Abstract: A urethane prepolymer composition useful as sealant is disclosed. The composition comprises a reaction product of an organic polyisocyanate and a polyether polyol mixture at an NCO/OH equivalent ratio from 1.6 to 2.5. The polyether polyol mixture contains (a) from 75 to 95 % by weight of the mixture of a polyoxyalkylenediol having an average MW from 400 to 1,000 and an oxyethlene unit content greater than 50 % by weight, and (b) the balance of the mixture of a polyoxyalkylenetriol having an average MW from 5,000 to 10,000 and an oxyethylene unit content greater than 50 % by weight. An equivalent composition is produced by reacting the polyoxyalkylenediol and polyoxyalkylenetriol with the organic polyisocyanate separately and mixing together after the reaction.

Abstract: An implantable medical prosthesis is provided having a uniform mixture of foam polyurethane and collagen. The prosthesis can be shaped into an elongated hollow body tube useful for implantation in an animal. Alternatively, the prosthesis can be shaped into biocompatible units useful as soft-tissue replacements or as matrices for sustained-release vehicles.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyesters, fibers and films, nonwovens from the fibers and disposable products of the polyesters such as diapers. The products are degradable under the conditions typically existing in waste composting processes, have low ingredient costs and yet provide strength and toughness properties adequate for end uses such as in disposable diapers. The polyesters are based upon polyethylene terphthalate copolymerized with a cycloaliphatic diacid, preferably hexahydroterephthalic acid, and containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyesters, fibers and films, nonwovens from the fibers and disposable products of the polyesters such as diapers. The products are degradable under the conditions typically existing in waste composting processes, have low ingredient costs and yet provide strength and toughness properties adequate for end uses such as in disposable diapers. The polyesters are based upon polyethylene terephthalate copolymerized with a non-aromatic diacid, such as adipic and glutaric acids, and containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative.

Abstract: Hydrophilic polyurethane foams containing residues of a polyalkylene glycol monoalkyl or alkaryl ether may be produced by reacting the ether with an isocyanate having a functionality of greater than two and using only stoichiometric amounts or small excesses e.g. up to 12% of weight of water as foaming agent. Methyl, lauryl, cetyl, octylphenyl and nonyl phenyl ethers may be used. The foams are applicable for the manufacture of absorptive devices such as wound dressings, sanitary towels, diapers, incontinence pads or tampons.

Abstract: A method for preparing a flexible polyurethane foam, wherein a polyether-polyol having an average molecular weight from 1000 to 8000 and an average functionality not larger than 4, is brought into reaction with an organic polyisocyanate in the presence of a foam stabilizer, a catalyst and blowing agent comprising methylformate, wherein a cross-linker/extender and/or amine catalyst with delayed action is added to said reaction mixture.

Abstract: A highly hydrophilic polyurethane article, which is the skeletal network of a cellular polyurethane foam subjected to a reticulation process wherein the polyurethane contains up to 100 parts of a superabsorbent material per hundred parts of polyol used in preparing the polyurethane, is useful in absorbing and holding large amounts of aqueous liquids is prepared by:(a) mixing a polyisocyanate, a polyol and a blowing agent with a finely divided superabsorbent material which is insoluble in a liquid which the material absorbs and which absorbs at least 15 times its weight of said liquid,(b) reacting the polyisocyanate, polyol and blowing agent under foaming conditions to produce a foam of polyurethane which cmprises a multitude of gas cells or bubbles within the polyurethane matrix,(c) curing said foam of polyurethane, forming a cellular structure with windows or membranes of solid polyurethanes present between gas cells or bubbles,(d) removing the windows or membranes by thermal reticulation thereby leaving the

Abstract: A class of modified hydrophilic prepolymers and polymers is disclosed which are characterized by their specific reactivity. Isocyanate-capped oxyethylene-based prepolymers are modified by reacting with a compound having an isocyanate-reactive group which is a sulfhydryl group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group or a carboxyl group, and a non-isocyanate-reactive group, in quantities sufficient to modify at least a portion of the isocyanate groups of the prepolymer. Where said first functional group is an amino group contained in a diamine or polyamine compound or is a carboxyl group, the modifying compound is present in quantities sufficient to modify all or substantially all of the isocyanate groups of the prepolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is new type of implantable material for replacement of cartilaginous or fibrous tissue. The material has controlled porosity and is biocompatible. A method for making this material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is new type of implantable material for replacement of cartilaginous or fibrous tissue. The material has controlled porosity and is biocompatible. A method for making this material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A porous chemically activated medium having a low affinity for peptide group-containing materials is provided comprising a porous polymeric medium having a low affinity for peptide group-containing materials covalently bound to a residue of an activating agent which is capable of reacting with an acceptor molecule.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydrophilized porous membrane with a crosslinked hydrophilic polymer, which is composed principally of diacetone acrylamide, held physically on at least a part of the pore walls of a starting porous polyolefin membrane, as well as its production process. This hydrophilized porous polyolefin membrane has long-lasting hydrophilicity and good mechanical strength. Its components are dissolved out only minimally in application.

