Abstract: Amphiphilic fluorinated block copolymers are disclosed which are useful for increasing the dispersability of particles, preferably drug particles, in a fluorine-containing propellant.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a porous matrix-type drug delivery system is provided. It comprises the steps of: dispersing, stirring, and emulsifying an aqueous solution of a drug in an organic solvent having a polymer compound and a surface active agent solved therein; thereafter forming it into a desirable matrix shape; lyophilizing or drying it at a low temperature or room temperature until the matrix surface is hardened; and drying it again in order to remove the water and the organic solvent.

Abstract: This application relates to microporous, open-celled polymeric foam materials with physical characteristics that make them suitable for a variety of uses produced from high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). This application particularly relates to oxidatively stable emulsifiers used to stabilize the HIPE and the foams produced from such HIPEs.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, compositions and methods are provided in which the mechanical strength and durability of a precursor material having a plurality of pores is increased by a) providing a precursor material; b) treating the precursor material to form a nanoporous aerogel, preferably by using a supercritical drying process; c) providing a blending material having a reinforcing component and a volatile component; d) combining the nanoporous aerogel and the blending material to form an amalgamation layer; and e) treating the amalgamation layer to increase the mechanical strength of the layer by a substantial amount, and to ultimately form a low dielectric material that can be utilized in various applications.

Abstract: This application relates to microporous, open-celled polymeric foam materials with physical characteristics that make them suitable for a variety of uses produced from high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). This application particularly relates to oxidatively stable emulsifiers used to stabilize the HIPE and the foams produced from such HIPEs.

Abstract: The invention relates to sensor membranes for determining oxygen concentrations and to a process for the preparation thereof, in which, in a polymer matrix which is permeable to oxygen, an indicator is present whose optical and physicochemical properties can be influenced by the respective analytes. Starting from the disadvantages of known sensor membranes, it is the object of the invention to provide a sensor membrane which is thermally and also dimensionally stable, and can be prepared simply and flexibly. This object is achieved according to the invention in that the polymer matrix which contains the optical oxygen indicator is formed from a polymer containing sulfur, preferably in the main chain, particularly preferably containing sulfide and/or sulfone functionalities in the main chain.

Abstract: A nanoporous polymer comprises hollow structures fabricated from crosslinked polymeric strands. The hollow structures are further coupled to other crosslinked polymeric strands by a covalent bond. Particularly contemplated nanoporous polymers have a Tg of no less than 400° C. and a dielectric constant k of no more than 2.5.

Abstract: Object: to provide a porous polyimide whose dielectric constant and refractive index are lowered while maintaining intrinsic performances of a polyimide, such as heat resistance, etc., and which is highly transparent. Means for solving: a porous polyimide comprising a polyimide containing matrix, and a plurality of micropores dispersed in said matrix, characterized in that said micropores are formed by removing a hydrophilic polymer from a precursor comprising a polyimide-containing matrix, and the hydrophilic polymer dispersed in said matrix, and that the porous polyimide has light transmittance of no less than 70%.

Abstract: Stable foam caulk, sealant and insulation compositions are disclosed. These compositions comprise aqueous emulsions of film forming polymers in combination with microfibers. The preferred film forming polymers and the microfibers include functional groups capable of forming bonds, particularly hydrogen bonds, between these components. In another aspect of the invention, the compositions include a high temperature foam stabilizer, such as a high molecular weight fatty alcohols, having melting points greater than about 110° F.

Abstract: A method of making a novel composition of a porous medium comprising volume elements of both voids and pores wherein the voids are much larger than the mean size of the pores. The method includes a first step of preparation of a porous medium comprising solid particles the approximate size selected for the voids and pores as volume elements and a second step of removing the particles by etching out with hydrofluoric acid or other means to form a porous medium comprising both voids and pores. In another embodiment, the voids are prepared from Bow etching out of a polymeric hydrogel silica particles which were allowed to self-assemble as a crystalline colloidal array prior to formation of the polymeric hydrogel around them, thereby forming a porous medium containing a crystalline colloidal array of voids containing aqueous solution. In another embodiment, a method of partitioning macromolecules between a solution comprising the macromolecules, and the voids and pores of a porous medium.

