Abstract: Various modified carbon products are disclosed which can form a part of a polymeric product containing the modified carbon product and a polymer. One type of modified carbon product disclosed is a carbon product having attached at least one organic group, monomeric group, or polymeric group. Another type of modified carbon product disclosed is a carbon product having attached a group having the formula: —Ar—CO2—R or —CnH2nCO2—R where R is an organic group, monomeric group, or a polymeric group.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin composition containing the following components (A), and (B) or optionally, (C), (D), and (E): (A) an atactic polystyrene or a mixture of an atactic polystyrene and a rubber-like elastic substance: 30 to 95 parts by weight; (B) a syndiotactic polystyrene having a melting point of not higher than 255° C.: 70 to 5 parts by weight; (C) a polyphenylene ether having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.5 deciliter/g or less as measured in chloroform at 25° C.; (D) an inorganic filler; and (E) a polymer having compatibility or affinity with components (A) and (B) and having a polar group. The styrene resin composition exhibits improved solvent resistance and remarkable impact resistance. The composition of the invention is produced by kneading the components within a resin temperature range between the melting point of component (B) and 270° C.

Abstract: The invention provides an amide-type polymer/first polymer blend comprising: a) a polymer colloid system comprising a first polymer comprising a non-core shell polymer and b) and amide polymer. Blends where the polymer colloid system comprises latex polymer particles, a surfactant, and a liquid continuous phases are also described.

Abstract: Papermaking processes are provided which utilize mixtures of wet strength agents and dry strength agents in amounts that provide paper formed therefrom with decreased wet strength, and hence increase repulpability, without unduly compromising dry strength. Stable compositions comprised of mixtures of wet strength agents and dry strength agents, are also provided which may be advantageously used in said processes.

Abstract: A polymer-bonded granular adsorptive, absorptive, chemisorptive, or catalytically active material and a process for producing molded bodies from this material. An objective was to develop a polymer-bonded granular adsorptive, absorptive, chemisorptive, or catalytically active material which is capable of forming an open-pore and sorptive foamed body at increased temperatures while not reducing the specific surface of the active material and with a binding effect only during the mixing and processing phases, as well as a process for producing molded bodies from this material. This objective was met by mixing and processing an adsorptive, absorptive, chemisorptive, or catalytically active fine-grained material together with a finely particulate, meltable polyethylene with the addition of a binding agent having an oligocondensate basis.

Abstract: The polyamide resin composition of the present invention comprises 100 parts by weight of a polyamide resin (A) having dicarboxylic acid units (a) comprising from 60 to 100 mol % of terephthalic acid repeat units and diamine units (b) comprising from 60 to 100 mol % of C6-18 aliphatic alkylenediamine repeat units, and from 1 to 100 parts by weight of a polybromostyrene (B), comprising from 0.5 to 100% by weight of a polybromostyrene having an epoxy group. Molded articles prepared from the polyamide resin composition of the present invention have good flame retardancy, good chemical resistance, good surface appearance and good blistering resistance.

Abstract: Improved compositions of the present invention are made from a rubber latex component (A) and an oil carrier component (B) having hygroscopic and vulcanizing agents. Upon intermixing of the components A and B, an elastomeric composition is formed that can undergo a rheological transformation from a flowable liquid to a solidified elastomeric solid. An improved linear slope between fluidity and temperature is achieved by using naphthenic oil in the oil carrier component (B) with an organic rheology modifier, such as a modified castor oil and/or a polyamide. Further exemplary compositions comprise an inorganic rheology modifier such as an activated clay.

Abstract: A component to control the viscosity of phase change material formulations is made by reacting selected nucleophiles, including fatty acid/alcohol reactants with an isocyanate, is disclosed. The addition of the isocyanate and the different nucleophiles will create a viscosity modifying component of low viscosity that can be formulated with higher molecular weight polyamide resins to achieve increased toughness in phase change solid imaging materials and carrier compositions used to make phase change ink jet inks.

Abstract: Novel polymeric compounds are disclosed which may be utilized alone, or after being further polymerized into an emulsion polymer, to form pigmented compositions that are useful in a variety of pigmented compositions, including inks. The inks produced have high bond strength, and are suitable for use in a large number of printing processes, most notably processes involving printing onto flexible substrates.

