Abstract: The present invention provides: a novel water-absorbing agent, which exhibits an excellent absorption capacity under a load (AAP), gel layer liquid permeation rate under a load (FRUP), saline flow conductivity (SFC), and shape-maintaining property and ball burst strength (BBS) of a swollen water-absorbing agent aggregate, and excellent persistency of these effects for a long time. The water-absorbing agent, which comprises a polymer obtained by a process including the steps of polymerizing and then crosslinking a monomer including acrylic acid and/or a salt thereof, with the water-absorbing agent being characterized by: (1) exhibiting a free swelling capacity of not less than 23 g/g (GV), a gel deformation of not more than 12.5 cm under a short-time load (0.5 hrPT), and a gel deformation deterioration of not more than 3.

Abstract: A process for producing a partially or completely crosslinked olefinic rubber composition which comprises (A) 1 to 99 parts by weight of an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer having ethylene units and C3-C20 ?-olefin units, and (B) 1 to 99 parts by weight of an olefinic resin, total amount of (A) and (B) being 100 parts by weight, said (A) having a degree of crosslinking of 50% or more and a degree of swelling of 5 to 40.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and preparative process of partially or fully neutralized mixtures of carboxylate functionalized ethylene high copolymers or terpolymers (Mw between 80,000 and 500,000) with carboxylate functionalized ethylene low copolymers (Mw between 2,000 and 30,000) and organic acid salts and injection or compression molded applications such as golf ball components thereof.

Abstract: A compatibilizer including a first portion compatible with a fluoropolymer and a second portion compatible with a polyolefin. Compatibilized compositions comprising a polyolefin, a fluoropolymer, and a compatibilizer are also disclosed. Methods for forming both the compatibilizer and the blends contained in the compatibilizer are described. The compatibilized compositions of the present invention exhibit desired mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation. The flame retarded compatibilized blends exhibit desirable dielectric properties, are flame resistant and exhibit low smoke emission.

Abstract: An antistatic article having an antistatic layer disposed on a substrate is disclosed herein. The antistatic layer is formed from a cationic copolymer, a non-cationic (meth)acrylic polymer, and a crosslinking agent. The cationic copolymer consists essentially of a cationic monomer, a hydrophobic monomer, a crosslinkable monomer, and an optional nitrogen-containing monomer. The substrate may comprise an optical film such as a multilayer optical film. Methods for making the antistatic article and display devices containing the antistatic article are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a cement additive containing copolymers comprising one or more constitutional units represented by formula A: (A) R1 is hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 9 carbon atoms; R2 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 9 carbon atoms; T is alkylene (including straight-chain and branched alkylene) having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or arylene having 6 to 9 carbon atoms; n is 0 or 1; S1 and S2 are, independently of one another, —OCkH2k— or —OCH2CHR3—, with the proviso that k is 2 or 3, R3 is an alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 9 carbon atoms; and 6<_m1+m2<_25.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a display strip with which the process of attaching product-enclosed bags can easily be automated and from which the product-enclosed bags can easily be detached without having their appearance degraded and a display strip and product assembly can be provided. The display strip according to the present invention is utilized to hold and align a plurality of product-enclosed bags vertically for the display. It comprises at least a substrate layer and a sealant layer with the sealant layer containing an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and an adhesive promoting tackifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition which comprises EVOH and a thermoplastic resin other than EVOH and which generates less odor and therefore is suitable for food packaging applications. The invention also provides an environmentally friendly method for producing a resin composition, without releasing any carboxylic acid such as acetic acid to the peripheral environment. A resin composition containing less carboxylate group is obtained by contacting an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin with an aqueous solution containing both carbon dioxide gas and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal salt (A) and a boron compound (B) and then melt kneading with a thermoplastic resin (G) other than EVOH.

Abstract: An acrylic rubber comprised of a copolymer comprising 0.1 to 20% by weight of (A) units of a butenedioic acid monoester monomer having an alicyclic structure and 50 to 99.9% by weight of (B) units of at least one kind of monomer selected from acrylic acid ester monomers and methacrylic acid ester monomers. A crosslinkable acrylic rubber composition comprising the acrylic rubber and a crosslinking agent, especially a polyamine crosslinking agent, has good process-stability and good shapability and gives a shaped article having high heat resistance and exhibiting reduced permanent set.

Abstract: A multiphase polymeric material comprises a first rigid continuous phase and a second elastic phase dispersed in the first phase. The multiphase polymeric material may be formed into polymeric strips and used to make a cellular confinement system which is suitable for use in cold areas.

