Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a composite material, which is of particular use in wound treatment. The composite material has a hydrophilic polyurethane foam material with a first polyurethane polymer; a hydrophilic fiber material having a second polymer, wherein said second polymer is not a polyurethane polymer and wherein said fiber material is capable of absorbing and retaining a fluid. The first polymer is covalently bonded to the second polymer.

Abstract: A first sponge device for use to manipulate and prepare the surface of the epithelium of an eye prior to application of an ophthalmic solution has a handle and a sponge head secured to the handle. The head is made of an absorbent, wicking sponge material and has a non-sharp, tissue preparation surface of predetermined shape for rubbing across the surface of the epithelium layer in order to manipulate the tissue. After the surface is prepared, a second, holding sponge is placed over the eye to act as a reservoir and to hold ophthalmic solution against the eye surface.

Abstract: Described herein is a process for producing a hydrophilic flexible polyurethane foam. Also described herein is a flexible polyurethane foam obtainable by such a process and a method of using such a flexible polyurethane foam for treating wounds.

Abstract: A dermal patch includes: an open-cell foam layer; and an adhesive layer arranged thereon and intended for contact with skin. At least a side of the foam layer facing the adhesive layer has macropores whose cavities are spanned at least partially by a barrier layer formed from the foam layer.

Abstract: Flexible polyurethane (PU) material which comprises a flexible hydrophilic polyurethane foam porous matrix comprising two matrix faces and therebetween a structural matrix framework defining a network of cells, having a cell network surface and therein a network of pores and a powder charge comprising one or more additives loaded in said structural matrix framework wherein said material is a foamed polymer of a system comprising an isocyanate prepolymer or monomer phase and an aqueous phase, wherein said system comprises one or more slurry phases or solid concentrates of said powder charge, or an insoluble portion thereof, as said isocyanate phase or part thereof and/or as said aqueous phase or part thereof and/or in a carrier liquid phase; and/or comprising a powder charge of silver salt loaded in said structural matrix framework in a population of silver salt particles defined by particle size distribution about a mean particle size of greater than or equal to 1 micron, said material comprising silver salt

Abstract: Hydrogels are provided that include an antimicrobial agent and a cross-linkable urethane-based polymer (CUP). Such hydrogels may be used for the controlled-release of antimicrobial agents as well as in the manufacturing of wound dressings. Wound dressings are provided that comprise a hydrogel as defined herein.

Abstract: The invention provides polymers and polymer-based nano-structures, in particular, polymers and polymer network to which biomolecules (e.g., proteins, antibodies, peptide aptamers) can be covalently conjugated and stably encapsulated therein and be controllably delivered and released upon degradation of the nano-structures in response to specific microenvironment, and compositions and methods of preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: A substantially biobased prepolymer mixture including 31.80 to 67.95 percent biogenic carbon content by weight, wherein the mixture is a combination of: an isocyanate; and a cleaned biobased polyoxyalkylene glycol polyol, wherein the cleaned biobased polyoxyalkylene glycol polyol is completely primary hydroxyl-tipped or primary hydroxyl end-grouped, further wherein said cleaned biobased polyoxyalkylene glycol polyol is polymerized from 100% biobased ethylene oxide, further wherein the cleaned biobased polyoxyalkylene glycol polyol comprises less than 15 ppm sodium and potassium metals, and further wherein the cleaned biobased polyoxyalkylene glycol polyol comprises less than 0.5% water by weight.

Abstract: A method of reducing the feeling of vaginal dryness is provided. The method includes a female user suffering from vaginal dryness administering a vaginal care composition to her vaginal introitus and, optionally, external vaginal tissues. The vaginal care composition can comprise an oil-in-water emulsion and a silicone wax having a melting temperature of from about 24° C. to about 50° C. The vaginal care composition can also comprise silicone particles. The vaginal care composition can have a viscosity of from about 20,000 cps to about 200,000 cps.

Abstract: Recovery times and/or airflow of flexible polyurethane foam is increased by including certain tackifiers in the foam formulation. The tackifiers are formed into an emulsion that includes a polyether containing oxyethylene groups, a nonionic surfactant and certain fumed silica, carbon black or talc particles.

