Abstract: A solution with a salt-sensitive polymer binder for use in fibrous webs, where the binder contains a copolymer of carboxylic acid monomer units and ethylenically unsaturated monomer units. The binder solution is prepared by emulsion-polymerizing a copolymer and then neutralizing the copolymer with base to make it water soluble. The binders provide a higher wet strength in concentrated salt solutions than in deionized water, and are particularly suitable for strengthening nonwoven fibrous webs in disposable articles such as wet-wipes, personal care products, diapers, and the like.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing water-absorbing polymer, which comprises a base polymer A being mixed with a first aqueous solution B of at least one surface postcrosslinker and a second aqueous solution C of at least one polyvalent cation and thermally treated, wherein said base polymer A is based on at least 50% neutralized acid-functional monomer and said solutions B and C are metered wholly or partly concurrently through separate nozzles whereby a water-absorbing polymer having a high saline flow conductivity value is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of nanoparticulate zinc oxide in the form of aqueous suspensions or in the form of pulverulent solid. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of zinc oxide particles and suspensions prepared in this way in cosmetic sunscreen preparations, as stabilizer in plastics, in paints, in coatings and as antimicrobial active ingredient.

Abstract: A gas-barrier material in which carboxyl groups are ionically crosslinked in an amount corresponding to an acid value of at least 330 mgKOH/g of a resin that has the carboxyl groups in an amount corresponding to an acid value of not smaller than 580 mgKOH/g. The gas-barrier material exhibits excellent gas-barrier property, retort resistance and flexibility under highly humid conditions, enables the film to be cured at a low temperature in a short period of time, and can be favorably produced.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for cementing applications. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of cementing comprising the steps of: providing a cement composition that comprises: a polyelectrolyte and/or an alkenoic acid first monomer; a filler; and a crosslinking agent; placing the cement composition in a desired location; and allowing the cement composition to set therein.

Abstract: Nanoparticles zwitterionic polymers grafted thereto or grafted therefrom, and methods for making and using the nanoparticles. Zwitterionic nanogels, and methods for making and using the nanogels.

Abstract: A method for preparing acid-containing polymers by reacting them in the presence of end-capped polyols or amines in the presence of phosphorous-containing compounds.

Abstract: A process for the production of aqueous binder latices by multistage emulsion polymerization in the aqueous phase, comprising the successive steps: 1) free-radical polymerization of a monomer mixture A comprising acidic monomers in a proportion corresponding to an acid value of 10 to 100 mg of KOH/g and olefinically polyunsaturated monomers in a proportion of 0.5 to 5 wt %, 2) neutralization of acid groups of the polymer formed in process step 1) and 3) free-radical polymerization of at least one monomer mixture B comprising acidic monomers in a proportion corresponding to an acid value of mixture(s) B of 0 to below 5 mg of KOH/g, hydroxyl-functional monomers in a proportion corresponding to a hydroxyl value of mixture(s) B of 0 to below 5 mg of KOH/g and olefinically polyunsaturated monomers in a proportion of 0.

Abstract: Superabsorbent material, comprising clay-crosslinked superabsorbent polymers, obtainable by polymerizing in a spray-stream, polymerizable compounds in the presence of a polymerization initiator system, and nano-sized or individual clay particles, which are all introduced into a vessel by a spraying step in the form of a said spray-stream thereof, whereby said clay particles crosslink said polymers during polymerization. The invention also relates to such a process and absorbent articles comprising such superabsorbent material.

Abstract: Grafted polymers which are the reaction products of: (a) (Meth)acrylic acid and (b) Non-symmetric maleates according to general formula (I), in which R1 stands for a linear or branched alk(en)yl radical having 1 to 22 carbon atoms and 0 or 1 double bond, while n and m independently represent integers between 0 and 200, on condition that the sum (n+m) is different from 0 are disclosed. Methods of making and using the grafted polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a method of producing a crosslinked poly(meth)acrylic acid compound, in particular a method of producing a crosslinked poly(meth)acrylic acid nitroxide compound, which is a radical compound excellent in solvent stability.

Abstract: A coating solution comprising: a first solvent; 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of a polycarboxylic acid-based polymer relative to 100 parts by weight of the solvent; and 0.05 to 0.25 chemical equivalent of a zinc compound relative to an amount of carboxyl group in the polycarboxylic acid-based polymer, wherein a number average molecular weight of the polycarboxylic acid-based polymer is in a range of 40,000 to 10,000,000.

