Abstract: Hydrophilic UV light absorbing polymerizing monomers are provided. These monomers are copolymerizable for providing biocompatible hydrogels capable of absorbing at least 90% of the UV light incident to the hydrogels. Such hydrogels are optically transparent, have high refractive indices, and possess long term stability. The hydrogels provided are useful in all applications where hydrogels may be used including intraocular lenses, corneal inlays, corneal onlays, contact lenses and similar applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for encapsulated polymeric gels swollen with nonaqueous reactive materials are provided. The methods include gel synthesis, swelling of a gel precursor with a first nonaqueous reactive material, and encapsulation of the swollen gel with a second nonaqueous reactive material. Gels precursors may be synthesized from crosslinking polymers, or alternatively, may be formed by crosslinking and polymerizing a monomer starting material. An accelerator may be utilized to facilitate swelling of the gel precursor with the first nonaqueous reactive material. Foams and composites may also be swollen with the first nonaqueous reactive material. The swollen gel is then contacted with a second nonaqueous reactive material such that an encapsulation layer is formed thereby. The encapsulated gels may be stored for subsequent use.

Abstract: A bioreactor carrier is provided which is a thermoplastic organic high molecular compound having a swelling rate of volume in water of 150-4,000% and which is useful as a carrier to which animal cells, plant cells, microorganisms and/or protozoans are fixed to obtain a bioreactor for substance production, harmful substance treatment, waste oil treatment, wastewater treatment, deodorization or the like. A method of producing the carrier includes the steps of reacting long-chain and short-chain polyol compounds and an isocyanate compound to obtain a thermoplastic resin, heating the thermoplastic resin to its melting temperature thereby plasticizing it, extruding the plasticized resin into strands with an extruder, and continuously chopping the strands into pellets.

Abstract: A soft contact lens comprising a silicone-hydrogel made by curing a reaction mixture comprising a silicone-containing monomer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heterogeneous polymer gel comprising at least two gel networks. One embodiment of the present invention concerns a heterogeneous polymer gel comprising a first gel network comprising an environmentally-stable gel and a second gel network comprising an environmentally-unstable gel wherein the first gel network interpenetrates the second gel network. The heterogeneous polymer gel exhibits controlled changes in volume in response to environmental changes in condition, such as of temperature or of chemical composition.

Abstract: A method for producing moisture-containing soft contact lenses by polymerizing monomers for contact lenses in the presence of a diluent for monomers and substituting the diluent contained in the resulting polymer with an aqueous solution, wherein the diluent is composed of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of triethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether and triethylene glycol monomethyl ether and a moisture-containing contact lens composed of a copolymer of the following main components, (1) two or more kinds of hydrophilic monomers selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and N,N-dimethylacrylamide, (2) an alkyl methacrylate and (3) a crosslinkable monomer, and an aqueous solution, which has a moisture content of 50-70% and exhibits a penetration strength of 1100 gf/mm or more. The contact lens of the present invention is optically transparent and exhibit excellent mechanical strength.

Abstract: Cationic polymer-containing gels are stable at elevated temperatures in soft and hard waters.

Abstract: A hemocompatible composition comprising a polymer containing at least one pharmacologic material chemically bonded to a polymer backbone. Such compositions may be obtained by reacting a pharmacologic material with a compound containing a polymerizable group (e.g., an acyl halide) and thereafter either copolymerizing the acylated material with one or more copolymerizable monomers or first irradiating a backbone polymer and thereafter grafting the acylated pharmacologic material onto the irradiated polymer. The resulting products are hemocompatible and may be used in the manufacture of medical devices which come in contact with blood or other bodily fluids. The advantage of chemically bonded pharmacologic materials is that they are not leached out and retain their pharmaceutical effectiveness for a long period of time. The compositions may contain one or more additional pharmacologic materials which are physically admixed with polymers containing bonded pharmacologic materials.

Abstract: A storage solution for a hydrogel contact lens comprising a material having polar groups at one end and non-polar groups at the other end. The storage solution desirably further contains an oil. The material comprising polar and non-polar groups modifies the surface properties of the lens and facilitating the formation of a lipid layer over the lens.

