Abstract: Formaldehyde-free binder compositions are described. The binder compositions may include a polycarboxy compound, and an organic crosslinking agent, and a polyvalent metal compound. The compositions may also optionally include a cure catalyst. In addition, composite materials are described. The composite materials may include a mat of fibers and a binder composition. The binder composition may include a polycarboxy compound, an organic crosslinking agent, and a polyvalent metal compound.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a silicone-based copolymer which has excellent long-term antifouling property even in a dry-wet alternate portion of a ship and the like or a portion thereof near the surface of water, is excellent also in mechanical strength and recoatability and exhibits high antifouling performance even if an antifouling agent is not added, and an antifouling coating composition containing the copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides low cost and highly effective method for the removal of arsenic and Cr(III&VI) from contaminated water using zinc peroxide nanoparticles (20±5 nm) capped with glycerol/PVP/TEA up to the permissible range of drinking water. As Arsenic and chromium occurs naturally in the earth's crust. When rocks, minerals, and soil erode, they release arsenic and chromium into groundwater. Arsenic and chromium occurs naturally in varying amounts in groundwater in various parts of country from ppb level to ppm level. The average concentration of arsenic and chromium as per USEPA standard in drinking water it is 10 parts per billion and 0.05 ppm (50 ppb) respectively. In drinking water the level of chromium is usually low as well, but contaminated water may contain the dangerous Cr(III&VI). Although Cr(III) is an essential nutrient for humans and shortages may cause heart problems, disruptions of metabolisms and diabetes.

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: A process for producing a microporous polymeric object to improve the degree of freedom for its various properties, compared to conventional processes, includes: mixing a block copolymer made of three or more kinds of segments with a polymer, wherein one or more of the segments are made of monomer units having a first functional group forming ionic and/or hydrogen bond, the segments constitute a co-continuous structure having mutually-independent and continuous regions due to a phase separation based on incompatibility between the segments, and the polymer has, at other than polymer chain terminals, a second functional group forming such bond with the first functional group, thereby allowing the segments to associate with the polymer at many points; forming a co-continuous structure including a region composed of the polymer and the segments due to the phase separation; and removing the polymer from the region by weakening the bond between the functional groups.

Abstract: A process for producing a microporous polymeric object to improve the degree of freedom for its various properties, compared to conventional processes, includes: mixing a block copolymer made of three or more kinds of segments with a polymer, wherein one or more of the segments are made of monomer units having a first functional group forming ionic and/or hydrogen bond, the segments constitute a co-continuous structure having mutually-independent and continuous regions due to a phase separation based on incompatibility between the segments, and the polymer has, at other than polymer chain terminals, a second functional group forming such bond with the first functional group, thereby allowing the segments to associate with the polymer at many points; forming a co-continuous structure including a region composed of the polymer and the segments due to the phase separation; and removing the polymer from the region by weakening the bond between the functional groups.

Abstract: A water-absorbing polymer structure is disclosed, whose surface has been brought into contact with a combination of a metal salt and an oxide of a metal. The invention also relates to a process for treating the surface of water-absorbing polymer structures whereby the surface of water-absorbing polymer structures is brought into contact with a combination of a metal salt and an oxide of a metal at a temperature of from about 50 to about 300° C. The present invention further relates to the water-absorbing polymer structures obtainable by this process, a composite comprising a water-absorbing polymer structure and a substrate, chemical products such as foams and fibers comprising water-absorbing polymer structures or a composite, and the use of a combination of an oxide of a metal and of a metal salt for treatment of the surface of super-absorbing polymer structures.