Abstract: A zinc oxide polymer nanocomposite composed of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The zinc oxide nanoparticles of the nanocomposite have an average particle size of about 1 nanometer to about 20 nanometers. Suitable polymers of the nanocomposites have less than about 500 ppm alkali metal. A process is provided for preparing the zinc oxide polymer nanocomposites comprising a) preparing a first combination comprising zinc oxide nanoparticles and a polymer; b) preparing a second combination comprising the first combination and an organic solvent; and c) precipitating the zinc oxide nanoparticles and the polymer out of the second combination. The zinc oxide nanoparticles of the first combination have an average particle size of between about 1 nanometer and about 20 nanometers.

Abstract: A method for forming highly neutralized polymers for use in games balls and the like is disclosed herein. The method includes mixing oleic acid with a predetermined amount of magnesium oxide which is greater than the amount necessary to fully neutralize the oleic acid. The over-neutralized oleic acid particulate is mixed with an acid copolymer compound to form a highly neutralized polymer.

Abstract: A water-absorbing agent according to the present invention includes water-absorbent resin particles having an internal cross-linked structure, wherein a vicinity of a surface of the water-absorbent resin particle is cross-linked with a surface cross-linking agent, and the water-absorbent resin particle has therein a sea-island structure having (i) part containing a first water-soluble multivalent metal salt such as aluminum sulfate and (ii) part not containing the first water-soluble multivalent metal salt. With this arrangement, it is possible to provide a water-absorbing agent having less water-soluble component content, more excellent liquid permeability, and more excellent water retention under pressure than the conventional water-absorbing agent.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a release agent and a release sheet. The release sheet is composed of a base member and a release agent layer including the release agent. The release agent layer is provided on at least one surface of the base member. The release agent contains a poly(meth)acrylate that includes a mono or polyalkylene glycol (meth)acrylate unit having an alkyl or aryl end group (unit (A)), and an alkyl (meth)acrylate unit (unit (B)). The carbon number of the alkyl group in the unit (B) is from 1 to 30.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for cementing applications. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of cementing comprising the steps of: providing a cement composition that comprises: a polyelectrolyte and/or an alkenoic acid first monomer; a filler; and a crosslinking agent; placing the cement composition in a desired location; and allowing the cement composition to set therein.

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: The present invention provides an ionomer composition for a golf ball providing a golf ball which is excellent in abrasion-resistance, durability and resilience, and a golf ball using the same. An ionomer composition for a golf ball of the present invention comprises a binary copolymer obtained by copolymerizing an olefin monomer having 2 to 8 carbon atoms with an unsaturated monomer having an acid functional group and/or a ternary copolymer obtained by copolymerizing an olefin monomer having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an unsaturated monomer having an acid functional group and an unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, wherein a functional group is introduced in both terminals of the copolymers.

Abstract: A butyl rubber ionomer having improved adhesion to substrates whose surfaces have polar functional groups. Examples of such substrate materials include stainless steel, glass, mylar or Teflon®. The adhesion of the butyl rubber ionomer to the substrate is at least 25% greater than the adhesion of a non-ionomeric butyl rubber to the same substrate surface and with certain substrates is more than 150% greater. The adhesion is improved with increasing levels of multiolefin content in the butyl rubber ionomer. The adhesion is greatest for butyl rubber ionomers having a high multiolefin content (at least 3.5 mol% of multiolefin monomers or at least 1.5 mol % of residual multiolefins). By taking advantage of these high adhesion levels, a composite article can be formed between the butyl rubber ionomer and the substrate.