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: A covercoat composition for electronic components that has improved performance to environmental and processing exposure. The covercoat composition has 15-30 wt. % of polyamide-imide, a polytetrafluoroethylene present in an amount up to 20 wt. % and a silica present in an amount up to 15 wt. %, wherein all of the covercoat components are dispersed in a 60-80 wt. % organic solvent. A more preferred range of polyamide-imide is 20-25 wt. % of the total composition. A preferred organic solvent is N-methyl Pyrrolidone.

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: Polyamide-based compositions whose processability is improved by the addition of a processing agent chosen from fluoropolymers. These compositions are useful for molding shaped articles by extrusion, extrusion blowing, extrusion thermoforming or injection molding.

Abstract: A bioadhesive composition for use as a skin adhesive, the composition formed by polymerising with cross-linking and/or entanglement an aqueous reaction mixture comprising effective amounts of at least one monomer dissolved or suspended therein and capable of forming a hydrogel on polymerisation, optionally at least one cross-linking agent for the monomer, and water, said composition having an elastic modulus (G′) and a viscous modulus (G″), wherein the degree of polymerisation and/or the degree of cross-linking and/or entanglement are selected to control the skin adhesion properties of the bioadhesive composition having regard to the rate of change of tan delta (G″÷G″) against frequency in a diagnostic portion of the frequency range 0.01 to 300 rad/s, typically the lower end of the said frequency range below about 100 rad/s.

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 molding which comprises the following components:

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition which may be unvulcanized or vulcanized is provided which comprises a polymer blend of an elastomeric thermoplastic engineering resin and a halogen-containing copolymer of a C4 to C7 isomonoolefin and a para-alkylstyrene. A process for preparing a dynamically vulcanized composition is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic resin composition characterized by comprising (A) a thermoplastic resin, (B) an inorganic filler and/or organic filler, and (C) a polyhydroxy alcohol ester of condensed hydroxyfatty acid and/or (C′) a condensed hydroxyfatty acid having a degree of condensation exceeding 3.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient process for the recovery of caprolactam from polycaprolactam-containing waste material. The present process for depolymerizing multi-component waste material comprising polycaprolactam and non-polycaprolactam components to form caprolactam comprises the step of: in the absence of added catalyst, contacting the multi-component waste material with superheated steam at a temperature of about 250° C. to about 400° C. and at a pressure within the range of about 1 atm to about 100 atm and substantially less than the saturated vapor pressure of water at the temperature wherein a caprolactam-containing vapor stream is formed.

Abstract: an aqueous primer composition for a fluororesin coating comprising a fluororesin, polyethersulfone, and at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyamideimide and polyimide, which are dispersed in water, wherein a weight ratio of polyethersulfone to polyamideimide and/or polyimide is from 85:15 to 65:35, and a weight ratio of the total amount of polyethersulfone and polyamideimide and/or polyimide to the fluororesin is from 15:85 to 35:65. This primer composition has good adhesion properties to substrates, the freedom of color tone of the coated film, and improved corrosion resistance and steam resistance, causes no environmental problems, and has good workability.

Abstract: A multi-component composite coating composition is provided which includes a pigmented base coat and a transparent topcoat composition applied over the base coat. The transparent topcoat is deposited from a substantially solvent free film-forming composition which includes a thermosettable dispersion of polymeric microparticles having functionality adapted to react with a crosslinking agent and a hydrophilic crosslinking agent reactive with the functionality of the microparticles. The microparticles are prepared from one or more reaction products of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, one or more hydrophobic polymers and one or more hydrophobic crosslinking agents. Pigmented film-forming compositions as well as curable compositions containing the above-described dispersions also are provided. A method of forming the dispersion of polymeric microparticles is provided.

Abstract: A process for making an injection-molded article having reduced warpage comprising: (a) providing a crystalline polymer selected from the group consisting of a high-density polyethylene, a polyolefin, a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, a polyvinyl acetate, a polyethylene imine, a polyoxymethylene, and mixtures thereof; (b) providing an organic pigment; (c) providing a polyamide; (d) mixing (a)-(c) to form a polymer mixture; and (e) injection molding the polymer mixture to form the injection-molded article having reduced warpage.

Abstract: Compatible polyphenylene ether-polyamide blends are prepared without the need for compatibilizing compounds such as citric acid or maleic anhydride. The preparation method includes melt blending of the constituents, with other materials such as impact modifiers and fillers optionally being present, at an apparatus temperature maintained no lower than about 295° C. and a pressure maintained below about 200 torr. Blending is preferably by extrusion, with filler and optionally a portion of the polyamide being introduced downstream.