Abstract: An acid-functional polymer is reacted with a transition metal compound having an average particle size small enough to react with the polymer at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polymer, e.g., at room temperature, to produce cross-linked polymer. The process produces a liquid polymer product that dries to a cross-linked film without the required presence of volatile ligands. Improved coatings such as floor polishes that can be formed from these cross-linked polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides poly(thioesters) and monomeric diesters, produced from di(hydroxyethyl)polysulfides and various mono- and di-basic carbonic acids or their anhydrides, and their derivatives. The new compounds combine properties of polyesters and polysulfides. The poly(thioesters) can be used as components in many compositions, including but not limited to adhesives, sealants, caulks, coatings, plastics, paints and elastomers. The monomeric diesters find use in compositions such as solvents and plasticizers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastomeric product which contains a radical cross-linked rubber mixture, especially drive belts. For the production of elastomeric products, especially drive belts, having a long service life and producible in an environmentally friendly way, the rubber mixture contains (a) 0.1 to 50 phr of at least one carboxylic acid, which is at least ?,? unsaturated and ?,? unsaturated and preferably has at least one allylic hydrogen atom; and, (b) 0.1 to 50 phr of at least one salt-former as co-activator.

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: The invention provides a golf ball material composed of an ionomeric resin composition obtained by melt-blending under applied heat one or more compounds selected from among UV/EB-curable materials with, in the presence of a peroxide, a non-ionomeric thermoplastic resin and an ionomeric resin; or of an ionomeric resin composition obtained by using, instead of the ionomeric resin, an acid-containing polymer base of the ionomeric resin and subjecting the acid-containing polymer composition similarly prepared by melt-blending under applied heat to an acid-neutralizing reaction with a metal ionic species. Methods for preparing such a material, and golf balls which include as a component therein a molding made of the golf ball material are also provided. The golf ball material has a good thermal stability, flow and processability, and can thus be used to obtain high-performance golf balls endowed with an excellent abrasion resistance, scuff resistance, durability and flexibility without a loss of rebound.

Abstract: A dip-forming composition of the present invention comprises a dip-forming latex containing a copolymer obtained by copolymerizing 100 parts by weight of a monomer mixture containing 70 to 85 parts by weight of a conjugated diene monomer, 10 to 28 parts by weight of an aromatic vinyl monomer, 2 to 5 parts by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer and 0 to 18 parts by weight of other monomer copolymerizable with these monomers, said copolymer having a toluene insoluble content of 30% by weight or more and a toluene swelling degree of 70 times or less; and a vulcanizing agent, a vulcanization accelerator and zinc oxide which are blended in said latex in amounts of 0.5 to 2 parts by weight, 0.25 to 1 part by weight and 0.5 to 1 part by weight, respectively, on the basis of 100 parts by weight of a solid content of the latex.

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: An antimicrobial agent utilizes a resin having acrylonitrile and styrene and/or a conjugated diene as units. The antimicrobial agent includes a metal-salt-containing copolymer, and the metal-salt-containing copolymer is obtained by treating a copolymer containing acrylonitrile and at least one of styrene and a conjugated diene as units with an acid to thereby introduce acid radicals into the copolymer, and converting at least part of the acid radicals into a salt of at least one metal selected from among Ag, Cu, and Zn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 1,3,4-thiadiazole reaction products useful as accelerators and/or curing agents for halogenated polymers in rubber vulcanization processes, and to halogenated polymer compositions containing the thiadiazole derivatives, as well as a method of preparing the same. The additive is the reaction product of a 1,3,4-thiadiazole compound and a dithiocarbamic acid or an amine, or an isomer thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a new formulation for making a carboxylated polyacrylonitrile butadiene (usually referred to as nitrile in the glove industry) glove. The new formulation contains no accelerators commonly used in sulfur vulcanization. A sulfur free (including organic sulfur donors) crosslinking system is utilized. The invention provides formulations to make compounds and methods to make such gloves. The new formulations and procedures could be easily realized economically under common glove production lines. Depending on the desired applications, both powdered and powder free gloves are produced in the same formula.