Abstract: Described is a method of forming and curing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) into shaped three dimensional foam implements. In general the method uses the steps of: providing a HIPE, depositing the HIPE into a mold cavity having a predetermined three dimensional shape, curing the HIPE in the mold cavity to form a HIPE foam, and stripping the HIPE foam from the mold cavity to form the three dimensional foam implement. The molded implements are widely useful as components in absorbent articles, toys, insulation, and other uses where a combination of low density and tridimensional shape are desired.

Abstract: Disclosed are organo polysilica dielectric materials having low dielectric constants useful in electronic component manufacture are disclosed along with methods of preparing the porous organo polysilica dielectric materials. Also disclosed are methods of forming electronic devices containing such porous organo polysilica dielectric materials without the use of antireflective coatings.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a method for the production of a porous cross-linked polymer, which permits the polymerization (curing) of a water in oil type high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) in such an exceptionally brief time as not more than 30 minutes, preferably not more than 10 minutes without impairing the stability of the HIPE. The object of this invention mentioned above can be accomplished by a method for the production of a porous cross-linked polymer which comprises steps of mixing an oil phase containing a polymerizing monomer, a cross-linking monomer, and a surfactant as essential components with a water phase containing water as an essential component thereby obtaining a water in oil type high internal phase emulsion and heating said emulsion to a prescribed curing temperature thereby polymerizing the emulsion, wherein said emulsion is formed in a thickness of not more than 50 mm and the temperature-increasing rate of the emulsion is not less than 5° C./minute.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a method for the production of a porous material by polymerizing a water-in-oil type high internal phase emulsion in a briefer time than a conventional technique without impairing the stability of the emulsion. The object of this invention can be accomplished by a method for the production of a porous material comprising a step of polymerizing a water-in-oil type high internal phase emulsion containing a polymerization initiator, wherein the polymerization initiator is a redox type initiator combining a water-soluble oxidizing agent and a reducing agent, the reducing agent is preparatorily added to form the emulsion, and thereafter the water-soluble oxidizing agent is added to the emulsion to polymerize the added emulsion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a porous moisture-absorbing and desorbing polymer, characterized in that, said polymer is an organic polymer containing 2.0-12.0 meq/g of carboxyl groups of a salt type, having a cross-linking structure and having macropores of not less than 1 m2/g of specific surface area and 0.005-1.0 &mgr;m of average pore size.

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

Abstract: Process for producing an integrally asymmetrical hydrophobic polyolefinic membrane with a sponge-like, open-pored, microporous support structure and a separation layer with a denser structure compared to the support structure, via a thermally induced liquid-liquid phase separation process. A solution of at least one polyolefin in a solvent system consisting of a compound A and a compound B is extruded to form a shaped object. Compound A is a weak solvent and compound B a non-solvent for the polymer. After leaving the die, the shaped object is cooled using a solid or liquid cooling medium that does not dissolve or react chemically with the polymer at temperatures up to the die temperature, until the phase separation and solidification of the high-polymer-content phase take place.

Abstract: Described are implements made from a durable HIPE foam material. The HIPE foam has a Toughness Index of at least 75 where the Toughness Index relates properties related to durability (e.g., density, tan[&dgr;] height, glass transition temperature, and abrasion resistance) into a single composite descriptor thereof. Exemplary implements include: wipes, toys, stamps, art media, targets, food preparation implements, plant care implements, and medical wraps.

Abstract: A porous polyimide having a finely cellular structure and having a low dielectric constant and heat resistance. The porous polyimide can be produced by a process comprising adding a dispersible compound to a polyimide precursor to form a micro-domain structure in which the dispersible compound is dispersed in the polymer so as to have a size smaller than 10 &mgr;m and then removing the dispersible compound by extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide to thereby make the precursor porous, wherein the interaction parameter &khgr;AB between the polyimide precursor A and the dispersible compound B is larger than 3. This porous polyimide has an average cell diameter smaller than 5 &mgr;m and a dielectric constant of 3 or lower.

Abstract: A method of making high internal phase emulsions is described. The method forms high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) using a single pass through the static mixer. In alternative embodiments, the HIPE may be further processed to farther modify the size of dispersed phase droplets, to incorporate additional materials into the HIPE, to alter emulsion temperature, and the like.

Abstract: This application relates to flexible, microporous, open-celled polymeric foam materials with physical characteristics that make them suitable for a variety of uses. This application particularly relates to monomer compositions having short curing times for preparing such foam materials from high internal phase emulsions.

Abstract: This application relates to flexible, microporous, open-celled polymeric foam materials with physical characteristics that make them suitble for a variety of uses. This application particularly relates to degassing the components of the high internal phase emulsions which are subsequently cured to form such foams.

