Abstract: A method for dispersing solid forms of additives in polymers involves adding dispersions or solutions of additive(s) to a solution of polymer in a tubular mixer (preferably in the presence of a stationary mixer). The mixer leads to a steam precipitation step wherein all fluid ingredients in the mixture are volatilized leaving the solid additive and resin in the desired ratio. This results in a uniform dispersion of the additives in the polymer matrix. As a result of the high dispersion, physical properties of a thermoplastic resin, to which the polymer matrix has been added are preserved. In one illustration, PTFE as a drip inhibitor additive, is added to polycarbonate to obtain a highly dispersed PTFE concentrate of improved drip-inhibition without loss of mechanical properties when added to a thermoplastic molding resin.

Abstract: Pigment composition obtainable by(a) mixing a latent pigment with a polymerizable substance, and(b) treating the mixture of step (a) with heat while mixing the reaction mixture, and(c) cooling the treated reaction mixture to room temperature, and, if desired, working up the obtained pigment composition, a process for its preparations, its use and compositions comprising it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pulverulent polymer composition comprisinga) a particulate mineral carrier of high specific surface area andb) a polymer dispersion applied to the carrier, andto a process for preparing this pulverulent polymer composition, to its use for preparing building materials, and to polymer-modified building materials, such as bitumen, dry mortars, powder adhesives, pulverulent coating formulations and filling compounds, all of which comprise such polymer compositions.

Abstract: The pH-modified monomer and polymer compositions are useful as biomedical and surgical adhesives, sealants, implants and bioactive agent release carriers or matrices. They comprise a monomer or polymer; and an effective amount of an acidic or basic pH modifier effective to modify the pH of an immediate in vivo environment of the composition to a pH range at which the polymer biodegrades at a different rate than at physiologic pH. The invention also relates to in vivo applications in which surfaces are joined or treated with such pH-modified biocompatible compositions.

Abstract: A laser-sinterable powder product has been prepared having unique properties which allow the powder to be sintered in a selective laser sintering machine to form a sintered part which is near-fully dense. For most purposes, the sintered part is indistinguishable from another part having the same dimensions made by isotropically molding the powder. In addition to being freely flowable at a temperature near its softening temperature, a useful powder is disclosed that has a two-tier distribution in which substantially no primary particles have an average diameter greater than 180 .mu.m, provided further that the number average ratio of particles smaller than 53 .mu.m is greater than 80%, the remaining larger particles being in the size range from 53 .mu.m to 180 .mu.m. A powder with slow recrystallization rates, as evidenced by non-overlapping or slightly overlapping endothermic and exothermic peaks in their differential scanning calorimetry characteristics for scan rates of on the order of 10.degree. C. to 20.

Abstract: An energy sensitive composition comprising a monomeric organometallic complex essentially free of nucleophilic groups and which, upon exposure to energy, bonds to basic reactive sites on a substrate via the metal center, leaving the polymerizable group of the complex unreacted and unrestricted; an energy sensitive composition at least one energy sensitive organometallic group is incorporated in or appended to the backbone of a polymer, such that the resulting coordinatively unsaturated organometallic group or groups bond to basic reactive sites on a substrate, thus forming permanent bonds, and further, the adherent compositions are useful in applications such as adhesion of polymers to substrates, protective coatings, printing plates, durable release coatings, primers, binders, and paints.

Abstract: A flame retardant resin composition comprising (A) 100 parts by weight of a synthetic resin, (B) 20 to 150 parts by weight of magnesium hydroxide particles and (C) 20 to 150 parts by weight of aluminum hydroxide particles, wherein the magnesium hydroxide particles and the aluminum hydroxide particles satisfy the following conditions (i) to (v): (i) the average secondary particle diameter measured by a microtrack method is 0.4 to 4 .mu.m; (ii) the specific surface measured by a BET method is 1 to 15 m.sup.2 /g; (iii) the total content of an iron compound and a manganese compound is 200 ppm or less in terms of metals (Fe+Mn); (iv) the ratio of the specific surface measured by the BET method to the specific surface measured by a Blaine method is 1 to 4; and (v) the content of a water-soluble sodium salt is 500 ppm or less in terms of metal sodium.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-absorbing agent, which has high absorption capacity and excellent absorption efficiency under increased pressure and can display excellent water absorption properties when used for sanitary materials even if the resin concentration of a water-absorbent resin is high. The water-absorbing agent has an absorption capacity of 30 (g/g) or more and the below-defined absorption efficiency of 0.7 or more under increased pressure. This agent can be obtained by heating in the presence of a surface-crosslinking agent a water-absorbent resin having an absorption capacity of 40 (g/g) or more and an amount of an eluting component of 1 wt % or less relative to the water-absorbent resin, or by: polymerizing a water-absorbent resin in the presence of a chain transfer agent; treating the polymerized resin with a hydrophilic solution; and heating the treated resin in the presence of a surface-crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A process of forming a seed polymer for use in an emulsion polymerization reaction. The process includes the steps of providing an aqueous mixture of styrene, emulsifying agent, initiator and at least one polymerizable di- or tri-carboxylic acid and then polymerizing the aqueous mixture in the presence of a nonpolymerizable di- or tri-carboxylic acid to form the seed polymer.