Abstract: A composition that includes (a) a prepolymer having at least one free isocyanate group that is capable of bonding to tissue and that cures in vivo upon exposure to water to form a polymer having a compressive modulus between 1.9 and 14.4 MPa and a tensile modulus between 5.0 and 30, and (b) an oil that is miscible in the prepolymer, the oil being selected from the group consisting of silicone oils, mineral oil, vegetable oils, and combinations thereof. The composition retains its integrity when delivered in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: An entrained polymer includes a base polymer, an active agent that is immiscible with the base polymer and reacts with a selected material, and a channeling agent that is a water insoluble polymer, is immiscible with the base polymer, and has an affinity to transmit a selected material through the entrained polymer at a faster rate than in solely the base polymer.

Abstract: A resin composition for golf balls is made of (A) polyurethane or polyurea and (B) an acrylic resin or a methacrylic resin, component (B) being included in an amount of from 0.5 to 50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of component (A). In a golf ball having a core and a cover of one or more layer encasing the core, at least one cover layer is formed of this resin composition. The resin composition is especially useful as a golf ball cover material because it makes it possible to achieve a higher ball initial velocity on shots with a driver and a lower ball initial velocity on approach shots.

Abstract: Provided according to some embodiments of the invention are wound dressings that include a polymer matrix and nitric oxide-releasing polysiloxane macromolecules within and/or on the polymer matrix. Also provided are wound dressing kits and methods of using and forming such wound dressings.

Abstract: A method of producing a hydrophilic polyurethane foam structure containing a silver salt, chosen from the group of silver sulphate, silver citrate, silver acetate, silver carbonate, silver lactate and silver phosphate, or a mixture of these salts includes the steps of (a) providing a water phase containing a surfactant, and at least one silver salt, wherein the at least one silver salt is dispersed in the water phase; (b) providing a isocyanate-terminated polyether having functionality of more than (2); (c) mixing the water phase and the isocyanate-terminated polyether, immediately transferring the resulting mixture to a mould whereby a foam structure is obtained; and (d) drying the foam structure until it has a moisture content of at most 10% (wt). The hydrophilic polyurethane foam structure produced by the method and a wound dressing containing the foam structure are also described.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition having a co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology. These co-continuous interconnecting channels are predominately occupied with a polymer and particles that control the percolation through the composition. The particles are composed of a material such as an absorbing agent, releasing agent and/or activation agent. The polymer composition may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: The soil mulching process, includes the following stages: mixing together at least two liquid starting substances able to react together to give rise, within a determined time period, to an inert solid final substance while still in the liquid state, pouring the obtained mixture onto the soil surface in a quantity such as to obtain on the soil surface, when the reaction between the components is complete, a layer of the solid substance of a thickness which prevents light passage through it.

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

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition having a co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology. These co-continuous interconnecting channels are predominately occupied with a polymer and particles that control the percolation through the composition. The particles are composed of a material such as an absorbing agent, releasing agent and/or activation agent. The polymer composition may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: A hydrophilic film coating (11) is formed on outer surfaces of cab (5), equipment housing cover (6) and counterweight (7) of an upper rotary body (2), so that a water film (18) is formed on the surface of the hydrophilic film coating by raindrops or at the time of rainfall. By formation of the water film (18), contaminant substances (13) which have deposited on the outer surfaces of the upper rotary body (2) are urged to float up and carried away with dripping water of the water film (18). As a consequence, it becomes possible to prevent development of raindrop stains on the outer surfaces of the upper rotary body (2) and, even if spattered particles of grease have deposited on the outer surfaces of the upper rotary body (2), such contaminants can be easily washed off, thereby permitting to maintain the quality in outer appearance of the upper rotary body (2).

Abstract: A hydrophilic film coating (11) is formed on outer surfaces of cab (5), equipment housing cover (6) and counterweight (7) of an upper rotary body (2), so that a water film (18) is formed on the surface of the hydrophilic film coating by raindrops or at the time of rainfall. By formation of the water film (18), contaminant substances (13) which have deposited on the outer surfaces of the upper rotary body (2) are urged to float up and carried away with dripping water of the water film (18). As a consequence, it becomes possible to prevent development of raindrop stains on the outer surfaces of the upper rotary body (2) and, even if spattered particles of grease have deposited on the outer surfaces of the upper rotary body (2), such contaminants can be easily washed off, thereby permitting to maintain the quality in outer appearance of the upper rotary body (2).

