Abstract: The present invention relates to articles comprising flavored polymeric compositions. More specifically, the invention relates to articles comprising flavored polymeric compositions comprising “flavor enhancing agents” alone, or in combination with, other flavorants. The articles comprising a flavored polymeric composition do not have to be consumed, significantly destructed, masticated or fully or partially dissolved to release flavor.

Abstract: Disclosed are plasticizer compositions including cyclodextrin derivatives, a flexible PVC composition with suppression of the migration of a plasticizer containing the same, and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of the flexible PVC composition of the present invention includes steps of (S1) preparing cyclodextrin derivatives; (S2) mixing the cyclodextrin derivatives, PVC and a low molecular weight liquid plasticizer to form a plastisol; and (S3) heating the plastisol to form a solution and cooling the solution. The manufacturing method PVC-1 of the present invention may be useful to mass-produce flexible PVC with suppression of the migration of a plasticizer in a simple and economic manner without using solvents since the cyclodextrin derivatives are used as a compound that can suppress the migration of a plasticizer. The flexible PVC has an effect of reducing an amount of the migrated plasticizer without deterioration in its physical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a PVC product containing cyclodextrin derivative particles and capable of suppressing migration of a plasticizer and a method for manufacturing the same, which includes (S1) preparing cyclodextrin derivative particles, in which a hydroxyl functional group is replaced by a predetermined compound; (S2) inputting the cyclodextrin derivative particles, a water-based dispersion medium and a vinyl chloride monomer into a high-pressure reactor and performing polymerization to obtain cyclodextrin derivative particles-capsulated PVC particles, in which a plurality of the cyclodextrin derivative particles are dispersedly capsulated in PVC particles; and (S3) mixing the cyclodextrin derivative particles-capsulated PVC particles with a low molecular weight liquid plasticizer and molding the mixture in a predetermined shape using heat.

Abstract: Crosslinking systems suitable for use in a polymer melt composition wherein the polymer melt composition comprises a hydroxyl polymer; polymeric structures made from such polymer melt compositions; and processes/methods related thereto are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric compositions containing thermoplastic starch and a thermoplastic polymer incompatible with starch, in which the starch constitutes the dispersed phase and the thermoplastic polymer constitutes the continuous phase, selected: A) from compositions comprising an agent with an interfacial effect selected from esters of polyols with mono- or polycarboxylic acids with dissociation constants within certain limits, the esters having specific values of the hydrophilic/lipophilic balance index HLB or being amongst the non-ionic surfactants which are soluble in water but cannot significantly be extracted by water from the compositions which contain them; B) from compositions wherein the thermoplastic polymer is an aliphatic or aliphatic-aromatic copolyester wherein the ratio (R) between the average viscometric molecular weight and the melt index is greater than 25,000 and C) from compositions wherein the thermoplastic polymer is selected from aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters, poly

Abstract: Energy-activated room temperature-pumpable polymer compositions, devices for activating and processing the same into solid cellular or non-cellular polymeric materials that can be used as adhesives, sealants, coatings or gasket materials, and methods of making and using the same. The compositions according to the invention include solid particles that include one or more polymers, which are emulsified, dispersed or suspended in a liquid carrier together with at least one processing aid, such as a reactive blowing agent, a low molecular weight surfactant, a high molecular weight surfactant, one or more compounds found in latex paint, starch, cellulosic derived products and combinations of two or more thereof. The processing aids provide various benefits including, for example, reduced density, improved process hygiene, improved foam stability, faster bonding times and/or lower processing temperatures.

Abstract: A thermoplastic and/or elastomer composition includes: at least 50 wt % and 99.95 wt % at most of a starchy composition (a) including at least one starch; at least 0.05 wt % and 50 wt % at most of a nanometric product (b) including particles having at least one dimension of 0.1 to 500 nanometers and selected from mixed products containing at least one lamellar clay and at least one cationic oligomer or cationic synthetic polymer, organic, mineral or mixed nanotubes, organic, mineral or mixed nanocrystals and nanocrystallites, organic, mineral or mixed nanobeads and nanospheres customized into clusters or agglomerated, and mixtures of these nanometric products, the percentage being expressed in dry weight and added to the sum in dry weight of (a) and (b); and at least one non-starchy polymer (c).