Abstract: A rubber composition containing a filler having individual aggregates containing both large and small particles, where the small particles are grafted onto the surface of the large particles. The small particles range from 1 to 30 weight percent of the overall weight of the filler. The large particles range from 70 to 99 weight percent of the overall weight of the filler. The small particles range in size of from 1 to 16 nanometers in diameter and the large particles range in size of from 17 to 500 nanometers in diameter.

Abstract: An improved proppant and a method of increasing the conductivity of the fractures of subterranean formations is described. The proppant contains a mixture of bondable particles and removable particles. The bondable particles within a subterranean formation, adhere to adjacent bondable particles to form a permanent, self-supporting matrix and the removable particles from the self supporting matrix the ambient conditions of the fracture. The conductivity of the fracture and the overall productivity of the hydraulic operation is increased.

Abstract: There is provided a water-based ink comprising: 1-15% by weight of aluminum powder; 10-40% by weight of a humectant; 0.05-0.5% by weight of a chelating agent; 0.1-0.5% by weight of a cross-linkable acrylic acid polymer having a number average molecular weight in the range of 3,000,000-5,000,000; 30-80% by weight of water; 2-8% by weight of a dispersant; and 0.2-1.5% by weight of a anticorrosive lubricant.

Abstract: A conductive paste structure is is disclosed which is a combination of a polymeric material and particles, e.g. Cu, having a thermally conductive coating, e.g. Sn. Heat is applied to fuse the coating of adjacent particles. The polymeric material is a thermoplastic. The conductive paste structure is disposed between two thermally conductive surfaces, e.g.chip and substrate pads, to provide thermal interconnection and adhesion between their pads.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-absorbing agent, which has high absorption capacity and excellent absorption efficiency under increased pressure and can display excellent water absorption properties when used for sanitary materials even if the resin concentration of a water-absorbent resin is high. The water-absorbing agent has an absorption capacity of 30 (g/g) or more and the below-defined absorption efficiency of 0.7 or more under increased pressure. This agent can be obtained by heating in the presence of a surface-crosslinking agent a water-absorbent resin having an absorption capacity of 40 (g/g) or more and an amount of an eluting component of 1 wt % or less relative to the water-absorbent resin, or by: polymerizing a water-absorbent resin in the presence of a chain transfer agent; treating the polymerized resin with a hydrophilic solution; and heating the treated resin in the presence of a surface-crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Solid form additive systems which are dispersible in aqueous media are disclosed, as are methods for preparing such additive systems and methods for dispersing such additive systems in aqueous media. Also disclosed are methods for applying additives to polymeric particles and the polymeric particles treated by such methods. These polymeric particles can be made into articles that can be used in a wide range of applications, e.g., as film or packaging for food, medicine and the like.

Abstract: A resin composition comprising a thermoplastic resin and a titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) pigment and having a moisture content of 10-1,400 ppm as determined by a specific method. A preferable resin composition is made by (i) atomizing 0.1-3.0 wt. parts of an organopolysiloxane within a fluidized powder layer of 100 wt. parts of TiO.sub.2 pigment; (ii) mixing 1-5 wt. parts of a metallic soap with 100 wt. parts of the TiO.sub.2 pigment; (iii) heat-treating the thus-obtained mixture at 70-200.degree. C. for 10 min-2 hours; and then, (iv) mixing a thermoplastic resin with the heat-treated mixture. The resin composition is used for coating paper or film, when it contains 20-60 wt. % of TiO.sub.2 pigment. The resin composition is used as a master batch for the preparation of a resin composition for coating paper or film, when it contains 30-80 wt. % of TiO.sub.2 pigment.