Abstract: A hydrophilic porous membrane has graft chains of a hydrophilic monomer formed on the surface of a hydrophobic porous membrane so as to impart to the surface perfect hydrophilicity such that the produced membrane, when wetted, exhibits a swelling ratio of not more than 1% and a bubble point in the range of 0.5 to 8 kg/cm.sup.2. The hydrophilic porous membrane is produced by irradiating the hydrophobic porous membrane with plasma, feeding the hydrophilic monomer in a gaseous state, and allowing the hydrophilic monomer to be graft polymerized on the surface of the porous membrane. A plasma separator is obtained by using the aforementioned hydrophilic porous membrane as a plasma separation membrane.

Abstract: A makeup remover pad is provided which comprises a resilient, open-celled hydrophilic foam matrix, wherein said matrix integrally incorporates an aqueous phase incorporating about 25-75% water, about 15-70% of a water-insoluble emollient oil, and an amount of surfactant effective to stabilize the aqueous phase so that it is released from the foam matrix as a homogeneous emulsion when the pad is applied to skin.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyurethane(urea) compositions which contain foam and which are preferably cationically modified, contain non-abrasively bonded fillers and have a very high water absorbability (WAF).Production is effected by reacting isocyanate-terminated prepolymers with a quantity of water far exceeding the stoichiometric quantity in the presence of foams in particle or film form. The reaction mixture may also contain lignite powder and/or peat, other inorganic and organic fillers and/or biomasses (living cells, living bacteria, enzymes).The polyurethane(urea) compositions contain up to 95% by weight of foam particles and may contain further fillers (preferably lignite and/or peat). The compositions are swollen and have a high water content during production. Their water absorbability (WAF) when suspended in water is 33 to 97% by weight of water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of hydrophilic membranes by coagulation of a solution of at least one hydrophobic polymer and at least one hydrophilic polymer in a suitable solvent medium in a coagulation medium. The process according to the invention is characterized in that hydrophilic microfiltration and/or ultrafiltration membranes are prepared by cross-linking the hydrophilic polymer which is present in or on the obtained membrane matrix after the coagulation in an essentially non-swollen state and fixing same as such in or on the polymer matrix. Advantageously the solvents and the undesirable components of the coagulation medium are removed whereby the hydrophilic polymer is converted into an essentially non-swollen state prior to cross-linking. The removal of the undesirable components from the membrane takes place by means of a non-solvent for the hydrophilic polymer according to the invention.

Abstract: A synthetic substrate for use in the rooting of cuttings and the raising of seedlings, comprising an expanded, semi-rigid, substantially hetero-cellular plastics material having a plurality of regions of relatively low density for receiving cuttings or seedlings to be propagated. The regions of low density are separated by regions of relatively high density which exhibit higher capillarity than the lower density regions.One way of forming the aforegoing substrate is to subject predetermined regions of a block of foamed polyurethane or other suitable, relatively low density plastics material to heat and pressure whereby to selectively compress and permanently deform the low density foamed material to produce the regions of relatively high density.The synthetic substrate of the invention may also be in the form of capillary matting for use in supplying water and/or nutrients to plants.

Abstract: Polyurethane acrylate compositions are obtained by reacting 100 parts of a hydrophilic polyurethane resin in the presence of from about 10 to about 50 parts of an acrylate. The resulting products will form a hydrogel upon immersion in water and are permeable to gases, ions and other low molecular weight species. The hydrophilic polyurethane acrylate compositions may be molded to form shaped products that swell in water and have a variety of uses.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyurethane(urea) compositions which contain foam and which are preferably cationically modified, contain non-abrasively bonded fillers and have a very high water absorbability (WAF).Production is effected by reacting isocyanate-terminated prepolymers with a quantity of water far exceeding the stoichiometric quantity in the presence of foams in particle or film form. The reaction mixture may also contain lignite powder and/or peat, other inorganic and organic fillers and/or biomasses (living cells, living bacteria, enzymes).The polyurethane(urea) compositions contain up to 95% by weight of foam particles and may contain further fillers (preferably lignite and/or peat). The compositions are swollen and have a high water content during production. Their water absorbability (WAF) when suspended in water is 33 to 97% by weight of water.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polyurethane foam based on a quasi-interpenetrating polymer network of a crosslinked polyurethane and a substantially linear addition polymer, the molecules of which addition polymer are comprised of functional group-containing repeating units which may be the same or different. The functional groups of the repeating units are selected from the group consisting of carbamoyl, substituted carbamoyl, and carboxy and the alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof. A method of preparing the foams is described which involves forming the polyurethane foam in the presence of addition polymerizable monomers and a thermally activated free radical initiator. Addition polymerization can take place during or after foam formation. Reactants and reaction conditions are selected so as to essentially avoid grafting of addition polymer to polyurethane.