Abstract: This invention has for an object thereof the provision of a method for the production of a porous cross-linked polymer which can freely control the upper and lower surface behavior of the porous cross-linked polymer, the width and the thickness of the polymer and can perform continuously a process ranting from a step of supplying the emulsion through a step of polymerizing it. The object of this invention, in the production of a porous cross-linked polymer by polymerizing a water-in-oil type high internal phase emulsion, is accomplished by a method for the production of a porous cross-linked polymer characterized by performing continuously a process ranting from a step of supplying the emulsion through a step of polymerizing it while having the outer surface part of the emulsion retain an atmosphere or a state having a lower oxygen content than the ambient air.

Abstract: A method of making a novel composition of a porous medium comprising volume elements of both voids and pores wherein the voids are much larger than the mean size of the pores. The method includes a first step of preparation of a porous medium comprising solid particles the approximate size selected for the voids and pores as volume elements and a second step of removing the particles by etching out with hydrofluoric acid or other means to form a porous medium comprising both voids and pores. In another embodiment, the voids are prepared from etching out of a polymeric hydrogel silica particles which were allowed to self-assemble as a crystalline colloidal array prior to formation of the polymeric hydrogel around them, thereby forming a porous medium containing a crystalline colloidal array of voids containing aqueous solution. In another embodiment, a method of partitioning macromolecules between a solution comprising the macromolecules, and the voids and pores of a porous medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved lyophilization process for forming biocompatible foam structures. The process allows the foam structures to be tailored for specific end uses. The foams formed by this process are well suited to be used in medical applications such as tissue engineering.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for making foams comprising functionalized metal oxide nanoparticles by photopolymerizing or thermally polymerizing emulsions comprising a reactive phase and a phase immiscible with the reactive phase components. Foams made from water-in-oil emulsions, including high internal phase emulsion are also disclosed. Articles and uses for the foams are also described.

Abstract: A silicone rubber sponge composition, a silicone rubber sponge, and a process for production thereof. The silicone rubber sponge composition comprises (A) 100 parts by weight organopolysiloxane gum described by average structural unit RaSiO(4−a)/2, where R is a monovalent hydrocarbon group or haloalkyl and a is 1.8 to 2.3 and having a viscosity at 25° C. of 1,000,000 mPa·s or above, (B) 1 to 400 parts by weight inorganic filler, (C) 0.01 to 50 parts by weight hollow thermoplastic resin particles, (D) 0.01 to 10 parts by weight a water-in-oil emulsion with silicone oil an oil phase, and (E) a curing agent in an amount sufficient to cure the composition.

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

Abstract: Stable foam caulk, sealant and insulation compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise solid, waxy non-ionic lipophilic surfactants having low HLB values. These surfactants, upon foamed dispensing of the composition, provide stable support for bubbles formed from drying of a latex emulsion of a film forming polymer and a volatile liquid hydrocarbon propellant. In addition to use in caulking, sealant or insulation methods, the composition can be used to form artificial terrains and other hardenable structural surfaces as backgrounds or support means for hobbies, crafts, and the like.

Abstract: A durable, conformable, absorbent, hydrophilic, polymeric latex foam composition having a free absorbent capacity of at least 5 grams of a 0.9 weight percent aqueous saline solution per gram of foam and capable of vertically wicking said aqueous saline solution to a height of greater than about 5 cm. In a preferred embodiment, after compression, the latex foam composition remains thin until wet, whereupon it expands and exhibits a high free absorbent capacity and high vertical wicking height.

Abstract: Stable foam caulk, sealant and insulation compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a waxy, solid foam stabilizer and a liquid lithophilic surfactant having low HLB value of about 3-14. The foam stabilizer provides stable support for bubbles formed from the drying of the latex emulsion of film forming polymer, and the volatile liquid hydrocarbon propellant. In addition to the use in caulking sealant or insulation methods, the compositions can be used to form artificial terrains or other hardenable structural surfaces as backgrounds or support means for hobbies, crafts and the like.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a method for the production of a porous material by polymerizing a water-in-oil type high internal phase emulsion in a briefer time than a conventional technique without impairing the stability of the emulsion. The object of this invention can be accomplished by a method for the production of a porous material comprising a step of polymerizing a water-in-oil type high internal phase emulsion containing a polymerization initiator, wherein the polymerization initiator is a redox type initiator combining an oil-soluble oxidizing agent and a reducing agent, either of the oil-soluble oxidizing agent or the reducing agent is preparatorily added to form the emulsion, and thereafter the remainder of the reducing agent or the oil-soluble oxidizing agent is added to the emulsion to polymerize the added emulsion.