Abstract: Shaped hydrogel articles such as soft contact lenses are prepared by the steps of:(1) molding or casting a polymerization mixture comprising:(a) a monomer mixture comprising a major proportion of one or more hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and one or more cross-linking monomers; and(b) an inert, displaceable diluent selected from the group consisting of:(i) ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(ii) ethoxylated bisphenol A;(iii) polyethylene glycol;(iv) mixture of propoxylated and ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(v) single phase mixture of ethoxylated or propoxylated alkyl glucoside and C.sub.2-12 dihydric alcohol;(vi) adduct of .epsilon.-caprolactone and C.sub.2-6 alkanediols and triols;(vii) ethoxylated C.sub.3-6 alkanetriol; and(viii) mixtures of one or more of (i) through (vii),under conditions to polymerize said monomer mixture to produce a shaped gel of a copolymer of said monomers and said diluent; and(2) thereafter replacing said diluent with water.

Abstract: A water based gel guide coat composition and a method of using is provided. The composition comprises:aqueous dispersion(s) comprising a binder(s), aqueous emulsion(s) comprising a binder(s), and/or combinations thereof, having a minimum film forming temperature of 22.degree. C. or less;thickening agent of a type and in a sufficient amount to provide the composition with Bingham plastic properties upon shear;optionally additional water;water dispersible inorganic pigment(s); andoptional pH adjusting agent;the composition pH being about 6 to about 9.

Abstract: A synthesis method is set forth for forming a physiologically acceptable composition comprising a plurality of physiologically acceptable hydrogel particles which have been swollen in a water solution containing a low molecular weight water soluble organic compound, the solution having the ability to swell the particles. The concentration of the organic compound is such that the resulting particles can be inserted, without use of a carrier liquid utilizing a hand driven hypodermic syringe. The swollen hydrogel particles are substantially insoluble in body fluids. The method comprises contacting not fully swollen hydrogel particles with the organic compound and with water.

Abstract: Elastomer films in which active chemical substances, such as corrosion inhibitors, lubricants or biocides for medical use are uniformly dispersed in the form of gel inclusions, processes for preparation and applications of these films.The elastomer film contains at least one active chemical substance in the form of a phase which is dispersed in the elastomer, wherein the disperse phase is in the form of a gel, reversible or irreversible, as a function of temperature, and filled with an active chemical substance.

Abstract: Thermoreversible hydrogels comprising non-ionic, uncrosslinked copolymers, and methods of their use in electrophoresis, are provided. The subject copolymers comprise polyacrylamide backbones, where a portion of the acrylamide monomeric units comprise hydrogen bonding groups as N-substituents. Combination of the subject copolymers with an aqueous phase provides thermoreversible hydrogels which find use as separation media in electrophoretic applications.

Abstract: There is provided a fluoride-ion sustained release pre-formed glass ionomer filler comprising a powdery reaction product of polyalkenoic acid with a fluorine-containing glass, and a method of producing the same. There is also provided a dental composition containing the filler. The fluoride-ion sustained release pre-formed glass ionomer filler is long capable of releasing fluoride ions in the presence of water without involving disintegration. The dental composition of the invention is useful particularly for prevention of dental caries and like trouble.

Abstract: Balanced pH, thermo-irreversible gels comprising a polyoxyalkylene compound and an ionic polysaccharide are ideal materials for the formation of a protective contact lens over the cornea of the eye of a mammal.

Abstract: The inclusion of certain organic hydroxy acids, most notably citric acid, in the iron sulfate formulations of at least one prior art hydrophilic polymer delivery system followed by drying and crushing the product into particles has been found to significantly improve the efficiency and ease of application of iron source fertilizer materials for iron-sensitive plants growing on iron-deficient soils for periods exceeding one year. The dried particles most preferably may be selectively metered into soil in or near the seed row as a band application at or prior to planting or spot placed in the root zone of growing plants in soil. The dry band absorbs soil moisture to provide a unique environment which restricts contact of soluble iron fertilizers with the soil and provides for complexation of iron in the formulation with organic hydroxy acids also contained in the formulation, thereby minimizing the extent of chemical reactions with the soil that reduce the availability of the applied iron to plant roots.

Abstract: A process for compatibly hydrating a fragmented solid which forms a gel with an aqueous composition, said process comprising:a. generating a first aqueous composition and a second oily composition containing the said fragmented solid;b. combining the first and second compositions in an at least the essential absence of air; andc. contacting the combined composition with a means for vibratorily mixing the combined composition, thereby causing the combined composition to be sufficiently mixed so as to hydrate the said fragmented solid to the extent that it is compatibilized into the composition and provides a stable gelled aqueous composition.

