Abstract: Methods are disclosed in which a micelle is stabilized against degradation upon dilution. The micelle comprises molecules of a block polymer having a hydrophobic block and a hydrophilic block. The hydrophobic block forms a core of the micelle with corona from the hydrophilic block. The methods for stabilizing the core are (1) by chemically cross-linking, (2) incorporating a hydrophobic oil (vegetable oil) in the core to render it more hydrophobic and stable, and (3) incorporating a cross-linked interpenetrating network of a stimuli-responsive hydrogel into the core. The hydrogel is responsive to any stimuli, but preferably temperature or pH. A substance such as, drugs, can be incorporated into the dense inner core of the micelles. When subjected to ultrasound, the micelles release the substance, and then reversibly revert to a stable dense core and re-encapsulating the substance when the ultrasound is turned off.

Abstract: A concrete article is prepared by mixing concrete, water and a reinforcing polymer comprised of a substantially random interpolymer of at least one &agr;-olefin, with at least one vinyl or vinylidene aromatic monomer and curing said concrete mixture to form a concrete article having the reinforcing polymer therein, such that the reinforcing polymer has a surface comprised of the substantially random interpolymer in contact with the concrete.

Abstract: Solid blends of rubbery polymers and amorphous or crystalline polymers, said blends being free-flowing at temperatures lower than the glass transition temperature or crystalline melting temperature of the amorphous or crystalline polymer, are prepared by intimate mixing procedures. In general, said mixing conditions include high shear conditions sufficient to convert polymer A to dispersed particles coated with polymer B and produce a free-flowing powder blend.

Abstract: The invention relates to new methods of dyeing polymers. The methods include dispersing nanomaterials into the polymers to form polymer nanocomposites, and dyeing the polymer nanocomposites with a dye. The invention also relates to dyed polymers thus obtained and articles made from these dyed polymers.

Abstract: An aromatic carbonate polymer composition having improved thermal stability consisting of an aromatic carbonate polymer such as a polycarbonate or polycarbonate/polyester blend and an impact modifier which is free of alkali materials which catalytically degrade a polycarbonate. Also an impact modifier which is preferably of a shell-core structure prepared by the emulsion polymerization process and has a pH of about 3 to about 8. A preferred emulsifier is an alkyl sulfonate having an alkyl group of C6-C18 carbons.

Abstract: A latex composition for hair care containing a spray-dried hybrid-graft copolymer of a sulfopolyester and an acid-functional polymer segment. The acid-functional polymer segment is formed from at least one acid-functional monomer, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and at least one amide-containing monomer. Such compositions exhibit superior curl retention even at high humidity.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a production process for an aqueous coating composition including a resin emulsion, which has excellent storage stability, and besides, excellent sagging performance, adhesion and water resistance. The production process for an aqueous coating composition comprises the steps of: beforehand mixing 20 to 50 parts by weight of an aqueous acrylic resin solution with 100 parts by weight of a resin emulsion, wherein the aqueous acrylic resin solution and the resin emulsion are in a state of not including an organic solvent; and adding an organic solvent to a mixed liquid obtained by mixing the resin emulsion and the aqueous acrylic resin solution.

Abstract: A plastics material comprises an acrylic polymer containing 5-50% of a rubbery copolymer and a biocidal compound. The plastic material is useful as a component of a refrigerator, worktop etc. or as a building material. The material may be used as a coating for a substrate. Method of manufacturing laminate materials comprising the plastics material are also claimed.

Abstract: A polyurethane comprising lateral and/or terminal ethenylarylene groups produced by reacting a polyurethane prepolymer containing free isocyanate groups with an adduct obtained by reacting an ethenylarylene monoisocyanate with a polyol, polyamine, and/or a compound containing hydroxyl and amino groups in a molar ratio of 1:1. Also, a graft copolymer comprising a hydrophobic core comprising at least one monomer and a hydrophilic shell comprising the polyurethane, or a hydrophobic core comprising the polyurethane and a hydrophilic shell that comprises at least one monomer. Also, a graft copolymer comprising a hydrophobic core comprising at least one monomer and a hydrophilic shell comprising a polyurethane produced by dispersing at least one hydrophilic olefinic unsaturated polyurethane comprising lateral, and optionally terminal, ethenylarylene groups in an aqueous medium and copolymerizing at least one hydrophobic monomer in the polyurethane in emulsion.

