Abstract: Relatively thin, collapsed, i.e. unexpanded, polymeric foam materials that, upon contact with aqueous body fluids, expand and absorb such fluids, are disclosed. A process for consistently obtaining such relatively thin, collapsed polymeric foam materials by polymerizing a specific type of water-in-oil emulsion, commonly known as High Internal Phase Emulsions or "HIPE", is also disclosed.

Abstract: Low density collapsed absorbent foams materials that, upon contact with aqueous fluids, in particular urine, can expand and absorb these fluids. These low density foams typically have an expanded thickness from about 6 to about 10 times the thickness of the foams in their collapsed state. These low density foams are made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) where the volume to weight ratio of the water phase to the oil phase is in the range of from about 55:1 to about 100:1.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a porous crosslinked polymeric foam comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first water-in-oil emulsion comprising (i) a first mixture of polymerizable monomers comprising at least one oil-soluble vinyl monomer and from about 2 to about 70 weight percent, based on the mixture, of a multifunctional unsaturated crosslinking monomer, (ii) at least 70 weight percent, based on the emulsion, of water as the internal phase (iii) an effective amount to produce the water-in-oil emulsion of a first surfactant, and (iv) a first polymerization initiator; (b) providing a second water-in-oil emulsion comprising (i) a mixture of polymerizable monomers comprising at least one oil-soluble vinyl monomer and from about 2 to about 70 weight percent, based on the mixture, of a second multifunctional unsaturated crosslinking monomer, (ii) at least 70 weight percent, based on the emulsion, of water as the internal phase (iii) an effective amount to produce the water-in-oil emulsion of a

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a method of producing a ceramic foam. The steps for producing the ceramic foam include first mixing a liquid pre-ceramic resin with a liquid phenolic resin, second allowing the resultant mixture to chemically foam, third curing the mixture for a time and at a temperature sufficiently to convert the mixture to a polymeric foam, and then heating the resultant polymeric foam for a time and at a temperature sufficiently to completely break-down polymers of the polymeric foam and convert the polymeric foam to a ceramic foam.

Abstract: Absorbent foams materials that are capable of acquiring and distributing aqueous fluids, especially discharged body fluids such as urine. These absorbent foams combine relatively high capillary absorption pressures and capacity-per-weight properties that allow them to acquire fluid, with or without the aid of gravity. These absorbent foams also give up this fluid efficiently to higher absorption pressure storage materials, including foam-based absorbent fluid storage components, without collapsing. These absorbent foams are made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs).

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of polymeric foam materials for insulation. These polymeric foams are prepared by polymerization of certain water-in-oil emulsions having a relatively high ratio of water phase to oil phase, commonly known in the art as high internal phase emulstions, or "HIPEs." The HIPE-derived foam materials used in the present invention comprise a generally hydrophobic, flexible, semi-flexible, or rigid nonionic polymeric foam structure of interconnected open-cells. These foam structures have:A) a specific surface area per foam volume of at least about 0.01 m.sup.2 /cc;B) a density of less than about 0.05 g/cc; andC) a glass transition temperature (Tg) of between about -20.degree. and 90.degree. C.The foams can be used as thermal, acoustic, and/or mechanical insulation materials.In a preferred embodiment, the foams used can be prepared, packaged, and shipped in a compressed, high density state and will "spring back" upon activation (e.g. heat) to the original density of the foam.

Abstract: A process for producing a water-absorbing resin, which comprises polymerizing (D) an aqueous solution comprising (A) at least one monomer component selected from the group consisting of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and salts thereof; (B) a compound having two or more unsaturated groups in a molecule; and (C) a compound having two or more functional groups which are capable of reacting with carboxyl groups in a molecule, the polymerization being conducted in such a manner that the following conditions (a) to (c) are simultaneously satisfied: (a) the molar ratio (B)/(C) being in the range of from 2.times.10.sup.-3 to 300, (b) the polymerization being initiated by a redox polymerization initiator, and (c) the maximum reaction temperature being in the range of from 60.degree. to 100.degree. C, and a water-absorbing resin having a degree of reduction in absorption magnification of from 1 to 16, and n absorption magnification under pressure of from 20 to 40.

