Abstract: The present invention relates to a new form of biocompatible materials (e.g., lipids, polycations, polysaccharides) which are capable of undergoing free radical polymerization, e.g., by using certain sources of light; methods of modifying certain synthetic and naturally occurring biocompatible materials to make polymerizable microcapsules containing biological material coated with said polymerizable materials, composites of said polymerizable materials, methods of making microcapsules and encapsulating biological materials therein, and apparatus for making microcapsules containing biological cells (particularly islets of Langerhans) coated with polymerizable alginate or with a composite thereof (e.g., alginate and PEG). The present invention also relates to drug delivery systems relating to the foregoing, as well as bioadhesives and wound dressings made utilizing the foregoing technology.

Abstract: Aqueous based printing ink compositions adapted for use in gravure and flexographic printing on hydrophobic substrates are prepared by combining a low-viscosity resin emulsion having an average particle diameter of less than about 0.5 microns and comprised of hydrophobic, moisture resistant, adherent resin forming components with a pigment paste containing a water-soluble polymer. The printing inks are substantially devoid of volatile organic solvent.

Abstract: This invention relates to dicyclopentyl-oxyethyl methacrylate acrylic copolymer latices forming photocurable coalesced films and prepared by adding a photoinitiator to the latex, and which are useful for preparing lacquers and paints, particularly for building facades.

Abstract: Provided is a composition curable by active energy rays, comprising a cationic polyacryloyl compound having two or more acryloyl groups and one or more cation groups in a molecule, represented by any of General Formulae (1) to (6) ##STR1## wherein Z.sub.1 to Z.sub.6 represent independently a residue derived from a polyhydric alcohol or a polyepoxide,K.sub.1 represents independently a radical of the formula ##STR2## K.sub.2 represents a radical of the formula ##STR3## R.sub.1 represents independently a radical of the formula ##STR4## wherein R.sub.3 is independently H-- or CH.sub.3 --, and R.sub.2 represents independently a radical of the formulaCH.sub.2 .dbd.CHCOO--, or CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(CH.sub.3)COO--.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of mouldings, especially contact lenses, in which a soluble prepolymer comprising crosslinkable groups is crosslinked in solution, and also to mouldings, especially contact lenses, obtainable in accordance with that process. The present invention relates also to novel prepolymers that can be used in the process according to the invention, especially derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 that, based on the number of hydroxy groups of the polyvinyl alcohol, comprise from approximately 0.5 to approximately 80% of units of formula I ##STR1## wherein R is lower alkylene having up to 8 carbon atoms,R.sup.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl andR.sup.

Abstract: A process for providing a metal oxide-containing coating on a compatible substrate, the coating being transparent to a photocuring source output and upon cure being resistant to electrical stress. The process of the invention comprises a) preparing a precursor composition comprising a mixture of a stabilizer and a metal oxide sol precursor material; b) combining the stabilizer/metal oxide sol precursor material mixture with a photocurable base resin without high shear mixing to achieve a homogeneous, transparent composition; c) coating the substrate material with the transparent composition; and d) photocuring the coated substrate bearing the transparent composition, wherein the cured coating is homogenous and transparent and remains transparent in the use state, thereby rendering the coating corona resistant. This invention further relates to the coated substrate.

Abstract: A radiation (UV or E-beam) curable hardcoat composition formed of a mixture of colloidal silica and hydrolyzed silica acrylate, an acrylic monomer and a photoinitiator is disclosed. Additives including a hindered amine light stabilizer, a fluoroacrylate and alkyl acrylate are employed to improve cure, clarity and hardness. A diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethyl(benzoyl) phosphine oxide UV initiator causes effective out of focus curing.

Abstract: A method for modifying an ocular implant polymer surface by the gamma-irradiation induced polymerization thereon of N-vinylpyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate or a mixture thereof while maintaining the following conditions:(a) monomer concentration in the range of from about 0.1% to about 50%, by weight;(b) total gamma dose in the range of from about 0.001 to less than about 0.50 Mrad; and(c) gamma dose rate in the range of from above about 2,500 to about 10.sup.8 rads/minute.