Abstract: A process for preparing barrier polymer compositions comprises adding an additive, in the form of a latex, to an aqueous dispersion of barrier polymer particles, coagulating the latex additive on the surface of the polymer particles to coat the polymer particles and then drying the latex-coated polymer particles.

Abstract: The plastics additives powder compositions of the present invention are provided as powder particles having impact modifier particles and processing aid particles which are coagulated and dried. When blended in thermoplastic resins, such as PVC, the subject plastics additives powders both increase the impact strength and improve process efficiency and melt strength. The impact and processing properties achieved by the present invention are more efficient than using separate impact modifier and processing aid powders. The method of preparing the powder compositions of the present invention also enable impact modifier particles having rubber weight fractions greater than 88% to be isolated as free-flowing powders.

Abstract: The invention provides polyepoxide-based adhesives containing cycloaliphatic-containing polyepoxide resin, aromatic polyepoxide resin, and 9,9-bis(3-methyl-4-aminophenyl)fluorene. The adhesives provide improved peel and shear strength.

Abstract: A molding composition has a bulk resin component formed from: a) 5 to 93 percent by weight of cycloaliphatic polyester resin such as poly(1,4-cyclohexane-dimethanol-1,4-dicarboxylate having a melt viscosity of at least 6000 poise; b) 5 to 93 percent by weight of an acrylate polymer or co-polymer; and c) 2 to 30 percent by weight of an impact modifier with a a shell comprising a repeating units derived from a C1-12 alkyl(meth)acrylate and a rubbery core having weatherability properties. The composition may further include a polycarbonate polymer or a styrene-acrylonitrile polymer as a phase compatabilizer as well as other conventional additives such as pigments, mineral fillers, antioxidants and the like. The composition has improved ductility, impact strength and weatherability.

Abstract: A composition for peelable coating, which composition exhibits excellent properties such as film-formability and water resistance and can be dried at ambient temperature without any particular heating, to thereby provide excellent coating performance. The composition contains a core/shell copolymer including an acrylic copolymer portion A having a high glass transition temperature of 30° C.-70° C. and an acrylic copolymer portion B having a low glass transition temperature of 5° C. to −30° C. and being formed through multi-step polymerization. The core/shell copolymer is made up of 5-40 wt. % of the acrylic copolymer portion A and 60-95 wt. % of the acrylic copolymer portion B, on the basis of the total amount of the portion A and the portion B. The acrylic copolymer portion A and the acrylic copolymer portion B contain the same hard-polymer-providing monomer unit and soft-polymer-providing monomer unit.

Abstract: There are provided an inorganic filler, multi-functional filler, an organic compound filler, a modified filler, and a dental coloring filler suitable in use as a filler in a dental composition, compositions having a resin matrix of an organic polymer material, as well as a process for producing the same. Disclosed are an inorganic filler which comprises an inorganic fine particle, wherein the surface of the inorganic fine particle is covered with polysiloxane. Also disclosed is a multi-functional filler which comprises an inorganic fine particle containing an acid reactive element, wherein a cement reactive phase is formed on the surface of the inorganic fine particle, and the cement reactive phase is further covered with polysiloxane. Also disclosed is an organic compound filler which comprises an organic-inorganic polymer particle or an organic polymer particle, wherein the surface of the organic-inorganic polymer particle or an organic polymer particle is covered with an inorganic film.

Abstract: This invention discloses resilient, acrylic graft polymers comprising &agr;-methylene lact(one)(am) monomers such as &agr;-methylene-&ggr;-butyrolactone, and blends of such polymers with thermoplastic matrix resins.

Abstract: A process for preparing aqueous polymer dispersions comprises first of all subjecting ethylenically unsaturated monomers to free-radical aqueous emulsion polymerization to prepare an aqueous dispersion of a polymer 1 having a glass transition temperature Tg1, then dissolving further, comparatively hard monomers in the dispersed particles of the polymer 1, and subsequently carrying out free-radical polymerization of said monomers dissolved in said particles.