Abstract: A surface sizing agent is provided which has excellent dispersion stability, enables impartation of high sizing performance under a wide range of use conditions, irrespective of the characteristics of water used for sizing (hardness, pH, etc.) and the type of paper, and has low foaming property and good coating workability. Specifically, in a dispersion-type surface sizing agent obtained by emulsion polymerization of a monomer composition in the presence of a degraded dextrin, 20-40 parts by weight of a degraded dextrin having a weight average molecular weight of 26000-50000, obtained by enzyme denaturation of a waxy corn starch, are allowed to exist to 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the monomer composition, and the monomer composition includes (a) 10-35% by weight of at least one type of (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester, (b) 40-80% by weight of other copolymerizable hydrophobic monomer, and (c) 1-10% by weight of a strong acid group-containing monomer.

Abstract: A barrier composition which is injection mouldable and able to be made into a transparent film or incorporated (by co-extrusion and/or lamination) into multi-layer film products, the composition on dry basis: a) from 45 to 90% by weight of a starch and/or a modified starch selected from starches modified by reaction with a hydroxyl alkyl group, an acetate or a dicarboxylic acid anhydride or a grafting polymer; b) from 4 to 12% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, and copolymers of ethylene and vinylalcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch components c) from 5 to 45% by weight of a non-crystallising mixture of sorbitol and at least one other plasticizer selected from glycerol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol, glycerol trioleate, epoxidised linseed or soybean oil, tributyl citrate, acetyl tri-ethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate; polyethylene oxide or polyethylene glycol; d) from

Abstract: A starch-based composition includes: (a) at least 51% by weight of a plasticized amylaceous composition including starch and a plasticizer for the starch, obtained by thermomechanically mixing granular starch and a plasticizer for the starch, (b) at most 49% by weight of at least one non-amylaceous polymer, and (c) a bonding agent having a molecular mass of less than 5000, including at least two functions, at least one which is capable of reacting with the plasticizer and at least another of which is capable of reacting with the starch and/or the non-amylaceous polymer, these amounts being expressed with respect to solids and relative to the sum of (a) and (b), a method for preparing such a composition and a thermoplastic composition obtained by heating such a composition.

Abstract: A composition and method whereby the same group that is attached to or within the backbone of an associative thickener is reversibly switched between being hydrophilic and hydrophobic in nature. The group comprises a tertiary amine, or tertiary phosphine and has a hydrocarbon radical bonded to the amine nitrogen atom or phosphine phosphorus atom, which hydrocarbon radical is pendant to the backbone and contains fewer than 10 carbon atoms. When the group that is attached to or within the backbone is rendered hydrophilic, the aqueous thickener is pourable and readily incorporated into aqueous polymer compositions. When this group is rendered hydrophobic, the thickener performs its thickening function efficiently. Switching is readily accomplished by adjusting the pH of the associative thickener composition and the aqueous polymer composition being thickened.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer compositions, films, continues, closures, laminates can comprise a modified vinyl polymer said modified polymer having a moiety comprising a cyclodextrin compound. The cyclodextrin compound, locked into the polymer structure, can absorb impurities, permeants, or other undesirable volatile materials. The cooperation between the cyclodextrin grafted onto the thermoplastic polymer and the polymer structure can provide barrier properties to a film, web or other polymer structure. A permeant or a contaminant can be complexed or trapped within the polymer and held within the film or Web preventing the permeant or contaminant from passing into the interior of a container or enclosure.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a chemical mechanical polishing pad, the method comprising the steps of (1) producing a sheet-shaped polymer molded article and (2) irradiating the sheet-shaped polymer molded article with an electron beam within an irradiation dose of 10 to 400 kGy. A chemical mechanical polishing pad produced by the above method has advantages that it is excellent in removal rate and scratches and in-plane uniformity on a polished surface and that it shows a stable removal rate even when polishing a number of objects to be polished successively.