Abstract: There is disclosed a viscosity reduction method including: (a) forming an azeotropic mixture including water and a liquid capable of forming the azeotropic mixture with the water in a coating composition comprised of the water, a solvent, and a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of a fluorohydrocarbon polymer and a grafted elastomer composed of a polyorganosiloxane bonded to a fluoroelastomer; and (b) agitating the coating composition including the azeotropic mixture, thereby reducing the viscosity of the coating composition.

Abstract: A method for preparing water-absorbent resins (D) by radically polymerizing a water soluble monomer (A), or a water-soluble monomer (A) and a polysaccharide (B) in the presence of a crosslinking agent (C) and water, wherein the polymerization is conducted under the existence of a thiol compound (E). Water-absorbent resins obtained in the method of the present invention provide high absorption while providing safety with very little amount of a water-soluble component.

Abstract: A soft contact lens which comprises a water-swollen gel of a polymer prepared by polymerizing one or more hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, one or more cross-linking monomers, a monomer that contains metal-chelating functionality such as an aminopolycarboxylic acid that contains a polymerizable olefinic group, and an effective amount of iron to absorb UV light and/or an effective amount of copper to cause the lens to be tinted.

Abstract: A process for producing an electrically driven mechanochemical actuator comprising:(a) immersing a mixture of poly(2-hydroxethyl methacrylate) and poly(methacrylic acid) crosslinked with 1,1,1-trimethylol propane trimethacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate into an aqueous polyelectrolyte solution to form a hydrogel;(b) applying an electrical field to the hydrogel sufficient to provide buckling, rippling, and contraction of the hydrogel;(c) terminating application of the electrical field and allowing the hydrogel to relax and return to its original shape;(d) reapplying the electrical field to the hydrogel sufficient to provide buckling, rippling, and contraction of the hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophilic, highly swellable hydrogels which are coated with non-reactive, water-insoluble film-forming polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to composition for use in preparation of cold packs which are useful for medicine, research and other uses where cooling to a low temperature is required, said composition comprising 70-85% water, 4-10% salt, 8-15% glycerine and 2-6% polyacrylamide.

Abstract: The biocompatibility of various polymers is improved by blending with them a polymer including a zwitterionic group. The zwitterionic group is usually an ammonium phosphate ester zwitterionic group and the polymer containing it may be produced by the free radical polymerisation of ethylenically unsaturated monomers including a monomer bearing the zwitterionic group. Blending of the two polymers may be achieved by dry blending particulate polymers or by mixing the polymers in liquid dispersion or solution followed by removal of the liquid medium. The fibrinogen absorption and/or platelet activation of polymers may be reduced to a value of less than 80% or even less than 60% of the base polymer by introducing amounts of more than 10% or mare than 30% of the zwitterionic group containing polymer. Preferred blends are of copolymers of 2-(methacryloyloxyethyl)-2'-(trimethylammonium)ethyl phosphate inner salt with higher alkyl (meth) acrylate, blended with olefin polymers and/or with rubber latices.

Abstract: A method of dehydration of bulky hydrogel samples of polyvinyl alcohol (i.e., PVA) and a method of preparation of prosthetic nuclei for vertebral discs are given. A method of gamma irradiation sterilization of PVA gel samples which does not incur the side effects of discoloration and of increased crystallinity (i.e., further reduction of water content) is also given.A method of dehydrating bulky hydrogel samples of polyvinyl alcohol (i.e., PVA) so that no significant distortion in the samples results, comprises:(a) subjecting the sample to a solvent system comprising at least one organic solvent which(1) has a solubility for PVA which is less than the solubility of water for PVA and(2) is miscible with waterfor a length of time generally from about 2 to about 10 days so that the dehydration rate of the hydrogel samples is sufficiently slow so as not to cause any distortions on the dehydrated samples.