Abstract: Nanoparticle composites and nanocapsules for guest encapsulation and methods for synthesizing same. One synthesis method includes providing a nanoparticle template; and forming a shell on the nanoparticle template by polymerizing a monomer on the nanoparticle template to form a nanoparticle composite defined by the shell and the nanoparticle template. Another synthesis method includes providing a nanoparticle template; forming a shell on the nanoparticle template by polymerizing a monomer on the nanoparticle template; and dissolving the nanoparticle template to thereby form a hollow nanocapsule defined by the shell. Another synthesis method includes providing a nanoparticle template carrying a guest molecule; and forming a shell on the nanoparticle template by polymerizing a monomer on the nanoparticle template to thereby encapsulate the guest molecule.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Improved diaper cores containing particles of the multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles also are disclosed.

Abstract: Gypsum wallboard compositions are disclosed which contain functionalized styrene butadiene latex polymers. Methods for the use of the compositions in the manufacture of wallboard panels and sheets is presented.

Abstract: A method for preparing an intrinsically conductive copolymer comprising preparing an emulsion latex in a medium; forming a mixture which comprises at least one cyclic heteroatom containing monomer, the emulsion latex in the medium and an additive under first condition effective to maintain the emulsion latex in a first stabilized emulsion state, causing the monomer in the mixture to polymerize under second condition effective to produce the conductive copolymer in a second stabilized emulsion state. Additives include cyclodextrins, partially alkylated cyclodextrins, poly(vinyl alcohol), partially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl acetate) and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Aqueous based emulsion copolymers containing vinyl ethylene carbonate, vinyl acetate, and one or more other ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and aqueous based poly(vinyl alcohol)-containing emulsion copolymers formed by emulsion copolymerization of vinyl ethylene carbonate, vinyl acetate, and optionally one or more other ethylenically unsaturated monomer, in the presence of poly(vinyl alcohol). These emulsion copolymers can be used in a variety of applications such as adhesives and coatings.

Abstract: The invention relates to microcapsules for which the walls comprise reaction products of polyisocyanates with guanidine compounds and amines.

Abstract: An apparatus for slush molding a thin shell having an outer layer and an inner layer. The apparatus includes two tubs alternately movable to a cast position for dispensing their respective material contents into a mold cavity. According to another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a diverter valve configured to alternately open a passage from each of two tubs to the mold cavity to selectively dispense charge materials from the respective tubs into the mold cavity. In addition, a method is provided for forming a thin shell having an outer layer and an inner layer. A first polymer material is cast and allowed to melt on a heated mold surface to form an outer layer. A second polymer material is then cast and allowed to melt and form an inner layer on the inner surface of the outer layer. The shell is then removed from the mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a latex that may be utilized as a binder for nonwoven applications to form a permeable sublayer of personal hygiene articles. The latex is prepared by a process including the steps of (1) polymerizing a monomer mixture comprising styrene, itaconic acid, surfactant and water soluble free radical initiator to form a seed; (2) sequentially adding equal increments of a monomer mixture of styrene, butadiene and acrylic acid to the seed under emulsion polymerization conditions to form a styrene-butadiene-acrylic acid copolymer; and then (3) neutralizing the styrene-butadiene-acrylic acid copolymer to a pH of about 4.5 to 7 to form the latex.

Abstract: Solid blends of rubbery polymers and amorphous or crystalline polymers, said blends being free-flowing at temperatures lower than the glass transition temperature or crystalline melting temperature of the amorphous or crystalline polymer, are prepared by intimate mixing procedures. In general, said mixing conditions include high shear conditions sufficient to convert polymer A to dispersed particles coated with polymer B and produce a free-flowing powder blend.

