Abstract: Shaped-medical devices, e.g. stents, having improved mechanical properties and structural integrity are disclosed. The devices comprise shaped polymeric hydrogels which are both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked and which exhibit improved structural integrity after selective removal of the crosslinking ions. Process for making such devices are also disclosed wherein an ionically crosslinkable polymer is both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked to form a shaped medical device. When implanted in the body, selective in-vivo stripping of the crosslinking ions produces a softer, more flexible implant having improved structural integrity.

Abstract: Compositions and textile sizes based on those compositions, which are particular poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymer ionomers, as well as blends of those ionomers with other sizing polymers are described. A process to prepare the ionomers is described. The compositions are poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers which have carboxylic acid ionomer comonomer units. Sizes based on these ionomers are aqueous solutions of the ionomers or solutions of blends of them with other poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers which are not ionomeric, or solution/suspensions of the ionomers with various starches, or both. Desizing in either water or caustic solutions is generally far superior to comparable polymer blends which contain no poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymer ionomer.

Abstract: A vinyl alcohol polymer composition (II) is produced by a process of providing a reaction liquid comprising a solution containing a vinyl carboxylate polymer and, a first metal alkoxide (I) having at least one functional group and/or an oligomer (I) having at least one functional group obtained from said metal alkoxide (I); a step of simultaneously effecting (a) saponification of said vinyl carboxylate polymer and (b) reaction in which at least part of the functional groups of said metal alkoxide (I) and/or said oligomer (I) participates, thereby obtaining a vinyl alcohol polymer composition (I); and a step of preparing a solution (A) containing said vinyl alcohol polymer composition (I), followed by adding to the solution (A) a second metal alkoxide (II) and/or an oligomer (II) obtained from the metal alkoxide (II) or another solution (B) containing the metal alkoxide (II) and/or the oligomer (II) derived from the metal alkoxide (II), to prepare an intermediate product solution (C), and then removing the sol

Abstract: A polyolefin resin type interior material which contains neither a halogen nor a phthalate series plasticizer, is equivalent to a conventional PVC resin type interior material in the properties such as scratch resistance, designing applicability and workability, exhibits excellent adherence with an adhesive conventionally used for an interior material is obtained from a mixture comprising 10 to 45 parts by weight of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate concentration of at least 50 wt. %, 55 to 90 parts by weight of a polyolefin resin, and 100 to 700 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, said ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a melt flow rate (which will be abbreviated as “MFR”) greater by at least 20 g/10 min than said polyolefin resin.

Abstract: An ink jet recording element comprising a support having thereon an image-receiving layer comprising at least about 80% by weight of non-porous polymeric particles in a polymeric binder, the non-porous polymeric particles having a core/shell structure comprising a polymeric core covered with a shell of a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to thermoplastic blends having improved properties. Optionally, these blends may be dynamically vulcanized. More specifically, this invention is directed to a composition comprising a blend of chloromethylated(styrene-isobutylene)copolymer and a thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, polysulfones, polyacetals, polyacetones, acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene resins, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, styrene-acrylonitrile resins, styrene-maleic anhydride resins, polyamides, aromatic polyketones, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and mixtures thereof. Tires and tire components such as air permeation prevention films comprising these compositions are also provided.

Abstract: An ink jet recording element comprising a support having thereon an image-receiving layer comprising non-porous polymeric particles in a polymeric binder, the non-porous polymeric particles being present in an amount of at least about 8 parts of particles per part of polymeric binder, and the non-porous polymeric particles having a degree of crosslinking of at least about 30 mole %.

Abstract: The invention relates to thickeners based on fully or partially hydrolyzed vinyl alcohol copolymers with a molecular weight Mw greater than 100,000, obtainable by hydrolyzing vinyl acetate copolymers which, besides vinyl acetate units, also contain comonomer units which derive from one or more comonomers selected from the group consisting of 1-(C1-5)-alkylvinyl esters of C1-5 carboxylic acids, allyl esters, vinyl esters of alpha-branched C5-12 carboxylic acids, and C1-18-alkyl (meth)acrylates, in the form of their aqueous solution or in powder form.

