Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles by polymerizing a monomer solution or suspension comprising an ethylenically unsaturated monomer bearing acid groups, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, a crosslinker and an initiator.

Abstract: The invention is a water-soluble thickener made of a copolymer that is obtained by copolymerizing 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid or its salt, hydroxyethylacrylamide, and a crosslinking monomer, or that is made of a copolymer that is obtained by further neutralizing said copolymer that has been obtained using an alkaline agent. It also provides a cosmetic in which this water-soluble thickener has been blended. It is an object of the invention to provide, as a water-soluble thickener, a copolymer which, when blended into a cosmetic, demonstrates a sufficiently satisfactory degree of usability and is excellent in terms of stability and safety.

Abstract: Disclosed is a separated fraction of a reaction product of an enzymatically catalyzed polymerization of a flavonoid. The separated fraction is highly resistant to oxidation and is useful in numerous applications such as an antioxidant in food products and medical applications.

Abstract: An organic-inorganic hybrid material containing inorganic fine particles and a thermoplastic resin having recurring units of the following formulae (1) and (2): wherein R1 to R4 and R11 to R14 represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, —COOR5 or —OCOR5 provided that at least one of R11 to R14 is -L-X; L represents single bond or divalent linking group; X represents a functional group capable of bonding to inorganic fine particles; R5 represents alkyl or aryl; and m and n indicate 0 or 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to anionically modified copolymers that can be obtained by the polymerisation of the monomers (A), (B) and (C), obtaining non-ionic polymers containing reactive terminal OH groups, and by subsequent conversion of the terminal OH groups to form anionic end groups, (A) being a monomer of formula (I) wherein A is C2-C4 alkylene and B is a C2-C4alkylene different from A, k corresponds to the number 0 or 1, m is a number between 0 and 500, preferably between 0 and 50, n is a number between 0 and 500, preferably between 0 and 50, the sum of m+n being equal to between 1 and 1000; (B) contains an ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing an aromatic group; and (C) is an ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing an alkyl radical.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane is described comprising at least one sulfonated aromatic polyether copolymer comprising a poly-arylen-ether-ketone (PEK) moiety or sulfonated derivatives thereof, deriving from spiro-bis-indane or 4,4?-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphenol (BPAF), and an arylene-sulfone, or an arylene-ketone or sulfonated derivative thereof; said copolymer having the following formula (1): wherein Ar1 has formula, wherein X is spiro-bis-indanile (SBI) (b) or BPAF (c) having formulas: and wherein Y is H or SO3H, and Ar2 has formula wherein W is CO or SO2, and Y is H or SO3H, wherein Z is OH or Cl; and wherein at least one between Ar1 or Ar2 comprise at least one sulfonic group; and wherein n is an integer comprised between 2 and 50. A method for the production of such membrane is also described.

Abstract: A sulfonated copolymer including a crosslinking functional group and a fuel cell including a polymeric composition of the same are provided. The sulfonated copolymer including a crosslinking functional group can remarkably reduce methanol crossover and maintain superior dimensional stability and ionic conductivity by reducing swelling.

Abstract: A process for continuous thermal postcrosslinking of water-absorbing polymer particles, wherein the postcrosslinker is applied to the water-absorbing polymer particles by means of suitable nozzles and the nozzles are exchanged or cleaned via the interior of a glovebox adjoining the plant section comprising the nozzle.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to reactive compositions and methods of use thereof, wherein a metal oxide cluster is used to connect a reactive group (or groups) to the surface of a substrate. In certain embodiments, the reactive group in the compositions decomposes organophosphate agents through nucleophilic hydrolysis. In certain embodiments, the reactive group in the compositions is bactericidal. Remarkably, the use of metal oxide clusters in the disclosed compositions and methods permits incorporation of higher quantities of nucleophilic and bactericidal groups without the difficulties associated with having to pretreat the substrate prior to its association with the reactive groups.

