepared by a process which comprises:(a) forming in the presence of a polyamine, as a water-in-oil emulsion, a stable dispersion of droplets of water in a solution of a carboxylic acid functional unsaturated polyester resin having an acid value of 8 to 20, and at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer copolymerizable with the polyester; and(b) forming in an aqueous solution, as a water-in-oil-water emulsion, a stable dispersion of the globules of the droplet-containing amine neutralized solution of the carboxylic acid functional unsaturated polyester and copolymerizable monomer; and(c) polymerizing the polyester and copolymerizable monomer by free radical addition polymerization thereby producing granules of opaque, cross-linked vesiculated beads;wherein the polyamine contains at least 3 amine groups per molecule; and wherein the amine is present at a concentration such that there are at least about 2.

Abstract: A process of preparing aqueous slurries of vesiculated granules of crosslinked polyester resin wherein the granules have a maximum shrinkage on drying of 5% of the granule diameter.The formation of aggregates of granules in the large scale production of granules using a metal oxide, hydroxide or weak acid salt as base can be overcome by using a surfactant which comprises a species ##STR1## wherein a=5-12, X is an anion of pK.sub.1 less than 2 and R is an alkylene oxide chain composed of units selected from ethylene, propylene and butylene oxides. When alkylene oxide other than ethylene oxide is present in the chain, such alkylene oxide must not provide more than two units per chain and the chain must additionally comprise at least three ethylene oxide units.The granules prepared by the process are useful as matting and opacifying agents in, for example, coating compositions.

Abstract: A casting solution of two nylons in formic acid, e.g., high molecular weight extrusion grade Nylon 66 homopolymer [.eta.] about 2 or higher, and nylon multipolymer 66, 610, 6 as a strengthening polymer and gelation promoter, when cast by either the dry or wet phase inversion processes, results in highly unexpected membranes of superior strength, flexibility, and uniformity, suitable for use in microfiltration and ultrafiltration.

Abstract: Porous, powdery polypropylene is disclosed, obtained by providing a hot solution of polypropylene in pentaerythrol ester as solvent, slowly cooling said solution down to approximately room temperature to provide a solidified mass with or without affecting mechanical size reduction of said solidified mass, and extracting said solidified mass with an extractant in which pentaerythrol is soluble, with or without subsequently removing said solvent to a high degree.

Abstract: A casting solution of two nylons in formic acid, e.g., high molecular weight extrusion grade Nylon 66 homopolymer [.eta.] about 2 or higher, and nylon multipolymer 66, 610, 6 as a strengthening polymer and gelation promoter, when cast by either the dry or wet phase inversion processes, results in highly unexpected membranes of superior strength, flexibility, and uniformity, suitable for use in microfiltration and ultrafiltration.

Abstract: Vesiculated polymer granules having high refractive indices can be made from an aqueous slurry of particulate TiO.sub.2 if the slurry contains a phosphate ester.

Abstract: A process for preparing thermoset polymer spheres by polymerizing a thermosettable polymer such as a vinyl ester resin or an unsaturated polyester resin in water containing a suspending agent in the presence of a catalyst and an accelerator is improved by employing an organic suspending agent as the suspending agent.

Abstract: Vinylidene fluoride polymer ultrafiltration membranes are prepared by casting a sheet of said polymer dissolved in a mixture of a specified solvent and a specified non-solvent, on a smooth substrate, evaporating a portion of the solvent from the sheet, immersing said sheet in a gelation liquid therefore, and optionally, stabilizing the gelled sheet by heat treatment thereof. A porous vinylidene fluoride polymer membrane having smooth, unwrinkled surfaces can be prepared in accordance with the above described process without restraining the membrane during the evaporation and gelation steps by utilizing triethyl phosphate as the solvent.