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, a releasing material is blended into the polymer so that the releasing material is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired composition is communicable to the releasing material that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, an absorbing material is blended into the polymer so that the absorbing material is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired composition is communicable to the absorbing material that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, a water-absorbing material is blended into the polymer so that the water-absorbing material is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired composition is communicable to the water-absorbing material that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

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

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing moisture absorbing desiccant entrained polymers. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. To achieve certain results in the hardened end product, such as rigidity and durability, the polymer normally acts as a moisture barrier in a solidified state, both before and after melting. A desiccating agent is blended into the polymer so that the desiccating agent is distributed within the polymer. A channeling agent is also blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. The blending of the components is preferably done before the polymer is caused to assume a molten state. Together, the polymer, desiccating agent and channeling agent create a blended mixture. The mixture is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the mixture through which moisture is communicable to desiccating agent that is entrained within the mixture.

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. Also disclosed is a method for producing such microporous, absorbent foams. In this method: (a) a crosslinkable polymer and a first solvent are mixed to form a stable solution which can be induced to phase separate; (b) the stable solution is induced to phase separate into a polymer concentrated phase and a polymer dilute phase; (c) the polymer is induced to crosslink in the polymer concentrated phase for a predetermined period of time thereby forming a microporous material; and (d) the microporous material is dried to produce the absorbent foam.

Abstract: Methods for making microporous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes from vinylidene fluoride polymers and the products produced. The PVDF microporous membranes have a significantly faster flow rate at a given pore size as compared to equally-sized microporous membranes made by conventional procedures. The PVDF microporous membranes also have significantly smaller pore sizes than conventional microporous PVDF membranes. The present membranes have unique macrostructural features responsible, in part, for their unique functional properties. The process includes dissolving the polymer in a liquid that includes a solvent and a co-solvent for the polymer. The dissolution of the polymer can be at temperatures ranging from about 20.degree. C. to about 50.degree. C. while the formation of the microporous membrane can be at temperatures ranging from about -10.degree. C. to 50.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent foam that exhibits desirable softness and flexibility properties yet is highly absorbent. In one embodiment, the absorbent foam comprises a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer wherein the absorbent foam exhibits a Free Swell value of at least about 10 grams of liquid per gram of absorbent foam and a Softness value that is less than about 30 grams of force per gram per square meter of absorbent foam. In a second embodiment, the absorbent foam has an average cell size of the cells in the absorbent foam between about 10 microns to about 100 microns and an average wall thickness of the cells in the absorbent foam between about 0.1 micron to about 30 microns. Such an absorbent foam may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of water-absorbent agent powders of the present invention is a method of a reducing an amount of a residue of an epoxy crosslinking agent remaining therein by adding a nucleophilic reagent in a form of powder to surface region crosslinked water-absorbent resin powders having a carboxyl group under an applied heat in which the residue of the crosslinking agent remains. Since the method permits an amount of the residue of the crosslinking agent to be reduced by adding a nucleophilic reagent to the heated water-absorbent resin powders, the water-absorbent agent powders exhibiting well-balanced properties which are mutually negatively correlated from one another, i.e., high absorbency under pressure, a reduced amount of a residue of the epoxy crosslinking agent and a high absorbing rate compared with the conventional surface region crosslinked water-absorbent resin powders can be achieved.

Abstract: Polypropylene (PP) membranes having a hydrophilic surface have been prepared by extracting a fugitive hydrophilic pore-forming agent from a gelled film prepared by evaporating the solvent from a homogeneous solution of isotactic polypropylene, functionalized polypropylene and the fugitive agent in a solvent, such as xylene. Most of the functional groups, such as --OH, --NH.sub.2 and --COOH, in the functionalized polypropylene are located on the surfaces of the membrane, including pore surfaces. The resulting membranes, especially membranes having an asymmetric structure, are useful for ultrafiltration, dialysis and/or microfiltration.