Abstract: There are disclosed star shaped thermoplastic elastomers made of acrylic block copolymers obtained by transition metal catalysed radical polymerisation. The elastomers comprise core arms obtained from monomers or mixture of monomers, whose Tg is from about ?65° C. to about ?20° C., and of shell arms obtained from monomers or mixture of monomers, whose Tg is from about 70° C. to about 160° C. The core copolymer has a polydispersity of 2 or higher and the final copolymer has a polydispersity of from 3 to 10.

Abstract: An article suitable for use as an insulating or coating material comprises a radiation-crosslinked composition comprising a polyethylene, a polypropylene and optionally an ethylene-propylene elastomer. The polyethylene component is selected from high density polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE) and linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE) and the polypropylene component is either a homopolymer or copolymer. The composition is predominantly based on the polyethylene component and contains the polyethylene component in an amount of at least 50 percent by weight. The article is radiation-crosslinked to a sufficient degree that it possesses thermoset properties, such that when the article is heated to a temperature above the crystalline melting point of the polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, it is softened but does not become liquid.

Abstract: A vinylidene fluoride-based resin film including polyvinylidene fluoride whose average spherocrystal diameter is less than 0.1 ?m that is a detection limit or lower by observation using a transmission electron microscope is provided, the average spherocrystal diameter being obtained by shaping a vinylidene fluoride-based resin in a molten state by sandwiching the resin between rollers or metal belts so as to let it cool down. Thereby, a vinylidene fluoride-based resin film and a vinylidene fluoride-based resin multilayered film having excellent transparency, weather resistance, chemical resistance, break resistance and formability are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acrylic elastomer composition including an acrylic elastomer (A) and a polyorganosiloxane-containing graft polymer (B), and having excellent formability and mechanical physical properties, and both low-temperature characteristics and oil resistance. Acrylic rubber and an acrylic block copolymer can be used as the acrylic elastomer (A).

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyolefin-based heat sealable and peelable seal. The peelable seals comprise from 5 to 98 percent by weight of a propylene based plastomer or elastomer and from 2 to 95 percent by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polybutylene, and styrenic polymer and mixtures thereof. The invention also relates to tamper evident peelable seals. The invention also relates to methods of making and using the heat sealable, peelable seal.

Abstract: An ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer rubber composition, which comprises 100 parts by weight of ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer rubber having an amine vulcanizable group, 0-60 parts by weight of EPDM, 5-40 parts by weight of a plasticizer, 0.5-4 parts by weight of an organic peroxide cross-linking agent, 0.5-4 parts by weight of an amine-based cross-linking agent, and preferably 0.1-0.5 parts by weight of a sulfur compound. Oil extended EPDM can be used in place of EPDM or EPDM and the plasticizer. Use of 1-30 parts by weight of ?-olefin oligomer together with 5-50 parts by weight of EPDM can improve the processability (non-adhesion of product itself to a mold or prevention of bleed occurrence).

Abstract: A shape memory polymeric material has a glass transition temperature, Tg, exceeding room temperature and exhibits rubber modulus and elasticity derived substantially from physical crosslinks is prepared by blending components including one crystalline polymer and two amorphous polymers. Methods of preparing the polymeric materials and uses of the polymeric materials, for example, as smart medical devices, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A monolayer film of a polymer blend of a first component selected from the group consisting of an ethylene containing polymer, the first component present in an amount by weight of the film from about 60% to about 1%, the first component having a first melting point temperature determined by DSC, a second component selected from the group consisting of propylene containing polymers and methyl pentene containing polymers, the second component being present in an amount by weight of the film from about 99% to about 40%, the second component having a second melting point temperature determined by DSC; and the film being capable of withstanding steam sterilization at a temperature from about 100° C. to about 130° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are films comprising highly neutralized blends of ethylene acid copolymers, organic acid salts and ethylene containing polymers (e.g. ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers) and/or silicon-containing polymers to provide high oxygen permeability values (OPV). Such polymeric film and polymeric film structures have improved oxygen permeability and desirable water vapor transmission, formability, and structural strength to be useful in wrapping food products requiring breathable films such as case ready meat, fish, sausage, fresh produce, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a linear ethylenic block copolymer comprising: at least a first block A having a glass transition temperature above 20° C.; at least a second block B having a glass transition temperature below 15° C.; and at least a third block C having a glass transition temperature above 20° C.; said first block A and third block C being identical or different and at least one of them comprising at least one monomer unit comprising at least one —CO2H and/or carboxylate —COO? functional group. Use of this copolymer in adhesive compositions and thermoplastic compositions.