Abstract: Sealant and potting formulations are provided which are prepared from components including ungelled mercapto-terminated polymer(s) prepared by reacting reactants comprising polyvinyl ether monomer(s) and polythiol material(s); curing agent(s) reactive with a mercapto group of the mercapto-terminated polymer; and additive(s) selected from the group consisting of fillers, adhesion promoters, plasticizers and catalysts.

Abstract: Dimercaptan terminated polythioether polymers are disclosed, as are methods for making and using the same.

Abstract: There are provided a conductive material obtained by bringing a ? conjugated polymer into contact with an ionic liquid and a conductive film obtained by bringing a ? conjugated polymer film into contact with the ionic liquid. Method of producing them is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reagents and methods used in virus isolation and analysis.

Abstract: A controlled molecular weight polymer of styrene is provided having bromine substituted thereon. Control of molecular weight is achieved by the use of alpha-methyl styrene dimer as a chain transfer agent. The brominated polymer of styrene is useful as a flame retardant, particularly for polyamides giving improved properties including color retention after molding.

Abstract: A polymer compound having a structure represented by the formula (1) as defined herein at a main chain terminal, and a positive photosensitive composition containing a polymer compound having a structure represented by the following formula (1) as defined herein at a main chain terminal and a photoacid generator capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation.

Abstract: A polymer for crosslinking an anti-reflective film has a high refractive index. An anti-reflective composition containing the polymer for crosslinking is useful in an immersion lithography process using ArF (193 nm) of a semiconductor device manufacturing process.

Abstract: Provided are polymers having pheneylenevinylene units and heteroarylene vinylene units, and methods for making and using the same. Additionally, there are provided heteroarylenevinylene polymers. The polymers are useful in organic electronic devices.

Abstract: A polymer for crosslinking an anti-reflective film has a high refractive index. An anti-reflective composition containing the polymer is useful in a damascene process and an immersion lithography process using ArF (193 nm) of a semiconductor device manufacturing process.

Abstract: A polyarylene ether-based compound according to the present invention includes polymer components represented in general formula (1) and general formula (2): wherein Ar indicates a divalent aromatic group, Y indicates a sulfone group or a ketone group, X indicates H or a monovalent cation species, and Ar? indicates a divalent aromatic group.

Abstract: A carboxylic acid-modified nitrile copolymer latex is provided. The copolymer latex comprises a carboxylic acid-modified nitrile copolymer of an unsaturated monomer having at least one crosslinkable functional group selected from vinyl and epoxy groups. The use of the copolymer latex enables the production of a molded article that does not undergo long stirring and maturation, causes no allergic reactions due to the absence of sulfur and a vulcanization accelerator, has good oil resistance and high mechanical strength, and produces a soft feeling. Further provided is a latex composition for dip forming comprising the copolymer latex, and an article produced from the latex composition by dip forming.

Abstract: The invention relates to a copolymer including betaininc units and hydrophobic and/or amphiphile units. The invention also relates to a method for preparing a copolymer including betaininc units and hydrophobic and/or amphiphile units, by controlled micellar polymerisation. The invention further relates to the uses of the copolymer. The copolymer is particularly used for increasing the viscosity of saline aqueous compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of preparing 1,4-trans polybutadiene grafted with an aromatic organosulfur compound, the process comprising (a) preparing 1,4-trans polybutadiene by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene or butadiene derivatives in a nonpolar solvent in the presence of a particular catalyst, and (b) preparing the 1,4-trans polybutadiene grafted with an aromatic organosulfur compound by reacting the trans polybutadiene with an aromatic organosulfur compound. The organosulfur molecule in the molecular chain minimizes ultra high molecular weight fraction and narrows the molecular weight distribution, thereby enabling this polymer to show improved processability and tensile properties.

Abstract: Sealant and potting formulations are provided which are prepared from components including ungelled mercapto-terminated polymer(s) prepared by reacting reactants comprising polyvinyl ether monomer(s) and polythiol material(s); curing agent(s) reactive with a mercapto group of the mercapto-terminated polymer; and additive(s) selected from the group consisting of fillers, adhesion promoters, plasticizers and catalysts.