Abstract: A reactive extrusion process for producing an ionomer is disclosed. The process comprising adding a polymer containing a carboxyl functionality to an extruder, then homogenously melting the polymer in a melting zone of the extruder. A first melt seal zone of the extruder is formed to separate the melting zone from an injection zone where an aqueous solution of metallic ions are added to the molten polymer. The first melt seal zone is formed by increasing the pressure in the melt seal zone to a pressure which is higher than the vapor pressure of the water at any point in the injection zone and the reaction zone. The aqueous solution of metallic ions is then mixed with the polymer containing the carboxyl functionality in a reaction zone of the extruder under conditions such that the metallic ions are substantially reacted with the carboxyl functionality.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball material which includes, in mixture: (A) a metal-containing chelating agent (A1) or a mixture (A2) composed of a metal-containing chelating agent and an oxygen-containing inorganic metal compound; (B) one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of diene polymers, thermoplastic polymers and thermoset polymers; and (C) one or more acid-containing polymers having an acid content of from 0.5 to 30 wt % and selected from the group consisting of olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymers, olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester terpolymers, unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride-containing polymers, unsaturated dicarboxylic acid-containing polymers and unsaturated dicarboxylic acid half ester-containing polymers. The invention also provides a method for preparing such a golf ball material, and a golf ball made with the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer wherein an increased rate of water absorption is obtained by the addition of an encapsulated blowing agent. The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer including an encapsulating blowing agent and having a vortex time of 40 seconds or less. In particular, the superabsorbent polymer includes from about 55 to about 99.9 wt. % of polymerizable unsaturated acid group containing monomers; from about 0.001 to about 5.0 wt. % of internal crosslinking agent; wherein the wherein the composition has a degree of neutralization of more than about 20%; and from about 0.05 to about 10.0 wt. % of an encapsulated blowing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball with excellent abrasion-resistance, durability and resilience having an ionomer resin cover therein. The ionomer composition for the golf ball of the invention comprises a reaction product obtained by reacting a telechelic copolymer having functional groups introduced in both terminals of a binary copolymer formed by copolymerizing an olefin monomer having 2 to 8 carbon atoms and an unsaturated carboxylic acid having 2 to 18 carbon atoms, and/or a ternary copolymer formed by copolymerizing an olefin monomer having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an unsaturated carboxylic acid having 2 to 18 carbon atoms and an unsaturated carboxylic acid ester with a hydroxyl group-containing compound or an isocyanate group-containing compound, wherein at least 10 mole % of a carboxylic group in said reaction product is neutralized with an inorganic metal.

Abstract: A non-agricultural article, which is different from a golf ball or golf ball cover and which is made of a composition containing (a) an organic polymer, and (b-I) a polyacrylic acid sodium salt or a sodium salt of ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer, and (b-II) manganese stearate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of water-absorbing polymer structures, comprising the following process steps: i) providing an untreated, water-absorbing polymer structure; and ii) bringing the untreated, water-absorbing polymer structure into contact with a salt comprising a divalent or higher-valent cation of a metal and at least one organic base as anion. The invention relates also to the water-absorbing polymer structures obtainable by that process, to water-absorbing polymer structures, to a composite comprising a water-absorbing polymer structure and a substrate, to a process for the preparation of a composite, to the composite obtainable by that process, to chemical products, such as foams, molded articles and fibers comprising water-absorbing polymer structures or a composite, to the use of water-absorbing polymer structures or of a composite in chemical products and to the use of a salt in the treatment of the surface of water-absorbing polymer structures.

Abstract: A solidification matrix includes a polycarboxylic acid polymer, sodium carbonate, and water. Exemplary polycarboxylic acid polymers include a polyacrylic acid polymer having a molecular weight of between about 1,000 and about 100,000, a modified polyacrylic acid polymer having a molecular weight of between about 1,000 and about 100,000, and a polymaleic acid polymer having a molecular weight of between about 500 and about 5,000. The polycarboxylic acid polymer, sodium carbonate, and water interact to form a hydrate solid. The solidification matrix may be used, for example, in a solid detergent composition.

Abstract: A solution with a salt-sensitive polymer binder for use in fibrous webs, where the binder contains a copolymer of carboxylic acid monomer units and ethylenically unsaturated monomer units including vinyl acetate. The binder solution is prepared by emulsion-polymerizing a copolymer and then neutralizing the copolymer with base to make it water soluble. The binders provide a higher wet strength in concentrated salt solutions than in deionized water, and are particularly suitable for strengthening nonwoven fibrous webs in disposable articles such as wet-wipes, personal care products, diapers, and the like.

Abstract: Provided is a thin film having self-supporting properties and having excellent strength, durability and flexibility and a method for manufacturing the thin film. A thin film having an interpenetrating net-work layer and having a film thickness of 500 nm or less, the interpenetrating net-work layer being constituted of at least a metal oxide and an organic polymer.