Abstract: The present invention describes the synthesis of solvent soluble copolymers containing multiple unsaturations. These copolymers contain reactive vinyl groups, which can be further reacted in a second stage polymerization. The process involves copolymerization of a vinyl monomer with an inclusion complex of a monomer having multiple unsaturations and a cyclic macromolecular compound to yield soluble polymers. These polymers may be cast into films, membranes or may be converted in micro or nanoparticles and then crosslinked in a second step polymerization.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion of water-soluble polymers obtained by free radical polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated anionic monomers in an aqueous medium in the presence of a stabilizer, wherein the stabilizer comprises: (a) at least one water-soluble polymer selected from the group consisting of a graft polymer of vinyl acetate and/or vinyl propionate on polyethylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol blocked at one or both terminal groups with an alkyl, a carboxyl or an amino group, and a copolymer of alkyl polyalkylene glycol methacrylate and methacrylic acid; and (b) at least one water-soluble polymer selected from the group consisting of a hydrolyzed copolymer of vinyl alkyl ether and maleic anhydride in the form of free carboxyl groups or in the form of salts at least partially neutralized with one or more alkali metal hydroxides or one or more ammonium bases, a cationically modified potato starch, an anionically modified potato starch, a degraded potato starch and maltodextrin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving rheological properties of an aqueous pigment slurry. In the method dispersion agent is added to an aqueous phase of a slurry comprising pigment particles or to the aqueous phase into which the pigment particles are to be added. The dispersion agent comprises styrene acrylate copolymer. The invention also relates alot to a dispersion agent for a pigment slurry comprising a first component comprising styrene acrylate copolymer and a second component comprising a conventional dispersion agent-, such as a straight-chain polyacrylate.

Abstract: A composition and method whereby the same group that is attached to or within the backbone of an associative thickener is reversibly switched between being hydrophilic and hydrophobic in nature. When the group that is attached to or within the backbone is rendered hydrophilic, the aqueous thickener is pourable and readily incorporated into aqueous polymer compositions. When this group is rendered hydrophobic, the thickener performs its thickening function efficiently. Switching is readily accomplished by adjusting the pH of the associative thickener composition and the aqueous polymer composition being thickened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for tailoring theology of an aqueous or water-borne coating composition using a system comprising an amount of a first hydrophobically modified polymer comprising a polymer backbone modified with a first hydrophobe and an amount of a second hydrophobically modified polymer comprising the first hydrophobically modified polymer further modified with a second hydrophobe. By incorporating a system comprising at least two hydrophobically modified polymers into water-borne coatings where the amount of all of the hydrophobically modified polymers are able to be independently adjusted, the resultant coatings may be tailored to attain a desired combination of Stormer or Brookfield viscosity and ICI viscosity.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyvinlyl alcohol gels which are suitable for use in the organism and which are formed at the site of application (in situ) from a viscous liquid by partial crystallization and network formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous dispersions, characterized in that they comprise (c) at least one aqueous silicon dioxide dispersion with a mean particle diameter of the SiO2-particles of 1 to 400 nm and (d) at least one water-soluble hydroxyl-containing organic compound, to a process for their preparation and to their use in adhesive and coating formulations.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a composition containing from about 5 weight parts to about 50 weight parts of a branched polylactic acid; from about 50 weight parts to about 95 weight parts of water; and from about 0.1 weight parts to about 1 weight part of a first surfactant. The composition can be coated onto a substrate containing paper or paperboard and having a first surface and a second surface, to form a paper product having oil, grease, and moisture resistance.

Abstract: A surface sizing agent is provided which has excellent dispersion stability, enables impartation of high sizing performance under a wide range of use conditions, irrespective of the characteristics of water used for sizing (hardness, pH, etc.) and the type of paper, and has low foaming property and good coating workability. Specifically, in a dispersion-type surface sizing agent obtained by emulsion polymerization of a monomer composition in the presence of a degraded dextrin, 20-40 parts by weight of a degraded dextrin having a weight average molecular weight of 26000-50000, obtained by enzyme denaturation of a waxy corn starch, are allowed to exist to 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the monomer composition, and the monomer composition includes (a) 10-35% by weight of at least one type of (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester, (b) 40-80% by weight of other copolymerizable hydrophobic monomer, and (c) 1-10% by weight of a strong acid group-containing monomer.

