Abstract: Method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising the injection of an aqueous fluid containing a modified polysaccharide bearing ethylenically unsaturated double bonds and an initiator of radical polymerization.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises a liquid and gas permeable transmission layer, an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, the absorbent layer overlying the transmission layer, a gas impermeable cover layer overlying the absorbent layer and comprising a first orifice, wherein the cover layer is moisture vapor permeable.

Abstract: Active ingredient combinations of (i) acidic preservatives and (ii) one or more glucosyl glycerides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thickener comprising at least one cationic polymer and at least one activator. The at least one cationic polymer is preparable by polymerization of a) at least one water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer comprising at least one cationic monomer, optionally at least one anionic monomer and/or optionally at least one nonionic monomer, b) at least one ethylenically unsaturated associative monomer, c) optionally at least one crosslinker, and d) optionally at least one chain transfer agent. The ratio of activator to cationic polymer is >10 to 100 [% by weight/% by weight].

Abstract: Urea mixtures and methods for making and using same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the urea mixture can include urea, a urea-aldehyde resin, a liquid medium, and a sugar. The urea mixture can have an aldehyde to urea molar ratio of about 0.2:1 to about 0.7:1. The urea mixture can have a sugar concentration of about 2 wt % to about 8 wt %, based on the combined weight of the urea, the urea-aldehyde resin, the liquid medium, and the sugar.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aqueous coating composition including at least one latex polymer derived from at least one monomer copolymerized or blended with a rhamnolipid and/or sophorolipid biosurfactant. Also provided is an aqueous architectural coating composition including at least one latex polymer derived from at least one monomer copolymerized or blended with a rhamnolipid and/or sophorolipid biosurfactant, at least one pigment, and water. Also provided is a method of preparing an aqueous architectural coating composition such as a latex paint including the above components.

Abstract: Provided is a method to produce resin particles having a uniform particle size by a suspension polymerization method, and to provide a method for simply producing resin particles having high dispersibility into an organic binder or an organic solvent, wherein a resin particle assemblage comprises a resin particle assemblage in which an ester moiety constituting a sorbitan fatty acid ester having no polyoxyalkylene group is buried in the resin particles, and a large number of sorbitan moieties bonded with the ester moiety exist on a surface of resin particles, and a coefficient of variation (CV value) of a mean particle diameter of the resin particles forming the resin particle assemblage is in the range of 30% or less.

Abstract: Novel articles, in particular films, made from polymers, which are elastic, impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor. Said articles are made from a composition comprising a dispersion of an elastomer in an aqueous solvent, a hydrophilic compound and a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to particle-comprising polyether alcohols which can be prepared by in-situ polymerization of olefinically unsaturated monomers in a polyether alcohol, wherein the polymerization is carried out in the presence of at least one compound (A) comprising a polyethersiloxane chain on which at least one polyether chain comprising at least one reactive hydrogen atom and a polyether chain comprising at least one olefinic double bond are present.

Abstract: The invention relates to particle-comprising polyether alcohols which can be prepared by in-situ polymerization of olefinically unsaturated monomers in a polyether alcohol, wherein the polymerization is carried out in the presence of at least one compound (A) comprising a polysiloxane chain to which at least one polyether chain comprising at least one reactive hydrogen atom and a polyether chain comprising at least one olefinic double bond are bonded.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling size distribution of formed polymer particles during preparation of aqueous polymer dispersion. The method comprises obtaining an aqueous polysaccharide solution, which comprises about 10 to 40 weight-% polysaccharide containing a free hydroxyl group, such as starch, and polymerising in the polysaccharide solution in the presence of a graft-linking, water-soluble redox system about 30 to 60 weight-% of at least one optionally substituted styrene, about 60 to 30 weight-% of at least one C1-C4-alkyl (meth)acrylate, and 0 to about 10 weight-% of other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomers. The size distribution of the formed polymer particles is controlled by adjusting viscosity of the polysaccharide solution before the polymerisation to a level less than about 20 mPas.