Abstract: A composition comprising aqueous fluid absorbent polymer particles which have been heat-treated at temperatures greater than 170° C. for more than 10 minutes, wherein the composition has been remoisturized, after the heat-treatment, with an aqueous additive solution, in the absence of an organic solvent or water-insoluble, non-swellable powder, and comprises 1 to 10 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, water and wherein the composition is characterized by the ability to absorb at least 20 grams of a 0.9 weight percent aqueous saline solution under a pressure of 0.3 psi (21,000 dynes/cm2), that is, a 60 minute 0.3 psi (21,000 dynes/cm2) AUL greater than 20 grams/gram. A process for preparing such a composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing styrene polymers comprising water as sole blowing agent, by polymerizing styrene in aqueous suspension. The polymerization is carried out in the presence of from 5 to 30% by weight of recycled EPS material dissolved in styrene and comprising customary coating agents deriving from production of the EPS.

Abstract: This application relates to microporous, open-celled polymeric foam materials with physical characteristics that make them suitable for a variety of uses produced from high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). This application particularly relates to oxidatively stable emulsifiers used to stabilize the HIPE and the foams produced from such HIPEs.

Abstract: A silicone rubber sponge composition, a silicone rubber sponge, and a process for making a silicone rubber sponge. The silicone rubber sponge composition comprises (A) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane gum described by average structural unit RaSiO(4−a)/2, where R is a monovalent hydrocarbon radical or haloalkyl and a is 1.95 to 2.05, (B) 1 to 400 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, (C) 0.01 to 50 parts by weight hollow thermoplastic resin particles (D) a mixture of (a) water-soluble silicone and (b) water in an amount such that the water in the mixture is equivalent to 0.01 to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of component (A), and (E) a curing agent in an amount sufficient to cure the composition.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fully continuous process for shaping a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) with a polymerizable continuous phase into dry foam, comprising 1) providing a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) comprising (a) at least 70 percent by volume of an eternal phase comprising one or more polymerizable monomer; (b) a surfactant in an amount effective to produce a high internal phase emulsion; and (c) an internal phase; 20 depositing the emulsion onto a lower moving support substrate; 3) leveling the emulsion to a desired thickness above the support substrate; 4) polymerizing the monomers by running the emulsion and the lower moving support substrate through a heating zone for a time sufficient to polymerize at least 75% of the monomer in the HIPE by the end of the heating zone; and 5) drying the polymerized HIPE in a drying zone for a time sufficient to produce a foam having greater than 50% of the internal phase removed.

Abstract: A mesoporous material prepared by polymerizing a resorcinol/formaldehyde system from an aqueous solution containing resorcinol, formaldehyde and a surfactant and optionally pyrolyzing the polymer to form a primarily carbonaceous solid. The material has an average pore size between 4 and 75 nm and is suitable for use in liquid-phase surface limited applications, including sorbent, catalytic, and electrical applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sustained release composition and methods of forming and using said composition for the sustained release of biologically active agent. The sustained release compositions of the invention comprise a biocompatible polymer and a biologically active agent characterized by a porous center and a less porous outer layer wherein the center and outer layer consist of essentially the same materials. The sustained release compositions can be prepared by annealing at least a substantial portion of the exterior surface of a polymer/active agent matrix. The compositions which have been annealed exhibit a decrease in the release of agent over the first 24 hours following administration (i.e., reduced burst) and as a result can show an increase in the duration of sustained release thereby providing increased therapeutic benefits.

Abstract: An adhesive coated article comprises a layer of microsphere adhesive onto a portion of at least one major surface of a substrate. The microspheres in the adhesive are obtained as the reaction product of (a) at least one alkyl (meth)acrylate ester wherein the alkyl group contains four to about 14 carbon atoms, preferably four to about 10 carbon atoms and (b) a comonomer(s). The comonomer may be a nonpolar, ionic, polar comonomer or mixtures of such monomers. This microsphere adhesive either contains a (meth)acrylamide comonomer or a polyacrylamide material is post-added to the microsphere adhesive. The adhesive exhibits a lower than expected adhesion to coated papers without sacrificing the adhesion to standard uncoated (bond) papers and preferably, the 90° peel adhesion, as measured on Kromkote® paper (used as an industry standard) is in the range of 20 to 250 grams/inch.