Abstract: An ink jet printing method, comprising the steps of: A) providing an ink jet printer that is responsive to digital data signals; B) loading the printer with an ink jet recording element comprising a support having thereon an image-receiving layer comprising non-porous polymeric particles in a polymeric binder, the non-porous polymeric particles being present in an amount of at least about 8 parts of particles per part of polymeric binder, and the non-porous polymeric particles having a degree of crosslinking of at least about 30 mole %; C) loading the printer with an ink jet ink composition; and D) printing on the ink jet recording element using the ink jet ink in response to the digital data signals.

Abstract: The invention provides a means of boosting the mechanical performance of shaped shaped medical devices comprising polymer hydrogels, such as stents, so that they may be more easily inserted into or removed from the body. In one aspect, the invention provides shaped medical devices having increased mechanical strength and comprising both ionic and covalent crosslinks. In another aspect, the invention provides a shaped medical device having a heterogeneous polymer composition and a variable dissolution or degradation rate along its length. The shaped medical devices according to the present invention retain their shape and stiffness during insertion into the body and can swell and soften inside the body to enhance patient comfort.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of acetalized vinyl alcohol polymers with a molecular weight Mw greater than 100 000 as thickeners, the thickeners being obtained by acetalizing partially or fully hydrolyzed vinyl acetate homopolymers, or partially or fully hydrolyzed vinyl acetate copolymers which, besides vinyl acetate units, also contain comonomer units which derive from one or more comonomers selected from the group consisting of 1-(C1-5) alkylvinyl esters of C1-5 carboxylic acids, allyl esters, vinyl esters of alpha-branched C1-12 carboxylic acids, and C1-8-alkyl (meth)acrylates.

Abstract: The present invention, which addresses the needs of the prior art, provides irreversible, hydrophilic gels which can be incorporated into dressing compositions, dermatologically compatible compositions, wound packings, wound dressings, burn dressings, drug delivery dressings, dry films, cosmetic masks and cosmetic wrap dressings. The gels of the invention include a blend of a hydrophilic poly(aldehyde) and a polymer selected from the group consisting of a poly(amide), a poly(amine) and a poly(alcohol).

Abstract: In the present invention, particles of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) are contacted with a solution containing a boron compound, whereby to obtain a substantially homogeneous distribution of the boron compound within the particles. For example, EVOH and the solution are continuously fed into a treatment apparatus and brought into contact with each other in the treatment apparatus, and the EVOH when continuously removed from the apparatus is in contact with the solution containing the boron compound in a concentration of at least 0.7 times but not more than 1.3 times a solution equilibrium concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispersion powders comprising a) at least one base polymer from the group consisting of the vinyl ester, vinyl ester comonomer, vinyl ester/ethylene, (meth)acrylate and styrene/acrylate polymers, b) from 1 to 25% by weight, based on the base polymer, of at least one protective colloid, c) from 1 to 25% by weight, based on the base polymer, of at least one partially acetalized, water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, d) from 0 to 20% by weight, based on the total polymer weight, of anticaking agent and e) if required, further additives, the use of these, and process for their preparation.

Abstract: A breathable film having improved processing properties and reduced cost includes a breathable film-forming layer composition including a matrix polymer, a particulate organic filler, and a compatibilizer. The particulate organic filler is incompatible with the matrix polymer and tends to agglomerate when mixed with the matrix polymer alone. The compatibilizer achieves thermodynamic equilibrium between the matrix polymer and filler within a defined filler particle size range suitable for producing stretched breathable film. The film processes more easily than breathable films containing inorganic fillers, and is less expensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A water-based coating composition suitable for preparing hydrophilic surfaces on various articles is provided which includes a supporting polymer having functional moieties capable of undergoing crosslinking reactions, said supporting polymer soluble in or emulsified in an aqueous based medium; and a hydrophilic polymer, said hydrophilic polymer associated with the supporting polymer. The composition is characterized in that, when crosslinked at the functional moieties, the supporting polymer forms a three-dimensional network which substantially minimizes disassociation of the hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: An organic particulate-filled adhesive is provided comprising ionomeric particulate dispersed in a polymer matrix containing water-soluble polymer or water-dispersible polymer. The adhesive preferably contains a plasticizer. If desired, in some formulations, the adhesive can contain additives, such as opacifying agents, skin cleansers, skin moisturizers, vitamins, and herbal extracts. The adhesive can have pressure sensitive adhesive properties, although such properties are not necessary. The adhesive can be formulated so as to be useful as a repulpable adhesive and as a cosmetic adhesive.