Abstract: A golf ball material composed of (A) an oxygen-containing inorganic metal compound in the form of a particulate or a master batch capable of neutralizing at least some of the acid groups in an acid-containing polymer blend, (B) one or more polymer selected from among diene polymers, thermoplastic polymers and thermoset polymers, and (C) an acid-containing polymer is prepared by mixing component A in a blend of components B and C. The golf ball material has a good heat resistance, flowability and processability, and can be used to produce high-performance golf balls having durability, scuff resistance and optimal hardness without a loss of rebound.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a film which comprises a poly(carboxylic acid) polymer and a polyvalent metal compound, which is endowed with excellent gas barrier property against, for example oxygen, which has such resistance that the appearance, shape, and gas-barrier properties are not impaired by neutral water, high-temperature water vapor, or hot water; a laminate produced by use of the film; and a process for producing the film or laminate industrially conveniently at low cost. The film or laminate of the present invention is suitable for use as a package, packaging container, or vacuum insulation material for articles which are apt to be deteriorated by oxygen, etc., such as foods, beverages, chemicals, medicines, and metallic precision parts; e.g., electronic parts.

Abstract: To provide moisture absorptive and desorptive ultrafine particles having high moisture absorptive and moisture desorptive properties and particularly having an excellent moisture absorptive rate and also a product using said ultrafine particles. Moisture absorptive and desorptive ultrafine particles, characterized in that, the said particles consist of a cross-linked polymer containing 1.0 to 10.0 meq/g of a salt-type carboxyl group as a polar group where an average primary particle size is not more than 0.2 ?m and saturated moisture absorptive ratios at 65% RH and 90% RH at 20° C. are not less than 20% by weight and not less than 40% by weight, respectively.

Abstract: Method for increasing the molecular weight of polyacrylates, in which polyacrylates, functionalized at least in part of their chain ends by functional groups X, are reacted with a compound having at least functional groups Y capable of linking reactions with functional groups X.

Abstract: Provided is a curable composition which can easily regulate the properties of a cured object prepared therefrom, which can prepare a cured object that does not substantially discolor or soften a finishing agent or coating material applied to the surface thereof, and which has a high curing rate in the inner regions. The curable composition contains (A) a polymer having at least one mercapto group at the molecular ends, the polymer being derived from a thiocarbonylthio group-containing polymer (a2) prepared by polymerizing a monomer (a1) which contains an acrylic ester as a principal component and which contains 50% by weight or more of the acrylic ester and less than 50% by weight of a monomer copolymerizable with the acrylic ester in the presence of a thiocarbonylthio group-containing compound; (B) a compound having at least two mercapto groups per molecule; and (C) an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: Described are polymers and cement admixtures which reduce drop in fluidity with time. Said admixture comprises at least one polymer of the present invention and at least one polymer A. The polymer of the present invention comprises side chains of which at least 10 weight-% can be cleaved in alkaline medium. The polymer of the present invention is an acrylic polymer which comprises side chains connected to the backbone by ester linkages. These side chains may be alkyl, hydroxy alkyl, cycloalkyl or polyoxyalkylene groups. Polymer A is a cement dispersing agent. The combination of polymer A with the polymer of the present invention in a weight ratio of 0.1:10-10:1, and preferably 1:10-10:1 reduces the drop in fluidity with time of cementitious compositions.

Abstract: A salt sensitive polymeric binder for use in fibrous webs, where the binder contains a copolymer of carboxylic acid monomer units, acrylate monomer units, and N-alkyl acrylamide units. The copolymer is neutralized at least to the point where it is water soluble. The binders are particularly suitable for strengthening non-woven fibrous webs in disposable articles such as wet-wipes, personal care products, diapers, and the like.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particels containing a clay are disclosed. The clay is added to an SAP hydrogel prior to SAP neutralization to provide particles having improved fluid acquisition rates and an improved permeability of a fluid through the swollen SAP-clay particles. Diaper cores and absorbent articles containing the SAP-clay particles also are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for mixing a water-absorbent resin and a surface cross-linking agent-containing solution to repress aggregates is equipped. The water-absorbent resin and the surface cross-linking agent-containing solution is mixed with a plow-shaped mixing device which is equipped with an inner wall formed of material manifesting an interfacial contact angle of not less than 60° to water and possessing a temperature of heat distortion of not lower than 70° C., a plow-shaped stirring vane and a disintegrating blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrophilic superabsorbent polymer comprising a) from about 55 to about 99.9 wt. % of polymerizable unsaturated acid group containing monomers; b) from about 0.001 to about 5.0 wt. % of internal crosslinking agent; c) from about 0.001 to about 5.0 wt. % of surface crosslinking agent applied to the particle surface; and d) wherein the composition has a degree of neutralization of more than about 20%, and from about 20 mole % to about 75 mole % of the unsaturated acid group containing monomers are neutralized with a first neutralizing agent, and from about 5 mole % to about 40 mole % of the unsaturated acid group containing monomers are neutralized with a second neutralizing agent; at a temperature of about 75° C. or less.

