Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric materials comprising biodegradable, dioxanone-based copolymers and implantable devices (e.g., drug-delivery stents) formed of such materials. The polymeric materials can also contain at least one additional biocompatible moiety, at least one non-fouling moiety, at least one biobeneficial material, at least one bioactive agent, or a combination thereof. The polymeric materials are designed to improve the mechanical, physical and biological properties of implantable devices formed thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a microparticle/polyrotaxane-containing coating with high abrasion resistance and chemical resistance. There are also provided a microparticle/polyrotaxane-containing coating film and a coated article. The microparticle/polyrotaxane-containing coating includes a solvent-based coating material, a modified polyrotaxane having a caprolactone modification group (—CO(CH2)5OH) and microparticles having an average particle size of smaller than 380 nm. The microparticle/polyrotaxane-containing coating film is in the form of a layer of the microparticle/polyrotaxane-containing coating on an article to be coated. The coated article includes the microparticle/polyrotaxane-containing coating film and an article to be coated.

Abstract: A novel starch-based composition includes: (a) at least 45% by weight of at least one soluble starch, (b) at most 55% by weight of at least one non-biodegradable, non-amylaceous polymer, and (c) a bonding agent carrying at least two functional groups capable of reacting with molecules carrying functions including an active hydrogen, these amounts being expressed with respect to solids and relative to the sum of (a) and (b). A method for preparing such a starch-based composition and a thermoplastic composition prepared by heating such a composition are also described.

Abstract: Binder for granular and/or fibrous substrates.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for the production of a superabsorbent composition comprising the process steps: i. production of a hydrogel by radical polymerization of an aqueous monomer solution containing at least one monomer ii. drying the hydrogel to obtain a water-absorbing polymer structure iii. surface crosslinking of the water-absorbing polymer structure to obtain a surface-crosslinked water-absorbing polymer structure, and iv. incorporating a starch compound into the method. The present invention also relates to a superabsorbent composition obtainable according to this method, a particulate superabsorbent composition and a composite, a sanitary article core and a sanitary item, furthermore chemical products and also the use of this superabsorbent composition in chemical products.

Abstract: A process for improving the flow rate of an aqueous dispersion which comprises adding a natural polymer to said aqueous system and then adding a synthetic polymer to the aqueous system.

Abstract: A method for enhancing filtration performance in separating solids from liquids in an aqueous dispersion comprising a solids phase and a liquid phase in a two step process having a physical separation step and a filtration step comprising adding at least one filtration aid promoter and at least one synthetic polymer to the aqueous dispersion during and/or before the physical separation step resulting in concentrate and filtering the concentrate. The method may be applied in mining operations for dewatering mining slurry. Also, a composition applied in such method comprising at least one filtration aid promoter and at least one synthetic polymer. The filtration aid promoter comprises natural polymers, semi-natural polymers, coagulants and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include methods for enhancing blood coagulation in a subject. In practicing methods according to certain embodiments, an amount of a non-anticoagulant sulfated polysaccharide (NASP) is administered to a subject to enhance blood coagulation in the subject. Also provided are methods for preparing a NASP composition having blood coagulation enhancing activity. Compositions and kits for practicing methods of the invention are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot melt adhesive, comprising at least one polysaccharide ester gained by a reaction of a polysaccharide with an imidazolide in melted imidazole. The invention relates, further, to a process for producing the hot melt adhesive, in which imidazole is melted, and an acid chloride and/or an acid anhydride and/or a lactone is reacted in and with the melted imidazole to form an imidazolide, whereby at least one polysaccharide is added to the melted imidazole, whereby the polysaccharide is reacted with the imidazolide to form a polysaccharide ester.

Abstract: We describe methods that allow either carbodiimides or other carboxyl-reactive substances to be mixed with solutions of carboxylic acids or phosphates or amines or combinations thereof, so as to form a homogeneous mixture which is then dried, preferably in a freeze drying process. The mixture is then contacted with an entity, which preferably involves the dissolution of the mixture with a buffered solution of the entity, so as to initiate a conjugation reaction between the entity and a component in the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pulverulent adhesive for textile reinforcing inserts, which is dispersible in water, for the production of reinforced rubber products. The adhesive thereby comprises an at least partially capped, low-molecular isocyanate, a wetting agent, a binder and also possibly further additives.