Abstract: A printing medium comprising a substrate having at least one surface and a coating on the surface wherein the coating comprises: (a) binder comprising: (1) organic polymer which is substantially free of ammonium groups, (2) first cationic addition polymer consisting essentially of quaternary ammonium-containing mer units derived from addition monomer and ammonium-free mer units derived from addition monomer, and (3) second cationic addition polymer consisting essentially of secondary, tertiary, or both secondary and tertiary ammonium-containing mer units derived from addition monomer and ammonium-free mer units derived from addition monomer, wherein the binder constitutes from 20 to 90 percent by weight of the coating; and (b) finely divided substantially water-insoluble filler particles which have a maximum dimension of less than 500 nanometers, are distributed throughout the binder, and constitute from 10 to 80 percent by weight of coating.

Abstract: Fine particulate thermoplastic polymers [e.g., hydrophobically modified polyether-polyurethanes polyacrylates, polyvinyl alcohol, polyether-polyols, polyacrylamide, aminoplast-polyethers and poly (acetal- or ketal-polyethers] having reduced bulk density, process of making same by dissolving the polymer and rapidly insolubilizing the polymer from the solution and process of using aqueous suspensions of such polymers as thickeners for aqueous systems.

Abstract: A stable aqueous liquid polymer composition, which comprises:

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing a polyvinyl chloride paste blending resin comprising polymerizing a vinyl chloride-based monomer by a suspension polymerization in an aqueous medium, wherein as a suspending agent, both (A) and (B) are used in a mixing weight ratio (A)/(B) of 99/1 to 50/50, and a total amount of said (A) and said (B) is 0.1 to 1.0 part by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the vinyl chloride-based monomer, said (A) being a partially hydrolyzed water-soluble poly(vinyl alcohol) having a viscosity at 20° C. of 4% aqueous solution by weight of 20 to 110 cps and the degree of hydrolysis of 86 to 99 mol %, and said (B) being a partially hydrolyzed water-soluble poly (vinyl alcohol) having a viscosity at 20° C. of 4% aqueous solution by weight of 5 to 10 cps and the degree of hydrolysis of 70 to 80 mol %.

Abstract: Polyvinyl ester dispersions which can be employed as binders in building materials, preferably in the form of redispersible plastics powders, are obtained by polymerization of at least one vinyl ester and optionally other monomers which can be copolymerized with vinyl ester, by use of water-soluble cationic azo initiator.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, a releasing material is blended into the polymer so that the releasing material is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired composition is communicable to the releasing material that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer composition for flexibilizing building materials, in the form of their aqueous dispersion or of powder redispersible in water, containing

