Abstract: The present invention relates to modified polyolefins with atactic structural elements, to processes for preparation thereof and to the use thereof, especially as an adhesive or as a constituent of adhesives.

Abstract: A pre-adhesive syrup copolymer composition comprising an acid functional acrylate solute copolymer, a monomer solvent mixture, and a polyaziridine crosslinking agent is disclosed.

Abstract: A graft copolymer satisfying (a) to (e): (a) a main chain derived from one or more monomers selected from (I) an acrylic acid, (II) a methacrylic acid, (III) a vinyl ester, (IV) a styrene and (V) a vinyl group-containing silane compound, at least one kind of the monomer having a crosslinkable functional group, (b) a side chain derived from a reactive homopolymer ?-olefin having a meso pentad fraction (mmmm) of from 30 to 80% by mol or a copolymer of 50% by mass or more of at least one ?-olefin, (c) a graft ratio of from 1 to 150% by mass, (d) a weight average molecular weight of from 500 to 400,000, and (e) a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of from 1.5 to 4.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a surface modification method for a rubber vulcanizate or a thermoplastic elastomer, which can impart various functions such as sliding properties and biocompatibility according to its use. The present invention relates to a surface modification method for modifying a rubber vulcanizate or a thermoplastic elastomer as an object to be modified, the method including: Step 1 of forming polymerization initiation points on a surface of the object to be modified; Step 2 of radical polymerizing monomers starting from the polymerization initiation points to grow polymer chains on the surface of the object to be modified; and Step 3 of functionalizing the polymer chains.

Abstract: The disclosed is a comb-shaped graft copolymer, including a back bone of PMMA and side chains of a random copolymer, a block copolymer, or a homopolymer polymerized of a monomer having a carbon-carbon double bond. The monomer can be alkyl acrylate, styrene, and the likes. The side chains terminal is grafted to a nitro-oxy compound.

Abstract: The methods of manufacturing a curable wax, such as an acrylate of a hydroxyl-terminated polyethylene wax having the structure CH3—(CH2)n—CH2OH, where n=22-24, are disclosed. The methods may include reacting a wax having a transformable functional group and a curable compound in the presence of an organic solvent to form an acrylate. The methods may further include removing excess curable compound using hot water having a temperature of more than 85° C., and solidifying the acrylate. The methods may thereby provide safe and cost effective methods for curable wax production at large scale.

Abstract: One-piece golf balls or golf ball cores are obtained by molding and vulcanizing a rubber composition which includes (A) a polybutadiene-containing base rubber and (B) methacrylic acid. By including in the rubber composition (C) from 0.1 to 0.5 part by weight of a maleimide per 100 parts by weight of component A, the vulcanization time during molding and vulcanization is shortened, which enhances productivity without altering the performance and properties of the molded and vulcanized material.

Abstract: Provided is a production process for a graft copolymer or a thermoplastic resin composition containing the above graft copolymer, which comprises graft-polymerizing 100 parts by mass of a combination of 20 to 100% by mass of a reactive polyolefin and 0 to 80% by mass of a polyolefin other than the reactive polyolefin with 0.2 to 300 parts by mass of at least one specific monomer under the presence of a radical initiator and which is useful as a sealant, a modifier for polyolefins, a surface treating agent, a primer treating agent, a coating agent component and the like.