Abstract: Silane-terminated prepolymers which contain, on at least one silicon atom, at least one hydrolyzable aryloxy type functional group. The use of these prepolymers, containing silyl-aryloxy terminated groups, in adhesive sealant formulations increases their reactivity so enabling the use of metal-based catalysts, which are in most cases toxic and act as oxidation catalysts, to be avoided or their quantity to be reduced compared with the standard quantity used in conventional formulations, yet ensuring considerably shorter cross-linking times than those of formulations based on known silane-terminated prepolymers.

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 provides a curable composition for use in retarding the formation of biofilms. The curable composition comprises a polymer derived from ethylenically unsaturated units having pendent long-chain aliphatic groups; ethylenically unsaturated units having pendent poly(oxyalkylene) groups; and ethylenically unsaturated units having pendent substrate-reactive groups; and a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The invention can provide a high-refractive-index resin composition containing particles, more particularly, a resin composition having a high refractive index and usable in optical applications including coatings and lenses. The high-refractive-index resin composition of the invention is a high-refractive-index resin composition obtained by polymerizing a polymerizable composition containing particles coated with a surface-treating agent and having an average particle diameter of 10 nm or smaller and a polymerizable monomer, wherein the content of the particles excluding the surface-treating agent, X (% by mass), and the refractive index of the high-refractive-index resin composition, Y (n23d), have a relationship between these which is represented by the general formula 1: Y?0.0035X+1.52 (wherein 20?X?60 and Y?2.0).

Abstract: Preformed compositions in shaped form comprising polymer blends, and the use of these preformed compositions in shaped form to seal apertures are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the preformed compositions are electrically conductive and are capable of shielding EMI/RFI radiation. The polymer blend includes a polysulfide component and a polythioether component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-swellable material comprising an inherently crosslinked polymer matrix and inorganic solid particles bound therein with a time-dependent swelling behavior that corresponds to a water uptake of at least 7.5 times the inherent weight of the hybrid material within one hour, as well as the applications thereof. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacture of such a water-swellable hybrid material.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising nitrogen containing chelating agents, which can be used to reduce the effects of zinc contamination on the vulcanization rates of polymercapto based cure systems for halogenated elastomers. Such chelating agents are effective at eliminating vulcanization rate inconsistencies due to zinc contamination, without inducing negative changes to the vulcanization reaction or the subsequent physical properties of the halogenated elastomer vulcanizate. The invention also provides methods of curing a halogenated elastomer using the inventive compositions, and for articles prepared from the same.

Abstract: A method is provided for modifying a poly(arylene vinylene) or poly(heteroarylene vinylene) precursor polymer having dithiocarbamate moieties by reacting it with an acid and further optionally reacting the acid-modified polymer with a nucleophillic agent. Also provided are novel polymers and copolymers bearing nucleophillic side groups which are useful as components of electronic devices, e.g. in the form of thin layers.

Abstract: A method is provided for modifying a poly(arylene vinylene) or poly(heteroarylene vinylene) precursor polymer having dithiocarbamate moieties by reacting it with an acid and further optionally reacting the acid-modified polymer with a nucleophilic agent. Also provided are novel polymers and copolymers bearing nucleophilic side groups which are useful as components of electronic devices, e.g. in the form of thin layers.

Abstract: A class of bioinspired, cross linking polymers, created by working catechol functionalities into the backbone of a bulk polymer, is disclosed. Varied cross linking groups may be incorporated into different polymer backbones, and subsequently reacted with an array of reagents. An adhesive composition comprising a copolymer, the copolymer comprising pendant dihydroxyphenyl groups; and a crosslinking agent selected from the group consisting of, for example, oxidants, enzymes, metals, and light. A method of preparing an adhesive composition comprising copolymerizing a first monomer comprising pendant dihydroxy-protected dihydroxyphenyl groups; deprotecting the dihydroxy-protected dihydroxyphenyl groups; crosslinking the dihydroxyphenyl groups with a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable polymer systems comprising anionic and modified polyamine polymers. When such polymer systems are employed in cleaning compositions, such cleaning compositions exhibit unexpectedly improved anti-soil re-deposition and situs whitening capabilities.