Abstract: Porous materials are fabricated using interpenetrating inorganic-organic composite gels. A mixture or precursor solution including an inorganic gel precursor, an organic polymer gel precursor, and a solvent is treated to form an inorganic wet gel including the organic polymer gel precursor and the solvent. The inorganic wet gel is then treated to form a composite wet gel including an organic polymer network in the body of the inorganic wet gel, producing an interpenetrating inorganic-organic composite gel. The composite wet gel is dried to form a composite material including the organic polymer network and an inorganic network component. The composite material can be treated further to form a porous composite material, a porous polymer or polymer composite, a porous metal oxide, and other porous materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing water-absorbing resin particles having high equilibrium swelling capacity, a high water-absorption rate or high initial swelling capacity, and an appropriate particle size that achieves good handling performance; water-absorbing resin particles obtained by the method; and a water blocking material and an absorbent article which include the water-absorbing resin particles. The present invention is a method for producing water-absorbing resin particles, which comprises: preparing a hydrogel polymer by reversed-phase suspension polymerization of a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer in a hydrocarbon solvent in the absence of an internal crosslinking agent but in the presence of a surfactant with an HLB of 8 to 12; carrying out a post-crosslinking reaction of the hydrogel polymer whose moisture content is adjusted to 30 to 110 mass % based on a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer component that composes the hydrogel polymer.

Abstract: Elongated microcapsules, such as elongated hydrophobic-core and hydrophilic-core microcapsules, may be formed by pulse stirring an emulsion or shearing an emulsion between two surfaces moving at different velocities. The elongated microcapsules may be dispersed in a coating formulation, such as paint.

Abstract: There are provided compositions comprising (i) at least one non-aromatic polyol compound containing at least one polyol unit having at least two hydroxyl groups and at least one long chain unit containing at least 6 carbon atoms; and (ii) at least one fluoropolymer comprising repeating units derived from a fluorinated olefin. There are also provided methods of improving the shear stability of fluoropolymer dispersions, methods of coating substrates, and substrates coated with the above described composition.

Abstract: A formaldehyde-free curable aqueous composition containing polyvinyl alcohol, a multi-functional crosslinking agent, and, optionally, a catalyst. The composition may be used as a binder for non-woven products such as fiberglass insulation. The non-woven products are formed by contacting the formaldehyde-free curable aqueous composition with fibrous components and the mixture is cured to form a rigid thermoset polymer providing excellent strength and water resistance of the cured nonwoven product.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition for mineral fibers comprises: (a) a sugar syrup containing a reducing sugar and having a dextrose equivalent DE of at least 50 and less than 85; (b) a polycarboxylic acid component; (c) an amine component; and, optionally, (d) a reaction product of a polycarboxylic acid component (b) and an amine component (c).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions for wood preservation and methods of applying compositions for wood preservation. The compositions comprise nonionic surfactant mixtures and prepolymer. Compositions of nonionic surfactant mixtures and prepolymers can be used advantageously in methods to preserve wood by impregnation of the wood with preservatives at ambient atmospheric pressures.

Abstract: Moldable, curable, reinforcing particle-filled compositions and methods for making the compositions are provided. The moldable compositions are characterized by high loadings of reinforcing filler particles in a thermosetting matrix and, as such, can be strong, yet lightweight. The moldable compositions can be formed into shaped cores and cured to provide a variety of articles. Optionally, a layer of reinforcing material can be applied over the shaped cores to finish and strengthen the final article.

Abstract: Compositions including composites of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nanoparticles are disclosed. A wood-polymer composite using the PVC-nanoparticle composite as a matrix also is disclosed. The nanoparticle filler is dispersed throughout the PVC matrix by blending the nanoparticles with a mixture of PVC particles that have been pre-heated to a temperature at or above a fusion point of the PVC, thereby fusing the PVC particles prior to the addition of the nanoparticles to the matrix. Also disclosed are methods of forming the composite compositions. The composite compositions can be used to replace wood boards.

Abstract: A process for the enzyme-catalyzed preparation of cyclic ester oligomers from dicarboxylic acids and/or dicarboxylic acid derivatives and diols, hydroxycarboxylic acids and/or hydroxycarboxylic acid esters, and/or linear ester oligomers in the presence of a solvent comprising a tertiary alcohol and a non-alcoholic solvent.

Abstract: A continuous process for the process for the enzyme-catalyzed preparation of cyclic ester oligomers from linear ester oligomers. The process may use a linear or recirculating reactor.

Abstract: Enzymes which are capable of catalyzing esterifications and/or transesterifications such as selected lipases and esterases can, under specified conditions, convert certain lower linear oligomers of polyesters to their cyclic ester oligomers in quantities greater than would be predicted by thermodynamic calculation or prior art methods. The cyclic ester oligomers are useful for the production of higher molecular weight linear polyesters.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate type polyester that comprises one unit % or more of 3-hydroxy-&ohgr;-(4-vinylphenyl)alkanoic acid units. A microbial production method is also provided.