Abstract: An elastic water-permeable polymeric concrete composition, a formulation method therefor, an elastic water-permeable polymeric concrete structure using the composition, and a method for constructing the structure. The polymeric concrete composition is formulated by integrating a rubber powder ground from waste tires or waste rubber and an aggregate using a polymeric binder, and if required, by adding a pigment and aromatic capsules capable of providing remedial and psychological effects. The polymeric concrete structure manufactured using such polymeric concrete composition has appropriate elasticity, water permeability, strength and a pleasant aroma. Thus, the polymeric concrete composition is useful for paving a footpath, a roadway, a bikeway, a railway crossing, a parking lot, a stadium, a racing track, a landing strip, etc., and as a material for civil engineering and constructions such as blocks, tile sound-absorbing plates, soundproofing plates, soundproofing walls and retaining walls.

Abstract: Dry, coated pigment particles are obtained by first suspending uncoated pigment particles in an appropriate medium and then coating the particles while in suspension, with a polymer that is at or above the softening point for that polymer. Coating of the pigment particles is achieved by allowing the suspension to cool to a temperature below the solidification temperature for the polymer. The coated pigment particles are then recovered.

Abstract: The stability of colloidal metal oxide particles which have been encapsulated in a polymer resin is extended by the addition of a water-soluble polyacrylamide polymer.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating mineral hydraulically or non-hydraulically setting coating agent and binder compositions using water-redispersible powders wherein one or more organopolymer powders and one or more organosilicon powders are added to the dry coating agent and binder composition.

Abstract: The present invention is a hot melt adhesive composition comprising at least one ingredient present in an encapsulated form. The encapsulated ingredient may be any known hot melt adhesive formulation ingredient as well as any hot melt adhesive additive such as antioxidants and fragrances for which there is a desirable change in adhesive properties by isolating such ingredient for a duration of time. The encapsulated ingredient is released from the shell by means of pressure, temperature, diffusion, pH, light, radiation, ultrasound, and combinations thereof. Hot melt adhesive compositions comprising at least one encapsulated ingredient are useful for a variety of novel products including self-supported friction glue sticks, non-tacky pelletized pressure sensitive adhesives, cohesive adhesive systems, hot melt adhesive compositions exhibiting improved thermal stability and odor, as well as for a variety of other adhesive applications.

Abstract: Titanium dioxide particles are dispersed in an aqueous medium with a polymeric latex which adsorbs to the surface of the titanium dioxide to give a low-viscosity slurry or pigment grind of composite titanium dioxide-polymeric latex particles. A high glass transition polymeric latex can be used as the dispersant, and a low glass transition temperature binder latex can be added. The zeta potential of the polymeric latex can be at least about 30 millivolts more negative than the zeta potential of the titanium dioxide. The adsorbed polymeric latex provides more optimal spacing of the titanium dioxide particles in films formed from coating compositions formulated using the composite particles, and consequently greater film opacity and hiding at a given pigment volume concentration.

Abstract: A process for producing a MC-type conductive filler includes treating minute metallic particles with a coupling agent, preparing an oil phase of the coupling agent-treated minute metallic particles and a reactive substance A, the reactive substance A directly contacting the metallic particles. Then, an aqueous phase is prepared having a reactive substance B, which is capable of reacting with the reactive substance A, dissolved in water. Thereafter, the oil phase is dispersed in the aqueous phase to form a suspension. In situ reaction of the reactive substances A and B is then caused by applying heat to the suspension or adding a catalyst to the suspension. This forms a coating of a thermosetting insulating resin on the surface of the minute metallic particles. Alternatively, the reactive substance B may not be used.

Abstract: A multiple component material, in particular a filler particle containing implantation material is produced and used to anchor prothesis components in bones, to strengthen bones, as dowel for bone screws and as implants for anchoring screws. The polymer component of the disclosed implantation material is preferably based on an acrylate or polymethacrylate basis, or on an acrylate and methacrylate copolymer or a mixture thereof. The polymer component encloses the filler particles at least in part. Preferably, the filler particles are 5 to 15 .mu.m in size and have at least 50% void volume. The multiple component material is stored in a dry, stable particulate form ready for use by mixing with monomer liquid.