Abstract: There are disclosed photosensitive compositions based on water as solvent and/or dispersant for the components of said compositions, comprising 10-50% by weight of water-soluble and/or water-dispersible solid, crosslinkable film-forming polymers as binder, 4-50% by weight of water-soluble and/or water-dispersible photopolymerisable acrylate and/or methacrylate monomers and/or corresponding oligomers, 0.1 to 10% by weight of water-soluble and/or water-dispersible photoinitiator compounds for the photopolymerisable acrylate and/or methacrylate monomers and/or corresponding oligomers, and if the binder contains non-selfcrosslinking polymers, 2.5-40% by weight of water-soluble and/or water-dispersible crosslinking agents for the polymeric binder as thermal hardener, selected from the group consisting of epoxy resins, melamine resins and blocked polyisocyanates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photosensitive polymer composition containing as essential components (A) a soluble polymer, (B) a photopolymerizable compound having an ethylenic double bond in the molecule there of and (C) a photopolymerization initiator, the soluble polymer comprising a water-soluble polymer and an alcohol-soluble polymer, the composition having a sea-and-islands structure comprising sea containing the water-soluble polymer as a main component and islands containing the alcohol-soluble polymer as a main component, and the islands are independently in the form of sphere or oval having a diameter of 0.1 to 20 microns.The photosensitive polymer composition affords a printing plate having high image reproducibility and water-developability and capable of withstanding the coating of an aqueous polymer according to a printing method.

Abstract: Gels for thermotropic layers, obtainable by irradiation of a mixture comprisinga) an uncrosslinked polymer,b) monomers capable of free-radical polymerization andc) water or an organic solvent or mixtures thereof, with high-energy light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of preparing a waterborne photosensitive resin composition, free of organic solvent, that can be developed with aqueous alkali solution. The method of the present invention is a process for preparing a waterborne photosensitive resin composition, that can form a photosensitive article developable with aqueous alkali solution, by adding an unsaturated compound, a surfactant and a photoinitiator to an aqueous emulsion, and agitating under conditions sufficient to absorb the unsaturated compound into the polymeric particles of the emulsion and to form a stable waterborne photosensitive resin composition.

Abstract: Aqueous, radiation-curable binders and binder dispersions are disclosed that contain (A) a radiation-curable binder, and (B) a radiation-curable, hydrophilic polyepoxy-acrylate.

Abstract: A polymer composite is described having a bicontinuous structure of two substantially nonporous phases, one being a hydrophilic polymer and the other being a hydrophobic polymer. The bulk properties of both polymers are retained in the polymer composite. The composite is prepared from a microemulsion comprising a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated polar species in the aqueous phase, a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer in the oil phase, and surfactant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of mouldings, especially contact lenses, in which a soluble prepolymer comprising crosslinkable groups is crosslinked in solution, and also to mouldings, especially contact lenses, obtainable in accordance with that process. The present invention relates also to novel prepolymers that can be used in the process according to the invention, especially derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 that, based on the number of hydroxy groups of the polyvinyl alcohol, comprise from approximately 0.5 to approximately 80% of units of formula I ##STR1## wherein R is lower alkylene having up to 8 carbon atoms,R.sup.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl andR.sup.

Abstract: There are disclosed photosensitive compositions based on water as solvent and/or dispersant for the components of said compositions, comprising 10-50% by weight of water-soluble and/or water-dispersible solid, crosslinkable film-forming polymers as binder, 4-50% by weight of water-soluble and/or water-dispersible photopolymerisable acrylate and/or methacrylate monomers and/or corresponding oligomers, 0.1 to 10% by weight of water-soluble and/or water-dispersible photoinitiator compounds for the photopolymerisable acrylate and/or methacrylate monomers and/or corresponding oligomers, and if the binder contains non-selfcrosslinking polymers, 2.5-40% by weight of water-soluble and/or water-dispersible crosslinking agents for the polymeric binder as thermal hardener, selected from the group consisting of epoxy resins, melamine resins and blocked polyisocyanates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of water-swellable products, using very fine particles of water-swellable polymers, characterized by the following steps: a) the very fine particles of water-swellable polymer are dispersed in a monomer which is liquid at room temperature and does not cause the polymeric superfines to swell, b) the dispersion obtained in step a) is mixed with an aqueous monomer solution, c) the mixture obtained in step b) is polymerized by the addition of catalysts and/or by exposure, and d) the polymer gel is comminuted and dried. The present invention further relates to a water-insoluble, water-swellable polymer which absorbs aqueous and serous liquids and blood, and is obtained by the process described above.