Abstract: A molded structure 1 produced by extrusion, such as an expanded plastic foam, a sheet, a profile or the like, contains at least 10% by volume of open cells 2, 4 which have a polyhedron-like shape and are adjacent to one another. A higher temperature during the extrusion in comparison with the extrusion of thermoplastic molded structures having a closed-cell structure results in deformation-free opening of the cells. Webs 3 of cell walls 5, 6 remain intact in shape whether they have orifices 7 or no passages, so that the mechanical strength of the cell skeleton or of the space matrix is retained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for obtaining composite material comprising a network of cross-linked polymer and fluid molecules. Such materials, using molecules of liquid crystal, are notably used in display screens. The originality of the disclosure lies in the drying, in supercritical phase, of the molecules that have enabled the preparation of the network. Generally, the operation of evaporation drying of the solvent leads to a deterioration of the network structure. With the method according to the invention, the network keeps its initial structure, making it possible to obtain high performance characteristics in scattering of light. Application to display screens and protection for detectors.No abstract figure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous crosslinked polymeric microbeads having cavities joined by interconnecting pores wherein at least some of the cavities at the interior of each microbead communicate with the surface of the microbead. Approximately 10% of the microbeads of the present invention are substantially spherical or substantially ellipsoid or a combination of the two. The present invention also relates to a process for producing a porous, crosslinked polymeric microbead as well as the product of this process. This process involves combining a continuous phase with an aqueous discontinuous phase to form an emulsion, adding the emulsion to an aqueous suspension medium to form an oil-in-water suspension of dispersed emulsion droplets, and polymerizing the emulsion droplets to form microbeads. Also included in the invention are modifications of the microbeads as well as methods for using the microbeads in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A one-step emulsification process for preparing aqueous suspensions of hollow, acrylate polymer microspheres conducted in the presence of at least one acid that is not free radically polymerizable. Surprisingly, the use of such an acid eliminates the previous requirement of using a polar copolymerizable monomer in the one-step emulsification process. The hollow acrylate polymer microspheres prepared from the process of the invention may be tacky or tack-free.

Abstract: An absorbent, microporous foam comprising a crosslinked polymer having interconnected fluid cells distributed throughout its mass, wherein the fluid cells have a diameter of between about 0.1 and about 100 .mu.m, and wherein the foam can rapidly absorb at least about twice its dry weight in fluid, is disclosed.A method for producing a microporous, absorbent foam is also disclosed. This method comprises the steps of:(a) mixing a cross-linkable polymer and a first solvent to form a stable solution, wherein the stable solution can be induced to phase separate;(b) inducing the stable solution to phase separate into a polymer-concentrated phase and a polymer-dilute phase after a predetermined period of time;(c) inducing crosslinking of said polymer, so that the polymer will crosslink in said concentrated phase for a predetermined period of time during phase separation to thereby form a microporous material; and(d) drying the microporous material to produce the absorbent foam.

Abstract: Absorbent foam materials that are capable of acquiring and distributing aqueous fluids, especially discharged body fluids such as urine. These absorbent foams combine relatively high capillary absorption pressures and capacity-per-weight properties that allow them to acquire fluid, with or without the aid of gravity. These absorbent foams also give up this fluid efficiently to higher absorption pressure storage materials, including foam-based absorbent fluid storage components, without collapsing. These absorbent foams are made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs).

Abstract: N-Methylol derivatives of polycondensation products containing quaternary N atoms obtained fromA) basic ureas of the formulaHN(R.sup.1)--C--N(R.sup.2)--X.sup.1 --N(R.sup.3, R.sup.4) (I),B) polyamines of the formula(R.sup.6, R.sup.7)N--X.sup.2 --N(R.sup.8, R.sup.9) (II)andC) bifunctional alkylating agents,in whichX.sup.1, X.sup.2 and R.sup.1 -R.sup.9 have the meanings given in the description, are new. They are used as agents for improving the wet fastness properties of dyeings on cellulose and cellulose blend fabrics.

Abstract: Absorbent foams materials that are capable of acquiring and distributing aqueous fluids, especially discharged body fluids such as urine. These absorbent foams combine relatively high capillary absorption pressures and capacity-per-weight properties that allow them to acquire fluid, with or without the aid of gravity. These absorbent foams also give up this fluid efficiently to higher absorption pressure storage materials, including foam-based absorbent fluid storage components, without collapsing. These absorbent foams are made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs).