Abstract: A novel high-porosity adsorbent material for selective adsorption of fluoride ions, arsenic ions and phosphate ions as well as a method for the preparation thereof are disclosed. The adsorbent material consists of a porous carrier material such as crosslinked polyacrylate resin beads and a crystalline hydrous zirconium oxide impregnating the pores of the carrier in the monoclinic or cubic crystal form.

Abstract: Vinyl halide resin compositions containing a metal compound stabilizer and coated acid absorber particles, where the coating consists of a tin-based coating or a complex calcium/zinc/strontium phosphate-based coating, are used to confer heat stability to such compositions. Use of the costabilizers of this invention results in economic advantages and material cost savings.

Abstract: A corrosion protective coating composition, applied over a metal surface, contains frangible microcapsules which rupture and release fluid upon impact or other stress likely to damage the coating. The fluid, from the microcapsules, contains a film forming component to cover the damaged area of the coating and a corrosion inhibitor for the metal surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber-reinforced composites having untraditionally low fiber loading and a novel form of hybridized interface. Typical examples of fiber-matrix combinations capable of developing such interfaces include surface-phosphonylated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) and polypropylene (PP) yarns (or fabric constructs) and epoxy resin, acrylic resin, and cement. For further improvement of the hybridized interface and the overall composite properties, the surface-phosphonylated fiber may be post-treated with reagents that will improve the abridging of the fibers to the matrix through physicochemically hybridized interfaces. Compared with composites having unmodified fiber, those based on modified ones, with or without post-treatment, exhibit a substantial increase in physicomechanical properties at exceptionally low fiber loading, ranging from about 0.1 to 35 percent by weight, preferably from about 0.1 to about 20 percent by weight, most preferably less than 10 percent by weight.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition comprising (a) an epoxy resin, (b) a curing agent, (c) a cure accelerator and (d) silica powder. The silica powder (d) is composed of (d1) a first silica powder having a particle diameter ranging from 5 to 75 .mu.m, (d2) a second silica powder having a particle diameter ranging from 0.2 to 0.9 .mu.m, and (d3) a third silica powder having a particle diameter ranging from 0.01 to 0.08 .mu.m.

Abstract: There are disclosed a metal-organic polymer composite structure, particularly a porous metal-organic polymer composite structure, for use as functional materials such as catalysts, and a method for producing the structure. The composite structure is composed of a microphase-separated structure from a block copolymer in which a metalphilic polymer chain and a metalphobic polymer chain are bonded together at each end, and ultrafine metal particles are contained in the metalphilic polymer phase of the microphase-separated structure.

Abstract: A method for making coated pigment particles by forming a suspension of the desired pigment particles in a medium that also comprises a polymer characterized by having hydrophobic moieties on the polymer backbone and ionic moieties that are present on, or can be formed on a polymer side chain or at the polymer terminals; allowing the suspension of pigment particles to contact said polymer at a temperature above the softening point of the polymer, allowing the resultant suspension to cool to a temperature below the solidification temperature for the polymer while maintaining the pigment particles in suspension, and, if required, forming the ionic moieties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite made by the process of melt mixing (a) a polymer having at least one isocyanate reactive group, wherein the polymer is from 30 to 90% by weight of the composite; (b) a thermoplastic polyurethane at from 0.1 to less than 10% by weight of the composite; and (c) a reinforcing fiber at from 9.9 to 60% by weight of the composite, wherein the sum of the weight percentages of components (a)-(c) is equal to 100%, wherein the polymer (a) is not a polyamide. The invention further relates to a composite prepared by the process of melt mixing (a) a polymer having at least one isocyanate reactive group, wherein the polymer is from 25 to 90% by weight of the composite; (b) a thermoplastic polyurethane at from 0.1 to 10% by weight of the composite; (c) a reinforcing fiber at from 9.8 to 60% by weight of the composite, and (d) an epoxy compound at from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the composite, wherein the sum of the weight percentages of components (a)-(d) is equal to 100%.

Abstract: Bundled and cut carbon fibers having a bulk density of from 450 g/l to 650 g/l, which are obtained by bundling carbon fibers having a yield of at least 0.9 g/m followed by cutting, and having a collapse initiating angle and funnel drop time of at most 65.degree. and at most 20 seconds, respectively.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin containing a flame-retarding magnesium hydroxide has its workability enhanced by a sorbitan ester in admixture with the resin and flame retardant. An admixture of the resin, magnesium hydroxide, and ester may be either a mixture of discrete particles of each of said components of the composition or a mixture of the resin and a magnesium hydroxide powder whose particles have a coating of the ester.