Abstract: Amphiphilic latex nanoparticles comprise a core and shell, The core contains hydrophobic vinylic grafted copolymer and hydrophobic vinylic homopolymer, and the shell to which the hydrophobic vinylic polymer is grafted is a hydrophilic, nitrogen-containing polymer. Typically the particles are made by a process which involves generating radicals on the nitrogen atoms of said hydrophilic polymer, and then initiating free-radical polymerisation of said vinylic monomer, hydrophobic vinylic polymer separating to form latexes of highly monodispersed core-shell particles with the hydrophobic polymer as the core and said hydrophilic polymer as the shell.

Abstract: A plastisol is disclosed comprising as a mixture I. one or more polymers and/or copolymers of (meth)acrylates obtainable by polymerising compositions which contain as polymerisable constituents A) 20 to 100 wt. % of methyl methacrylate, B) 0 to 80 wt. % of a (meth)acrylate of the formula I other than methyl methacrylate,  in which R1 denotes hydrogen or methyl and R2 denotes a linear or branched alkyl residue having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, C) 0 to 40 wt. % of a further unsaturated monomer other than A) and B) and D) 0 to 40 wt. % of an adhesion-promoting monomer,  wherein A) to D) constitute 100 wt. % of the polymerisable constituents, II. proportions of 5 to 400 parts by weight of plasticisers compatible with the polymers and/or copolymers of I per 100 parts by weight of the latter and III.

Abstract: Fine-particle, filled rubber powders prepared by precipitation from aqueous mixtures of a filler suspension and a rubber-latex emulsion in the absence of water-soluble salts of metals of groups IIa, IIb, IIIa, or VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements and in the absence of alkali metal silicate are used for vulcanizable rubber mixtures.

Abstract: A film receptive to a variety of different classes or kinds of inks, such as water based inks, solvent based inks and UV cured inks. The film includes a water based latex polymer, such as transparent film-forming core/shell latex polymers, a polar polymer, such as polymers having an ionic component to increase the receptivity of the coating to water-based inks, and a surfactant, such as an alkyaryl sulfonate, to prevent agglomeration of the latex polymer before it is formed into film. The preferred latex polymer is a core/shell latex polymer. The preferred polar polymer is chemically compatible with latex polymers and is sufficiently ionic or polar to improve the printability onto the film of water-based inks. The surfactant, which may be in the latex as manufactured or may be added separately, has a molecular structure that includes at least one hydrophobic moiety and at least one anionic group such as sulfates, sulfonates and the like.

Abstract: A multi-stage emulsion polymer containing at least one first domain having a glass transition temperature Tg of from −10 to +40° C. and at least one second domain having a Tg of from +50 to 120° C., the weight ratio of the first domain to the second domain being within the range from 90:10 to 50:50. The first and/or the second domain containing from 0.1 to 10% by weight of a nitrogen-coutaining adhesion monomer and the first domain containing at least 10% by weight of vinyl aromatic compounds and/or the second domain containing at least 15% by weight of vinyl aromatic compounds and/or C4 to C12 alkylmethacrylates.

Abstract: Provided are a fluorescent microsphere comprised of a plurality of fluorescent nanocrystals embedded in a polymeric microsphere; a kit prepared from the fluorescent microspheres; and a method of producing the fluorescent microspheres comprising swelling the polymeric microsphere so that into its pores can enter fluorescent nanocrystals, and then unswelling the polymeric micropsheres so that the fluorescent nanocrystals become physically entrapped in the pores of the unswelled polymeric microsphere. Also provided is a method of using the fluorescent microspheres comprising affinity ligand for determining the presence or absence of a predetermined number of analytes in a sample by contacting the sample with the fluorescent microspheres, and detecting the fluorescence signal pattern of excited fluorescent microspheres bound to one or more analytes of the predetermined number of analytes, if present in the sample.

Abstract: Composite particles capable of forming a coating excelling in weatherability and, in particular, stain-proof characteristics, a composite particle dispersion composition containing the composite particles and excelling in film formability, and a method of preparing the composite particle dispersion composition. The composite particles contain (i) polymer particles having 2-70 wt % of a polymer phase (a) of the core and 98-30 wt % of a polymer phase (b) of the shell, and (ii) a polymer of at least either an organosilicon compound or organometallic compound present at least either on or near the surface of the polymer phase (b), wherein the polymer phase (a) and the polymer phase (b) have different monomer compositions.