Abstract: A process for making a self-dispersible, radiation curable coating composition involving: (a) providing a cationic oligomer; (b) providing an epoxy functional monomer; (c) providing a surfactant component; (d) providing a transfer agent; (e) providing a photoinitiator; and (f) mixing (a)-(e) to form the coating composition.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate having a monomer unit composition represented by General Formula (1): AmB(1−m)  (1)  wherein A is represented by General Formula (2), B is at least one selected from the group consisting of monomer units represented by General Formula (3) or (4), and m has a value of 0.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) having a desired configuration is produced using a raw material containing &ohgr;-(4-vinylphenyl)-alkanoic acid and (&ohgr;-substituted alkanoic acid in which a group having a ring structure selected from phenyl, thienyl, and cyclohexyl structures substitutes therefor on the end thereof by producing a PHA copolymer containing the corresponding 3-hydroxy-&ohgr;-(4-vinylphenyl)-alkanoate unit and the corresponding 3-hydroxy-&ohgr;-substituted alkanoate unit by making use of a microorganism capable of producing the PHA or by oxidizing a predetermined portion of the corresponding PHA.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymers having a slow rate of absorption, and a process for their preparation. The superabsorbent polymer has a slow rate of absorption, is crosslinked with a covalent crosslinking agent and the metal of a polyvalent metal coordination compound, has the metal of the coordination compound distributed essentially homogeneously throughout the polymer, and has an Absorption Rate Index of at least about 5 minutes. Prepare water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer particles having a slow rate of water absorption by polymerizing a monomer in the presence of a covalent crosslinking agent and a polyvalent metal coordination compound under conditions such that there is formed a polymer having reversible cationic crosslinks and such that the metal is distributed essentially homogeneously throughout the polymer particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to the utilization of aqueous polymer dispersions or of polymer powders which can be redispersed in water and which are based on protective colloid-stabilized aromatic vinyl-1,3-diene-copolymers in adhesive formulations used in the building industry, whereby the polymer dispersion and the polymer powders are produced by emulsion polymerization of a mixture containing at least one aromatic vinyl and at least one 1,3-diene in the presence of one or more protective colloids, without using an emulsifier, and by optionally drying of the aqueous polymer dispersion obtained thereby.

Abstract: In a process for the metal-catalyzed preparation of copolymers of carbon monoxide and an olefinically unsaturated compound having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms in an aqueous medium, the copolymerization is carried out in the presence of a water-soluble macromolecular host compound which has a hydrophobic cavity and a hydrophilic shell.

Abstract: Synthetic comb copolymers which elicit controlled cellular response, methods of applying these polymers to various surfaces, and methods of using the polymers for modifying biomaterial surfaces, in tissue engineering applications and as drug delivery devices are provided. The comb copolymers are comprised of hydrophobic polymer backbones and hydrophilic, non-cell binding side chains which can be end-capped with cell-signaling ligands that guide cellular response. By mixing non-cell binding combs with ligand-bearing combs, the surface concentration and spatial distribution of one or more types of ligands, including adhesion peptides and growth factors, can be tuned on a surface to achieve desired cellular response. In one embodiment, the combs are used as stabilizing agents for dispersion polymerization of latexes. The comb-stabilized latexes can be applied to substrates by standard coating operations to create a bioregulating surface, or used as drug delivery agents.

Abstract: Natural cyclic polyalcohols such as polyfructoses and, dehydration products of sugar alcohols can be used for stabilising thermoplastic polymers, at a ratio of 0.001-5 phr of polyol with respect to the polymer. The cyclic polyol is in particular inulin or sorbitan. The polymer to be stabilised is in particular PVC, PE, PP or a halogenated rubber.

Abstract: Synthetic comb copolymers which elicit controlled cellular response, methods of applying these polymers to various surfaces, and methods of using the polymers for modifying biomaterial surfaces, in tissue engineering applications and as drug delivery devices are provided. The comb copolymers are comprised of hydrophobic polymer backbones and hydrophilic, non-cell binding side chains which can be end-capped with cell-signaling ligands that guide cellular response. By mixing non-cell binding combs with ligand-bearing combs, the surface concentration and spatial distribution of one or more types of ligands, including adhesion peptides and growth factors, can be tuned on a surface to achieve desired cellular response. In one embodiment, the combs are used as stabilizing agents for dispersion polymerization of latexes. The comb-stabilized latexes can be applied to substrates by standard coating operations to create a bioregulating surface, or used as drug delivery agents.