Abstract: An artificial vessel having an excellent patency, wherein the vessel wall is made of an elastomer having a porous structure and the contact surface with blood has pores with a mean diameter of from 1 to 100 .mu.m and holes with a mean diameter of from 0.01 to 10 .mu.m.The artificial vessel may also be reinforced with tubular material made of fiber or with heat-set tubular material made of fiber so that the vessel has a stress-strain curve approximate to that of a vital vessel or the vessel can be subjected to sterilization by boiling or by high-pressure steam.The artificial vessel has the porosity, contact surface with blood suited for encapsulation, and an excellent patency as well as a compliance approximate to that of a vital vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sculpted, hand-squeezable toy which possesses dimensional memory and has a predetermined dimensional memory restoration time. The toy is made by blending a foamable hydrophilic polyurethane isocyanate-functional prepolymer, a vinyl or acylic polymer emulsion recovery rate modifier, water, and an organic cosolvent. The blend then is charged to a mold for the foamed toy to be made therein. The proportion of organic cosolvent present and the temperature of the blend being molded are variables for determining the predetermined dimensional memory restoration time of the toy after it has been squeezed.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polyurethane foam which contains a plurality of polycarbonyl moieties covalently attached to the polyurethane through at least one urethane, thiourethane, or urea linkage. The carbonyl portions of such polycarbonyl moieties can be carbamoyl, substituted carbamoyl, or carboxy or the alkali metal or ammonium salts thereof. The foam can be prepared by mixing an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer with a first compound having at least one isocyanate-reactive group and at least one carbon-carbon double bond, allowing the mixture to react, and then mixing with the resulting product an aqueous solution of a carboxylate-containing second compound having at least one carbon-carbon double bond. A thermally activated free radical initiator is present in the final reaction mixture.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polyurethane foam based on an interpenetrating polymer network of a crosslinked polyurethane and a crosslinked addition polymer containing a plurality of chain segments made up of functional group-containing repeating units which may be the same or different. The functional groups of the repeating units are selected from the group consisting of carbamoyl, substituted carbamoyl, and carboxy and the alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof. A method of preparing the foams is described which involves forming the polyurethane foam in the presence of addition polymerizable monomers and crosslinking agent and a thermally activated free radical initiator. Addition polymerization can take place during or after foam formation. Reactants and reaction conditions are selected so as to essentially avoid grafting addition polymer to polyurethane.

Abstract: An antibackslide treatment for a cross-country ski consists of a polyurethane containing a filler or closed-pore structure and which combined hydrophobicity with an elastic character which varies depending upon the velocity of its deformation. During the propulsion phase where the velocity of deformation is low, the treatment has viscoelastic characteristics whereas during the sliding phase when the velocity of deformation is high, the treatment has more elastic properties.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydrophilized porous membrane with a crosslinked hydrophilic polymer, which is composed principally of diacetone acrylamide, held physically on at least a part of the pore walls of a starting porous polyolefin membrane, as well as its production process. This hydrophilized porous polyolefin membrane has long-lasting hydrophilicity and good mechanical strength. Its components are dissolved out only minimally in application.

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: Disclosed is a process for preparing water absorbing, cross-linked acrylate resins by aqueous polymerization of (A) acrylic acid neutarlized 70 to 100 mole percent for example with ammonia, and/or caustic alkali and/or an amine; with (B) acrylamide in a mole ratio of 70 to 100 mole percent (A) to 30:0 mole percent (B); and (C) a water miscible or a water soluble polyvinyl monomer in an amount of 0.001 to 0.3 weight percent based on the total weight of (A) and (B). In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the concentration of monomers (A) plus (B) should be at least 70 percent by weight of the polymerization mixture of (A) plus (B) plus (C) to achieve a substantially dry polymer (less than 15 weight percent water) when polymerization is completed by utilizing the exothermic heat of polymerization and cross-linking to drive off water without the need for additional heating to obtain a dry solid.