Abstract: An aqueous polymeric dispersion is described containing at least one substantially non-gelled polymeric composition comprising the reaction product of an A polymer which is an addition polymer having 3.5 or more reactive functional groups per polymer chain and a B polymer having about 2 to about 3 functional groups per polymer chain that are co-reactive with the reactive functional groups of the A polymer and an aqueous solvent. The aqueous polymeric dispersion is particularly useful in or as overprint varnishes, inks, pigment dispersions, paints, adhesives, coatings, support resins, emulsion polymers and the like.

Abstract: A miscible polymer blend of superior mechanical strength, hardness and abrasion or mar resistance comprising PVDF and at least one compatible aromatic polyimide. The aromatic polyimide in the miscible polymer blend acts as a nucleating agent for PVDF crystallization. The miscible polymer blend comprising PVDF and aromatic polyimide does not exhibit the negative characteristic of reduced mechanical strength encountered in PVDF and polymer alloys known in the art. The PVDF/aromatic polyimide alloy is prepared by dissolving, separately, PVDF and the aromatic polyimide in a solvent and blending the solutions to form the required composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyamide resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a polyamide resin and 0.001 to 2 parts by weight of at least two kinds of fillers having different average particle sizes from each other, an average particle size of a filler having minimum average particle size in said at least two kinds of fillers being 0.001 to 2 &mgr;m, an average particle size of a filler having maximum average particle size in said at least two kinds of fillers being more than 2 &mgr;m and not more than 15 &mgr;m, said at least two kinds of fillers having the following particle size distribution: (a) 20 to 90% by weight of a filler having a particle size of not more than 2 &mgr;m, (b) 0 to 15% by weight of a filler having a particle size of more than 2 &mgr;m and less than 3 &mgr;m, and (c) 10 to 80% by weight of a filler having a particle size of not less than 3 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of coating a substrate under ambient conditions by conventional single step application means, such as single spray heads with a single pack fast dry paint, containing a coating composition of the present invention, which contains a latex binder, an associative thickener and a water soluble organic volatile solvent. The amounts the associative thickener and the solvent are such that the paint has an in-can viscosity under ambient conditions in the range of from 1,000 cps to 6,000 cps and a set-to-touch dry time rating under ASTM D-1640 of less than 10 minutes. The method of the present invention and coating composition used therein can be used to produce a quick drying coating useful as, a pavement or road marking traffic paint for concrete, asphalt or bituminous roads, walkways, or parking lots.

Abstract: A hot-melt adhesive comprises a resin composition comprising (a) from 0.1 to 50 parts by weight of a polyolefin resin obtained by copolymerizing 80% by weight or more of a non-polar &agr;-olefin with 20% by weight or less in total of a monomer containing 5% by weight or more of a carboxyl group and a polar &agr;-olefin, or with 20% by weight or less in total of a monomer containing 0.5% by weight or more of an acid anhydride group and a polar &agr;-olefin, (b) from 0 to 80 parts by weight of a copolymer of ethylene and a non-polar&agr;-olefin, or a polyolefin resin containing 20% by weight or less of a polar &agr;-olefin, and (c) from 10 to 90 parts by weight of a polyamide, provided that the total amount of the components (a), (b) and (c) is 100 parts by weight, the resin composition having a melt index of 5 g/10 min or more and less than 500 g/10 min. The hot-melt adhesive resin composition of the invention has excellent adhesiveness to both non-polar and polar adherends.

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 molding composition comprises components A, B and, if desired, components C to E, the total weight of which is 100% by weight: a: as component A, from 5 to 95% by weight of a random copolyamide made from a1: from 95.1 to 99.9% by weight of component A1 made from equimolar amounts of at least one linear aliphatic diamine and at least one linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid a2: from 0.1 to 4.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-borne hybrid binder composition. It is obtained by mixing about 20-80% by weight of A), an aqueous dispersion of a polymer, said dispersion having a dry-solids content of at least 45% by weight, and containing at least 0.1% by weight of B) a single surfactant or a mixture of two or more different surfactants and protective colloids, and about 80-20% of C) one or more resins being emulsifiable in water and having a dry solids content above 90% by weight, by adding the resin C to the dispersion A under agitation, the resulting hybrid binder composition obtaining a dry-solids content of 60-95% by weight. The invention also relates to the use of the binder composition as a component in a paint or lacquer mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition featuring increased solids contents, which comprises at least one polyol I obtainable by subjecting at least one oligomer of the general formula I R1R2C═[═CH—R—CH═]n—CR3R4  (I) in which R=—(—CH2—)m—, in which the index m is an integer from 2 to 6, or in which X=—CH2— or an oxygen atom R1,R2,R3 and R4 independently of one another=hydrogen atoms or alkyl; and the index n=an integer from 1 to 15; to hydroformylation and reducing the resultant aldehyde-functional products I to give the polyols I, which, if desired, are subjected to partial or complete hydrogenation.