Abstract: A flame-retardant thermoplastic resin composition, comprising 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin, from about 5 to 100 parts by weight of an inorganic filler surface-treated with a phosphate represented by the following formula (A) and from about 5 to 50 parts by weight of an aromatic orthophosphate. ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents an organic group having at least one ethylenic double bond capable of radical polymerization and containing from about 5 to 60 carbon atoms, and l is 1 or 2.

Abstract: A composite resin material exhibiting excellent physical properties, which is formed by adding semi-rigid or rigid polyurethane resin waste to a thermoplastic reactive resin, a nonreactive resin, a polymer alloy or the like. A first kind of the composite resin material is composed of a crosslinking polyurethane resin and a reactive resin, a nonreactive resin or a polymer alloy, which is formed by kneading the crosslinking polyurethane resin and the reactive resin, the nonreactive resin or the polymer alloy at a predetermined temperature or more. A second kind of the composite resin material is composed of a hydrolysis product of crosslinking polyurethane resin and a solid filler, which are mixed with a nonreactive resin and a polymer alloy by kneading.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for encapsulated polymeric gels swollen with nonaqueous reactive materials are provided. The methods include gel synthesis, swelling of a gel precursor with a first nonaqueous reactive material, and encapsulation of the swollen gel with a second nonaqueous reactive material. Gels precursors may be synthesized from crosslinking polymers, or alternatively, may be formed by crosslinking and polymerizing a monomer starting material. An accelerator may be utilized to facilitate swelling of the gel precursor with the first nonaqueous reactive material. Foams and composites may also be swollen with the first nonaqueous reactive material. The swollen gel is then contacted with a second nonaqueous reactive material such that an encapsulation layer is formed thereby. The encapsulated gels may be stored for subsequent use.

Abstract: Modified mineral fillers, derived from either a coarse particle kaolin clay or a coarse particle ATH, having excellent utility in thermoset polymers as low paste viscosity fillers are disclosed. The method of treatment involves the use of specific weight ratio combinations of a silane and a long chain aliphatic alcohol. The treatment of clay can also involve the auxiliary use of a surfactant in small amounts, which is utilized to emulsify the silane and aliphatic alcohol treatment components in water either individually or as a co-emulsion blend prior to their addition to the clay. The surfactant, which is preferably a nonionic surfactant having a HLB value of 12-18, aides in uniformly treating all the clay particle surfaces with the silane/alcohol treatment combination. Coarse particle clays having general utility in the invention are those having an average Stokes equivalent particle diameter of at least 3.

Abstract: Novel organic silicon compounds of formula (1) are provided. ##STR1## R.sup.1 is a monovalent C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrocarbon group, R.sup.2 is a divalent C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 hydrocarbon group, R.sup.3 is a monovalent C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 hydrocarbon group, m is an integer of 3-10, n is equal to 0, 1 or 2, p is equal to 0 or 1, and the sum of n+p is equal to 0, 1 or 2. Inorganic fillers are surface treated with the organic silicon compounds. Compositions comprising EPR and/or EPDM in admixture with the treated inorganic fillers are electrically insulating and have improved oil resistance and mechanical strength.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin containing a flame-retarding magnesium hydroxide has its workability enhanced by a sorbitan ester in admixture with the resin and flame retardant. An admixture of the resin, magnesium hydroxide, and ester may be either a mixture of discrete particles of each of said components of the composition or a mixture of the resin and a magnesium hydroxide powder whose particles have a coating of the ester.

Abstract: A method for dispersing solid forms of additives in polymers involves adding dispersions or solutions of additive(s) to a solution of polymer in a tubular mixer (preferably in the presence of a stationary mixer). The mixer leads to a steam precipitation step wherein all fluid ingredients in the mixture are volatilized leaving the solid additive and resin in the desired ratio. This results in a uniform dispersion of the additives in the polymer matrix. As a result of the high dispersion, physical properties of a thermoplastic resin, to which the polymer matrix has been added are preserved. In one illustration, PTFE as a drip inhibitor additive, is added to polycarbonate to obtain a highly dispersed PTFE concentrate of improved drip-inhibition without loss of mechanical properties when added to a thermoplastic molding resin.

Abstract: A halogen-free flame retardant epoxy resin composition containing (A) a bisphenol A type epoxy resin, (B) a curing agent, (C) red phosphorus particles each of which is covered with a covering layer, at least the outermost layer of which is formed of a resin, and (D) an inorganic filler.