Abstract: Provided is a resin composition containing a resin component prepared by blending a graft copolymer with an engineering plastic, wherein the above graft copolymer is a graft copolymer satisfying (a) to (e) shown below: (a) a graft rate is 1 to 150% by mass, (b) a weight average molecular weight measured by GPC is 500 to 400000, (c) a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) is 1.5 to 4, (d) a main chain is a polymerization chain containing 1 to 100% by mass of a monomer unit having a functional group interacting with the engineering plastic and (e) a side chain is a homopolymerization chain of a single kind selected from ?-olefins having 3 to 28 carbon atoms or a copolymerization chain of two or more kinds selected therefrom or a copolymerization chain comprising an ?-olefin unit having 3 to 28 carbon atoms and an ethylene unit which accounts for 50% by mass or less, and a mesopentad ratio [mmmm] of the polymerization chain is 30 to 80 mole %.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin composition for laser engraving, comprising: (Component A) a polymer having a constituent unit derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and having at least two functional groups selected from the group consisting of an ethylenically unsaturated group, a hydroxyl group, and an alkoxysilyl group at the main chain ends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers, nanomaterials, and methods of making the same. Various embodiments provide an amphiphilic multi-arm copolymer. The copolymer includes a core unit and a plurality of amphiphilic block copolymer arms. Each block copolymer arm is substituted on the core unit. Each block copolymer arm includes at least one hydrophilic homopolymer subunit and at least one hydrophobic homopolymer subunit. In some examples, the copolymer can include a star-like or bottlebrush-like block copolymer, and can include a Janus copolymer. Various embodiments provide a nanomaterial. In some examples, the nanomaterial can include Janus nanomaterials, and can include nanoparticles, nanorods, or nanotubes. The nanomaterial includes the amphiphilic multi-arm copolymer and at least one inorganic precursor. The inorganic precursor can be coordinated to at least one homopolymer subunit of one of the amphiphilic block copolymer arms to form the nanomaterial.

Abstract: The invention provide a new lens curing method for making hydrogel contact lenses. The new lens curing method is based on actinically-induced step-growth polymerization. The invention also provides hydrogel contact lenses prepared from the method of the invention and fluid compositions for making hydrogel contact lenses based on the new lens curing method. In addition, the invention provide prepolymers capable of undergoing actinically-induced step-growth polymerization to form hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: A process for producing polymer microparticles by suspension polymerization of a vinyl-based monomer in which, when polymer microparticles are produced by suspension polymerization of a vinyl-based monomer, a macromonomer having a radically polymerizable unsaturated group at a terminus of a vinyl-based monomer-derived polymer is used as a dispersion stabilizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing water-absorbent resin particles in which a median particle size of primary particles (d) and a median particle size of secondary particles (D) satisfy the relationship of the formula, 5d/3+150<D<5d+150, comprising the steps of: (1) subjecting a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer to a first-step reversed phase suspension polymerization reaction, in a petroleum hydrocarbon solvent, in the presence of a dispersion stabilizer, to give spherical primary particles having a median particle size (d) of from 30 to 130 ?m; (2) cooling the polymerization reaction solution, to precipitate the dispersion stabilizer; and (3) carrying out a second-step reversed phase suspension polymerization reaction by adding the water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer for the second step to the polymerization reaction solution to agglomerate the primary particles, to give secondary particles having a median particle size (D) of from 200 to 500 ?m.

Abstract: A linear, block copolymer, which is useful in cosmetics and improves the styling power and hold of hair laquer, adhesion of nail varnish and hold/adhesion of makeup, includes at least two blocks having different glass transition temperatures, Tg; where at least one of said blocks has a glass transition temperature of 20° C. to ?100° C., and wherein the at least one block having a Tg of 20° C. to ?100° C. is a copolymer B having a first monomer wherein the Tg of the corresponding homopolymer is in the range from more than 20° C. to 200° C., and a second monomer wherein the Tg of the corresponding homopolymer is in the range from 20° C. to ?100° C.