Abstract: The invention provides inherently tacky, polymeric, organic, solvent-insoluble, solvent dispersible, elastomeric, pressure sensitive adhesive microspheres having pendant hydrophilic polymeric or oligomeric moieties having a degree of polymerization greater than or equal to 2. The microspheres which are sterically stabilized can offer enhanced stability against coagulation caused by alkali, alkali salts, polyelectrolytes and repeated freeze/thaw cycles. The present invention also provides pressure-sensitive adhesives comprising these microspheres including aerosol spray PSAs, coated sheet materials prepared therefrom, and method of making the microspheres.

Abstract: An improved superabsorbent polymer foam having a morphology to provide improved absorptive properties is disclosed. The foam preferably comprises a superabsorbent polymer formed from a substantially water-soluble, unsaturated monomer having neutralized carboxyl groups and a substantially water-soluble internal crosslinking agent. The monomer and crosslinking agent are expanded in the presence of a substantially water-insoluble blowing agent and a suitable solvent and reacted to form a superabsorbent polymer foam having substantially continuous, intercommunicating channels substantially throughout the foam and a relatively high surface area to mass ratio.Methods for making the foam and absorbent products, members and articles containing the foam are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing high internal phase emulsions (HIPE) that can be polymerized to provide flexible, microporous, open-celled polymeric foam materials capable of absorbing aqueous fluids, especially aqueous body fluids such as urine. The HIPE is prepared using certain polyglycerol aliphatic ether emulsifiers that are less chemically complex and variable in composition than many prior HIPE emulsifiers, have higher levels of the desired interfacially active components, and have lower levels of components (e.g., sludge) that are insoluble or insufficiently soluble in the oil phase used to prepare the HIPE. These polyglycerol aliphatic ether emulsifiers provide HIPE having relatively uniform sized water droplets dispersed in the continuous oil phase.

Abstract: Porous polymeric structures are provided along with a method to make such structures comprising heat-induced phase separation of a polymeric solution exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature.

Abstract: A multi-purpose resin synthesized from a mixture of a protein and a carbohydrate by ammoniation instead of hydrolysis is described. Any primary product of photosynthesis (glucose, starch or lignocellulose) is qualified for use as the carbohydrate component of the resin, which is an expedient, low-cost and benign substitute for conventional thermosetting resins in the manufacture of numerous industrial products.

Abstract: Stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions containing polymerizable vinyl monomers, crosslinking monomers and initiators, useful in preparing low density porous crosslinked polymeric foams, are obtained by using a surfactant system containing (a) one or more sorbitan fatty acid ester or saccharide fatty acid ester and (b) a glycerol monofatty acid ester. A higher water to oil ratio water-in-oil emulsions can be formed with the same formulation by using the glycerol monofatty acid ester cosurfactant.

Abstract: A process of fabricating a porous silicone product utilizing a silicone emulsion capable of forming an elastomer by removal of water therefrom. The silicone emulsion comprises a water emulsion of an organopolysiloxane, a cross-linking agent, and a curing catalyst. The process comprises the steps of freezing the silicone emulsion, and drying the frozen silicone emulsion, whereby water is sublimed therefrom and the porous silicone product is obtained. The resulting porous silicone product is best utilized as a selective permeable membrane for separation of a liquid component from a liquid solution containing two or more liquid components.

Abstract: A process for preparation of latex of a hollow polymer which comprises adding a base, in the presence of a monomer, to latex containing carboxy-modified copolymer particles to make the pH of the latex 8 or more; adding a carboxyl group-containing monomer to make the pH of the latex 7 or less; and then polymerizing these monomers.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of a low density porous crosslinked polymeric material by polymerizing a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion, curing time of the monomers in the emulsion can be reduced without adversely affecting polymer properties by first advancing one or more of the monomers. All or a portion of the monomers are advanced in the presence of an advancement initiator or a free-radical-producing radiation source for about 5% to about 95% of the time effective to form a solid. Then, a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion is formed with the advanced monomers and optionally additional monomers or the advanced monomers are added to a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion containing other monomers. The emulsions containing the advanced monomers are cured. The process provides an improved method to incorporate volatile monomers in the porous polymeric material.

Abstract: Normally hydrophobic foams, such as polyurethane foams and polymerized water-in-oil emulsion foams, are rendered hydrophilic by means of treatment with simple surfactants and hydrophilizing agent salts. Thus, a surfactant-containing foam is treated with a solution of, for example, calcium chloride, and is dried to leave a substantially uniformly distributed residue of hydrated or hydratable calcium chloride on the surfactant-containing internal foam surfaces. In-use, the combination of surfactant and calcium chloride hydrate provides a hydrophilic surface to the foam. Other hydratable calcium or magnesium salts such as magnesium chloride can be used. The resulting hydrophilized foams are suitable for use in absorbent devices, including diapers, sanitary napkins, bandages, and the like.