Abstract: An ink-jet ink comprising: Polymer A which comprises a plurality of side chains including a side chain “a” which is capable of producing a radical therein; and Polymer B which comprises a plurality of side chains including a side chain “b”, wherein the side chain “b” has a polymerizable group which has reactivity of addition reaction with the radical produced in the side chain “a” of Polymer A.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a copolymer composition for use in or as a polymeric binder in an intumescent coating, said copolymer composition comprising a blend of a Newtonian copolymer and of a reticulated copolymer, wherein the Newtonian copolymer is comprised of p-methylstyrene repeat units and 2-ethylhexylacrylate repeat units, and wherein the reticulated copolymer is comprised of p-methylstyrene repeat units and 2-ethylhexylacrylate repeat units.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the preparation of photoresist polymers via living free radical polymerization techniques. Sterically bulky ester monomers are utilized as the polymerization components. Use of chain transfer agents is included in polymerization processing conditions. Cleavage of polymer terminal end groups that include a heteroatom are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric resin blends containing polyelectrolyte resins blended into a polymer or copolymer matrix. Specifically, the polyelectrolyte resins are (co)polymers without hydrolyzable groups. The matrix polymer is a tough, and highly chemical-resistant (co)polymer, preferably a fluoropolymer. The polymeric resin blend is useful for forming films, and especially films useful for MEAs for use in fuel cells.

Abstract: A chlorinated rubber composition which is resistant to various fluids such as transmission fluids comprises a blend of a chlorinated polyethylene elastomer, an ethylene acrylic elastomer and/or polyacrylic rubbers, and optionally a chlorosulfonated polyethylene. The rubber composition has many uses such as a tube and generally contains various additives such as fillers, plasticizers, vulcanizing agents, and the like. A heat resistant rubber composition comprises a blend of a chlorinated polyethylene elastomer, an ethylene-acrylic elastomer and/or polyacrylic rubbers, an ethylene-octene copolymer, and an ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer, and the same can be used as a cover or jacket as on the above chlorinated rubber tube.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive is described comprising an acrylate copolymer, silica nanoparticles and crosslinked by a polyfunctional aziridine crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous coating composition which comprises a mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone, a surfactant and optionally an adhesion-promoting polymer. This mixture is suitable for inline coating of biaxially oriented polyester films. The thus obtained films feature a characteristic hydrophilic surface which prevents the fogging of the films with water droplets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer mixture, based on the (meth)acrylate (co)polymer components a.), b.), c.) and/or d.) according to claim 1, where a test specimen produced from the polymer mixture simultaneously has the following properties: a tensile modulus (ISO 527) of at least 2 500 MPa, a Vicat softening point VSP (ISO 306-350) of at least 110° C., an impact resistance (ISO 179-2D, flatwise) of at least 30 kJ/m2, and a melt index MVR (ISO 1133, 230° C./3.8 kg) of at least 1.0 cm3/10 at least The invention further relates to injection mouldings and to the use of the polymer mixture for production of injection mouldings.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and shaped articles comprising or produced from the compositions. The compositions can comprise (a) at least one polypropylene polymer and (b) at least one E/X/Y copolymer wherein E comprises ethylene; X is a monomer such as vinyl acetate and alkyl (meth)acrylic esters; and Y is one or more additional comonomers such as carbon monoxide; sulfur dioxide; acrylonitrile; maleic anhydride; maleic acid diesters; (meth)acrylic acid, maleic acid, maleic acid monoesters, itaconic acid, fumaric acid, fumaric acid monoester, and salts thereof; glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, and glycidyl vinyl ether in which, based on the E/X/Y copolymer, X is from 0 to 50 weight %, Y is from 0 to 35 weight % of said, X and Y cannot both be 0%, and E is the remainder.

Abstract: An adhesive composition is characterized by including an acrylic polymer, an epoxy thermosetting resin having an unsaturated hydrocarbon group and a thermosetting agent. The adhesive composition achieves high reliability in a package in which a semiconductor chip of reduced thickness is mounted even when exposed to severe reflow conditions. An adhesive sheet having an adhesive layer comprising the above adhesive composition and a production process for a semiconductor device using the above adhesive sheet are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to finely divided water-absorbing polymeric particles having high fluid transportation and absorption performance, the Centrifuge Retention Capacity (CRC) being not less than 26 g/g, the absorbency under a load of 4.83 kPa (AUL 1.7 psi) not less than 23 g/g and the Transportation Value (TV) not less than 15,000 cm3s, the Transportation Value (TV) being the product of Saline Flow Conductivity (SFC) and wicking absorption after 60 minutes (DA60) multiplied by 107, and wherein the wicking absorption after 60 minutes (DA60) is the weight of 0.9% by weight sodium chloride solution absorbed by 70 g of the water-absorbing polymeric particles in 60 minutes, wherein the water-absorbing polymeric particles are situated, during measurement, in a circularly round vessel which has an internal diameter of 6 cm and is sealed at its lower end by a sieve base of 36 ?m mesh size, and the sieve base is in atmospheric contact with 0.