Abstract: Shaped hydrogel articles such as soft contact lenses are prepared by the steps of:(1) molding or casting a polymerization mixture comprising:(a) a monomer mixture comprising a major proportion of one or more hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and one or more cross-linking monomers; and(b) an inert, displaceable diluent selected from the group consisting of:(i) ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(ii) ethoxylated bisphenol A;(iii) polyethylene glycol;(iv) mixture of propoxylated and ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(v) single phase mixture of ethoxylated or propoxylated alkyl glucoside and C.sub.2-12 dihydric alcohol;(vi) adduct of .epsilon.-caprolactone and C.sub.2-6 alkanediols and triols;(vii) ethoxylated C.sub.3-6 alkanetriol; and(viii) mixtures of one or more of (i) through (vii),under conditions to polymerize said monomer mixture to produce a shaped gel of a copolymer of said monomers and said diluent; and(2) thereafter replacing said diluent with water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer dispersion, by means of which the rheological properties and structure of various liquid and flowing mixtures may be adjusted. The dispersion is prepared by radical polymerizing, into a water soluble chain backbone polymer or into such a polymer brought water soluble, in a water solution at least one .alpha.-, .beta.-unsaturated carboxyl acid containing 3-8 carbons as well as at least one to a limited amount unsaturated monomer. The chain backbone polymer is preferably a starch derivative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preserved, yet non-cytotoxic alginate based hydrating gel system for the purpose of treating wounds that need moisture. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose and an alginate polymer blend impart sufficient viscosity to an aqueous solution to provide moisture to the wound. The blend reduces the cytotoxicity of a combination of preservatives incorporated into the system. More specifically, the invention relates to a wound hydrating gel comprising a) a hydrocolloid mixture of carboxymethylcellulose and sodium/calcium alginate, and b) a preservative system. This invention further relates to methods of preparing and using the wound hydrating gel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophilic highly swellable hydrogel based on (co)polymerized hydrophilic monomers or based on graft (co)polymers, characterized in that it is post-crosslinked with a polyamidoamine in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A biocompatible hydrogel adhesive which is prepared from a precursor containing acrylic acid and an alcoholamine and is adhesive under both wet and dry conditions. The use of diisopropanolamine provides these unexpected and unique wet tack properties and permits adhesion to wet tissue. Additionally, the use of a polyol which contains hydroxyl groups, such as glycerine, and a diamine, such as 2-methylpentamethylenediamine, is found to provide a hydrogel having wet adhesive properties and longer shelf life. The hydrogel adhesive can be used as an attachment means in conjunction with a biomedical detection or monitoring means. The adhesive may be used to attach a sensor on the skin of an intrautero fetus and to monitor the well being of the fetus during labor and delivery. The hydrogel having wet adhesive properties permits the attachment of a sensor or sensors onto wet tissue. The biocompatible adhesive is used to attach a fetal probe securely to a fetus.

Abstract: The inclusion of certain organic hydroxy acids, most notably citric acid, in the iron sulfate formulations of at least one prior art hydrophilic polymer delivery system followed by drying and crushing the product into particles has been found to significantly improve the efficiency and ease of application of iron source fertilizer materials for iron-sensitive plants growing on iron-deficient soils for periods exceeding one year. The dried particles most preferably may be selectively metered into soil in or near the seed row as a band application at or prior to planting or spot placed in the root zone of growing plants in soil. The dry band absorbs soil moisture to provide a unique environment which restricts contact of soluble iron fertilizers with the soil and provides for complexation of iron in the formulation with organic hydroxy acids also contained in the formulation, thereby minimizing the extent of chemical reactions with the soil that reduce the availability of the applied iron to plant roots.

Abstract: Disclosed are optically clear xerogel polymer compositions containing an interpenetrant.

Abstract: Enhanced gel properties (e.g., faster gel time, higher attainable gel strengths) are achieved by reducing the pH and/or increasing the salt of a monovalent and/or divalent cation concentration of an aqueous reaction medium in which a polymer is reacted with an organic crosslinking agent. In addition, the gelation time of an aqueous composition comprising a polymer and an organic crosslinking agent is reduced by heating the composition above about 48.9.degree. C. (120.degree. F.) prior to injecting the composition into a subterranean formation. Alternatively, the gelation time of the aqueous composition is increased by incorporating a pH increasing agent into the composition.

Abstract: Shaped hydrogel articles such as soft contact lenses are prepared by the steps of:(1) molding or casting a polymerization mixture comprising:(a) a monomer mixture comprising a major proportion of one or more hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and one or more cross-linking monomers; and(b) an inert, displaceable diluent selected from the group consisting of:(i) ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(ii) ethoxylated bisphenol A;(iii) polyethylene glycol;(iv) mixture of propoxylated and ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(v) single phase mixture of ethoxylated or propoxylated alkyl glucoside and C.sub.2-12 dihydric alcohol;(vi) adduct of .epsilon.-caprolactone and C.sub.2-6 alkanediols and triols;(vii) ethoxylated C.sub.3-6 alkanetriol; and(viii) mixtures of one or more of (i) through (vii),under conditions to polymerize said monomer mixture to produce a shaped gel of a copolymer of said monomers and said diluent; and(2) thereafter replacing said diluent with water.