Abstract: The invention is a water-based base material for printing inks, as well as a method for making the same, where the printing inks are primarily for use in flexographic or rotogravure printing, where the base material comprises blend vehicle and a dextrin. Additional components may be added, including but not limited to a drying retarder, a defoamer, a coalescing agent, a dispersant, water, one or more pigments or dyes, inert materials, and other materials known by those of ordinary skill in the art.

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: A solid or semisolid implant obtainable by providing a liquid composition comprising an aqueous solution of dextran with molecular weight of 1.0-100 kDa and introducing the liquid composition into the body of a mammal, whereby the implant is formed in situ in the body of the mammal. A process for preparing a composition useful for biomedical application, comprising the steps of providing a liquid composition comprising an aqueous solution of dextran having a molecular weight of 1-100 kDa; and bringing the liquid composition to solidify; whereby water is gradually eliminated from the liquid composition during the solidification. A biomedical article prepared from the composition.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a coating material for a curable solvent-based topcoating material, having excellent marring resistance, chipping resistance, producing no crack and excellent in performances such as weatherability, stain resistance, adhesion and the like, and a curable solvent-type topcoating material using such a material. [Solving Means] A coating material is blended preferably in an amount of 60 to 90% by mass relative to paint film forming components thereby to form a curable solvent-based topcoating material. The coating material includes an oleophilic polyrotaxane which includes 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, at least one of the above-mentioned liner molecule and the cyclic molecule having hydrophobic modification group.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hollow fiber that includes a hollow positioned at the center of the hollow fiber, macropores positioned at adjacent to the hollow, and mesopores and picopores positioned at adjacent to macropores, and the picopores are three dimensionally connected to each other to form a three dimensional network structure. The hollow fiber includes a polymer derived from polyimide, and the polyimide includes a repeating unit obtained from aromatic diamine including at least one ortho-positioned functional group with respect to an amine group and dianhydride.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a polyamic acid dope solution composition, a method for preparing a hollow fiber using the composition and a hollow fiber prepared by the method. More specifically, disclosed are a method for preparing a hollow fiber, comprising preparing a polyamic acid dope solution composition comprising polyhydroxyamic acid, polythiolamic acid or polyaminoamic acid, spinning the composition to prepare a hollow fiber, and imidizing and thermally rearranging the hollow fiber, and the hollow fiber prepared by the method. In accordance with the method, a hollow fiber made of a high free volume polymer membrane can be prepared by spinning the dope solution composition to prepare a hollow fiber and thermally rearranging the hollow fiber via thermal treatment. The hollow fiber thus prepared exhibits excellent gas permeability and selectivity, thus being suitable for use as a gas separation membrane.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a hydrophobic linear polyrotaxane molecule which is soluble in an organic solvent, and a crosslinked polyrotaxane using the same. [Solving Means] A hydrophobic linear polyrotaxane molecule has a cyclic molecule, a linear molecule including the cyclic molecule with piercing through the cyclic molecule, and blocking groups placed at both end terminals of the linear molecule to prevent the cyclic molecule from leaving from the linear molecule. The linear molecule is hydrophobic. The linear molecule is polycaprolactone and has a molecular weight ranging from 5,000 to 100,000. The cyclic molecule is ?-cyclodextrin, ?-cyclodextrin or ?-cyclodextrin. A crosslinked polyrotaxane is formed by combining the hydrophobic linear polyrotaxane molecule and a polymer through the cyclic molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for producing naturally-degradable substitutes of plastics and to a method for producing a granular combination of naturally-degradable polymers suitably usable in the plastic transformation industry.

Abstract: A method of lowering blood glucose in a mammal includes injecting a therapeutically effective amount of crystallized dextran microparticles and insulin to the mammal to lower blood glucose of the mammal. The composition may be a one phase or a structured multi-phase composition for controlled release of insulin over an extended period of time.