Abstract: Blends of amorphous and semicrystalline polymers having shape memory properties were prepared by blending a crystalline polymer such as poly(vinylidene fluoride), polylactide, poly(hydroxxybutyrate), poly(ethylene glycol) polyethylene, polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate, poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidene chloride) and copolymers of poly(vinylidene chloride) and poly(vinyle chloride) and an amorphous polymer such as poly(vinyl acetate), poly methyl acrylate, poly ethyl acrylate, atactic poly methyl methacrylate, isotactic poly methyl methacrylate, syndiotactic poly methyl methacrylate and other poly alkyl methacrylates. The method for preparing the polymeric materials and applications thereof, for example, as smart medical devices, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A powder system for use in solid freeform fabrication. The powder system includes at least one polymer having reactive properties and fusible properties. The at least one polymer is reactive with a liquid binder and is fusible at a temperature above the melting point or glass transition temperature of the at least one polymer. The at least one polymer may be a single co-polymer having at least one reactive portion and at least one fusible portion or may be a mixture of polymers including at least one reactive polymer and at least one fusible polymer. A method of forming an object by solid freeform fabrication is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoplastic vulcanizate composition comprised of (a) thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyphenylene ether, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene, (b) at least one elastomer selected from the group consisting of butadiene-isoprene copolymer rubbers, copolymers of a conjugated diolefin monomer and an acrylate monomer, copolymers of a conjugated diolefin monomer and an methacrylate monomer, copolymers of a conjugated diolefin monomer and a vinyl aromatic monomer, copolymers of a conjugated diolefin monomer and an acrylonitrile monomer, blends of polyisoprene rubber with styrene-butadiene rubber, wherein the elastomer is at least partially crosslinked, wherein the repeat units in the elastomer are distributed throughout the elastomer in an essentially random manner, and (c) oil.

Abstract: An optical element with a polarizer and a support layer is disclosed herein. The polarizer comprises an intrinsic polarizer and the support layer comprises the reaction product of: (a) from 50 to 99 parts by weight of a (meth)acryloyl oligomer having a plurality of pendant, free radically polymerizable functional groups and a Tg of greater than or equal to 20° C., (b) from 1 to 50 parts by weight of a free-radically polymerizable crosslinking agent and/or diluent monomer, and (c) from 0.001 to 5 parts by weight of an initiator. A method of forming the optical element is also disclosed herein. The optical element may be used in optical devices such as projector systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition that is added when a multi-layer structure containing hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer is reground into a multi-layer structure and a process for preparing a multi-layer structure using the resin composition. Specifically, the present invention relates to a resin composition comprising (A) polyolefin, (B) metal salt of higher fatty acid having 12 to 30 carbon atoms and (C) zeolite. Also, the multi-layer structure is prepared by the process of regrinding by adding the resin composition to a multi-layer structure containing hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: Styrene-free unsaturated polyester resin compositions are provided which contain low amounts of hazardous air pollutants, good mechanical and physical properties and good weathering characteristics. A process for the manufacture of these resin compositions is also provided.

Abstract: A random copolymer including units derived from at least two groups of monomers (a) an alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, (b) an alkoxyalkyl acrylate or methacrylate, and (c) a hydrophilic acrylate or methacrylate and coatings formed thereof are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sealant films comprising a first sealant layer which readily and easily delaminates or peels from a second adjacent film layer. The first sealant layer and the second adjacent layer of the sealant film of the present invention comprise propylene or ethylene moieties wherein the propylene or ethylene moieties may be homopolymers or copolymers. The film structures of the present invention can be used independently, or laminated to a second film structure wherein the second film structure may comprise a single layer or multiple layers. The sealant films of the present invention can be heat sealed to a packaging component, such as a tray either as a single film structure or as a laminate comprising a second film structure. The sealant film structures of the present invention are particularly useful as retortable lidstock.