Abstract: A low-cost, efficient method of preparing hierarchically ordered structures by combining, concurrently or sequentially, micromolding, latex templating, and cooperative self-assembly of hydrolyzed inorganic species and amphiphilic block copolymers.

Abstract: A resin composition for an aqueous paint, which comprises (a) a binder composed of different phase structure emulsion particles obtained by multi-stage emulsion polymerization, and (b) a compound having at least two hydrazide groups in its molecule, wherein the different phase structure emulsion particles have an outermost phase formed of an emulsion polymer which is an emulsion polymer of an ethylenic unsaturated monomer, having a glass transition temperature of from −50° C. to 15° C., and the following conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied: (1) the emulsion polymer forming the outermost phase contains from 1 to 25 mass % of an ethylenic unsaturated monomer having a carbonyl group, (2) at least one phase located inside the outermost phase of the different phase structure emulsion particles, is formed of an emulsion polymer of an ethylenic unsaturated monomer, having a glass transition temperature of from 50° C. to 150° C.

Abstract: The invention concerns hydrophobic films for coating surfaces obtained by drying at low temperature, not requiring coalescent agents, latex containing a core-structured polymer with soft characteristic having a glass transition temperature lower than 20° C. enclosed in a shell with hard characteristic having a glass transition temperature higher than 50° C.

Abstract: A beaded polymeric adsorbent has a core part; a shell part arranged around the core part, with one of the parts having a lipophilic property and another of the parts having a hydrophilic property, and is produced by preparing an organic phase composed of water insoluble monounsaturated and poly unsaturated comonomers; preparing an aqueous phase composed of a mixture of water soluble monounsaturated and polyunsaturated comonomers; forming a dispersion of the organic phase and the aqueous phase in a single vessel; and creating conditions for first polymerizing of one of the phases which forms the core part and thereafter polymerizing the other of the phases which forms the shell part.

Abstract: Biopolymers and biopolymer blends, including block copolymers, prepared via enzyme-mediated catalysis preferably in a microorganism host in which the reaction conditions are selected to produce biopolymers and biopolymer blends having particular chemical compositions and microstructures.

Abstract: Gypsum wallboard compositions are disclosed which contain functionalized styrene butadiene latex polymers. Methods for the use of the compositions in the manufacture of wallboard panels and sheets is presented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoplastic resin with improved impact strength comprising a) a thermoplastic polyether sulfone resin and b) glass fibers treated with a polyolefin wax. The polyolefin wax may be polyethylene wax, polypropylene wax, polyethylene-propylene wax, or polyethylene-butylene wax. The polyethersulfone resin glass blend has high modulus and improved impact strength.

Abstract: Aqueous self-crosslinking copolymer dispersions ABC obtainable by free-radically initiated copolymerization in the first stage of a monomer mixture A comprising olefinically unsaturated monomers A1 having carbonyl groups, unsaturated carboxylic acids or monoesters of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids A2, monomers A3 selected from vinylaromatic compounds, n-butyl methacrylate and also alkyl esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids or dialkyl esters of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, esters A4 selected from alkyl esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids of dialkyl esters of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, and other free-radically polymerizable monomers A5, and subsequent addition of a second monomer mixture B and further polymerization in the second stage, the mixture B comprising olefinically unsaturated monomers B1 corresponding to A1, esters B2 corresponding to A4, and monomers B3 corresponding to A5, and subsequently adding compounds C having hydrazine or hydrazide groups.

Abstract: This invention provides improved methods and compositions for achieving material coloration using particle scattering. These coloration effects can be designed to be either highly stable or dependent upon the switching effects of either temperature, integrated thermal exposure, moisture absorption, or exposure to actinic radiation. Articles employing materials with these coloration effects are described. Composition comprise a solid, light-transmitting matrix component having a non-liquid particle scattering colorant dispersed. Articles are produced wherein another solid second matrix component has an electronic transition colorant dispersed therein and the first and second compositions are disposed on one another and optionally interpenetrate each other. Colored articles are produced in the form of fibers, films and molded articles.