Abstract: A microporous, hydrophilic polymer film has a morphology composed of distinctively interconnected pores, which are desirably surface-open. In particular aspects, the film can provide for a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) value of at least about 1000 grams per square meter per 24 hours per mil (0.00254 cm) of film thickness. The film can exhibit a modulus of not less than about 1 MPa, and may also exhibit an elongation strain at break of at least about 100% in both its machine and transverse directions. The film can also provide for a water contact angle of not more than about 80 degrees. In other aspects, the porous film can also include other properties or characteristics, such as a desired tensile strength at break, a desired elongation-at-break, and voids or pores having distinctive shapes, sizes, distributions and configurations.

Abstract: A mechanically-bonded, water-absorbent fiber mulch including natural and crimped synthetic fibers that are intimately mixed to form a mechanically-bonded fiber mulch.

Abstract: Polypropylene (PP) membranes having a hydrophilic surface have been prepared by extracting a fugitive hydrophilic pore-forming agent from a gelled film prepared by evaporating the solvent from a homogeneous solution of isotactic polypropylene, functionalized polypropylene an the fugitive agent in a solvent, such as xylene. Most of the functional groups, such as --OH, --NH.sub.2 and --COOH, in the functionalized polypropylene are located on the surfaces of the membrane, including pore surfaces. The resulting membranes, especially membranes having an asymmetric structure, are useful for ultrafiltration, dialysis and/or microfiltration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive foam with a percentage of theoretical density less than 90 wherein the foam has an intrinsic adhesion of greater than about 1 N/cm and a compression set under constant deflection of less than about 60%. The present invention further includes a pressure sensitive adhesive foam comprising a thermoplastic block copolymer; a tackifying resin; an isocyanate terminated monomer or oligomer; a polymer comprising a backbone of selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene, polyester and polyether, wherein the polymer contains at least 2 active hydrogens capable of reacting with the isocyanate terminated monomer; and expandable particulate materials. The invention finally further comprises a method of forming the above film.

Abstract: A mechanically-bonded, water-absorbent fiber mulch including natural and crimped synthetic fibers that are intimately mixed to form a mechanically-bonded fiber mulch. A water-absorbent polymer-based material is dispersed throughout the fiber mulch to increase its water absorption capacity.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polyol having a molecular weight of less than about 4500 and comprising ethylene oxide units and alkylene oxide units selected from propylene oxide, butylene oxide and mixtures thereof in a weight ratio of ethylene oxide units to alkylene oxide units in the range of from about 95:5 to about 60:40, the polyol having a secondary hydroxyl content of at least about 80% based on the total hydroxyl content of the polyol. A process for producing the hydrophilic polyol is also described.

Abstract: A foamed isocyanate-based polymer having a cellular structure and containing a superabsorbent material, the polymer being capable of: (i) absorbing at least about 20 times its weight of an aqueous fluid maintained at a temperature of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C., and (ii) retaining at least about 20 times its weight of absorbed aqueous fluid which is bound to the superabsorbent material. A process for producing a foamed isocyanate-based polymer comprising the steps of: providing a substantially uniform mixture comprising an isocyanate, an active hydrogen-containing compound and a superabsorbent material, the superabsorbent material being capable of absorbing at least about 20 times its weight of an aqueous fluid maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water blown, open cell, hydrophilic polyurethane foam, a process for preparing such a foam and articles made therefrom. Utilizing a one step process the foam is formed from a reaction mixture comprising an organic polyisocyanate, water, a reaction catalyst and a mixture of certain polyols. The first polyol utilized in the invention is a poly(oxyalkylene) triol, chain terminated with propylene oxide and having a molecular weight in the range of about 2800 to about 6200. The second polyol is a poly(oxyalkylene) polyol, chain terminated with ethylene oxide or propylene oxide and having a molecular weight in the range of about 60 to about 800. The third polyol comprises at least one selected from the group of (i) poly(oxyalkylene) diols chain terminated with ethylene oxide and having a molecular weight in the range of about 500 to about 4000 and (ii) polyfunctional polyols chain terminated with propylene oxide and having a molecular weight in the range of about 250 to about 1000.