Abstract: Additives including dithiocarbamyl derivatives of 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (DMTD) useful as curing agents and accelerators. Curable polymer compositions including at least one halogenated polymer and at least one additive including the dithiocarbamyl DMTD derivatives. A method is also disclosed for preparing a cured polymer by admixing at least one halogenated polymer with at least one additive including the dithiocarbamyl DMTD derivatives and subsequently curing the composition.

Abstract: Elastomeric articles, such as gloves and condoms, are disclosed including a process for making the articles. The elastomeric articles produced according to the present invention are made from a synthetic polymer. During production of the articles, the polymer is cross-linked using a metal oxide as a cross-linking agent. In one embodiment, the polymer is cross-linked without using conventional sulfur-containing cross-linking agents or accelerators.

Abstract: An olefin thermoplastic elastomer containing an olefin random copolymer formed by copolymerizing ethylene, an &agr;-olefin having 3 to 10 carbon atoms and an unsaturated monomer having a functional group, and optionally a non-conjugated diene, and metal ions crosslinking the olefin random copolymer, has the same or similar rubber elasticity, flexibility and molding and processability as the conventional olefin thermoplastic elastomers, and has good mechanical properties, wear resistance, in particular scratch resistance.

Abstract: Additives including dithiocarbamyl derivatives of 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (DMTD) useful as curing agents and accelerators. Curable polymer compositions including at least one halogenated polymer and at least one additive including the dithiocarbamyl DMTD derivatives. A method is also disclosed for preparing a cured polymer by admixing at least one halogenated polymer with at least one additive including the dithiocarbamyl DMTD derivatives and subsequently curing the composition.

Abstract: Described is the use of nanoscale metal oxide particles as catalysts for the thermal and/or photochemical polymerization of species having at least one polymerizable carbon-carbon multiple bond and/or at least one carbon containing ring capable of undergoing a ring opening polymerization.

Abstract: An aqueous leather coating composition and a method for coating leather with the aqueous coating composition are provided. The aqueous coating composition contains an aqueous emulsion polymer which includes from 0.4% to 10% by weight of a copolymerized acetoacetate or acetoacetamide monomer and has a glass transition temperature from −20° C. to 10° C. In an alternative embodiment the aqueous coating composition contains an aqueous emulsion polymer which includes from 0.1% to 6% by weight of a copolymerized acetoacetate or acetoacetamide monomer and from 2% to 15% by weight of copolymerized carboxylic acid monomer and has a glass transition temperature from −40° C. to 0° C., the polymer having been contacted with a transition metal oxide, hydroxide, or carbonate at a pH less than 9 in an amount greater than 0.20 equivalent of transition metal per equivalent of copolymerized carboxylic acid monomer.

Abstract: An aqueous leather coating composition and a method for coating leather with the aqueous coating composition are provided. The aqueous coating composition contains an aqueous emulsion polymer which includes from 0.4% to 10% by weight of a copolymerized acetoacetate or acetoacetamide monomer and has a glass transition temperature from −20° C. to 10° C. In an alternative embodiment the aqueous coating composition contains an aqueous emulsion polymer which includes from 0.1% to 6% by weight of a copolymerized acetoacetate or acetoacetamide monomer and from 2% to 15% by weight of copolymerized carboxylic acid monomer and has a glass transition temperature from −40° C. to 0° C., the polymer having been contacted with a transition metal oxide, hydroxide, or carbonate at a pH less than 9 in an amount greater than 0.20 equivalent of transition metal per equivalent of copolymerized carboxylic acid monomer.

Abstract: Antifouling resins and methods for the production of an antifouling resin comprising reacting (i) a base resin (A) simultaneously comprising a carboxyl group and a group having a polyalkylene glycol structure represented by the formula (I) &Parenopenst;CmH2mO&Parenclosest;n R1  (I) wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or a straight chain, branched, or cyclic alkyl group or an aralkyl group, m is 1, 2, 3, or 4, and n is an integer of not less than 1 and not more than 100 in the molecular unit, with (ii) the oxide or hydroxide of a metallic atom having a valence of not less than 2 in the presence of present water in an amount of 1-30 wt. %, based on the weight of said base resin (A).