Abstract: A composition comprising particles which comprise a core material within a polymeric shell, wherein the core material comprises a hydrophobic substance, characterized in that the polymeric shell comprises a copolymer formed from a monomer blend which comprises, A) 30 to 90% by weight methacrylic acid B) 10 to 70% by weight alkyl ester of (meth)acrylic acid which is capable of forming a homopolymer of glass transition temperature in excess of 60 ° C. and C) 0 to 40% by weight other ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The core material can comprise an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of UV absorbers, UV reflectors, pigments, dyes, colorants, scale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, pour point depressants, wax deposition inhibitors, dispersants, flame retardants, biocides, active dye tracer materials and phase change materials. The composition has the advantage that the polymeric shell is highly impermeable to the core material even at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: The invention provides antistatic, thermoplastic moulding compositions with improved properties based on optionally rubber-modified polymers of vinyl aromatics, e.g. styrene and/or &agr;-methyl styrene and acrylonitrile and/or acrylates, which contain a special acid-reacting polyether as the antistatic agent.

Abstract: In the present invention, there are obtained aliphatic polyesters having a controlled thermal decomposing property, hydrolizability, and biodegradability, in which OH terminals and COOH terminals are decreased to 50% and 30%, respectively, through a ring-opening polymerization of a lactone and lactide by a mono alcohol having a high boiling point or a metal alkoxide, or by further decreasing both terminals through combining produced polymer terminals with a diisocyanate and, from a composition containing the polyesters, there is obtained a particle-state composition for agriculture and gardening in which a duration period of a fertilizing effect can be controlled, and which is not remained in soil by decomposition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial pigment and a method of preparing the same, specifically to an artificial pigment with excellent dry pick resistance and a method of preparing the same. In order to accomplish the object, the present invention provides an artificial pigment of core-shell structure comprising; a) shell of butadiene polymer including. i) seed of butadiene polymer having glass transition temperature of −10 to 50° C., and ii) seed covering of butadiene polymer having glass transition temperature of −10 to 20° C., and b) core of styrene polymer having glass transition temperature of 40 to 120° C., and a method of preparing artificial pigment comprising a) preparing shell of butadiene polymer, and b) preparing core of styrene polymer inner side of said shell of a) step.

Abstract: The invention provides: a water-absorbent resin granule-containing composition with resolution of various problems, as caused by water-absorbent resin fine powders, and with high granulation strength, and with no physical property deterioration due to granulation, and, if anything, with improvement of the absorption capacity under a load by granulation; and a process for producing the above granule. A water-absorbent resin primary particle and a water-absorbent resin granule are separately surface-crosslinked and then mixed, or mixed and then surface-crosslinked. The granulation is carried out by mixing a preheated aqueous liquid and a water-absorbent resin powder at a high speed or by supplying a water-absorbent resin powder downstream of an aqueous liquid with a continuous extrusion mixer.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion of non-melt-processible fluoropolymer, process for making same and concentrated dispersion and powder obtained from the dispersion. The fluoropolymer particles of the dispersion have a standard specific gravity (SSG) of less than 2.225 and comprise a core of high molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene and a shell of lower molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene or modified polytetrafluoroethylene. At least about 1.5 weight % of the fluoropolymer particles comprise substantially rod-shaped particles having a length to diameter ratio greater than about 5.

Abstract: The invention provides thermoplastic molding compositions of the ABS type containing highly effective graft rubber components obtained by emulsion polymerization while using a special initiator system and maintaining defined reaction conditions.

Abstract: High impact polystyrene having a predominant core-shell morphology is made by polymerizing styrene in the presence of polybutadiene using toluene as a solvent. The thermoplastic polymer composition is characterized by a continuous phase of polystyrene containing dispersed graft copolymer particles having a core-shell structure with a polystyrene core occluded inside a polybutadiene shell. The styrene is desirably batch polymerized using styrene/toluene mixtures of about 70:30 by weight in the presence of from about 9 to about 15 weight percent polybutadiene while flashing off the toluene solvent.