Abstract: A foamed isocyanate-based polymer having a cellular structure and containing a superabsorbent material, the polymer being capable of: (i) absorbing at least about 20 times its weight of an aqueous fluid maintained at a temperature of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C., and (ii) retaining at least about 20 times its weight of absorbed aqueous fluid which is bound to the superabsorbent material. A process for producing a foamed isocyanate-based polymer comprising the steps of: providing a substantially uniform mixture comprising an isocyanate, an active hydrogen-containing compound and a superabsorbent material, the superabsorbent material being capable of absorbing at least about 20 times its weight of an aqueous fluid maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C.

Abstract: Hydrophilic polyurethane foams with rapid wet out properties are formed from the reaction product of an MDI-based or polymeric MDI-based isocyanate capped prepolymer with an aqueous component, such as water, and about 0.5 to 2.0 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight prepolymer, of a silicone glycol copolymer liquid surfactant with a polyether portion, said surfactant having a viscosity of about 175 to 350 CST at 25.degree. C., a molecular weight in the range of about 1500 to 20,000, with the polyether portion having a molecular weight in the range of about 200 to 2000 and containing about 40 to 100 percent by weight ethylene oxide. The surface of the hydrophilic foam wets out or absorbs droplets of water in less than thirty (30) seconds, preferably instantaneously (less than one second).

Abstract: A battery having a positive electrode, a negative electrode is equipped with a diaphragm between the electrodes. The diaphragm includes a hydrophilized polymer porous body with pores in which ethylene copolymer particles are held, having a melting point of 80.degree. to 170.degree. C., and side chains.

Abstract: A molded porous polyvinyl alcohol sponge includes an outer skin capable of absorbing and passing water to interior portions of the sponge, and is substantially smooth except for predetermined structural details imparted by the mold used in its making. The outer skin has smaller average pore size than does the interior portion of the product.

Abstract: Residual chloromethyl groups in methylene-bridged aromatic polymer adsorbents are susceptible to hydrolysis to benzyl alcohol groups and oxidation to benzoic acid groups. The introduction of these hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups contributes to the water adsorption capacity or hydrophilicity of these adsorbents. Unfortunately, this hydrophilicity interferes with the utility of these resins as adsorbents for volatile organic compounds. By capping these residual chloromethyl groups with hydrophobic aromatic compounds prior to their opportunity to hydrolyze or oxidize, the hydrophobicity of methylene-bridged aromatic polymer adsorbents is increased and their utility for the absorption of organic compounds is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for transferring constituents into and out of a fluid such as blood. The apparatus includes a biphasic foam body which functions as a blood oxygenator, blood dialyzer, or other blood mass transfer device.

Abstract: A co-polymer composition for coating porous structural material includes a compatible surfactant resulting in a structural inter-bonding between the coating composition and the structural material. The co-polymer composition cured in a layer of unsupported foam has sufficient strength to be used as a substitute for comparably or larger sized layers of re-enforced concrete for conducting fluids while resisting compressive loads. A co-polymer foam composition for coating structural material cures to have an atmosphere-facing surface that is substantially impervious to corrosive substance penetration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a two-component polyurethane adhesive containing an isocyanate component a), an active hydrogen containing component which is stable against demixing b), optionally a catalyst for the reaction of a) with b) and optionally an auxiliary agent and an additive, characterized in that an active hydrogen containing component which is stable against demixing b) contains at least one hydroxyl group-containing low molecular weight chain lengthening agent having at least one C-C double bond or C-C triple bond and having a molecular weight of at least 86 and a functionality of at least 2 and containing no carboxyl groups.

Abstract: Hydrophilic foams based on a polyurethane gel material which can be obtained fromone or more polyether-polyols selected from the group comprising substances formed by the addition of propylene oxide and optionally ethylene oxide on to conventional starter molecules,one or more diisocyanates,one or more superabsorbers,one or more accelerators selected from the group comprising conventional accelerators for polyurethanes,water, and optionallyconventional auxiliary substances and/or additives.

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: The present invention relates to apparatus for transferring constituents into and out of a fluid such as blood. The apparatus includes a biphasic foam body which functions as a blood oxygenator, blood dialyzer, or other blood mass transfer device.