Abstract: Hydrophilic contact lenses made using a crosslinking agent of the formulaA--X--(O--(C(O).sub.i --R--(C(O)).sub.i --O--X).sub.n --Awherein R contains one or more cyclic or bicyclic moiety, X is linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl, optionally substituted, and A is acrylate, methacrylate, vinylbenzoyloxy or vinylphenoxy, exhibit superior hydrophilicity, oxygen transmissivity, and physical properties.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of altering the water content of a hydrogel comprising treatment of said hydrogel with a liquid dehydrating composition. There is further provided a method of altering the water content of a hydrogel-containing medical device. The medical devices of the present invention comprise a hydrogel having a water level ex vivo lower than the thermodynamic equilibrium water level when in vivo. These medical devices comprise a hydrogel contacted with a liquid dehydrating agent, wherein said medical device has a lower water level ex vivo than the thermodynamic equilibrium water level when the medical device is in vivo.

Abstract: Shaped hydrogel articles such as soft contact lenses are prepared by the steps of:(1) molding or casting a polymerization mixture comprising:(a) a monomer mixture comprising a major proportion of one or more hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and one or more cross-linking monomers; and(b) an inert, displaceable diluent selected from the group consisting of:(i) ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(ii) ethoxylated bisphenol A;(iii) polyethylene glycol;(iv) mixture of propoxylated and ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(v) single phase mixture of ethoxylated or propoxylated alkyl glucoside and C.sub.2-12 dihydric alcohol;(vi) adduct of .epsilon.-caprolactone and C.sub.2-6 alkanediols and triols;(vii) ethoxylated C.sub.3-6 alkanetriol; and(viii) mixtures of one or more of (i) through (vii),under conditions to polymerize said monomer mixture to produce a shaped gel of a copolymer of said monomers and said diluent; and(2) thereafter replacing said diluent with water.

Abstract: Shaped hydrogel articles such as soft contact lenses are prepared by the steps of:(1) molding or casting a polymerization mixture comprising:(a) a monomer mixture comprising a major proportion of one or more hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and one or more cross-linking monomers; and(b) an inert, displaceable diluent selected from the group consisting of:(i) ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(ii) ethoxylated bisphenol A;(iii) polyethylene glycol;(iv) mixture of propoxylated and ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(v) single phase mixture of ethoxylated or propoxylated alkyl glucoside and C.sub.2-12 dihydric alcohol;(vi) adduct of .epsilon.-caprolactone and C.sub.2-6 alkanediols and triols;(vii) ethoxylated C.sub.3-6 alkanetriol; and(viii) mixtures of one or more of (i) through (vii),under conditions to polymerize said monomer mixture to produce a shaped gel of a copolymer of said monomers and said diluent; and(2) thereafter replacing said diluent with water.

Abstract: Shaped hydrogel articles such as soft contact lenses are prepared by the steps of:(1) molding or casting a polymerization mixture comprising:(a) a monomer mixture comprising a major proportion of one or more hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and one or more cross-linking monomers; and(b) an inert, displaceable diluent selected from the group consisting of:(i) ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(ii) ethoxylated bisphenol A;(iii) polyethylene glycol;(iv) mixture of propoxylated and ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(v) single phase mixture of ethoxylated or propoxylated alkyl glucoside and C.sub.2-12 dihydric alcohol;(vi) adduct of .epsilon.-caprolactone and C.sub.2-6 alkanediols and triols;(vii) ethoxylated C.sub.3-6 alkanetriol; and(viii) mixtures of one or more of (i) through (vii),under conditions to polymerize said monomer mixture to produce a shaped gel of a copolymer of said monomers and said diluent; and(2) thereafter replacing said diluent with water.

Abstract: Gels stable in a subterranean formation at a temperature greater than about 175.degree. F. are formed using, inter alia, a stabilizing agent (e.g., a buffer having a buffering capacity at a pH of at least about 8 and/or a chelating agent).

Abstract: Disclosed are optically clear xerogel polymer compositions containing an interpenetrant.

Abstract: A method for the production of an absorbent resin, which method comprises mixing 100 parts by weight of (A) a hydrated gel of absorbent resin which is resulted from aqueous solution polymerization having a polymerization ratio in the range of from 60 to 99%, an average particle diameter in the range of from 0.1 to 200 mm, a water content in the range of from 30 to 90% by weight, and a temperature in the range of from 40.degree. to 110.degree. C., with from 1 to 50 parts by weight of (B) a substantially dry fine absorbent resin powder having an average particle diameter smaller than the average particle diameter assumed by said hydrated gel of absorbent resin (A) while in a dried state, then raising the polymerization ratio of said hydrated gel of absorbent resin (A) to a level higher than the polymerization ratio of said hydrated gel when being mixed.