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an anti-fogging coating material comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of an inorganic alkoxide, a hydrolysate of the inorganic alkoxide and a polycondensate of the hydrolysate of the inorganic alkoxide, a polyacrylic, and polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for hydrogenating carbon-carbon double bonds of an unsaturated polymer by adding to the unsaturated polymer (1) a reducing agent selected from the group comprising hydrazines and hydrazine-releasing compounds, (2) an oxidising compound and (3) a catalyst, wherein the catalyst contains an element from group 13 of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive system comprising (a) an etherified amino resin, (b) a polymer prepared from one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, (c) a curing agent, and (d) a polyvinyl alcohol and the use thereof for gluing wood based products. The invention also relates to a hardener composition for gluing systems of the amino resin type comprising, (b) a polymer prepared from one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, said polymer containing post-crosslinking groups, (c) a carboxylic acid and (d) a polyvinyl alcohol and the use thereof for formulating an adhesive system. The invention further relates to a method of application of the adhesive system or the hardener composition onto the surface to be glued.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an adhesive composition comprising: A. 80-98% by weight, based upon the total amount of adhesive dry solids, of at least one latex copolymer comprising: (1) 20-55% by weight, based upon the weight of the copolymer, of at least one brominated aromatic monomer, (2) 5-15% by weight, based upon the weight of the copolymer, of a monomer selected from the group consisting of glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof, and (3) 40-60% by weight, based upon the weight of the copolymer, of at least one non-brominated monofunctional(meth)acrylate monomer; (4) 0-10% by weight, based upon the weight of the copolymer, of a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, and mixtures thereof; B. 0-10% by weight, based upon the total amount of adhesive dry solids, of at least one crosslinking agent; C. 1-10% by weight, based upon the total amount of adhesive dry solids, of at least one antimony oxide; and D.

Abstract: A water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol coating agent for a film contains from 3 to 19 mol % of &agr;-olefin units, wherein each said &agr;-olefin unit contains up to 4 carbon atoms. The polyvinyl alcohol coating agent can be coated on a polyolefin, a polyester or a polyamide substrate film to form a laminate film. A method for producing the laminate film comprises applying an aqueous solution of the coating agent to the substrate film, followed by drying the coating.

Abstract: A method for producing protective-colloid-stabilized polymers in the form of their aqueous polymer dispersions or in the form of powders which can be re-dispersed in water, wherein one or several monomers from the group made up of vinyl aromatics, 1.3 dienes, acrylic acid esters and methacrylic acid esters of alcohols with 1 to 15 C-atoms are polymerized in the presence of a combination of protective colloids consisting of one or several protective colloids from the group of hydrophobically modified, partly saponified polyvinyl esters which produce a surface tension of ≦40 mN/m as a 2% aqueous solution, and one or several protective colloids which produce a surface tension of >40 mN/m as a 2% aqueous solution.

Abstract: Insolubilizing agents are disclosed for pigment binders and surface sizes containing functional groups capable of reacting with carboxylic acid anhydride moieties to form chemical bonds. The insolubilizing agents are polymers or other compounds containing a plurality of carboxylic acid anhydride moieties per molecular entity. The anhydride moieties do not substantially hydrolyze or otherwise react until the paper coating is applied to the paper and dried and cured, at which time the anhydride moieties react with the functional groups of the pigment binder or surface size and render it water insoluble. A method to improve the water resistance and printability of coated paper using the insolubilizing agents of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stable aqueous liquid polymer composition, which comprises: (i) at least one polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) which has an Ostwald viscosity less than 5 mPa·s corresponding to a degree of polymerization less than 600 and a molar percentage of hydrolysis ranging from 70 to 100 measured from the ester value (DIN 53401), corresponding to a molar percentage of vinyl acetate units from 30 to 0, and (ii) at least one water-soluble polymer at neutral or alkaline pH, the composition controlling the activation of optical brighteners, water retention and viscosities of paper coating colors.