Abstract: An improved superabsorbent polymer foam having a morphology to provide improved absorptive properties is disclosed. The foam preferably comprises a superabsorbent polymer formed from a substantially water-soluble, unsaturated monomer having neutralized carboxyl groups and a substantially water-soluble internal crosslinking agent. The monomer and crosslinking agent are expanded in the presence of a substantially water-insoluble blowing agent and a suitable solvent and reacted to form a superabsorbent polymer foam having substantially continuous, intercommunicating channels substantially throughout the foam and a relatively high surface area to mass ratio.Methods for making the foam and absorbent products, members and articles containing the foam are also disclosed.

Abstract: Stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions containing polymerizable vinyl monomers, crosslinking monomers and initiators, useful in preparing low density porous crosslinked polymeric foams, are obtained by using a surfactant system containing (a) one or more sorbitan fatty acid ester or saccharide fatty acid ester and (b) a glycerol monofatty acid ester. A higher water to oil ratio water-in-oil emulsions can be formed with the same formulation by using the glycerol monofatty acid ester cosurfactant.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent foam materials suitable for use as or in the absorbent cores of absorbent articles, such as diapers which absorb and retain aqueous body fluids. Such foam materials comprise hydrophilic, flexible open-celled structures which are preferably prepared by polymerizing high internal phase (HIPE) water-in-oil emulsions. Such foam materials have a pore volume of from about 12 to 100 mL/g, and a capillary suction specific surface area of from about 0.5 to 5.0 m.sup.2 /g. These materials also exhibit a resistance to compression deflection such that a confining pressure of 5.1 kPa produces after 15 minutes a strain of from about 5% to 95% compression when the material is saturated at 37.degree. C. to its free absorbent capacity with synthetic urine.

Abstract: A lightweight absorbent foam is produced using a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE), the production of which incorporates the use of capillary viscosity measurements as an in-line diagnostic for HIPE quality. The in-line diagnostics yield measurements of viscosity slope and amplitude. These measurements offer several advantages for monitoring emulsion quality, including stable high resolution measurement of hardware-independent parameters of the whole flow, without the need for sampling.

Abstract: A polyamide fiber comprised of (A) a thermoplastic aliphatic polyamide having copolymerized therein a polyalkylene oxide unit and having a melting point of at least 160.degree. C., and (B) a polyoxyalkylene glycol, wherein the ingredient (B) is finely dispersed in the ingredient (A). A polyamide fiber exhibiting a rate of moisture absorption of at least 3.5%/5 minutes at 25.degree. C. and R.H. 90% and/or a triboelectric voltage of not larger than 1.5 kV at 20.degree. C. and R.H. 40% is obtained by removing the ingredient (B) from the above-mentioned polyamide fiber by means of dissolution.

Abstract: Stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions containing polymerizable vinyl monomers, crosslinking monomers and polymerization initiators are obtained by using saccharide fatty acid esters as surfactants. The amount of surfactants necessary to form stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions is decreased by using saccharide fatty acid esters as surfactants. Further, hydrophobic foams can be obtained by using saccharide fatty acid esters.