Abstract: A modified natural rubber particle having carbon-carbon double bonds assigned to multifunctional vinyl monomers graft-copolymerized onto the surface of the modified natural rubber particle, which is prepared by graft-copolymerization of multifunctional vinyl monomers having two or more carbon-carbon double bonds onto natural rubber particles or deproteinized natural rubber particles. One of the methods for producing a modified natural rubber particle includes the steps of: forming inclusion complex of the multifunctional vinyl monomers having two or more carbon-carbon double bonds with a guest-protecting agent to protect at least one of the double bonds of the multifunctional vinyl monomers; graft-copolymerizing the resulting inclusion complex onto natural rubber particles or deproteinized natural rubber particles; and deprotecting the protected double bonds by removing the guest-protecting agent from the obtained graft-copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for an additive composition comprising an amidized or imidized polymer. The invention further relates to a highly grafted, multi-functional lubricant additive useful to improve the viscosity index and dispersancy properties of a lubricating oil composition. The present invention also relates to a method of extending lubricant drain intervals and improving fuel economy and fuel economy durability. The additive composition is prepared by: (A) reacting an olefin copolymer of ethylene and at least one C3 to C23 &agr; -olefin comprising from about 15 to 80 mole percent of ethylene, from about 20 to 85 mole percent of said C3 to C23 &agr; -olefin and from about 0 to 15 wt percent of a polyene, said copolymer having a number average molecular weight ranging from 1,000 to 500,000, with an olefinic carboxylic acid acylating agent, said process comprising heating said polymer to a molten condition at a temperature in the range of 60° C. to 240° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process to functionalize propylene co-oligomer comprising contacting an alkene metathesis catalyst with a heteroatom containing alkene, and a propylene a co-oligomer having an Mn of 300 to 30,000 g/mol comprising 10 to 90 mol % propylene and 10 to 90 mol % of ethylene, wherein the oligomer has at least X % allyl chain ends, where: 1) X=(?0.94 (mol % ethylene incorporated)+100), when 10 to 60 mol % ethylene is present in the co-oligomer, and 2) X=45, when greater than 60 and less than 70 mol % ethylene is present in the co-oligomer, and 3) X=(1.83*(mol % ethylene incorporated)?83), when 70 to 90 mol % ethylene is present in the co-oligomer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for polymerization, comprising (i) contacting, at a temperature greater than 35° C., one or more monomers comprising ethylene and/or propylene, with a catalyst system comprising a metallocene catalyst compound and an activator, (ii) converting at least 50 mol % of the monomer to polyolefin; and (iii) obtaining a branched polyolefin having greater than 50% allyl chain ends, relative to total unsaturated chain ends. The invention also relates to the branched polyolefins and functionalized branched polyolefins.

Abstract: The invention is a composition comprising: a) one or more film forming resins having at least one functional group capable of polymerization; b) one or more reactive diluents capable of reacting with the film forming resin; c) one or more silicon, titanium, zirconium, aluminum or metal containing compounds capable of promoting adhesion of the composition to glass; d) one or more fillers capable of imparting abrasion resistance to the composition when cured; and e) one or more compounds which is reactive with the film forming resin which also contains at least one acidic moiety. The composition of the invention is useful as a frit on the window of a vehicle.

Abstract: A biodegradable resin having sufficient heat resistance, molding property and recycling property can be obtained, without losing biodegradability, by introducing a covalently bonded and thermo-reversible cross-linked structure into a biodegradable resin. Heat resistance, molding property, recycling property and biodegradability can be further improved, if necessary, by setting the cleaving temperature of a cross-linked structure in a given range, selecting the kind of a cross-linked structure, and making a three-dimensional cross-linked structure.

Abstract: A method to prepare a carbon fiber bundle which can develop satisfactory interfacial adhesion to polyolefin-based resins, especially polypropylene resins, is provided. The carbon fiber bundle comprises a plurality of single fibers sized with a sizing agent comprising: a polymer having a main chain formed of carbon-carbon bonds, containing an acid group in at least part of side chains or at least a part of main chain ends, and having an acid value of 23 to 120 mg KOH/g as measured in accordance with ASTM D1386; or a polymer having a main chain formed of carbon-carbon bonds and containing at least either of an epoxy group and an ester group in at least a part of side chains or at least a part of main chain ends.

Abstract: A process for producing an isobutene copolymer derivative by: (I) free-radically copolymerizing (a) 10-90 mol % of a monoethylenically unsaturated C4- to C12-dicarboxylic acid, anhydride, or ester, (b) 10-90 mol % of a high-reactivity isobutene polymer having Mn=110-250000 and obtained by polymerizing isobutene in the presence of an iron-halide-, aluminum trihalide-, or alkylaluminum halide-donor complex, each donor being an ether or carboxylic ester function, or in the presence of a Lewis acid complex containing an organic sulfonic acid, and (c) 0-50 mol % of a monoethylenically unsaturated compound copolymerizable with (a) and (b), to obtain an intermediate isobutene copolymer; and (II) reacting the carboxylic acid functions in the intermediate with at least one of ammonia, an amine, and an alcohol, to form a moiety containing at least one of a hydroxyl, carboxylic ester, amino, quaternized amino, amido, and imido group.