Abstract: A particulate water absorbent contains a water absorbent resin as a main component, the water absorbent resin being a crosslinked polymer of a water-soluble unsaturated monomer. The water absorbent resin is particular in shape and contains particles of a particle size in a range of not less than 106 ?m and less than 850 ?m in an amount of not less than 90 mass percent with respect to the total mass of the water absorbent resin contained in the particulate water absorbent. The particulate water absorbent has a first salt concentration absorption index of not less than 0.60 as measured by a formula below when ion exchange water is used as an aqueous solution of a constant salt concentration: (salt concentration absorption index)=(absorbency against a pressure of 4.83 kPa with respect to the aqueous solution of a constant salt concentration)/(absorbency against no pressure with respect to the aqueous solution of a constant salt concentration).

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing surface-crosslinked superabsorbent polymer particles is disclosed. The superabsorbent polymer particles are surface crosslinked using about 20 to about 35 wt % of 1,3-propanediol as a cosolvent in a surface-crosslinking step. The use of 1,3-propanediol as a cosolvent reduces the amount of surface-crosslinking agent required to adequately surface crosslink the superabsorbent polymer, and reduces or eliminates the fouling of process equipment attributed to previous cosolvents used in a surface crosslinking step.

Abstract: Macromolecules may be specially designed so that upon adsorption at a substrate, the macromolecules experience intramolecular tension at their covalent bonds due to the physical interaction of the molecular segments of the macromolecules with the substrate. As a result of the induced tension, the macromolecules may be used in a number of applications including, but not limited to, environmental and surface sensors, chemical activators and catalysts, and molecular probes.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a reinforced polymer electrolyte membrane, such as may be used in electrolytic cells such as fuel cells, by mixing a sulfonate- or sulfonyl halide-functional polymer with a bisamidine compound and subsequently trimerizing the amidine groups of the bisamidine compound to form triazine linkages. The sulfonyl halide or sulfonate groups may then be converted to sulfonic acid groups, yielding a polymer electrolyte reinforced with a polytriazine.

Abstract: A composition suitable for use as a planarizing underlayer in a multilayer lithographic process is disclosed. The inventive composition comprises a polymer containing heterocyclic aromatic moieties. In another aspect, the composition further comprises an acid generator. In yet another aspect, the composition further comprises a crosslinker. The inventive compositions provide planarizing underlayers having outstanding optical, mechanical and etch selectivity properties. The present invention also encompasses lithographic structures containing the underlayers prepared from the compositions of the present invention, methods of making such lithographic structures, and methods of using such lithographic structures to pattern underlying material layers on a substrate.

Abstract: A sulfonated aromatic polyether ketone of the formula (II) [Ar—O—Ar?—CO—Ar?—O—Ar—CO—Ar?—CO—] ??(II) in which from 1% to 100% of the O-phenylene-CO units are substituted with an SO3M group and sulfonated and unsulfonated O-phenylene-CO units can be in any desired sequence with respect to one another, the radicals Ar, Ar? and Ar? independently of one another are substituted or unsubstituted 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4-phenylene rings, and M, taking into account the ionic valencies, comprises one or more elements selected from the following group: H, NR4+, where R is H or C1-C4-alkyl, or an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal or a metal from subgroup 8, and is preferably H, NR4+, Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe or Pt.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a reinforced polymer electrolyte membrane, such as may be used in electrolytic cells such as fuel cells, by mixing a sulfonate- or sulfonyl halide-functional polymer with a bisamidine compound and subsequently trimerizing the amidine groups of the bisamidine compound to form triazine linkages. The sulfonyl halide or sulfonate groups may then be converted to sulfonic acid groups, yielding a polymer electrolyte reinforced with a polytriazine.