Abstract: Superabsorbent fiber and film compositions comprising partially acidified, hydrolyzed, internally plasticized, crosslinked, superabsorbing fibers or film derived from polysuccinimide and processes for preparing same.

Abstract: Stable foam caulk, sealant and insulation compositions are disclosed. These compositions comprise aqueous emulsions of film forming polymers in combination with microfibers. The preferred film forming polymers and the microfibers include functional groups capable of forming bonds, particularly hydrogen bonds, between these components. In another aspect of the invention, the compositions include a high temperature foam stabilizer, such as a high molecular weight fatty alcohols, having melting points greater than about 110° F.

Abstract: Silylated organic gels can be prepared by the removing substantially all of the water from polyhydroxy benzene-formaldehyde gels, followed by silylation. These silylated organic gel compositions comprise from about 0.01% to about 25% by weight silicon.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described that provide three dimensional porous matrices as structural templates for cells. The porous matrices of the present invention have desirable mechanical properties suitable to a variety of applications, including platforms for in vitro cell cultivation, implants for tissue and organ engineering, and materials suitable for chromatography and filtration.

Abstract: This invention is targeted at providing a method for producing a porous cross-linked polymer material excelling in absorption properties and mechanical strength in a short period of time. In the production of a porous cross-linked polymer material from an HIPE, the method of this invention is characterized by comprising a step of polymerizing the HIPE till the bromine value thereof falls to not more than 25% of the value existing prior to the polymerization and a subsequent step of after curing the porous cross-linked polymer material by means of an active energy ray or a temperature higher than the polymerization temperature.

Abstract: A process for preparing multi-stage emulsion polymers is provided. The process is capable of producing multi-stage emulsion polymers having low dry-bulk density. These polymers are useful in coating compositions such as paints and paper coatings.

Abstract: Microporous structures characterized by having a three-dimensional interconnecting network skeleton, which are obtained by comprising mixing a thermoplastic resin, a water-soluble organic compound and a water-soluble polymer material and then eliminating said water-soluble organic compound and said water-soluble polymer material by extracting with water. A process for producing microporous structures comprising mixing a thermoplastic resin with water-soluble components which contain a water-soluble organic compound and a water-soluble polymer material, at a specific volume ratio, thus forming a mixture having a three-dimensional interconnecting network skeleton made of said thermoplastic resin wherein said water-soluble components are maintained, bringing said mixture into contact with water and thus extracting and eliminating said water-soluble components from said mixture, wherein a volume ratio of the water-soluble organic compound to the water-soluble polymer material ranges from 35 to 95/65 to 5.

Abstract: The present invention involves compositions having variable permeation and/or porosity and objects made therefrom. The compositions are prepared by dispersing a pore-forming agent in a polymer matrix by agitation. The composition is density developed resulting in a variable concentration in pore-forming agent throughout the mixture through application of an external force on the mixture with or without continued agitation. The pore-forming agent is then leached from the mixture to form a polymer matrix having variable permeability and/or porosity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of porous polymers, wherein a polymerizable component comprising at least one free radically polymerizable unsaturated monomer of formula Q—X—A  (1), wherein the variables are defined as described in the claims, is polymerized in the presence of a specific solvent mixture, and the resulting porous polymer, after removal of the solvent, is subjected to an aftertreatment in an acidic or basic medium. The polymers obtainable according to the invention are useful, for example, as substrates for the attachment and growth of mammalian cells and tissue and in particular as materials for the manufacture of biomedical devices and prostheses, including implanted devices.

Abstract: A water-absorbent resin is produced by dispersing a solid blowing agent having an average particle diameter within a range of from 1 &mgr;m to 100 &mgr;m in an aqueous monomer solution containing an unsaturated monomer and a cross-linking agent, and then polymerizing the unsaturated monomer. The water-absorbent resin has excellent water absorption characteristics, such as improved dispersion and absorption rate of aqueous fluid, enhanced water retention capacity and dry touch, lower water-soluble component content, and lower residual monomer content. When a water-absorbent resin composition using the water-absorbent resin is used for, for example, a sanitary material, it is possible to improve the absorption rate and water retention capacity, and prevent leakage of fluid from the sanitary material.