Abstract: Liquid rubbers that are ordinarily immiscible in liquid thermoset resins can be made miscible by the addition of at least one non-functional aromatic end-group to the polymer chains of such liquid rubber compositions. Such addition may be initiated by high-temperature peroxides in non-functional aromatic solvents. The liquid rubbers are found to improve the fracture toughness of cured thermoset resins while maintaining dimensional and heat resistance.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition of the invention, formed by dynamically crosslinking a polymer composition including a rubber and an olefinic resin and having an average particle size of rubber particles within a specific range, shows an excellent balance of mechanical properties such as flexibility and elastic recovery, and a moldability. Also an inclusion of a (meth)acrylate resin and a hydrogenated diene polymer provides a composition particularly excellent in scratch resistance. Also an inclusion of a maleimide compound provides a composition particularly excellent in injection fusibility. Also an inclusion of an undenatured organopolysiloxane of a specific viscosity and a denatured organopolysiloxane provides a composition particularly excellent in initial slidability and durable slidability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a masterbatch composition which contains a polyolefin base resin, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) pearls and a further polymeric compound obtained at least from olefinic monomers, olefinic monomers containing an ester functionality and olefinic monomers containing an ether functionality, as well as to the masterbatches obtained from this composition. The present invention is further directed to monolayer as well as multilayer films which are made using the inventive masterbatches, their methods of production and the use of said films for packaging purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isocyanate composition including an adduct of a multifunctional isocyanate compound having two or more isocyanate groups in the molecule thereof with a polymer obtained by radically polymerizing in the presence of a chain transfer agent having active hydrogen at least a vinyl monomer including a polymerizable compound having a polyether represented by the following Formula (I): A1-(L-O)n-B1 ??Formula (I) wherein A1 represents a group having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond; L represents an alkylene group; B1 represents an alkyl group or an aryl group; and n is an average polymerization degree of the polyether and represents a number of 8 to 300.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin composition comprising: a graft copolymer obtained by polymerizing 10 to 70 parts by weight of a monomer containing 60 to 100% by weight of at least one vinyl monomer selected from the group consisting of a (meth)acrylate ester compound, an aromatic vinyl compound and a vinyl cyanide compound and 0 to 40% by weight of a monomer which is copolymerizable therewith, in the presence of 30 to 90 parts by weight of hollow rubber particles which are rubber obtained by polymerizing a polymerization component comprising a butadiene without using a crosslinking agent and have a porosity of 3 to 90% in the form of a latex, wherein the total amount of the monomer and the rubber particles is 100 parts by weight; and a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the preparation of photoresist polymers via living free radical polymerization techniques. Sterically bulky ester monomers are utilized as the polymerization components. Use of chain transfer agents is included in polymerization processing conditions. Cleavage of polymer terminal end groups that include a heteroatom are described.

Abstract: This invention is a method for manufacturing a polymer alloy, by making at least two resins used as components miscible, and inducing the spinodal decomposition for causing phase separation, for forming a co-continuous structure with a wavelength of concentration fluctuation of 0.001 to 1 ?m or a dispersed structure with a distance between particles of 0.001 to 1 ?m. This invention is also a polymer alloy manufactured by the method. The polymer alloy of this invention can provide a molded article, film, fibers and the like respectively with excellent mechanical properties at high productivity.

Abstract: A pre-applied, remoistenable adhesive useful in bonding wood substrates together.

Abstract: The base material for pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet is constituted of a polyolefin based resin as the major component and is obtained by rolling by means of a calender having a measure capable of individually changing the rotational speed of each calender roll. Examples of the measure capable of individually changing the rotational speed of each calender roll include a measure provided with motors capable of individually driving their respective calender rolls and a measure provided with speed regulators capable of individually regulating their respective calender rolls. It may be employed that the number of calender rolls is four and that the roll arrangement is in the reverse L shape. It is preferable that the base material for pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet contains an inorganic compound together with the polyolefin based resin.

Abstract: An antistatic film having an antistatic coating film on at least one surface of a polyester film, the antistatic coating film comprising a polymer having a polymerized unit represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R3 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, R4 and R5 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R6 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a hydroxyalkyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and Y? represents a halogen ion, a halogenated alkyl ion, a nitrate ion, a sulfate ion, an alkyl sulfate ion, a sulfonate ion or an alkyl sulfonate ion. The film is used in such applications requiring an antistatic property such as a protective film for a liquid crystal polarizing plate.

Abstract: Blends of amorphous and semicrystalline polymers having shape memory properties were prepared by blending a crystalline polymer such as poly(vinylidene fluoride), polylactide, poly(hydroxxybutyrate), poly(ethylene glycol) polyethylene, polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate, poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidene chloride) and copolymers of poly(vinylidene chloride) and poly(vinyle chloride) and an amorphous polymer such as poly(vinyl acetate), poly methyl acrylate, poly ethyl acrylate, atactic poly methyl methacrylate, isotactic poly methyl methacrylate, syndiotactic poly methyl methacrylate and other poly alkyl methacrylates. The method for preparing the polymeric materials and applications thereof, for example, as smart medical devices, are also disclosed.