Abstract: A resin composition comprising (A) an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, (B) a polyamide resin, (C) an ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer or its metal salt, and (D) a thermoplastic resin except the resins noted above, of which the solubility parameter (as calculated from the Fedors' formula) is not more than 11. The resin composition has good compatibility, excellent barrier properties, mechanical strength, flexibility, drawability, melt stability, scrap recyclability, heat sealability, coatability, stain resistance and transparency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing polymer powders from aqueous polymer dispersions in which the dispersed polymer P comprises in copolymerized form: i) at least one vinylaromatic monomer (a), ii) 1,3-butadiene as monomer (b), and iii) one or more monomers (c) different than the monomers (a) and (b), which comprises drying the aqueous polymer dispersion in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol as drying agent. The present invention also relates to the polymer powders obtainable by this process and to the use of these polymer powders as binders in paints, varnishes and coating compositions generally, in adhesives, and for modifying mineral construction materials. The present invention also relates to mineral construction materials in the form of dry formulations comprising the polymer powders of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for preparing polymer dispersions. According to the invention, a mixture is first formed of a polymer component, a plasticizer, dispersion auxiliaries and water, the mixture is then heated to approximately 20 to 100° C. in order to form a paste-like composition, and the paste-like composition is dispersed in water. The dispersion obtained according to the invention can be used for coating paper or board, as a primer, as a component in adhesives, paint or lacquer, and it is also suited for the manufacture of cast films and for use as a binder in materials based on cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A thermoreversibly thickening binder composition, comprises a resin latex wherein the amount of an emulsifier in the aqueous phase is smaller than 0.01 mmol/g, and a vinyl polymer having reversibility of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity at a certain transition temperature. The resin latex is preferably prepared by using an emulsifier having a radically polymerizable group, and preferable as said vinyl polymer is a polymer having a cation-forming group. The binder composition exhibits an excellent chemical stability to factors other than heat without causing migration of the latex resin particles onto the surface of the coated layer even during the time of heat-drying, and thermoreversible thickening effects caused by a sharp heat-sensitive gelling properties. When applied to preparation of coated paper and pressure-sensitive recording sheet, the binder composition provides products excellent in gloss, printability and color producing properties.

Abstract: An adhesive composition containing a polyvinyl alcohol-stabilized butadiene polymer latex and a methylene donor compound. The butadiene polymer latex is prepared by an emulsion polymerization in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol. The adhesive composition may also contain other optional ingredients such as a supplemental polymeric film-forming component, a nitroso compound crosslinker, a maleimide compound crosslinker, a vulcanizing agent, and an acid-scavenging compound. The polyvinyl alcohol-stabilized butadiene polymer latex and methylene donor compound combine to provide a tightly crosslinked, robust film which provides for excellent adhesion and environmental resistance.

Abstract: A flame retardant for flameproof mesh sheets which does not experience an increase in viscosity while it is kept and does not generate harmful halogen gas at the time of combustion and a flameproof mesh sheet comprising the same. The flame retardant for mesh sheets preferably comprises red phosphorus in an amount of 1.5 to 15 parts by weight and an ammonium polyphosphate compound in an amount of 10 to 70 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of an aqueous dispersion of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of 10 to 95 wt % and a resin solid content of 25 to 75 wt %.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multilayer structure produced through co-extrusion of a multilayer melt that comprises a layer of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EtOH) resin composition containing from 100 to 5000 ppm, in terms of boric acid (H3BO3), of a boron compound, from 100 to 1000 ppm, in terms of the free acid, of a carboxylic acid and/or its salt, and from 50 to 300 ppm, in terms of the metal, of an alkali metal salt, and having an ethylene content of from 25 to 45 mol % and a degree of sanctification of at least 99%, and a layer of a carboxylic acid-modified polyolefin resin adjacent thereto; and a multilayer structure produced through co-extrusion of a multilayer melt that comprises a layer of an EVOH resin composition containing from 10 to 50 ppm, in terms of the metal, of a salt of a metal of Group 2 of the Periodic Table, and having an ethylene content of from 25 to 45 mol % and a degree of saponification of at least 99%, and a layer of a carboxylic acid-modified polyolefin resin adjacent thereto; processs

Abstract: A water-based coating composition suitable for preparing hydrophilic surfaces on various articles is provided which includes a supporting polymer having functional moieties capable of undergoing crosslinking reactions, said supporting polymer soluble in or emulsified in an aqueous based medium; and a hydrophilic polymer, said hydrophilic polymer associated with the supporting polymer. The composition is characterized in that, when crosslinked at the functional moieties, the supporting polymer forms a three-dimensional network which substantially minimizes disassociation of the hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: A crosslinkable powder composition is provided which is redispersible in water and comprises a) from 30 to 95 parts by weight of a water-insoluble, film-forming polymer of one or more free-radically polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated monomers, b) from 5 to 70 parts by weight of a water-soluble polymer, where at least one of the polymer components a) and b) comprises one or more comonomer units containing reactive groups which can form a chemical, nonionic bond with one another or with crosslinkers, and the parts by weight of a) and b) add up to 100 parts by weight, and c) from 0.01 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of a) and b), of at least one phase transfer catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to blends of a polyethylene oxide (PEO) resin and a latex emulsion. The blends are formed by mixing or coating a PEO powder resin with a latex emulsion and melt blending the powder. The blends have improved processibility and toughness which are beneficial in the manufacture of PEO-based films and fibers. The films composed of the PEO/latex blend have improved toughness, breathability, and tear resistance and are useful for the manufacture of disposable, flushable medical and personal care products, such as diapers, tampons, feminine napkins, and bladder control pads.