Abstract: A dry-type textile cleaning article is disclosed which comprises a friable hydrophilic polyurethane foam body which incorporates abrasive particles, solvents, surfactants, and adjuvants such as fragrance, biocides, and fiber emollients. When rubbed over a textile surface the foam body yields shreds which are effective to remove both liquid and dry soils from textiles.

Abstract: A dry-type carpet cleaning composition is disclosed which comprises shreds of a hydrophilic polyurethane foam which incorporates abrasive particles surfactants, and adjuvants such as fragrance, solvents, anti-static agents and fiber emollients. The foam shreds are effective to clean both wet and dry carpeting since they are highly water-absorbent and can be readily removed from the carpet surface when wet.

Abstract: A composite cleaning pad is provided which incorporates a sheet of open-celled reticulated, hydrophillic polyurethane foam which integrally incorporates silane-coupled abrasives and a gelled aqueous phase and a textile sheet which covers a surface of the foam sheet and is bonded thereto.

Abstract: A water and oil absorbant concrete cleaning composition is disclosed comprising shreds of a hydrophilic, open-celled, solids-loaded polyurethane foam. Methods are also disclosed to bind the solids to the cellular foam matrix.

Abstract: An absorbent floor cleaning composition is disclosed comprising shreds of a hydrophilic, open-celled, solids-loaded polyurethane foam having an aqueous phase releasably absorbed therein. The composition is particularly effective to clean flooring fouled with oily or greasy soils.

Abstract: An absorbent floor cleaning composition is disclosed comprising shreds of a hydrophilic, open-celled, solids-loaded polyurethane foam having an aqueous phase releasably absorbed therein. The composition is particularly effective to clean flooring fouled with oily or greasy soils.

Abstract: An absorbent floor cleaning and waxing composition is disclosed comprising shreds of a hydrophilic, open-celled, solids-loaded polyurethane foam having an aqueous wax emulsion releasably incorporated therein. The composition is effective to replace soiled coatings of floor wax with fresh floor wax.

Abstract: There are provided a wide range of polyurethane products, e.g., cellular, dense elastomer, and integral skin microcellular products, obtained by the reaction of (a) a polyisocyanate compound, (b) a polyol, (c) optionally a chain extender and/or blowing agent with/without other known additives, (d) in the presence of a non-hydroxyl flow modifier characterized by carbon and hydrogen atoms, at least one and, generally, a plurality of oxyalkylene groups, and at least one urethane, ##STR1## group. Several of the polyurethane products exhibit unique properties, e.g., foamed articles with capability to conduct static electricity, soft elastomers characterized by improved coefficient of friction, etc. Several classes of the flow modifiers are novel per se. The polyurethane products can be synthesized via the one shot or prepolymer process. Multipackage systems, in particular, two and three component systems are useful in molding operations, e.g., manufacture of shoe soles.

Abstract: Processes for sealing and strengthening water-bearing geological formations by injection thereinto a polyurethane-resin-forming composition that is especially suitable for this purpose which comprises a conventional polyisocyanate, a conventional polyol, an accelerator for the reaction between the polyisocyanate and the polyol, and a foam stabilizer.

Abstract: Polyurethane polyene compositions are obtained by reacting from about 10 to about 50 parts by weight of a polyene in the presence of about 100 parts by weight of a hydrophilic polyurethane resin. The resulting products will swell and increase in weight upon immersion in water and are permeable to gases, moisture vapor ions, and other low molecular weight species. The hydrophilic polyurethane diacrylate compositions may be molded to form shaped products that are dimensionally stable after repeated exposure to boiling water and exhibit memory.

Abstract: A totally porous activated gel which comprises a matrix of a totally porous crosslinked copolymer comprising as main components vinyl alcohol monomer units and crosslinkable monomer units and having a specific surface area of 5 to 1000 m.sup.2 /g and an reactive group linked to said matrix by a covalent bond. The present activated gel is very useful for effectively separating bio-substances due to the peculiar behavior of the reactive group of the activated gel. The activated gel is rigid, and is excellent in mechanical strength, resistance to chemicals, high pH, low pH, high temperature and low temperature, and is very effective in specific adsorption of bio-substances. The activated gel can be subjected to freeze-drying sterilization, heat sterilization and radiation sterilization, so that it can be utilized for the medical treatment by extracorporeal perfusion of, for example, blood.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrophilic, urethane-forming compositions and a method of forming polyurethanes having low residual, potentially carcinogenic, aromatic amines by adding scavengers comprising polyols end-capped with aliphatic polyisocyanates.