Abstract: The methods of manufacturing a curable wax, such as an acrylate of a hydroxyl-terminated polyethylene wax having the structure CH3—(CH2)n—CH2OH, where n=22-24, and removing a fouled material in a reactor are disclosed. The methods may include reacting a wax having a transformable functional group and a curable compound in the absence of an organic solvent to form an acrylate. The methods may further include removing excess curable compound using hot water having a temperature of more than about 85° C., solidifying the acrylate, removing the acrylate, and removing a fouled material in the reactor by emulsification.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising star macromolecules is provided. Each star macromolecule has a core and five or more arms, wherein the number of arms within a star macromolecule varies across the composition of star molecules. The arms on a star are covalently attached to the core of the star; each arm comprises one or more (co)polymer segments; and at least one arm and/or at least one segment exhibits a different solubility from at least one other arm or one other segment, respectively, in a reference liquid of interest.

Abstract: Synthetic microgel polymer compositions are useful for treating and/or modifying hard surfaces, in particular by promoting the hydrophilization thereof, notably in cleaning or rinsing operations.

Abstract: The present invention describes polymer comprising one or more C3 to C40 olefins and having a Mw of 100,000 or less and a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more. The polymer may have a branching index (g?) of 0.95 or less measured at the Mz of the polymer, and a heat of fusion of 1 to 70 J/g. Also described are polymers of homopolypropylene or a copolymer of propylene and up to 5 mole % ethylene having: an isotactic run length of 1 to 30 as determined by Carbon 13 NMR and a percent of r dyad of greater than 20%, preferably from 20 to 70% as determined by Carbon 13 NMR. Also described are methods of making these and other polymers.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for synthesis of composite materials involving gas phase plasma polymerization to covalently plasma graft an organic molecule onto particles; covalently binding an organic monomer to the functionalized particles; and, polymerizing the organic monomers into hybrid polymer composite materials.

Abstract: Low viscosity, radiation curable compositions have been developed that produce plastics with silicone rubber-like properties. These compositions have also been shown to give great adhesion to plastics. The combination of an ethylenically unsaturated oligomer with di- or polythiol compound, reactive diluents and a radical initiator will produce these properties. These materials can find use in many areas such as: Electronics packaging, displays, conformal coatings, seals, gaskets, fiber optics coatings, and golf ball coatings.

Abstract: Various novel block cationomers comprising polyisobutylene (PIB) and poly(2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) segments have been synthesized and characterized. The specific targets were various molecular weight diblocks (PDMAEMA+) and triblocks (PDMAEMA+-b-PIB-b-PDMAEMA+) with the PIB blocks in the DPn=50-200 (Mn=3,000-9,000 g/mol) range connected to blocks of PDMAEMA+ cations in the DPn=5-20 range. The overall synthetic strategy for the preparation of these block cationomers comprised four steps: 1) Synthesis by living cationic polymerization of mono- and di-allyltelechelic polyisobutylenes, 2) End group transformation to obtain PIBs fitted with termini capable of mediating the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of DMAEMA, 3) ATRP of DMAEMA and 4) Quaternization of PDMAEMA to PDMAEMA+I? by CH3I. Kinetic and model experiments provided guidance to develop convenient synthesis methods.

Abstract: The invention describes curable liquid acryloyl group containing compositions, which are produced by reacting monofunctional vinyl compounds and multifunctional acrylic esters with ?-dicarbonyl group containing compounds having two activated hydrogen atoms in its methylene position. These material can be polymerized or crosslinked by free radical polymerization, UV (ultraviolet) or electron-beam radiation. The curable liquid compositions are suitable for producing curable coatings, printing inks, adhesives, or molding compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a cosmetic composition comprising a cosmetically acceptable organic liquid medium, at least one non-volatile silicone oil and at least one film-forming block ethylenic polymer and use of the composition for making up keratin materials, such as the skin.