Abstract: The invention is a water-based base material for printing inks, as well as a method for making the same, where the printing inks are primarily for use in flexographic or rotogravure printing, where the base material comprises blend vehicle and a dextrin. Additional components may be added, including but not limited to a drying retarder, a defoamer, a coalescing agent, a dispersant, water, one or more pigments or dyes, inert materials, and other materials known by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Abstract: The invention is a composition that can prevent formation in, or scavenge undesirable organic materials from, a polymer matrix. The composition contains cyclodextrin and particles of activated carbon. The composition can scavenge thermal decomposition products that can be produced during melt processing of a polymer, contaminants inherent in a polymer, or other types of impurities from a polymer matrix that otherwise may elute into the air, a water supply, or an ingestible material such as a food, a drug, or a beverage. Other aspects of the invention are blends of the composition with polymeric materials, methods of making blends, articles containing the composition, and methods of making articles containing the composition.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped with diketene acetals, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: About 0.001 to 1 part by weight of a phenol component (B1) and/or about 0.001 to 10 parts by weight of an amino acid (B2) are added relative to 100 parts by weight of a polyacetal resin (A) to prepare a polyacetal resin composition. The phenol component (B1) may be a novolak phenol-series resin, a phenol aralkyl-series resin, a polyvinyl phenol-series resin, a polyhydric phenol, a polyphenol, a catechin compound, or a lignin. The amino acid (B2) may be an ?-amino acid, a ?-amino acid, a ?-amino acid, a ?-amino acid, or a derivative of an amino acid. The polyacetal resin composition may further contain an antioxidant, a heat stabilizer, a processing stabilizer, a weather (light)-resistant stabilizer, or a coloring agent. The polyacetal resin composition ensures marked inhibition of formaldehyde emission.

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: Disclosed are compositions and processes for preparing polymeric materials having polymerizable units derived from at least one C8 to C30 alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer, and at least one chain branching unit. The presence of the chain branching unit suprisingly results in the polymeric composition having non-gelled polymer chains. The polymeric compositions are useful as additives for improving the melt strength of thermoplastic resins.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a polishing pad having the excellent slurry retaining properties and the large removal rate and a composition for a polishing pad which can form such the polishing pad. A composition for polishing pad of the invention is comprising a water-insoluble matrix material containing a crosslinked polymer and a water-soluble particle dispersed in the water-insoluble matrix material. The elongation remaining after breaking is 100% or less when a test piece comprising the water-insoluble matrix material is broken at 80° C. according to JIS K 6251. A polishing pad of the invention is that at least a part of the polishing pad comprises the composition for polishing pad.

Abstract: A fluid-absorbing, composite material that is pressure sensitive adhesive and which is made of a mixture comprising a continuous phase formed from a pressure sensitive adhesive matrix, and a discontinuous phase substantially comprised of one or more natural or synthetically derived water soluble and/or water insoluble absorbents, characterised in that the continuous phase contains trans-polyoctenamer polymer, which material serves to elevate the shear strength of the composite. Because of its low melting point, compositions containing trans-polyoctenamer polymer are very easy to process. Formulations can be prepared that have only weakly adhesive properties, also formulations that are suitable as primary dressings for various hard-to-heal and chronic wounds. The pressure sensitive adhesive can also be combined with a non-adhesive, water impervious film, or other backing material, and can be used as the protective adhesive skin barrier component of ostomy pouches.

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: Compounds that are modified polysaccharides having pendant aldehyde functionalities are disclosed. Each of the aldehyde functionalities is attached through a linker to a position corresponding to a hydrogen atom of a different hydroxyl group of unmodified polysaccharide. Also disclosed is a method for introducing an amine-reactive functionality into a dextran. The method comprises (a) reacting the dextran with an alkylating agent having a functionality that reacts with an hydroxyl group of the dextran thereby forming an alkylated dextran wherein the alkylating agent has an olefin group and (b) treating the alkylated dextran to convert the olefin group to an amine-reactive functionality. A polysaccharide can be conjugated to a biomolecule by carrying out the above method and reacting the amine-reactive functionality with an amine functionality on the biomolecule to produce polysaccharide conjugated to the biomolecule.

