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 diamter 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.

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: A repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising from about 70% to about 99% hollow, polymeric, acrylate, inherently tacky, infusible, solvent-insoluble, solvent-dispersible, elastomeric microspheres comprising at least one alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate ester, a majority of the microspheres having one or more interior voids having a diameter of at least about 10% of the diameter of the microsphere, and correspondingly, from about 30% to about 1% of a binder copolymer comprising an elastomeric polymeric backbone having pendant therefrom high Tg polymeric moieties.

Abstract: A carbonized composite foam having a density less than about 50 mg/cm.sup.3 and individual cell sizes no greater than about 1 .mu.m in diameter is described, and the process of making it.

Abstract: Hollow, polymeric, acrylate, infusible, inherently tacky, solvent-insoluble, solvent-dispersible, elastomeric, nitrogen-containing, acid-free pressure-sensitive adhesive microspheres having an average diameter of at least about 1 micrometer wherein a majority of the microspheres contain multiple interior voids, a majority of the voids having a diameter of less than about 10% of the diameter of the microsphere, the total of the diameters of the voids being at least about 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 acid-free hollow microspheres. Aqueous suspensions of these microspheres, processes for their preparation, spray repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions, and pressure-sensitive adhesive coated sheet materials are also provided.

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: Hollow, polymeric, acrylate, infusible, inherently tacky, solvent-insoluble, solvent-dispersible, elastomeric, nitrogen-containing, acid-free pressure-sensitive adhesive microspheres having an average diameter of at least about 1 micrometer wherein a majority of the microspheres contain multiple interior voids, a majority of the voids having a diameter of less than about 10% of the diameter of the microspheres, the total of the diameters of the voids being at least about 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 acid-free hollow microspheres. Aqueous suspensions of these microspheres, processes for their preparation, spray repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions, and pressure-sensitive adhesive coated sheet materials are also provided.

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: 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: A precipitation polymerization process for producing a macroporous cross-linked copolymeric lattice, capable of adsorbing hydrophilic and lipophilic fluids, in which process there is copolymerized at least one monounsaturated monomer and at least one polyunsaturated monomer in the presence of an organic liquid which is a solvent for the monomers but not for the copolymer, initiating the copolymerization of the monomers by means of a free radical generating catalytic compound, precipitating a copolymer in the solvent in the form of a powder, and forming a dry powder by removing the solvent from the precipitated copolymeric powder. One monomer is a hydrophilic compound and the other monomer is a lipophilic compound.

Abstract: An antibiotic resin composition comprises at least one antibiotic zeolite of which ion-exchangeable ions are partially or completely replaced with ammonium ionsand antibiotic metal ions, at least one discoloration inhibitor and at least one resin. The antibiotic resin composition exhibits excellent antibiotic property and does not discolor with time. Thus, the resin composition can be employed to form a variety of products which require antibacterial and/or antifungus properties.

Abstract: An antibiotic zeolite and an antibiotic resin composition containing thereof are provided. The antibiotic zeolite is prepared by replacing all or a part of ion-exchangeable ions in zeolite with ammonium ions and antibiotic metal ions such as silver, copper, zinc, mercury, tin, lead, bismuth, cadmium, chromium and thallium. The antibiotic resin composition comprises the antibiotic zeolite and a resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene.

Abstract: A sterilizable or sterilized package comprises at least one microporous member comprising a matrix consisting essentially of linear ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, a large proportion of finely divided water-insouble siliceous filler, and interconnecting pores.

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: 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: A novel manufacturing process of mold containing continuous holes and used for filter materials, gas dispersive materials, and mold materials. By this invention, the epoxy resin mixture including an epoxy compound having one or more epoxy groups in each mole, a hardener which reacts with and hardens the epoxy compound, emulsifiers, water or water-surface active agent, and fillers respectively is used as the molding material. As the emulsifier, at least two kinds of three different kinds of nonionic emulsifiers of 4-8, 8-17, and 11-15.6 HLB respectively are used together.The molding material is cured to a desired shape to prepare a mold containing continuous holes and for molding, conventional methods such as hardening after casting, for example, are adopted.

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: 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: The first invention relates to a novel manufacturing process of mold containing continuous holes and used for filter materials, gas dispersive materials, and mold materials. By this invention, the epoxy resin mixture including an epoxy compound having one or more epoxy groups in each molecule, a hardener which reacts with and hardens the epoxy compound, emulsifiers, water or water-surface active agent, and fillers respectively is used as the molding material. As the emulsifier, at least two kinds of three different kinds of nonionic emulsifiers of 4-8, 8-17, and 11-15.6 HLB respectively are used together. This is the primary feature of the invention and no molding materials including such emulsifiers are known so far. The molding material is cured to a desired shape to prepare a mold containing continuous holes and for molding, conventional methods such as hardening after casting, for example, are adopted.The second invention relates to a novel casting mold suitable be for slip discharge casting.