Abstract: Polymeric micro- and nano-capsules formed of a spherical single hydrophobic polymer, chemically functionalised at their surface so as to comprise hydrophilic moieties thereon are disclosed. The capsules are susceptible of absorbing a perfume and of being optionally coated with an amphiphilic copolymer. They allow the preparation of perfume delivery systems, which provide a slow release of perfuming materials while improving the substantivity of the perfume on a substrate.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising: a core comprising a polybutadiene rubber having a cis-content of greater than 90%, a crosslinking agent, and an initiator, the core having an ATTI compression of less than 20; an inner cover layer comprising ethylene, from 5 weight % to 30 weight % of an ?, ?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, and from 5 weight % to 25 weight % of a softening comonomer; and a cover comprising ethylene and from 5 weight % to 35 weight % of an ?, ?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid; wherein 100% of the carboxylic acid groups of the inner cover layer are neutralized.

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: An object of the present invention is to easily provide an aqueous paint composition which is excellent in the low-temperature curability and can give a coated film that, while retaining a suitable texturability, further combines the water resistance, the marring resistance and the beef tallow staining resistance with good balance. In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a coated article which is coated with this aqueous paint composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer wherein an increased rate of water absorption is obtained by the addition of an encapsulated blowing agent. The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer including an encapsulating blowing agent and having a vortex time of 40 seconds or less. In particular, the superabsorbent polymer includes from about 55 to about 99.9 wt. % of polymerizable unsaturated acid group containing monomers; from about 0.001 to about 5.0 wt. % of internal crosslinking agent; wherein the wherein the composition has a degree of neutralization of more than about 20%; and from about 0.05 to about 10.0 wt. % of an encapsulated blowing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing thixotropic agents containing 0.1–30 wt.-% of at least one ethylene terpolymer wax, 5–7 wt.-% of at least one solvent, which is incompatible with the ethylene terpolymer wax, 5–85 wt.-% of of at least one solvent which is compatible with the ethylene terpolymer wax and with one or more of the first-named solvents.

Abstract: In the production of an acrylate polymer by the steps of preparing a water-soluble unsaturated monomer having a ratio of neutralization in the range of 30 to 100 mol % and containing 50 to 100 mol % of an acrylate and then polymerizing the monomer, a method for the production of a hydrophilic resin which comprises using a water-soluble unsaturated monomer having a ?-hydroxy propionic acid (salt) content of not more than 1,000 ppm. The hydrophilic resin obtained by this method exhibits excellent physical properties and has only a small residual monomer content. Further, a residual monomer content neither occurs nor increases in any using conditions.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein at least one of the core or cover layer comprises a hybrid material that contains fatty acid-modified glass ionomers, an ormocer or other inorganic-organic materials.

Abstract: In the production of an acrylate polymer by the steps of preparing a water-soluble unsaturated monomer having a ratio of neutralization in the range of 30 to 100 mol % and containing 50 to 100 mol % of an acrylate and then polymerizing the monomer, a method for the production of a hydrophilic resin which comprises using a water-soluble unsaturated monomer having a ?-hydroxy propionic acid (salt) content of not more than 1,000 ppm. The hydrophilic resin obtained by this method exhibits excellent physical properties and has only a small residual monomer content. Further, a residual monomer content neither occurs nor increases in any using conditions.

Abstract: A golf ball material comprises a heated mixture having a melt index of at least 1.0 dg/min, which mixture is composed of (A) a thermoplastic resin, (B) a fatty acid or fatty acid derivative having a molecular weight of at least 280, and (C) a basic inorganic metal compound capable of neutralizing acidic groups in components A and B. The material including a highly neutralized ionomer resin has good thermal stability, flow characteristics and moldability. The invention is also directed at high-rebound golf balls which can be easily and efficiently manufactured using the same material.

Abstract: A method of obtaining homopolymers and/or copolymers in aqueous solution by the use of phosphorous acid and/or its salts or sodium hypophosphite and by neutralization during the polymerisation of the ethylenically unsaturated monomers by the continuous addition, first of all, of bases such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or lithium hydroxide and then bases of alkaline earths such as calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium oxide or magnesium oxide. The polymers obtained by the said method and uses thereof.