Abstract: A water-dispersible, water- and oil-repellent agent, which comprises an aqueous emulsion comprising a copolymer of a fluoroalkyl group-containing monomer with vinylidene chloride or benzyl (meth)acrylate and a carboxyl group-containing, water-soluble polymer, dispersed in water by a nonionic surfactant, preferably the carboxyl group-containing, water-soluble polymer is used together with a sugar alcohol, contains no organic solvent and has a distinguished freeze-thaw stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing an expandable polymer of a vinyl aromatic monomer and a polar water adsorbing monomer. The monomers are partially polymerized and then suspended in water so that the resulting beads contain from 3 to 40 weight % water which act as the sole or a predominant blowing agent.

Abstract: Sizing agents comprised of dispersed synthetic polymers in an aqueous solution are provided, as well as methods for making these sizing agents and methods for using these sizing agents to size paper. Improved sizing is obtained by including recurring units of methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate and/or propyl acrylate in the synthetic polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for the production of reinforced thermoplastic and thermoadhesive polymers, used to make shaped reinforcing pieces for footwear in general, including sports shoes, these reinforced condensation polymers resulting from the polymerization of monomers such as lactones--specifically epsilon caprolactone, and condensable systems of two components, specifically polyisocyanates, polyols or polyolpolyesters--in the presence of reinforcing materials and, optionally, filling materials. The reinforced thermoplastic and thermoadhesive polymers are obtained in the form of sheets, from which the units or pieces are cut to a specified pattern, for example for the toecap, the heel piece or the inner sole.

Abstract: Suspension polymers having high swellability have low contents of soluble fractions if aliphatic peroxy esters are used as polymerization initiators.

Abstract: Water soluable, aqueous salt solution dispersible polymers and aqueous salt solutions containing dispersed polymers are produced by polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated soluble monomers in an aqueous salt solution in the presence of at least one carbohydrate. The polymers and aqueous salt solutions containing the dispersed polymers are useful for paper making, water clarification and emulsion breaking.

Abstract: Latex paint compositions containing water, pigment and a latex wherein the latex is prepared by emulsion polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of 0.1 to 0.2 pphm of at least one hydrophobically modified starch having the structure ##STR1## In the above structure, St is a starch base material, R.sup.1 is a dimethylene or trimethylene group, R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl and aralkenyl groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and ammonium. The hydrophobically modified starch is the reaction product of starch and an anhydride moiety and provides the latex paint with improved rheological properties and allows for easier spreading and less dripping of paint.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel vinyl containing organopolysiloxane elastomers which possess excellent low compression set and heat aging characteristics and which can advantageously be formulated into liquid silicone elastomer moldable compositions.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions comprising two or more surfactants and an associative thickener, where the type and amounts of the surfactants are selected to provide an aqueous solution having enhanced thickening properties, is disclosed. In particular, selected surfactant mixtures combined with certain hydrophobically-modified polyetherurethane thickeners provide enhanced thickening properties that are not available when the individual surfactants are combined with thickener. A method for improving the thickening properties of aqueous solutions using the mixed surfactant/associative thickener is also disclosed. The mixed surfactant/associative thickeners of the invention are useful as thickening agents in a variety of formulations such as paints, coatings, cosmetics, personal care items and cleaners.

Abstract: Process for preparing a flexible foam by reacting a prepolymer having an NCO value of 3-15% by weight, which is the reaction product obtained by reacting an excessive amount of a polyisocyanate with a polyether polyol or a mixture of such polyols, said polyol or mixture having an average nominal hydroxyl functionality of from 2 to 6, an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of from 500 to 5000 and an oxyethylene content of at least 50% by weight, with water, the amount of water being 15-500 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of prepolymer, at the start of the reaction the temperature of the prepolymer being 10.degree.-50.degree. C. and the temperature of the water being 10.degree.-50.degree. C. higher than the temperature of the prepolymer and a process for preparing a flexible foam by reacting the above prepolymer with water in the presence of a superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: A method for producing stabilized polymers, exhibiting enhanced thermal stability, which comprises polymerizing a mixture comprising: a monomer comprising an allyl-containing group which is bonded to primary and/or secondary hydroxyl groups on a saccharide, preferably a long chain (C.sub.3 -C.sub.20) allyl-containing ether group on the hydroxyl group; and one or monomers selected from methacrylate ester monomers, acrylate ester monomers, acrylamide monomers and styrene monomers, in amounts sufficient to produce a polymer exhibiting enhanced thermal stability. Polymers having enhanced thermal stability are obtained using a monomer comprising an allyl-containing group which is bonded to primary and/or secondary hydroxyl groups on a saccharide, as a novel stabilization crosslinking agent.