Abstract: A composition is described, encompassing a constituent selected from the group consisting of a modified resin acid (I), a fatty acid (II) and a mixture composed of a modified resin acid (I) and of a fatty acid (II), where the degree of neutralization of the constituent is from 104 to 165%. Its use for the production of microgels is also described.

Abstract: Process for preparing a water-absorbent resin comprising carrying out a reversed-phase suspension polymerization in multi-steps of two or more steps. The water-absorbent resin is prepared by subjecting a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer to the reversed phase suspension polymerization. This process for preparing a water-absorbent resin involves adding an aminocarboxylic acid compound to at least one step in the second and subsequent steps to carry out the polymerization reaction. The resulting water-absorbent resin can be suitably used in a hygienic material. The water-absorbent resin has a high degree of water-retention, including a high degree of water absorption under pressure. It also has a high water absorption rate, and contains only a small amount of water-soluble substances.

Abstract: Described is a direct method for the fabrication of resorcinarene nanocapsules by photopolymerization of compounds of formula (I), such as resorcinarene tetraalkene tetrathiol (RTATT), in the absence of any template or preorganization. Further, by varying the polymerization media, a variety of other polymeric architectures like lattices, fibrous networks, and nanoparticles were obtained. The morphology and structure were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These morphologically distinct resorcinarene polymeric architectures contain residual thiol and ene functional groups offering potential functionalization opportunities.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for manufacturing a propylene polymer, including: a) fermenting and optionally purifying first renewable materials to produce an alcohol or an alcohol mixture, the alcohol or alcohol mixture including at least isopropanol and/or at least a mixture of ethanol and 1-butanol; b) dehydrating the resulting alcohol or the alcohol mixture to produce an alkene or alkene mixture in a first series of reactors, the alkene or alkene mixture containing at least propylene; c) polymerizing the propylene in a second reactor, optionally in the presence of a comonomer, so as to produce a propylene polymer; d) isolating the propylene polymer obtained in step c); and e) grafting the propylene polymer obtained from step d). The invention also relates to the grafted propylene polymer capable of being obtained by the method, to the compositions containing the polymer, as well as to the uses of the polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vinyl polymer powder which is superior to dispersibility to curable resin compositions, which immediately gives a gel state for curable resin compositions by short-time heating with predetermined temperature, which is with high ion concentration, and which is useful as a pre-gel agent suitable for fields of electronic materials, to provide a curable resin composition comprising the vinyl polymer powder, and to provide a cured substance of the curable resin composition. The vinyl polymer powder of the present invention has an acetone-soluble component of 30% by mass or more, mass average molecular weight of the acetone-soluble component of 100,000 or more, a content of an alkali metal ion of 10 ppm or less, and a volume average primary particle size (Dv) of 200 nm or more.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for transport or release of therapeutic and diagnostic agents or metabolites or other analytes from cells, compartments within cells, or through cell layers or barriers are described. The compositions include a membrane barrier transport enhancing agent and are usually administered in combination with an enhancer and/or exposure to stimuli to effect disruption or altered permeability, transport or release. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions include compounds which disrupt endosomal membranes in response to the low pH in the endosomes but which are relatively inactive toward cell membranes, coupled directly or indirectly to a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. Other disruptive agents can also be used, responsive to stimuli and/or enhancers other than pH, such as light, electrical stimuli, electromagnetic stimuli, ultrasound, temperature, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The composition and preparation of multiple graft low molecular weight polymers useful as dispersants are described. The dispersants described are suitable for controlling sludge and varnish as well as soot. The product is useful as a lubricant additive and a fuel additive.

Abstract: The invention provide a new lens curing method for making hydrogel contact lenses. The new lens curing method is based on actinically-induced step-growth polymerization. The invention also provides hydrogel contact lenses prepared from the method of the invention and fluid compositions for making hydrogel contact lenses based on the new lens curing method. In addition, the invention provide prepolymers capable of undergoing actinically-induced step-growth polymerization to form hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: The invention provides graft copolymers obtainable by A) free-radically initiated polymerization of one or more vinyl esters a), one or more further ethylenically unsaturated monomers b) comprising at least one further functional group, B) subsequent polymer-analogous reaction of the copolymers from stage A) by joining the monomer units b) thereof to one or more further monomers b) such that at least one free-radically polymerizable group is introduced into the copolymers from stage A), characterized in that C) one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers are polymerized onto the products from stage B) by free-radically initiated polymerization.