Abstract: Compounds that are modified polysaccharides having pendant aldehyde functionalities are disclosed. Each of the aldehyde functionalities is attached through a linker to a position corresponding to a hydrogen atom of a different hydroxyl group of unmodified polysaccharide. Also disclosed is a method for introducing an amine-reactive functionality into a dextran. The method comprises (a) reacting the dextran with an alkylating agent having a functionality that reacts with an hydroxyl group of the dextran thereby forming an alkylated dextran wherein the alkylating agent has an olefin group and (b) treating the alkylated dextran to convert the olefin group to an amine-reactive functionality. A polysaccharide can be conjugated to a biomolecule by carrying out the above method and reacting the amine-reactive functionality with an amine functionality on the biomolecule to produce polysaccharide conjugated to the biomolecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible collagenous material which is non-toxic and biodegradable in less than one month, preferably in less than one week. This material comprises collagen and at least one hydrophilic macromolecular additive which is chemically non-reactive towards the collagen, with the collagen having at least partially lost its helical structure and being crosslinked. The invention also relates to a process for obtaining such a material. The collagenous material according to the invention is used, in particular, for preventing post-operative adhesions.

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: The present invention relates to a substrate having therein or thereon a composition containing, at least one molecular includant. In one embodiment, the molecular includant comprises a cyclodextrin. The present invention also relates to the substrate further comprising at least one ultraviolet radiation transorber and also to the substrate further comprising a colorant. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method of making the substrate in which a composition comprising a molecular includant is incorporated into or onto the substrate. In one embodiment of this invention, the substrate has thereon or therein a colored composition comprising a colorant and a molecular includant. In another embodiment, the colorant is a mutable colorant which, upon irradiation in the present of an ultraviolet radiation transorber, can be mutated.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive material made of a weakly elastic mixture comprising a continuous phase formed essentially from a physically cross-linked solid rubber, which comprises a blend of A-B-A block copolymer, such as a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer and a diblock copolymer such as styrene-butadiene, styrene-isoprene or a hydrogenated styrene-diene copolymer such as styrenel/etyhlene butylene, a compatible tackifying resin and a low-molecular weight polyisobutylene, optionally modified by butyl rubber, and a discontinuous phase comprising one or more hydrocolloids that are soluble and/or swellable in water.

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

Abstract: A thermally-decomposable, biodegradable resin composition is dispersed and stabilized in water optionally along with additives to give an aqueous dispersion of the resin composition. In the dispersion, the base polymer consists substantially of a water-insoluble starch-type, biodegradable resin. The dispersion is usable in various fields of papermaking, non-woven fabric production, film and sheet production and woven fabric production, in those of dispersed adhesive production, and in those of metal processing, plastic processing, wood processing and stone processing.

Abstract: Compounds that are modified polysaccharides having pendant aldehyde functionalities are disclosed. Each of the aldehyde functionalities is attached through a linker to a position corresponding to a hydrogen atom of a different hydroxyl group of unmodified polysaccharide. Also disclosed is a method for introducing an amine-reactive functionality into a dextran. The method comprises (a) reacting the dextran with an alkylating agent having a functionality that reacts with an hydroxyl group of the dextran thereby forming an alkylated dextran wherein the alkylating agent has an olefin group and (b) treating the alkylated dextran to convert the olefin group to an amine-reactive functionality. A polysaccharide can be conjugated to a biomolecule by carrying out the above method and reacting the amine-reactive functionality with an amine functionality on the biomolecule to produce polysaccharide conjugated to the biomolecule.

Abstract: The rheological properties of latexes and latex paint formulations thickened with non-urethane thickeners according to the invention are modified by adding to the latex or latex paint formulation an amount of a nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of from 4 to about 20 sufficient to decrease the low shear viscosity of the thickened latex without a corresponding reduction in the high shear viscosity.