Abstract: Normally hydrophobic foams, such as polyurethane foams and polymerized water-in-oil emulsion foams, are rendered hydrophilic by means of treatment with sorbitan monolaurate. Thus, a polymeric foam can be prepared or treated with sorbitan monolaurate and thereafter dried to leave a substantially uniformly distributed residue of sorbitan monolaurate on the internal foam surfaces. The resulting treated foams are rendered hydrophilic and are thus suitable for use in absorbent devices, including diapers, sanitary napkins, bandages, and the like.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of a low density porous crosslinked polymeric material by polymerizing a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion, curing time of the monomers in the emulsion can be reduced without adversely affecting polymer properties by first advancing one or more of the monomers. All or a portion of the monomers are advanced in the presence of an advancement initiator or a free-radical-producing radiation source for about 5% to about 95% of the time effective to form a solid. Then, a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion is formed with the advanced monomers and optionally additional monomers or the advanced monomers are added to a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion containing other monomers. The emulsions containing the advanced monomers are cured. The process provides an improved method to incorporate volatile monomers in the porous polymeric material.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent foam materials suitable for use as or in the absorbent cores of absorbent articles, such as diapers which absorb and retain aqueous body fluids. Such foam materials comprise hydrophilic, flexible open-celled structures which are preferably prepared by polymerizing high internal phase (HIPE) water-in-oil emulsions. Such foam materials have a pore volume of from about 12 to 100 mL/g, and a capillary suction specific surface area of from about 0.5 to 5.0 m.sup.2 /g. These materials also exhibit a resistance to compression deflection such that a confining pressure of 5.1 kPa produces after 15 minutes a strain of from about 5% to 95% compression when the material is saturated at 37.degree. C. to its free absorbent capacity with synthetic urine.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of a low density porous crosslinked polymeric material by polymerizing a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion, curing time of the monomers in the emulsion can be reduced without adversely affecting polymer properties or substantially affecting the emulsion by carrying out the curing in multiple-stages. The emulsion is first pre-cured at a temperature less than about 65.degree. C. until the emulsion reaches a Rheometrics dynamic shear modulus of at least about 500 and subsequently curing at a temperature above about 70.degree. C.

Abstract: A polymeric bead has now been developed to act as a support for other entities having a volume mean diameter of up to 250 microns and having a surface provided with pores which form at least 10% by area of the surface. At least one third of the total area of the pores is provided by pores having a larger size of at least 0.4 micron. A method for the manufacture of such polymeric beads involves using a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion technique in which the amount of water used in the preparation of the aqueous phase is not greater than 125 parts by weight per 265 parts by weight of the mixture of the polyester resin and monomer which is used.The porous beads provide an excellent base for carrying enzymes, bacteria and catalysts species useful in a wide range of applications.

Abstract: Supercritical drying has distinct advantages in generating microcellular materials. The dimensional stability of the polymer is not affected on drying because the supercritical process does not go through the two phase path and therefore the effect of capillary forces is absent. This helps in maintaining the morphology of the final polymer structure and better control over cell size.Organic microcellular foams were prepared by polymerizing directly in a near-critical fluid and pursuing the supercritical drying in the same reactor. The critical variables are the choice of a diluent with a strong enough solvent power to stabilize the polymer matrix, but with a low enough critical temperature to permit critical point drying without damage to the polymer matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the continuous preparation of high internal phase emulsions which are suitable for subsequent polymerization into polymeric foam materials that, upon dewatering, act as absorbents for aqueous body fluids. The process involves continuous introduction of a certain type of monomer-containing oil phase and a certain type of electrolyte-containing water phase into a dynamic mixing zone at relatively low water to oil phase ratios. Flow rates are then steadily adjusted to increase the water to oil ratio of the streams fed to the dynamic mixing zone while subjecting the dynamic mixing zone contents to shear agitation which is sufficient to thereby form a high internal phase emulsion that, upon subsequent polymerization, provides a foam having an average cell size of from about 5 to 100 microns. The formation of such a stable high internal phase emulsion is completed by feeding the contents of the dynamic mixing zone to and through a static mixing zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a highstrength a furan stone with high permeability and filtering effect mainly for protecting deep-drilled wells yielding mineral oil, natural gas and water against getting choked by sand. A mixture comprising an artificial resin as a binding material containing a catalyzer for controlling duration of binding and pumpability and an assorted granular material of high-strength forming the skeleton and salt filling and increasing pore spaces is homogenized and pumped into the corresponding producing section of the well into the area to be protected. After hardening of the mixture salt is dissolved from the obtained artificial stone and a filtering effect is achieved without binding the grains of the reservoir rock. Due to the mechanical characteristics and controlled porosity of the obtained artificial stone rock-parts, mainly sand delivered by the yielded fluidum into the well will be retained.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of core/shell polymer particles comprises forming a core particle containing acid functionality, a first shell around said core of a copolymer of a nonionic monoethylenically unsaturated aromatic monomer and a copolymerisable polar monomer in an amount of at least 15% by weight of the copolymer and having a solubility in water at 20.degree. C. of at least 1% by weight and a second shell around said first shell of a polymer or copolymer of a nonionic monomer having a solubility in water at 20.degree. C. of less than 1% by weight and swelling the particle with a non-volatile alkali to generate one or more vesicles.Preferably each shell contains a polymer or copolymer of styrene.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to using a blend of sorbitan esters as a surfactant to produce a stable water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion in the preparation of a low density porous crosslinked polymeric material. This process produces low density, high capacity, porous, crosslinked, polymeric materials with improved absorption capacity and foam properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the continuous preparation of high internal phase emulsions which are suitable for subsequent polymerization into polymeric foam materials that, upon dewatering, act as absorbents for aqueous body fluids. The process involves continuous introduction of a certain type of monomer-containing oil phase and a certain type of electrolyte-containing water phase into a dynamic mixing zone at relatively low water to oil phase ratios. Flow rates are then steadily adjusted to increase the water to oil ratio of the streams fed to the dynamic mixing zone while subjecting the dynamic mixing zone contents to shear agitation which is sufficient to thereby form a high internal phase emulsion that, upon subsequent polymerization, provides a foam having an average cell size of from about 5 to 100 microns. The formation of such a stable high internal phase emulsion is completed by feeding the contents of the dynamic mixing zone to and through a static mixing zone.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of a low density porous crosslinked polymeric material by polymerizing a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion, curing time of the monomers in the emulsion can be reduced without adversely affecting polymer properties or substantially affecting the emulsion by carrying out the curing in multiple-stages. The emulsion is first pre-cured at a temperature less than about 65.degree. C. until the emulsion reaches a Rheometrics dymanic shear modulus of at least about 500 and subsequently curing at a temperature above about 70.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for forming polymer powders by dissolving one or more polymers in a suitable solvent, followed by atomizing the solution into a droplet atmosphere of a non-solvent to precipitate polymer particles. The particles are separated from the non-solvent, washed and dried to produce a powder with a rounded particle morphology, high internal porosity and surface area, and high apparent density.Polymer powders with these properties can be pressed to dense shaped articles suitable for sintering in automated presses because the powders have good low and compressibility characteristics. The process if particularly useful when applied to soluble polymers that are not readily shaped by melt processing means.