Abstract: An aqueous emulsion composition is provided that includes, as the dispersoid, a (co)polymer that contains at least one monomer unit selected from ethylenic unsaturated monomers and dienic monomers, and, as the dispersant, (A) a polyvinyl alcohol (co)polymer, and (B) a condensate of an alkali metal salt of an aromatic sulfonic acid with formaldehyde in a ratio, (A)/(B), of from 100/0.05 to 100/100 in terms of the solid content of the two. The composition is characterized by its fluidity such that the apparent viscosity of the composition is prevented from being lowered relative to the increase in the shear rate of the composition, and that the apparent viscosity of the composition is increased relative to the increase in the shear rate thereof. In addition, the composition has excellent high initial adhesiveness and viscosity-increasing ability.

Abstract: Modified polyvinyl acetals are prepared by saponification of 1-alkylvinyl acetate-vinyl acetate copolymers, which contain 1-alkylvinyl acetate/vinyl acetate in a weight ratio of 1/99-40/60 and subsequent acetalization the saponification products containing at least 80% units of vinyl alcohol and 1-alkyl vinyl alcohol with one or more aliphatic aldehydes with 1-6 C atoms under acid catalysis in an aqueous and/or organic medium; as well as to a method for the manufacture and the use thereof, especially in printing inks.

Abstract: A water soluble, non-ionic masking agent is used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards. The masking agent masks portions of the circuit board to prevent adhesion of solder, flux and the like. The masking agent includes a water soluble non-ionic binder resin, a cellulosic non-ionic filler, a non-ionic surfactant, at least one non-ionic associative thickener, and deionized water. The masking agent material is readily removed from the circuit board after manufacture and does not render further wash water processing ineffective. The masking agent is non-ionic, and thus does not agglomerate or clump downstream ion-exchange or filtration media.

Abstract: A graft resin having a structure of the formula (1) and having a number average molecular weight of 2,000 to 50,000, has excellent low-temperature moldability and exhibits an excellent shelf life against softening when stored at high temperatures, and an electrostatic charge developing toner containing the above graft resin as a binder exhibits excellent low-temperature fixing properties, developability and transferability without impairing the shelf life.

Abstract: The invention provides thickeners based on carboxyl- and carboxamido-containing addition polymers obtainable by free-radical emulsion or suspension polymerization of: a) from 30 to 70% by weight of carboxyl-containing, ethylenically unsaturated monomers, b) from 10 to 70% by weight of carboxamido-containing, ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and c) from 0.1 to 30% by weight of further ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of at least 5% by weight of one or more water-soluble protective colloids from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl pyrrolidones and (meth)acrylate-(meth)acrylic acid copolymers, the percentages by weight being based in each case on the overall weight of the comonomers.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, an absorbing material is blended into the polymer so that the absorbing material is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired composition is communicable to the absorbing material that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: A mixture of a polyester, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) PET, and a second polymer which is poly(vinyl alcohol) or an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer when extrusion compounded exhibits a lower residual acetaldehyde content than does PET alone when similarly treated. The invention pertains to any polyester used in the manufacture of bottles or containers which in turn are used to store consumer materials, especially food, beverages and most especially water.

Abstract: An additive for, a method of adding thereof to uncured mixes for and resulting cured cement-type concreations such as cured embodiments of concrete, marcadam, and roof-top shingles each exhibiting improved heat and freeze-thaw durability resulting from reduced efflorescence and stability against sun ultraviolet light exposure.