Abstract: An admixture for decreasing the water demand of cementitious compositions such as concrete consists of(a) from 75-25% by weight of a water-reducing agent whose major component is a polycarboxylate; and(b) from 25-75% by weight of at least one saccharide component selected from hydrogenated saccharides and polyhydric alcohol adducts of saccharides.The saccaride component is preferably a hydrogenated polysaccharide with a molecular weight distribution as follows:(i) 70-30% by weight (on total weight of hydrogenated saccharides) have molecular weights in the range 180-300;(ii) 30-70% by weight have molecular weights of from 300 up to 4,000; and(iii) 30% by weight maximum have molecular weights of 4,000 and over.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the decomposition rate of polymeric bioadhesives and viscosity enhancers, such as poly(acrylic acids). The compositions include at least one strong, stable chelating agent, preferably an organophosphorous compound such as diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid). These biocompatible compositions are especially useful in the ophthalmic field.

Abstract: Latex binders are disclosed which are used to prepare freeze-thaw-stable latex coating compositions which may be free of volatile freeze-thaw/open-time additives. The latex binders are prepared by combining a polymer which is the polymerization product of a polymerizable saccharide monomer, an acrylic monomer and, optionally, a monomer selected from styrenic monomers, ionic monomer and wet adhesion monomers. The latex coating compositions are freeze-thaw stable, even in the total absence of a volatile freeze-thaw additive, and exhibit improved open-time when compared to a latex coating composition which does not contain a volatile freeze-thaw additive. Methods for preparing the freeze-thaw-stable latex coating compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the decomposition rate of polymeric bioadhesives and viscosity enhancers, such as poly(acrylic acids). The compositions include at least one strong, stable chelating agent, preferably an organophosphorous compound such as diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid). These biocompatible compositions are especially useful in the ophthalmic field.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped with isocyanate, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: A dried film reinforced with coalescable water insoluble polymer particles which are substantially noncoalesced is disclosed. Also disclosed are dried films reinforced with noncoalesced water insoluble polymer particles which are readily water dispersible. Also disclosed are stable aqueous dispersions for formation of such films which comprise (a) a water insoluble component comprising coalescable polymer particles which have a T.sub.g less than 55.degree. C. and a majority of which have a particle size of less than 1 micron; and (b) a water soluble component which comprises a water soluble polymer capable of inhibiting coalescence of the polymer particles, or a water soluble polymer and a component capable of inhibiting coalescence of the polymer particles.

Abstract: Crosslinked biocompatible compositions comprising an ionically crosslinked component and a covalently crosslinked component for encapsulating biologics are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, also disclosed are crosslinkable biocompatible mixtures comprising an ionically crosslinkable component and a covalently crosslinkable component. Methods for encapsulating biologics with the crosslinked and cross-linkable biocompatible compositions are provided. Also, retrievable macrocapsules for encapsulating microcapsules or biologics are disclosed.

Abstract: A curing composition for concrete that is an effective water barrier and that is relatively easily removed contains an acrylic or a styrene polymer latex and a polysaccharide. The polysaccharide makes the coating composition susceptible to enzyme action and thus easily removable by flooding the surface of the coated concrete with a dilute solution of enzyme reactive with the polysaccharide.

Abstract: A shear-thinning ink composition for use in ball point pens contains a substantially reduced amount of water. These low water-containing inks contain a polymeric material and exhibit superior "cap off" properties by remaining free-flowing after the cap has been off of the pen for at least seven days. The ink compositions of this invention comprise as little as 4 parts by weight of water if the ink utilizes dye as the colorant and as little as 10 parts by weight of water, based on 100 parts of the total composition, if the ink utilizes pigment as the colorant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbing and swelling agent for water, aqueous solutions and body liquids, which consists of a mixture of at least two components, whereby component A is at least a water-swellable, synthetic polymer or copolymer cross-linked with a polyfunctional compound, and component B is at least a polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of galactomannans or polygalactomannans, as well as galactomannan derivatives or mixtures thereof with other natural or synthetic polymers which at normal temperature are present as pourable powders or as fibrous materials and are only partially soluble or insoluble in water.