Abstract: A microporous, polymeric film is prepared by dissolving methylene-chloride-soluble, film-forming polymers completely in methylene chloride. Then an aqueous phase is prepared containing non-methylene-chloride-soluble, water-soluble thickeners and, if desired, additives, and brought to a viscosity of about 0.07 to 0.5 Pa s. The aqueous phase is then dispersed in the polymer solution and the resultant paste is spread onto a support material or intermediate support, the methylene chloride is evaporated, the resultant membrane is transferred to the actual support, and finally the water is removed by drying.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the continuous preparation of high internal phase emulsions which are suitable for subsequent polymerization into polymeric foam materials that, upon dewatering, act as absorbents for aqueous body fluids. The process involves continuous introduction of a certain type of monomer-containing oil phase and a certain type of electrolyte-containing water phase into a dynamic mixing zone at relatively low water to oil phase ratios. Flow rates are then steadily adjusted to increase the water to oil ratio of the streams fed to the dynamic mixing zone while subjecting the dynamic mixing zone contents to shear agitation which is sufficient to thereby form a high internal phase emulsion that, upon subsequent polymerization, provides a foam having an average cell size of from about 5 to 100 microns. The formation of such a stable high internal phase emulsion is completed by feeding the contents of the dynamic mixing zone to and through a static mixing zone.

Abstract: A process for producing macroporous polymer beads from a multiphase emulsion using soluble polymer particles as the primary porogen is disclosed. The beads produced are of uniform size and shape.

Abstract: A porous polysulfone membrane and process for the preparation of porous polysulfone media suitable for use in filtration comprises blending polysulfone with a particulate solid or with said particulate solid and a second polymer, extruding the resultant blend to form an article and leaching the particulate solid and second polymer from the article.

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: Hollow, polymeric, acrylate, infusible, inherently tacky, solvent-insoluble, solvent-dispersible, elastomeric pressure-sensitive adhesive microspheres having an average diameter of at least about 1 micrometer. Preferred microspheres are those wherein a majority of the hollow microspheres contain at least one of interior void having a diameter of at least 10% of the diameter of the microsphere.These hollow microspheres are useful as repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesives. The invention also provides pressure-sensitive adhesives consisting essentially of such hollow microspheres. Aqueous suspensions of these microspheres, processes for their preparation, spray repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions, and microsphere-coated sheet materials are also provided. Surprisingly, hollow microspheres of the invention show reduced or even eliminated adhesive transfer, in comparison with prior art repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesives which are based on solid microspheres.