Abstract: The invention is related to the preparation of an ionic polymer composite material comprising a protein and carbohydrate-containing vegetable material component that serves as a reinforcement agent for the composite. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the vegetable seed component is selected from the group of soy spent flakes, defatted soy flour, or soy protein concentrate with ionic polymers and the ionic polymer is carboxylated poly(styrene-butadiene). The composites have a significantly higher elastic modulus when compared with base polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a PVC product containing cyclodextrin derivative particles and capable of suppressing migration of a plasticizer and a method for manufacturing the same, which includes (S1) preparing cyclodextrin derivative particles, in which a hydroxyl functional group is replaced by a predetermined compound; (S2) inputting the cyclodextrin derivative particles, a water-based dispersion medium and a vinyl chloride monomer into a high-pressure reactor and performing polymerization to obtain cyclodextrin derivative particles-capsulated PVC particles, in which a plurality of the cyclodextrin derivative particles are dispersedly capsulated in PVC particles; and (S3) mixing the cyclodextrin derivative particles-capsulated PVC particles with a low molecular weight liquid plasticizer and molding the mixture in a predetermined shape using heat.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a hydrophobic modified polyrotaxane soluble in an organic solvent, and a crosslinked polyrotaxane using this. [Solving Means] A hydrophobic modified polyrotaxane has a cyclic molecule, a linear molecule including the cyclic molecule with piercing through the cyclic molecule, and blocking groups which are placed at both end terminals of the linear molecule to prevent the cyclic molecule from leaving from the linear molecule. The cyclic molecule is cyclodextrin, and each of all or a part of the hydroxyl groups in the cyclodextrin is modified with a hydrophobic modification group. A crosslinked polyrotaxane is formed by combining this hydrophobic modified polyrotaxane and a polymer through the cyclic molecule.

Abstract: Disclosed are plasticizer compositions including cyclodextrin derivatives, a flexible PVC composition with suppression of the migration of a plasticizer containing the same, and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of the flexible PVC composition of the present invention includes steps of (S1) preparing cyclodextrin derivatives; (S2) mixing the cyclodextrin derivatives, PVC and a low molecular weight liquid plasticizer to form a plastisol; and (S3) heating the plastisol to form a solution and cooling the solution. The manufacturing method of the present invention may be useful to mass-produce flexible PVC with suppression of the migration of a plasticizer in a simple and economic manner without using solvents since the cyclodextrin derivatives are used as a compound that can suppress the migration of a plasticizer The flexible PVC has an effect of reducing an amount of the migrated plasticizer without deterioration in its physical properties.

Abstract: Process for preparing an aqueous polymer dispersion using alkenes of 4 to 40 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer compositions, films, continues, closures, laminates can comprise a modified vinyl polymer said modified polymer having a moiety comprising a cyclodextrin compound. The cyclodextrin compound, locked into the polymer structure, can absorb impurities, permeants, or other undesirable volatile materials. The cooperation between the cyclodextrin grafted onto the thermoplastic polymer and the polymer structure can provide barrier properties to a film, web or other polymer structure. A permeant or a contaminant can be complexed or trapped within the polymer and held within the film or Web preventing the permeant or contaminant from passing into the interior of a container or enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention describes water-soluble homopolymers obtained by polymerization of monomers containing multiple unsaturations. These monomers form inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins and methylated cyclodextrins. The unsaturated site involved in the formation of the inclusion complex does not take part in the polymerization reaction. After cyclodextrin is recovered, the polymer containing multiple unsaturations can be further polymerized either by thermal and/or photochemical initiators to yield crosslinked polymers.

Abstract: A durable hydrophilic coating composition is provided comprising a film forming polymer, a wetting agent and from about 0.001% to about 40%, by weight of the composition, of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica and combinations thereof and have a particle size of from about 1 to about 750 nanometers. The weight ratio of the film forming polymer to the nanoparticles is from about 1:1 to about 1:30. A disposable absorbent article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filled gum adhesive useful for producing remoistenable layers contains fillers, protective colloids, and a (co)polymer, wherein the (co)polymer is prepared by polymerizing one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of a dispersion of protective colloid and filler particles.

Abstract: This invention is related to a reactive nanoparticular cyclodextrin derivative useful as a porogen and a low dielectric matrix, with excellent mechanical properties and uniformly distributed nanopores, manufactured by sol-gel reaction of the above reactive cyclodextrin. Furthermore, this invention also is related to an ultralow dielectric film, with uniformly distributed nanopores, a relatively high porosity of 51%, and a relatively low dielectric constant of 1.6, manufactured by thin-filming of the conventional organic or inorganic silicate precursor by using the above reactive nanoparticular cyclodextrin derivative as a porogen.