Abstract: A waterborne photoimageable composition or photoresist comprises a latex binder polymer having acid acid functionality to render it developable in alkaline aqueous solution, at least about 50 mole percent of the acid functionality being sulfonic acid moieties, a photopolymerizeable monomer fraction, and a photoinitiator chemical system.

Abstract: A biomosaic polymer is provided. Biologically active materials are bound at surfaces of such polymers polymerized from emulsions containing hydrophobic polymerizable monomers, such biologically active materials, and surface active agents. The biomosaic polymers may be formed into membranes, films, beads, or other structures for a variety of assays, bioseparations, or catalyzed reactions and other uses. A single step polymerization of the emulsion provides significant retention of the biologically active material bound and congregated at surfaces of the polymer.

Abstract: A waterborne photoimageable composition or photoresist comprises a latex binder polymer having acid functionality to render it developable in alkaline aqueous solution, which acid functionality is neutralized to at least about 1 mole percent with an amino acrylate, a photopolymerizeable monomer fraction, and a photoinitiator chemical system.

Abstract: A waterborne photoimageable composition or photoresist comprises a latex binder polymer having sufficient carboxylic acid functionality to render it developable in alkaline aqueous solution, a photopolymerizeable monomer fraction, a photoinitiator chemical system and surfactant which is a fluoroaliphatic oxyethylene adduct.

Abstract: A waterborne photoimageable composition or photoresist comprises a latex binder polymer having sufficient carboxylic acid functionality to render it developable in alkaline aqueous solution, a photopolymerizeable monomer fraction, a photoinitiator chemical system and a poly(siloxane(s)).

Abstract: A waterborne photoimageable composition or photoresist comprises a latex binder polymer having sufficient carboxylic acid functionality to render it developable in alkaline aqueous solution, a photopolymerizeable monomer fraction, a photoinitiator and a polyether polyurethane associate thickener which supports an emulsion of the monomer fraction in aqueous medium. The carboxylic acid functionality of the latex binder polymer is neutralized at from 0 to about 20%.

Abstract: Radiation-curable polyurethane emulsion compositions that can be diluted with water are disclosed. An emulsion of a polyurethane having active amino groups is prepared, and the emulsion is reacted, in the presence of water, with an isocyanate compound having a polymerizable unsaturated group to introduce the polymerizable unsaturated group into the polyurethane. The introduction of a polymerizable unsaturated group into the polyurethane is accomplished in the presence of water, thereby overcoming prior art problems of polymerization and gelation during the preparation of the emulsion. The present invention provides radiation-curable polyurethane emulsion compositions that can be produced on an industrial scale.

Abstract: UV curable hardcoat compositions are provided which impart improved abrasion resistance to thermoplastic substrates when applied and cured thereon. Enhancement in abrasion and weathering properties have been achieved by the use of certain UV curable branched or carbocyclic monoacrylates, such as isobornyl acrylate.

Abstract: A method for modifying the plastic surface of an article adapted for contacting living tissue by the gamma or electron beam irradiation induced chemical graft coating thereon of:(1) a neutral or ionic water-soluble, hydrophilic vinylic monomer or salt thereof;(2) a mixture of at least two of said monomers, or(3) a mixture of (1) or (2) with up to about 50%, by weight, based on the total monomer weight, of a member selected from the group consisting of N-vinylpyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate, and mixtures thereof; so as to form a hydrophilic graft polymer coating on the surface.

Abstract: Coating agent for collagen-containing materials, comprising an aldehyde, unsaturated monomers with and without active hydrogen, solubilizers and/or dispersants, activators and conventional additives.

Abstract: A method for modifying an ocular implant polymer surface by the gamma-irradiation or electron beam irradiation induced polymerization thereon of N-vinylpyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate or a mixture thereof while maintaining the following conditions:(a) monomer concentration in the range of from about 0.1% to about 50%, by weight;(b) total gamma dose in the range of from about 0.001 to less than about 0.50 Mrad; and(c) gamma dose rate in the range of from about 10 to about 2500 rads/minute or electron beam irradiation dose rate in the range of from about 10 to about 10.sup.8 rads/minute.