Abstract: A water based thixotropic adhesive gel is disclosed which contains: water; polyvinyl alcohol, or wherein a portion of the polyvinyl alcohol is replaced with polyvinylpyrrolidone; xanthan gum to impart thixotropic properties to the gel; and a plasticizer for the polyvinyl alcohol. The gel has a thixotropic index which permits the viscosity of the adhesive to break down when a flexible tube or squeeze bottle dispenser is finger-pressed while having a sufficiently low viscosity to allow for easy extrusion from an orifice having a diameter of about 0.06 to 0.15 inches. When pressure is released, after the desired amount of adhesive has flown out of the dispenser, the adhesive quickly reverts to very close to its original gel state so that it does not run on a vertical surface of porous or semiporous material such as paper. Preferred gels contain a water soluble dye and are clear.

Abstract: Shaped hydrogel articles such as soft contact lenses are prepared by the steps of:(1) molding or casting a polymerization mixture comprising:(a) a monomer mixture comprising a major proportion of one or more hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and one or more cross-linking monomers; and(b) an inert, displaceable diluent selected from the group consisting of:(i) ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(ii) ethoxylated bisphenol A;(iii) polyethylene glycol;(iv) mixture of propoxylated and ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(v) single phase mixture of ethoxylated or propoxylated alkyl glucoside and C.sub.2-12 dihydric alcohol;(vi) adduct of .epsilon.-caprolactone and C.sub.2-6 alkanediols and triols;(vii) ethoxylated C.sub.3-6 alkanetriol; and(viii) mixtures of one or more of (i) through (vii),under conditions to polymerize said monomer mixture to produce a shaped gel of a copolymer of said monomers and said diluent; and(2) thereafter replacing said diluent with water.

Abstract: A dry, particulate sorbent composition containing an organic absorbent, a combustible adsorbent, a water swellable polymer and a water soluble polymer is used to soak up and contain flammable liquids and to render the resulting product fire-safe by misting the product surface with water. Water contacting the polymers contained in the sorbent composition forms with those polymers a surface film which is resistant to the passage of combustible gases thus rendering the sorbed mass fire-safe even when briefly exposed to an open flame.

Abstract: Coating formulations which behave as elastic solids having reversible stress-induced fluidity are prepared by creating a fluid having distributed therein effective amounts of ionic charge sites and countercharge sites. For instance, elastic solids having reversible stress-induced fluidity are prepared by combining liquid formulations with a dispersion of a small, but effective, amount of at least one crystalline mixed metal hydroxide conforming substantially to the formulaLi.sub.m D.sub.d T(OH).sub.(m+2d+3+n.multidot.a) (A.sup.n).sub.a .multidot.xH.sub.2 Owhere m is zero to one, D is a divalent metal, d is from zero to 4, T is a trivalent metal, A represents at least one anion or negative-valence radical of valence n and a is the amount of A, where n is 1 or more, (m+2d+3+n.multidot.a) is equal to or greater than 3, (m+d) is greater than zero, and xH.sub.2 O represents excess waters of hydration, if any.

Abstract: Perfume compositions are formed by hydrolyzing an aqueous mixture of an alkoxide, a silane coupling agent, and a perfume substance using an acid catalyst, then condensing the resulting hydrolysate using a base catalyst, to form a conjugated polymer matrix encapsulating and/or clathrating the perfume substance.

Abstract: Balanced pH, thermo-irreversible gels comprising a polyoxyalkylene compound and an ionic polysaccharide are ideal materials for the formation of a protective contact lens over the cornea of the eye of a mammal.

Abstract: A water based thixotropic adhesive gel is disclosed which consists essentially of: water; partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, or wherein a portion of the polyvinyl alcohol is replaced with polyvinylpyrrolidone; a water-soluble high viscosity thickening agent polymer which is compatible with the polyvinyl alcohol and which imparts thixotropic properties to the gel; a water-soluble plasticizer for the polyvinyl alcohol; and a watersoluble defoamer in proportion of ingredients so that the viscosity of the adhesive will break down when a flexible tube or squeeze bottle dispenser is finger-pressed and have a sufficiently low viscosity to allow for easy extrusion from an orifice having a diameter of about 0.06 to 0.12 inches. When pressure is released, after the desired amount of adhesive has flown out of the dispenser, the adhesive quickly reverts to very close to its original gel state so that it will not run on a vertical surface on porous and semiporous surfaces such as paper.