Abstract: The invention is a process for bonding two substrates together which comprises contacting an adhesive composition comprising a polyurethane prepolymer comprising the reaction product of: A) a polyisocyanate; B) one or more compounds or polymers having isocyanate-reactive moieties; C) a dispersion triol containing from about 10 to about 60 percent by weight based on the dispersion of particles of an organic polymer which is nonreactive with the polyols and polyisocyanates having a particle size of from about 5 to about 50 microns; wherein the prepolymer has a free isocyanate content of from about 0.8 to about 2.2 percent; with at least one of the substrates and contacting the substrates together along the portion of the substrate(s) to which the adhesive has been applied before the adhesive applied cures and allowing the adhesive to cure and bond the substrates together.

Abstract: Disclosed are uniformly sized domains of liquid crystals, a method for forming the domains, and their performance in polymer dispersed liquid crystal displays. The method provides the ability to form discrete domains of liquid crystal surrounded by a polymer shell, also known as polymer encased liquid crystals, or PELCs. Further, the method provides for the ability to make PELCs that have uniformly sized particles. Displays made comprising uniformly sized PELCs demonstrate markedly improved electro-optical performance over displays made by conventional polymer dispersed liquid crystal processes.

Abstract: Dispersible additive systems for polymeric materials include dispersant-coated pigments in a liquid nonaqueous polymeric carrier. The additive systems are most preferably in the form of a particulate nonaqueous paste which can be added in metered amounts (dosed) to a melt flow of the polymeric host material prior to being shaped (for example, prior to being spun into synthetic filaments). By providing a number of additive systems having a number of different additive attributes, and controllably dosing one or more into the melt flow of polymeric material, shaped objects of the polymeric material (e.g., melt-spun filaments) having different additive attributes may be produced on a continuous basis without shutting down the shaping operation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a masterbatch for the production of biaxially oriented polyalkylene films which, based on the total amount, contains in a matrix of polyalkylene homopolymer or copolymer from 1 to 50% by weight of spherical solid silicate particles and optionally, from 0.1 to 15% by weight of a surface-modifying reagent which reacts with the surface of the silicate, thus improving the adherence between the silicate and the polyalkylene. The invention is also directed to a process for the production of such a masterbatch, its use in the production of biaxially oriented polyalkylene films, and to biaxially oriented, co-extruded multilayer polyalkylene films.

Abstract: Additives for polymeric compositions are prepared by coating pigment with a dispersant, and thereafter dispersing the dispersant-coated pigment in a liquid nonaqeous polymeric carrier. Preferably, the dispersant-coated pigment is spray-dried. That is, most preferably, an aqueous dispersion of the pigment and dispersant is subjected to a spray-drying operation so as to obtain pigment coated with the dispersant. The dispersant-coated pigment will have an average particle size of about 5 .mu.m or greater, but is capable of breaking apart to average particle sizes of about 1 .mu.m or less when dispersed in a polymeric host material.

Abstract: Novel contrast media for use in ultrasonic imaging are described. Such contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible polymers, wherein said biocompatible polymers are coated with and/or in admixture with at least one silicon containing compound. Alternatively, the contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible synthetic polymers, or an aqueous solution of cellulose. The contrast media may be employed, if desired, with anti-gas agents and/or suspending agents.

Abstract: A flame-retardant thermosetting resin composition comprising a thermosetting resin and from 4 to 50% by weight, based on the composition, of (1) melamine-coated ammonium polyphosphate particles and/or (2) water-insoluble ammonium polyphosphate particles obtained by crosslinking the surface of melamine-coated ammonium polyphosphate particles with a compound having a functional group capable of reacting with an active hydrogen atom belonging to an amino group of a melamine molecule in the melamine coating is disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for producing water-insoluble ammonium polyphosphate particles comprising adhering or impregnating a crosslinking agent having a functional group capable of reacting with an active hydrogen atom belonging to an amino group of a melamine molecule to or into the surface of melamine-coated ammonium polyphosphate particles and allowing a melamine in the melamine coat and the crosslinking agent to react.

Abstract: A fire-retardant polymer composition is provided which comprises 100 parts by weight of a polymer such as polystyrene, 1 to 30 parts by weight of heat-expandable graphite, and 1 to 30 parts by weight of a phosphorus compound. The polymer composition is fire-retardant, and emits less smoke and less corrosive gas on burning.