Abstract: A transparent polyurethane layer which is resistant to fogging. The layer contains monomers and/or oligomers of acrylic acid or of salts of said acid grafted radiochemically to the surface of said layer. The layer is used as a coating layer for laminated glazings.

Abstract: An improved method for modifying the surface of an ocular implant material by the gamma or electron beam irradiation induced chemical graft coating thereon of a monomer comprising N-vinly-pyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate or a mixture of the two to form a hydrophilic graft polymer coating, the improvement comprising pre-soaking the ocular implant material in a monomer or a solution comprising a monomer prior to conducting the gamma- or electron beam-irradiation induced graft polymerization in a second solution of a monomer.

Abstract: Improved medical devices and instruments prepared by an improved method of producing hydrophilic, gamma-irradiation or electron beam-irradiation induced polymerized and chemically grafted coatings or plastic surfaces of articles adapted for contacting living tissue,the improvement comprising carrying out the graft polymerization in an aqueous solution under specific combinations of the following conditions:1) monomer concentration in the range of from about 0.1% to about 50%, by weight;2) total gamma or electron beam irradiation dose in the range of from about 0.001 to less than about 0.50 Mrad; and3) gamma dose rate in the range of from about 10 to about 2500 rads/min or electron beam-irradiation dose rate in the range of from about 10 to about 10.sup.8 rads/min.

Abstract: An improved method for modifying the plastic surfaces of articles adapted for contacting living tissue by the gamma or electron beam irradiation induced chemical graft coating thereon of a monomer comprising N-vinylpyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate or a mixture of the two to form a hydrophilic graft polymer coating, the improvement comprising pre-soaking the ocular implant material in a monomer or a solution comprising a monomer prior to conducting the gamma- or electron beam-irradiation induced graft polymerization in a second solution of a monomer.

Abstract: New carbonyl derivatives of 1-phenylindan suitable for use as photoinitiators in the photopolymerization of compounds or mixtures of compounds containing ethylenic double bonds.The carbonyl derivatives of 1-phenylindan according to the present invention possess high efficiency as photoinitiators in terms both of the concentration used and the photopolymerization rate.

Abstract: A method of curing a three-dimensional specimen of preformed cross-linked polymeric material containing polymerizable ethylenically-unsaturated material is provided in which the specimen is immersed in water having dissolved therein an amount of a water-soluble organic free-radical polymerization catalyst effective to transfer a polymerization-initiating amount of the catalyst into the preformed cross-linked polymeric material. This specimen containing the water-soluble organic free-radical polymerization catalyst is heated to a temperature causing polymerization, and is maintained at that temperature while the cure is completed. The aqueous bath preferably contains a catalyst mixture which includes a catalyst of oxidizing character in admixture with a reducing agent, such as an amine, and is maintained at a polymerization temperature of from 60.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. so that immersion of the specimen in a single bath completes the cure.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous photoinitiator dispersions for incorporation into aqueous dispersions of radiation-curable binder systems.

Abstract: Improved medical devices and instruments prepared by an improved method of producing hydrophilic, gamma irradiation induced polymerized and chemically grafted coatings or plastic surfaces of articles adapted for contacting living tissue, the improvement comprising carrying out the graft polymerization in an aqueous solution under specific combinations of the following conditions:(1) monomer concentration in the range of from about 0.5% to about 50%, by weight;(2) total gamma dose in the range of from about 0.01 to less than about 0.50 Mrad;(3) gamma dose rate in the range of from about 10 to about 2500 rads/min; and(4) maintaining the molecular weight of the polymer in solution in the range of from about 250,000 to about 5,000,000.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a photosensitive polymer composition capable of being electrophoretically depositable as an adherent, uniform photosensitive film on a conductive surface. The photosensitive polymer composition useful for electrodeposition is formed from an aqueous solution or emulsion of at least one polymer having charged carrier groups, a photoinitiator and a source of unsaturation for crosslinking the resulting film upon exposure to actinic radiation. The photosensitive film formed from the photosensitive polymer composition is aqueous developable and resistant to strong inorganic acids and strong bases. The photosensitive polymer composition is useful in the preparation of printed circuit boards, lithographic printing plates, cathode ray tubes, as well as in chemical milling, solder resist and planarizing layer applications.