Abstract: An aqueous polymerization method is disclosed for forming polymers containing, as polymerized units, at least one monomer having low water solubility, including the steps of:(1) complexing at least one monomer having low water solubility with a macromolecular organic compound having a hydrophobic cavity; and(2) polymerizing in an aqueous system from about 0.1% to about 100%, by weight of the monomer component, based on the total weight of the polymer, of the complexed monomer having low water solubility with from about 0% to about 99.9% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer, of at least one monomer having high water solubility.The method is also useful for forming aqueous solution polymers having low water solubility.

Abstract: Aqueous polymer dispersions obtainable by polymerizing free-radically polymerizable unsaturated monomers in aqueous phase in the presence of a saccharide or of mixtures of saccharides by the method of free-radical aqueous emulsion polymerization are useful textile auxiliaries for the easy-care finishing of textile fabrics.

Abstract: A method for producing stabilized polymers, exhibiting enhanced thermal stability, which comprises polymerizing a mixture comprising: a monomer comprising an allyl-containing group which is bonded to primary and/or secondary hydroxyl groups on a saccharide, preferably a long chain (C.sub.3 -C.sub.20) allyl-containing ether group on the hydroxyl group; and one or monomers selected from methacrylate ester monomers, acrylate ester monomers, acrylamide monomers and styrene monomers, in mounts sufficient to produce a polymer exhibiting enhanced thermal stability. Polymers having enhanced thermal stability are obtained using a monomer comprising an allyl-containing group which is bonded to primary and/or secondary hydroxyl groups on a saccharide, as a novel stabilization crosslinking agent.

Abstract: An molecular complex is provided which includes a linear polymer associated with a cyclic molecule to form a rotaxane of the general formula, ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are blocking end groups of size and character sufficient to prevent dethreading of the rotaxane and said R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 the same or different;where the cyclic molecule comprises a cyclic skeleton and at least one A functional group, said functional group attached to the cyclic skeleton;where A is selected from the group consisting of polymerizable functional groups, cation complexing groups, anion complexing groups and ionic species; andwherein at least one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and A are selected from the group consisting of cation complexing groups, anion complexing groups and ionic species.The molecular complex may used in an electrolyte.

Abstract: A method for producing a large size crosslinked polymer bead, which comprises dispersing a monomer phase composed essentially of a monovinyl monomer and a crosslinkable monomer in an aqueous phase containing a dispersion stabilizer and subjecting the dispersion to suspension polymerization in an oil-in-water system in the presence of a polymerization initiator, wherein: 1 at least one specific gravity-controlling agent having a specific gravity of more than 1.0 selected from the group consisting of water-insoluble inert organic solvents and water-insoluble linear polymers soluble in the monomer phase, is added to the monomer phase, and 2 if necessary, at least one specific gravity-controlling agent selected from the group consisting of water-soluble inorganic salts, is added to the aqueous phase, 3 to adjust the specific gravities (at 25.degree. C.) of the monomer phase and the aqueous phase in the ranges represented by the following formula (I):B-0.03<A<B+0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a neutral nonionic latex comprising:(a) about 5 to about 70 weight percent of a nonionic polymer comprising polymerized free-radically polymerizable nonionic monomer, based upon the total weight of the neutral nonionic latex, wherein the free radically polymerizable nonionic monomer comprises:(i) about 90 to about 99 percent by weight of nonionic alkyl acrylate monomer; and(ii) about 1 to about 10 percent by weight of nonionic amide monomer; wherein the weight percentages of (i) and (ii) are based upon the total weight of (i) plus (ii);(b) about 30 to about 95 weight percent of an aqueous phase, based upon the total weight of the neutral nonionic latex; and(c) about 2 to about 10 weight percent of a nonionic emulsifier based upon the total weight of the nonionic polymer plus the nonionic emulsifier;wherein particles of the nonionic polymer are stabilized by the nonionic emulsifier and dispersed within the aqueous phase.