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: 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: 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 process for preparing a solid, water absorbing, cross-linked polyacrylate resin including combining potassium acrylate and a polyvinyl monomer, such as N,N-methylene bisacrylamide, with water in an amount of 55 to 80 combined weight percent of potassium acrylate and polyvinyl monomer based on the total weight of potassium acrylate, polyvinyl monomer and water to form a monomer mixture, and adding a polymerization initiator to the monomer mixture to initiate polymerization of the monomer mixture. The monomer mixture then is polymerized without external heating by utilizing the exothermic heat of reaction as substantially the only non-ambient energy source to drive water away from said polyacrylate resin to form the cross-linked polyacrylate resin having a water content sufficiently low (i.e. 15% or less) to be powdered, such as by pulverization, without an intermediate drying step.

Abstract: Delivery vehicles comprised of a polymeric bead having a network of pores with an active ingredient held within the network are provided for use in a method to provide controlled release of the active ingredient. The network of pores is substantially non-collapsible upon removal of the active ingredient and the delivery vehicles are polymerized by a process in which the active ingredient also comprises the porogen during formation of the network of pores.

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 composite hollow fiber type separation membrane which has three layers comprising a selective separation layer, an ultra-microporous layer and a porous layer, said selective separation layer, said ultra-microporous layer, said porous layer being arranged in said order commencing from the inner surface of said hollow fiber membrane;wherein said selective separation layer is formed on said ultra-microporous layer without penetrating into said ultra-microporous layer and has a non-porous, dense structure, the average thickness of said layer being 0.01-2.mu., and the coefficient of variation in thickness thereof being less than or equal to 25%;wherein said ultra-microporous layer has a surface in which the presence of pores cannot be confirmed by 24,000 .times. scanning electron microscopy, but which has a fluid permeability at least 10 times that of said selective separation layer, the thickness of said layer being less than or equal to 0.08.mu.

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: Composite materials useful as hard tissue prosthetics comprising synthetic biodegradable polymers and unsintered calcium phosphate biomaterials optionally porositized by pore-forming agents are described. The composite materials may be ground and blended with a compatible water soluble pore-forming agent and then molded to form dense, shaped objects which may be made porous by leaching out said water soluble pore-forming agent. The composites may be used as hard tissue prosthetics either alone or in conjunction with conventional prostheses.

Abstract: An in situ polymerization process is disclosed whereby an .alpha.-amino acid N-carboxyanhydride is blended intimately and efficiently with one or more calcium phosphate biomaterials. The polymerization proceeds at ambient temperature and pressure without the need for initiators or surface modification of the calcium phosphate biomaterials. The resulting composite material may subsequently be ground and blended with a compatible water soluble pore-forming agent and then molded to form dense, shaped objects which may be made porous be leaching out said water soluble pore-forming agent. The resulting shaped objects may then be used as hard tissue prosthetics either alone or in conjunction with conventional prostheses.

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: A casting solution of polyaramide in N,N-dimethylacetamide containing about 10 to 60% by wt. MgCl.sub.2, based on polyaramide, and a process for making such casting solution, are provided. An asymmetric permselective membrane and process for making such membrane from the casting solution are also provided. Such membrane has excellent performance characteristics in a reverse osmosis process for purifying salt water.

Abstract: Porous bodies, particularly membranes in the form of hollow filaments, are produced by heating a polymer above the upper critical temperature T.sub.c in a mixture of two compounds A and B, liquid and miscible at the dissolving temperature, whereby the employed mixture (polymer, compounds A and B) in liquid aggregate state displays a miscibility gap, the compound A is a solvent for the polymer and the compound B, which preferably is a non-solvent or a swelling agent for the polymer, raises the phase separation temperature of a solution composed of the polymer and compound A. After the dissociation, the components A and/or B if necessary are extracted. Through use of non-toxic substances such as e.g. edible oil as compound A and castor oil as compound B, bodies are obtained which are non-toxic and unobjectionable for use in medical areas and in the foods industry, among others.

Abstract: This invention relates to the manufacture of anion selective membranes in a "one-step" process by co-polymerization of a crosslinking methacrylate ester and a methacrylic ester containing a quaternary ammonium group. The anion selective membranes are obtained directly with no further processing needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a packing material for use in liquid chromatography which comprises aqueous suspension polymerizing vinyl acetate, a (meth)acrylic acid ester or a glycidyl monovinyl ester or ether with a monomer mixture composed mainly of a cross-linking monomer in the presence of a diluent selected from among epichlorohydrin and glycidyl ethers and thereafter removing it from the resulting polymer particles by ring-opening the epoxy groups in said diluent. This process provides a packing material for use in liquid chromatography which is uniform and porous and moreover is excellent in mechanical strength.