Abstract: There are disclosed a phosphorus-containing carboxylic acid derivative which has a group containing phosphorus atom and has in its molecule, a group represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and Y is oxygen atom or sulfur atom; a process for producing the derivative; and a flame retardant comprising the foregoing derivative as an effective ingredient. The present invention can provide the phosphorus-containing carboxylic acid derivative and a flame retardant which are each excellent in solubility in an organic solvent, compatibility with a variety of resins, stability and flame retardancy.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive compositions having enhanced resistance to water-whitening comprising an aqueous emulsion polymer are disclosed. The polymer comprises the polymerization reaction product of a polymerizable aqueous emulsion comprising: (i) at least one hydrophobic alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate ester of an alcohol, (ii) at least about 1 wt. % of at least one hydrophilic monomer, (iii) at least about 5 wt. % of at least one partially hydrophilic alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate ester of an alcohol, and (iv) a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymerizable surfactant selected from compounds having a terminal allyl amine moiety, substituted phenyl compounds having at least one alkenyl substituent, polyoxyalkylene-1-(allyloxymethyl) alkyl ether sulfate salts, or mixtures thereof, and the average particle size of the polymer is less than or equal to 200 nm. Also disclosed are processes for preparing same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable polymer systems comprising anionic and modified polyamine polymers. When such polymer systems are employed in cleaning compositions, such cleaning compositions exhibit unexpectedly improved anti-soil re-deposition and situs whitening capabilities.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for preparing multi-functional emulsion polymers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to poly(dioxythiophene)/poly(acrylamidoalkylsulfonic acid) complexes and the oxidative polymerization process for making them. Aqueous dispersions of these poly(dioxythiophene)/poly(acrylamidoalkylsulfonic acid) complexes are useful for forming transparent electrically conductive organic layers comprised of such complexes.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention are to provide a process for easily producing an alkenyl-terminated vinyl polymer without using a metal compound requiring a complicated purification step, and to provide a curable composition containing the vinyl polymer. An alkenyl group is incorporated into an end of a vinyl polymer having a thiocarbonylthio structure at the end to produce an alkenyl-terminated vinyl polymer. Mixing this vinyl polymer with a compound having a hydrogen-silicon bond and a hydrosilylation catalyst gives the curable composition.

Abstract: Preformed compositions comprising sulfur-containing polymers in shaped form and the use of preformed compositions in shaped form to seal apertures. In certain embodiments, the preformed compositions comprise a sulfur-containing polymer and a blend of fillers wherein the blend comprises substantially equal amounts of mica and polyamide.

Abstract: A vinyl monomer of the structure R—B—Ar(—CH?CH2)n (1) in which Ar is an aromatic ring (arylene group); n is an integer >0, in particular one or two; B is a bridge structure; R is a (C2-30)-hydrocarbon group carrying two or more protected or unprotected hydroxy groups. The monomer is characterized in that B comprises a chain of atoms linking R to Ar and consisting of 1–10 atoms selected from carbons and the heteroatoms ether oxygen, thioether sulphur or amino nitrogen, with the proviso that the terminal atom in B which is attached to R is one of the heteroatoms. A method for producing a polymer support matrix in which the vinylmonomer is one of the monomeric units. The support matrix as such is also claimed. The preferred method for producing the support matrices involves suspension polymerisation, the preferred form of matrix is beads.

Abstract: A norbornene ring-opened polymer which in the molecule has repeating units represented by the formula (1): wherein R1 represents Q, R2 represents Q or C(?O)R5, R3 represents Q or C(?O)R6, and R4 represents Q or X—C(?O)R7 (wherein Q represents hydrogen, a C1-10 hydrocarbon group, etc.; R5, R6 and R7 each represents hydroxyl, C1-10 alkoxyl, etc., provided that R6 and R7 may be bonded to each other to constitute oxygen, NH, etc.; X represents methylene, etc., provided that when R2 is Q, then R3 is C(?O)R6 and R4 is X—C(?O)R7 and that when R4 is Q, then R2 is C(?O)R5, R3 is C(?O)R6, and the configuration of R2 and R3 is trans, and m is 0 or 1), the polymer having a weight-average molecular weight as determined by gel permeation chromatography of 1,000 to 1,000,000. Also provided is a hydrogenation product of the norbornene ring-opened polymer. The norbornene ring-opened polymer and the hydrogenation product are excellent in heat resistance, electrical properties, etc.