Abstract: The invention relates to protective-colloid-stabilized polymer compositions in the form of their aqueous polymer dispersions or water-redispersible polymer powders, which comprise at least one film-forming base polymer and a protective colloid, wherein the protective colloid is a sulfonated condensation product made from unsaturated di- or polycarboxylic acids and from at least one compound selected from the class encompassing diols, polyols, diamines and polyamines.

Abstract: A composition comprising a plurality of multicomponent particles, one component of each of the particles being melt fabricable fluoropolymer and another component of each of the particles being a high temperature resistant non-dispersed polymer binder. The components of the particles are bound together by mechanical engagement, or alternatively, by chemical interaction. The composition is preferably in the form of a free-flowing powder which is not subject to segregation of component resins during shipping or processing.

Abstract: Flame retarded thermoplastic polymer compositions are formed by blending together a thermoplastic polymer and at least a flame retardant amount of a brominated styrenic polymer having, prior to blending, a total bromine content of at least about 50 wt % and in addition specified characteristics pertaining to such properties as (i) TGA temperature for 1% weight loss, (ii) hydrolyzable bromine content, (iii) chlorine content (if any), and/or (iv) thermal stability using a described Thermal Stability Test. Blends made with prior art brominated polystyrenes do not possess the enhanced thermal stability and reduced metal corrosiveness provided by these brominated styrenic polymers.

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: A polyimide-based composite according to the invention is formed using a precursor comprising (A) a polyimide component and (B) another polymer component, wherein the polyimide forms a continuous phase and the other polymer forms a discontinuous phase, and the elastic modulus is less than 10 GPa. This structure provides both the properties of insulation, etc. contributed by the polyimide and the properties of low elastic modulus and satisfactory adhesion, moldability, etc. contributed by the other polymer. The polyimlde-based aqueous dispersion of the invention has dispersed therein particles with a mean particle size of 0.03-5 &mgr;m comprising the precursor of the polyimide-based composite, the dispersed particles including in the same particles the (A) polyimide component and (B) other polymer component comprising a hydrophilic polymer. This gives satisfactory storage stability to the aqueous dispersion.

Abstract: Thermoplastic molding compositions comprise A) from 10 to 97.9% by weight of a partly crystalline polyamide, B) from 0.1 to 50% by weight of a copolyamide composed of B1) from 60 to 90 mol % of units derived from s-caprolactam and B2) from 10 to 40 mol % of units derived from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and from aliphatic diamines, C) from 1 to 40% by weight of a copolymer based on styrene or on substituted styrenes and on unsaturated nitriles, D) from 1 to 50% by weight of a fibrous filler and E) from 0 to 30% by weight of other additives, where the percentages by weight of components A) to E) are 100% in total.

Abstract: This invention is a flame-retardant, anti-dripping polyamide composition comprising a high temperature polyphthalamide, a halogen-containing organic compound, and an anti-drip effective amount of an anti-drip component comprising a polymer formed from at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and at least one carboxylic acid containing monomer.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising a matrix of an alloy of (a) polyamide and (b) polymer having polyamide blocks and polyether blocks, dispersed in which matrix is a crosslinked phase (c), the said compositions having a melt strength of more than 1.5 and a flexural modulus at 23° C. (in accordance with ISO 178-93) of less than 700 MPa and preferably between 50 and 250 MPa. Such a composition is useful for manufacturing extrusion blow-moulded parts, especially for cars. It also relates to articles additionally comprising a part made of polyamide and polyolefin or of a mixture of polyamide and polyolefin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyamide resin composition comprising a polyamide resin, a modified ethylene copolymer, an amide-based dispersant and an electroconductive material, said composition having not more than 1011 &OHgr;·cm of an intrinsic volume resistivity and not less than 30 KJ/m2 of an Izod impact strength measured according to ASTM D256.