Abstract: A composition and method whereby the same group that is attached to or within the backbone of an associative thickener is reversibly switched between being hydrophilic and hydrophobic in nature. When the group that is attached to or within the backbone is rendered hydrophilic, the aqueous thickener is pourable and readily incorporated into aqueous polymer compositions. When this group is rendered hydrophobic, the thickener performs its thickening function efficiently. Switching is readily accomplished by adjusting the pH of the associative thickener composition and the aqueous polymer composition being thickened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasticizer composition containing cyclodextrin derivatives, a flexible PVC composition with suppression of the migration of plasticizer containing this plasticizer composition, and a manufacturing method of the PVC composition. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: (S1) preparing a cyclodextrin derivative, in which hydrogens of a cyclodextrin are substituted with a certain compound; (S2) mixing the cyclodextrin derivative, PVC and a low molecular weight liquid plasticizer to form a plastisol; and (S3) heating the plastisol into liquid and cooling the plastisol. This manufacturing method uses cyclodextrin derivatives, in which cyclodextrins are modified with certain compounds, and these derivatives form a complex with the low molecular weight liquid plasticizer to suppress plasticizer migration. Thus, this method thereby allows mass-production of the flexible PVC with suppressed plasticizer migration in a simple and economical manner without using a solvent.

Abstract: A Lewis acid-base reaction is caused, in a solution, between a first monomer corresponding to a Lewis acid and a second monomer corresponding to a Lewis base, so as to generate a monomer adduct in which the first monomer and the second monomer are bonded to each other through weak electric interaction. Next, the solution including the monomer adduct is applied on a substrate so as to form a supramolecular solid thin film made of the monomer adduct. Then, the supramolecular solid thin film is heated so as to cause a polymerization reaction between the first monomer and the second monomer within the supramolecular solid thin film, thereby forming a polymer thin film.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer compositions, films, continues, closures, laminates can comprise a modified vinyl polymer said modified polymer having a moiety comprising a cyclodextrin compound. The cyclodextrin compound, locked into the polymer structure, can absorb impurities, permeants, or other undesirable volatile materials. The cooperation between the cyclodextrin grafted onto the thermoplastic polymer and the polymer structure can provide barrier properties to a film, web or other polymer structure. A permeant or a contaminant can be complexed or trapped within the polymer and held within the film or Web preventing the permeant or contaminant from passing into the interior of a container or enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a 3DP™ material composition and method of use. The composition of the present invention includes an adhesive material, a fibrous component and a filler. Alternatively, the composition may include a particulate material having a mean particle size between about 10 microns and about 300 microns, a soluble adhesive material. The compositions may also include an accelerator and an additional adhesive.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of water-soluble polymers of N-vinylcarboxamides contain, based on 100 parts of water, (A) from 5 to 80 parts by weight of water-soluble polymer containing N-vinylformamide units and/or N-vinylacetamide units and having particle sizes of from 50 nm to 2 ?m and (B) from 1 to 50 parts by weight of at least one polymeric dispersant which is incompatible with the water-soluble polymers (A) in aqueous solution, which dispersions are prepared by polymerizing (A) from 5 to 80 parts by weight of N-vinylformamide and/or N-vinylacetamide, if desired together with other monoethylenically unsaturated monomers which form water-soluble polymers therewith, and (B) from 1 to 50 parts by weight of at least one polymeric dispersant which is incompatible with the polymers, formed from the monomers (A), in aqueous solution, in 100 parts by weight of water, at from 30 to 95° C. in the presence of from 0.001 to 5.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer compositions, films, continues, closures, laminates can comprise a modified vinyl polymer said modified polymer having a moiety comprising a cyclodextrin compound. The cyclodextrin compound, locked into the polymer structure, can absorb impurities, permeants, or other undesirable volatile materials. The cooperation between the cyclodextrin grafted onto the thermoplastic polymer and the polymer structure can provide barrier properties to a film, web or other polymer structure. A permeant or a contaminant can be complexed or trapped within the polymer and held within the film or Web preventing the permeant or contaminant from passing into the interior of a container or enclosure.

Abstract: Biodegradable starch-based extruded products and methods of manufacturing those products are provided. In particular, extruded starch products processed by compression, stretching or compression and stretching provide excellent flexibility, pliability, dimensional stability, resiliency, abrasion resistance and other properties making them attractive for use as packaging materials.