Abstract: A laser shield consists essentially of a series of spherical glass bubbles densely packed within a range of 1.95.times.10.sup.3 bubbles per cubic centimeter to 1.25.times.10.sup.8 bubbles per cubic centimeter encapsulated in a matrix of silicone to provide a flexible and lightweight foam-like material to terminate CO.sub.2 laser radiation without producing a substantial carbon plume. The glass bubbles may be filled with a gas. In another embodiment, a laser shield consists essentially of water encapsulated in a matrix of silicone to provide a flexible and lightweight material to terminate CO.sub.2 laser radiation without producing a substantial carbon plume. In another embodiment, water bubbles and glass bubbles are both encapsulated within a matrix of silicone to provide a laser shield. A surgical drape, a surgical sponge and an endotracheal tube are formed of a flexible and lightweight material of a series of densely packed bubbles encapsulated in a matrix of silicone to terminate laser radiation.

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: 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 porous aromatic imide polymer membrane usable as a gas or liquid separator or concentrator is prepared by a process comprising the steps of:(1) dissolving 3 to 30% by weight of an aromatic imide polymer which comprises at least 80 molar % of a recurring unit selected from those of the formulae (I) and (II): ##STR1## wherein R represents a divalent aromatic or heterocyclic radical in 70 to 97% by weight of a solvent consisting essentially of a homogeneous mixture of:(A) 100 parts by weight of a base solvent which consists essentially of at least one polar organic compound and is capable of dissolving therein said aromatic imide polymer in a concentration of 5% by weight or more therein and of evaporating at a temperature of from 50.degree. to 400.degree. C.

Abstract: The starting materials for the practice of the present invention are (1) one or more organic monomers or oligomers which upon irradiation very rapidly undergo a polymerization reaction to form a solid polymer; and (2) a liquid vehicle in which the one or more organic monomers or oligomers are soluble but in which the polymer formed is insoluble. For the manufacture of microporous membrane in accordance with the invention the monomers or oligomers are dissolved in the liquid vehicle, the resulting solution is formed into a thin layer, and the thin layer of the solution is then irradiated as with ultraviolet or electron beam radiation whereupon the rapid polymerization reaction immediately ensues and the polymer formed immediately segregates from the vehicle thereby resulting in microporous membrane from which the vehicle can be removed as by evaporation or washing.

Abstract: An improved process for the manufacture of vesiculated beads has been developed which can be used for the production of semi-gloss or satin finished paints. The process involves mixing an oil-phase containing a cross-linkable polyester resin in solution with a monomer co-polymerizable with the resin and an aqueous phase containing an emulsifying agent under conditions such that globules of the oil-phase are formed having a diameter of less than 1.5 microns. The emulsion containing the globules also contains a base and the amount of the emulsifying agent is from 3 to 16 grams per 100 ml of the oil-phase and the volume fraction has a value of 0.2 to 0.4 and X as defined is from 4 to 8. Preferably the beads are pigmented with titanium dioxide pigment.

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-in-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: Process for producing a porous acetylene high polymer by lyophilizing a gel-like composition composed of 1 part by weight of an acetylene high polymer having a fibril structure and 1 to 1,000 parts by weight of an organic solvent.

Abstract: A method of adjustably tailoring the effective bulk density of a solid material in which a mixture comprising the solid material, a film-forming polymer and a volatile solvent are sprayed into a drying chamber such that the solvent evaporates and the polymer dries into hollow shells having the solid material captured within the shell walls. Shell density may be varied as a function of solid/polymer concentration, droplet size and drying temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to porous films having pores with polygonal cross sections and average pore diameters of about 3 to about 100 microns and the method for preparing these films. More particularly this invention relates to a porous film having pores with polygonal cross sections and average pore diameters of about 3 to about 100 microns formed from a resinous polymer of propylene and the process for forming the film which comprises the steps of (a) forming a film containing beta-spherulites and (b) selectively extracting the beta-spherulites.

Abstract: Textile quality polymeric fibers and thin films that are highly sorbent for organic and other vapors, mists and solutes. The fibers and films comprise a polymeric matrix with a system of interconnecting micropores, and are highly loaded with particulate sorbents such as activated carbon. The fibers and films are manufactured by forming a melt blend of the sorbent particles, the polymer and a selected diluent, spinning or extruding and drawing down the fiber or film, and extracting the diluent. The diluent functions to permit a high spin or extrusion draw down, to permit the subsequent cold drawing of fibers highly-loaded with active carbon, and to permit the fiber or film to be porosified. Optionally, the diluent may be extracted after or before cold drawing, or without any cold drawing. The fibers and films are highly sorbent, are strong and durable and exhibit substantial strength over an appreciable degree of elongation.