Abstract: An aqueous polymeric dispersion is described containing at least one substantially non-gelled polymeric composition comprising the reaction product of an A polymer which is an addition polymer having 3.5 or more reactive functional groups per polymer chain and a B polymer having about 2 to about 3 functional groups per polymer chain that are co-reactive with the reactive functional groups of the A polymer and an aqueous solvent. The aqueous polymeric dispersion is particularly useful in or as overprint varnishes, inks, pigment dispersions, paints, adhesives, coatings, support resins, emulsion polymers and the like.

Abstract: Flame-retardant thermoplastic molding compositions comprise A) from 40 to 98% by weight of a thermoplastic polyamide B) from 1 to 40% by weight of melamine cyanurate C) from 1 to 50% by weight of a fibrous filler which is pretreated with a silane compound and whose arithmetic mean fiber length (d50) is from 70 to 200 &mgr;m, or of an acicular mineral filler or a mixture of these D) from 0 to 30% by weight of other additives and processing aids where the total of the percentages by weight of components A) to D) is 100%.

Abstract: A composition is provided herein for preventing or retarding the formation of gas hydrates or for reducing the tendency of gas hydrates to agglomerate, during the transport of a fluid comprising water and a hydrocarbon, through a conduit. The composition is a homopolymer of vinyl caprolactam having the low molecular weight in the range of 500 to 2500, or copolymers or terpolymers thereof, and a polyoxyalkylenediamine or a polyoxyarylenediamine. Such homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers, preferably are made and applied in the defined solvent, which, most preferably, is a glycol ether such as 2-butoxyethanol.

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 activation material is blended into the polymer so that the activation 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 activation 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 solvent based composition containing a non-aqueous solvent and a substantially non-gelled polymeric composition is disclosed. The polymeric composition comprises the reaction product of an A polymer which is an addition polymer having 3.5 or more reactive functional groups per polymer chain and a B polymer having about 2 to about 3 functional groups per polymer chain that are co-reactive with the reactive functional groups of the A polymer. The solvent based composition includes coatings, adhesives, inks, primers, overprint varnishes and the like.

Abstract: A hot alkaline liquid soluble or dispersable composition made from a first polymer of an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer having an acrylic acid portion, an ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer having a methacrylic acid portion, or a mixture thereof, where the acrylic acid portion and the methacrylic acid portion each, independently, comprise from 10 to 30 wt. % of the total copolymer weight and also including an Ionomer-type copolymer having an acrylic acid portion, a methacrylic acid portion, or a combination thereof, comprising from 10 to 30 wt. % of the total Ionomer copolymer weight. Methods of making articles from such compositions. Methods of disposal of such compositions in hot liquid and alkaline conditions.

Abstract: A destaticizing thermoplastic resin composition compristing(A) a thermoplastic resin;(B) a polymer having a surface resistivity measured at 500 V of 10.sup.8 to 10.sup.11 .OMEGA., a melting point of 100.degree. C. or higher, an apparent malt viscosity at an apparent shear rate at 260.degree. C. of 1,000 sec.sup.-1 of 10 to 1,000 Pa.multidot.s, and a ratio of the above apparent melt viscosity to the apparent melt viscosity of the thermoplastic resin at an apparent shear rate at 260.degree. C. of 1,000 sec.sup.-1 of 0.01 to 1.3; or a carbon fiber having a diameter of 1 nm to 1 .mu.m, a length of 1 .mu.m to 10 mm and a volume resistivity of less than 1 .OMEGA.cm; or a combination of the polymer and the carbon fiber; and(C) a fibrous conductive filler having a volume resistivity of 100 .OMEGA..multidot.cm or less.The destaticizing composition is useful for preparation of a carrier jig for use in an electronic field.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stabilized aqueous emulsion polymerization composition comprising (a) from about 10% to about 80% by weight of a polymer derived from an emulsion polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer; (b) from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of a polyamino acid heteropolymer; (c) from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of a free radical polymerization initiating agent; and (d) the remainder water. The polyamino acid heteropolymer in (b) may be selected from the group consisting of polyaspartic acid heteropolymers, polyglutamic acid heteropolymers, copolymers of polyaspartic acid heteropolymers with polyglutamic acid heteropolymers, and mixtures thereof. The present invention also pertains to a method for emulsifying and stabilizing an aqueous free radical emulsion polymerization reaction employing the polyamino acid heteropolymers.

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).