Abstract: Polyurethane diacrylate compositions are obtained by reacting a diacrylate in the presence of from about 65 to about 95 weight percent of a hydrophilic polyurethane resin. The compositions will form a hydrogel upon immersion in water and are permeable to gases, ions and other low molecular weight species. The hydrophilic polyurethane diacrylate compositions may be molded to form shaped products that are dimensionally stable after repeated exposure to boiling water and exhibit memory. The compositions are useful as carriers for pharmacologically active agents in forming an oral delivery system.

Abstract: Canulae formed of or having a coating of polyurethane diacrylate compositions obtained by reacting a diacrylate in the presence of from about 65 to about 95 weight percent of a hydrophilic polyurethane resin. The compositions will form a hydrogel upon immersion in water and are permeable to gases, ions and other low molecular weight species. The hydrophilic polyurethane diacrylate compositions may be molded to form shaped products that are dimensionally stable after repeated exposure to boiling water and exhibit memory.

Abstract: Gas and ion permeable membranes useful as burn dressings, surgical drapes and the like formed of polyurethane diacrylate compositions obtained by reacting a diacrylate in the presence of from about 65 to about 95 weight percent of a hydrophilic polyurethane resin. The compositions will form a hydrogel upon immersion in water and are also permeable to other low molecular weight species. The hydrophilic polyurethane diacrylate compositions may be molded to form shaped products that are dimensionally stable after repeated exposure to boiling water and exhibit memory.

Abstract: A method of forming a hydrophilic urethane prepolymer comprising the steps of reacting an isocyanate compound to a hydrophilic polyether or polyester compound which has been heated to such a temperature that the temperature of the reactants after addition of isocyanate is at least as high as about 120.degree. C. The resulting urethane prepolymer may be reacted with water to form a cellular urethane polymer.

Abstract: The invention is a polyurethane comprising the reaction product of(a) a 1,4-lactone of 3,6-anhydropentahydroxyhexanoic acid; and(b) an organic polyisocyanate.The polyurethanes of this invention are useful in coatings, compression moldings, control release systems, films, foams and the like.

Abstract: Surgical implants, intrauterine devices and the like formed of polyurethane diacrylate compositions obtained by reacting a diacrylate in the presence of from about 65 to about 95 weight percent of a hydrophilic polyurethane resin. The compositions will form a hydrogel upon immersion in water and are permeable to gases, ions and other low molecular weight species. The hydrophilic polyurethane diacrylate compositions may be molded to form shaped products that are dimensionally stable after repeated exposure to boiling water and exhibit memory. The shaped products contain distributed therein a desired medicament.

Abstract: A disposable personal cleaning product comprises a thin substrate, preferably open celled polyurethane foam, from 1-5 mm thick having dispersed throughout its cross-section a detergent composition comprising a non-ionic alcohol ethoxylate and a fatty acid soap, preferably 90-10% by weight of the former and 10-90% by weight of the latter, the ratio of detergent composition to substrate being between 2:1 and 10:1 by weight. The substrate may be provided with slits or similar openings which may be engaged by a user's fingers to enable the product to be maintained in an open or spread condition during use.

Abstract: A porous composite material includes a porous body formed of a hydrophobic polymer such as polyvinyl chloride and a layer of a hydrophilic polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol provided over at least a portion of the interior surface of each of the pores of the porous body. The composite material is obtained by a process including the steps of dispersing an aqueous solution containing a hydrophilic polymer and a foaming agent into a solution of a hydrophobic polymer in an organic solvent to form an emulsion, removing the water and the organic solvent from the emulsion to obtain a solid, and subjecting the solid to foaming conditions.

Abstract: Aggregate material is contacted with a fluid agent comprising a hydrophilic urethane prepolymer to form a hydrophilic polyurethane-polyurea polymeric matrix which adhesively bonds the aggregate together as a resilient, integral, water-permeable mass which will sustain plant growth.This is a Reissue of a Patent which was the subject of a Reexamination Certificate No. [B1 3,805,532], dated [Jul. 16, 1985], Request No. [90/000,598], [Jul. 30, 1984].

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of hydrophilic membranes by coagulation of a solution of at least one hydrophobic polymer and at least one hydrophilic polymer in a suitable solvent medium in a coagulation medium. The process according to the invention is characterized in that hydrophilic microfiltration and/or ultrafiltration membranes are prepared by cross-linking the hydrophilic polymer which is present in or on the obtained membrane matrix after the coagulation in an essentially non-swollen state and fixing same as such in or on the polymer matrix. Advantageously the solvents and the undesirable components of the coagulation medium are removed whereby the hydrophilic polymer is converted into an essentially non-swollen state prior to cross-linking. The removal of the undesirable components from the membrane takes place by means of a non-solvent for the hydrophilic polymer according to the invention.