Abstract: Describes a process for controlling the polymerization and cross-linked density of electrophoretic gel products useful for separation of bioorganic molecules, which process utilizes photoinitiation. Photoinitiated polymerized gels afford the desired advantages of being ultra thin and having a high electrophoretic resolution with programmable porosity profiles.

Abstract: A photocurable electrodeposition coating composition for printed circuit photoresist film comprising(a) a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymerizable unsaturated resin having an acid value of 20 to 300, an unsaturation equivalent of 150 to 3,000 and a number-average molecular weight of not less than 300,(b) a water-insoluble photopolymerization initiator, and(c) a chelating agent.

Abstract: Describes a process for controlling the polymerization and cross-linked density of electrophoretic gel products useful for separation of bioorganic molecules, which process does not use initiators common to processes of the art. Electron beam polymerized gels afford the desired advantages of being ultra thin and having a high electrophoretic resolution with programmable porosity profiles.

Abstract: A method for modifying a PMMA surface by the gamma-irradiation induced polymerization thereon of N-vinylpyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate or a mixture thereof while maintaining the following conditions:(a) monomer concentration in the range of from about 0.5% to about 50%, by weight;(b) total gamma dose in the range of from about 0.01 to less than about 0.50 Mrad;(c) gamma dose rate in the range of from about 10 to about 2500 rads/minute; and(d) maintaining the molecular weight of the polymer in solution in the range of from about 250,000 to about 5,000,000.The invention also relates to modifying polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polycarbonate and silicon surfaces according to a similar method as well as materials produced by the above methods which are useful as ocular implants.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for the manufacture of poly(dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride) comprising:(a) casting upon a continuous belt apparatus to form a film having a thickness of 1/4 inch to 1 inch an aqueous dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride solution having a monomer concentration of at least 65 percent, by weight, monomer, said monomer solution also containing a photoreducible dye in a concentration of 1.times.10.sup.-7 to 1.times.10.sup.-4 moles per liter, a mild reducing agent in a concentration of 1.times.10.sup.-5 to 1.times.10.sup.-2 moles per liter and thermal initiator in a concentration of 1.times.10.sup.-5 to 1.times.10.sup.-2 moles per liter;(b) passing of the solution under a series of lights which emit visible light at an intensity of 0.1 to 10,000 foot candles and controlling the temperature of the monomer solution in the range of 5.degree. C. to 65.degree. C.

Abstract: A process is described for eliminating or substantially reducing the surface tack on relief printing plates and the like articles fabricated from radiation-sensitive polymerizable resins, particularly photopolymerizable resin compositions. The process comprises immersing the article, after curing, in an aqueous solution or dispersion comprising a water-soluble or water dispersible ethylenically unsaturated monomer (acrylic, methacrylic acids and derivatives thereof preferred) and optionally a photoinitiator and exposing the immersed plate to actinic radiation.

Abstract: A process for modifying the surface characteristics of a pre-formed polymeric substrate to impart hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, or other desired properties thereto, by peroxidizing the surface of the substrate and then allowing the active sites along the polymer chains to generate free radicals which induce graft polymerization of a suitable ethylenic monomer (or other ethylenically-unsaturated compound) onto the surface of the substrate is described. Such graft copolymerization is undertaken in the presence of variable valence metal ions in a reduced state under acidic conditions and at selected reaction times and relatively low temperatures, and ideally in the presence of squarate ions (diketocyclobutenediol) to control the physical characteristics of the surface graft and to restore the metal ions to their lower valence state without at the same time producing deleterious by-products.

Abstract: Michler's ketone analogs and salts thereof, which are photosensitizers in water-soluble photoinitiator systems used to induce polymerization in free-radically-curable, ethylenically-unsaturated materials, are disclosed. The Michler's ketone analogs have the formula: ##STR1## wherein each R is an alkyl group of 1 to 8 carbon atoms,R.sup.1 is an alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,Z is R.sup.1 COOH or R.sup.1 H, andn is an integer having a value of 1 or 2.The photoinitiator systems are useful in imaging systems, and additionally contain a free radical initiator compound selected from iodonium salts, biimidazoles, trialkylphosphites, alkyl peroxides, benzyl halides, alkyl nitrates, and the benzophenones other than (a).