Abstract: A tinting composition containing a colorant component is disclosed. In addition, a method of improving the viscosity stability of a composition upon the addition of a colorant component employing an associative thickener, a macromolecular organic compound having a hydrophobic cavity, a dispersing resin and combinations thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of water-soluble polymers of N-vinylcarboxamides contain, based on 100 parts of water, (A) from 5 to 80 parts by weight of water-soluble polymer containing N-vinylformamide units and/or N-vinylacetamide units and having particle sizes of from 50 nm to 2 ?m and (B) from 1 to 50 parts by weight of at least one polymeric dispersant which is incompatible with the water-soluble polymers (A) in aqueous solution, which dispersions are prepared by polymerizing (A) from 5 to 80 parts by weight of N-vinylformamide and/or N-vinylacetamide, if desired together with other monoethylenically unsaturated monomers which form water-soluble polymers therewith, and (B) from 1 to 50 parts by weight of at least one polymeric dispersant which is incompatible with the polymers, formed from the monomers (A), in aqueous solution, in 100 parts by weight of water, at from 30 to 95° C. in the presence of from 0.001 to 5.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of extended polyacrylic acid based binder compositions comprising a low molecular weight polyacrylic acid (typically hypophosphite or sulfite terminated), a crosslinking agent (such as triethanolamine or glycerol) and one or more water soluble materials, such as lignin, low molecular weight starch and soybean protein. The extended binder composition of the present invention provides a lower cost binder composition without degrading the performance and may be selected to alter one or more characteristics of the basic binder composition such binder wetting, emulsion compatibility, dust suppression and wash water flow properties.

Abstract: Volatile organic compound or other materials are produced in the thermoplastic manufacture of thermoplastic polyester beverage containers. Such materials can be eluted into beverages such as carbonated beverages, sparkling or still water from the polyester. Such thermoplastic polyester resins can be manufactured with a material that can prevent the formation of, or react with, and absorb volatile by-products during the formation of thermoplastic preforms or containers from the thermoplastic pellet or chip. Further, as the preform is blown into a polyester container, the active materials of the invention prevent the generation of additional undesirable volatile materials. Lastly, the scavenger material can act as a barrier that prevents transport of materials from the exterior of the container into the container contents.

Abstract: A polishing pad of the present invention contains a water-insoluble matrix material comprising a crosslinked polymer such as a crosslinked 1,2-polybutadiene and water-soluble particles dispersed in the material, such as saccharides. The solubility of the water-soluble particles in water is 0.1 to 10 wt % at 25° C., and the amount of water-soluble particles eluted from the pad when the pad is immersed in water is 0.05 to 50 wt % at 25° C. Further, in the polishing pad of the present invention, the solubility of the water-soluble particles in water is 0.1 to 10 wt % at 25° C. at a pH of 3 to 11, and solubility thereof in water at 25° C. at a pH of 3 to 11 is within ±50% of solubility thereof in water at 25° C. at a pH of 7. In addition, the water-soluble particles contain an amino group, an epoxy group, an isocyanurate group, and the like. This polishing pad has good slurry retainability even if using slurries different in pH and also has excellent polishing properties such as a polishing rate and planarity.

Abstract: A water-soluble granular composition including at least 40% of at least one plant growth regulator, at least one binder, at least one disaccharide and at least one surfactant; as well as methods for making and using the composition are disclosed. The water-soluble granular composition advantageously improves preparation of a solid plant growth regulator formulation for spray application, as such composition swiftly dissolves, is easily metered for application, can be more highly concentrated and is dust-free. A presently preferred water-soluble granular composition includes at least 40% of at least one gibberellin as the plant growth regulator.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymers incompatible with starch containing, as a filler, a starch complex dispersed in the polymer matrix in the form of particles with numeric mean dimension of less than 3 microns, bound to the polymer matrix by coupling agents containing groups compatible with the matrix and with the complex, in which the starch complex is characterized by second-derivative IR absorption in the region of 940-952 cm?1 are described or wherein the starch complex is bound to the polymeric matrix through reactive groups contained in the complex capable of being fixed to the polymeric matrix. The starch complex in the case of biodegradable polymers such as the aliphatic or aliphatic aromatic polyesters is formed with complexing agents different from the polymer forming the matrix and from EVOH copolymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-soluble film which comprises a modified polyvinyl alcohol containing an N-vinylamide monomer unit in an amount of 1 to 10 mole percent, and a carboxyl group and a lactone group in a total amount of 0.020 to 4.0 mole percent in the molecule, and having a degree of polymerization of 300 to 3000, and a degree of hydrolysis of 75 to 99.5 mole percent. Further, the present invention provides a package obtained by packaging an acidic substance, a chlorine-containing compound, or the like using the water-soluble film.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable finely attenuated fibers produced by melt spinning a composition comprising destructurized starch, a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer, and a plasticizer are disclosed. The present invention is also directed to highly attenuated fibers containing thermoplastic polymer microfibrils which are formed within the starch matrix of the finely attenuated fiber. Nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the highly attenuated fibers are also disclosed.