Abstract: The methods of manufacturing a curable wax, such as an acrylate of a hydroxyl-terminated polyethylene wax having the structure CH3—(CH2)n—CH2OH, where n=22-24, and removing a fouled material in a reactor are disclosed. The methods may include reacting a wax having a transformable functional group and a curable compound in the absence of an organic solvent to form an acrylate. The methods may further include removing excess curable compound using hot water having a temperature of more than about 85° C., solidifying the acrylate, removing the acrylate, and removing a fouled material in the reactor by emulsification.

Abstract: Provided are a method of producing a graft copolymer, the method involving subjecting a radically polymerizable monomer to living radical graft polymerization with a rubber component formed of a natural rubber and/or a synthetic diene-based rubber in an aqueous medium in the presence of a polymerization control agent, a rubber composition containing the graft copolymer obtained by the method, and a tire obtained by using the rubber composition in any one of its tire members.

Abstract: A polylactide hydrosol polymer formulations suitable for thin film articles and methods of making the thin film articles are provided. The formulations and methods can be use to make articles such as gloves, condoms, catheters and the like using dip forming, and various casting processes.

Abstract: An ink jet pigment ink containing water, a pigment, a water-soluble organic solvent and a graft copolymer, wherein the graft copolymer has a hydrophilic segment and a hydrophobic segment, the hydrophobic segment is being obtained by copolymerizing an anionic monomer and an aromatic monomer represented by the following formula (1), and the hydrophilic segment is being obtained by polymerizing an anionic monomer wherein Ar is an aromatic ring selected from a benzene ring, a condensed benzene ring and a hetero-aromatic ring, or a derivative thereof, R is H or CH3, and X is O or NH.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a novel epoxy group-containing copolymer, including a production process thereof, and an epoxy (meth)acrylate copolymer starting from the epoxy group-containing copolymer, including a production process thereof are provided. The epoxy group-containing copolymer of the present invention contains a specific epoxy group-containing repeating unit and an olefin-based repeating unit. A novel epoxy (meth)acrylate copolymer of the present invention is produced by reacting the epoxy group-containing copolymer with (meth)acrylic acid.

Abstract: Lactam polymers has been modified with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) to yield lactam polymers bearing hydroxyl functional groups. These functional groups are useful for the covalent attachment of reactive groups, fluorescent probes, antimicrobial agents, bioactive factors, and drugs. The resulting as components for medical devices, specifically ophthalmic devices and more specifically contact lenses. Hydrogels based on these polymers are also useful for biomedical applications in the areas of drug delivery, tissue engineering, and implantable devices.

Abstract: A modified natural rubber particle having carbon-carbon double bonds assigned to multifunctional vinyl monomers graft-copolymerized onto the surface of the modified natural rubber particle, which is prepared by graft-copolymerization of multifunctional vinyl monomers having two or more carbon-carbon double bonds onto natural rubber particles or deproteinized natural rubber particles. One of the methods for producing a modified natural rubber particle includes the steps of: forming inclusion complex of the multifunctional vinyl monomers having two or more carbon-carbon double bonds with a guest-protecting agent to protect at least one of the double bonds of the multifunctional vinyl monomers; graft-copolymerizing the resulting inclusion complex onto natural rubber particles or deproteinized natural rubber particles; and deprotecting the protected double bonds by removing the guest-protecting agent from the obtained graft-copolymer.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, wherein the water-absorbing polymer particles are surface postcrosslinked with unsaturated fatty acids or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A process for thermally surface postcrosslinking water-absorbing polymer particles in a fluidized bed generated by means of a carrier gas, wherein the surface postcrosslinker is supplied to the fluidized bed in gaseous form.