Abstract: A process for forming a golf ball cover composition, which process comprises: a) forming a polymer comprising (1) a first monomeric component comprising an olefinic monomer having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; (2) a second monomeric component comprising an unsaturated carboxylic acid based acrylate class ester having from 4 to 22 carbon atoms; and (3) an optional third monomeric component comprising at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, an anhydride monomer, an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, an olefin having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and a vinyl ester or vinyl ether of an alkyl acid having from 4 to 21 carbon atoms; b) applying a sufficient amount of heat to the polymer to convert it to a substantially molten state; c) adding an inorganic metal base to the molten polymer to form a mixture; and d) saponifying the mixture to form a polymer salt particularly adapted for forming improved golf ball covers.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for pretreating a metal surface are provided. The methods comprise applying to the metal surface a hydrolysate of a copolymer of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or derivative thereof and a vinyltrialkoxysilane compound. Novel zinc salt hydrolysate compositions and zirconium salt hydrolysate compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous process for the aminolysis of polymers produced from ethylenically unsaturated structural units comprising contacting, in a reaction vessel,(a) a molten polymer containing structural units produced from alpha-olefins having from 2 to 8 carbons atoms, and esters of of .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically-unsaturated carboxylic acids in a reaction vessel; and(b) a liquid phase comprising an amine-containing compound, e.g., an alkylamine having an alkyl group containing 1-30 carbon atoms, ammonia, or derivatives thereof, in the presence of(c) a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst, which is preferably a metal-containing solution, for a period of time effective to produce a polymer containing acrylamide structural units, wherein the period of time is less than about 1 hour.This process is performed continuously in a reaction vessel, preferably in at least one reactive extruder, under conditions effective to provide an ethylene co-polymer containing acrylamide structural units.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer powder cross-linked by metallic ions and containing reinforcing material which includes a polymer cross-linked by metallic ions, and at least one reinforcing material selected from the group consisting of a fibrous reinforcing material and a particulate reinforcing material and contained uniformly in the polymer cross-linked by metallic ions in an amount of from 3 to 70% by volume. The polymer powder can be processed into a composite material based on the polymer. The composite material is improved in the strength and the impact resistance while maintaining the superb physical properties of the polymer, because the reinforcing material is dispersed too uniformly to be localized therein. Additionally, processes are disclosed which are suitably adapted to produce the polymer powder and the composite material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for preparing a water-soluble polymer comprising subjecting an N-vinylcarboxylic acid amide alone or a mixture of the N-vinylcarboxylic acid amide and other water-soluble vinyl compound(s) copolymerizable therewith to suspension polymerization, and adding hydroxylamine followed by acidic hydrolysis. A water-soluble can be polymerized efficiently without forming gel.

Abstract: Novel ionomers of normally solid, thermo-plastic, orientable, copolymers of ethylene and at least one alpha,beta-ethylenically-unsaturated carboxylic acid having a relatively high content of the carboxylic acid are prepared under conditions whereby the copolymers are essentially solubilized in a strong base and contacted with at least one compound which contains ionomer-forming cations. One of the preferred polymers is an ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer. The so-formed ionomers are useful as materials for constructing various items and articles.

Abstract: The marking of a surface of an uncured diene rubber product with a marking, or identifying coating, which maintains its identity upon curing the rubber. In one aspect, the coating is applied as a water based dispersion of zinc oxide pigment in a sulfur curable polymeric latex binder. An article can be produced thereby as a cured assembly of rubber components.

Abstract: Acid-functional polymer is reacted with a transition metal compound at a temperature above the T.sub.g of the polymer to produce crosslinked polymer. The process produces a liquid polymer product that dries to a crosslinked film without the required presence of volatile ligands. Improved coating such as floor polishes are also disclosed.

Abstract: High-moisture absorbing and releasing fibers which have moisture-absorbing properties and moisture-releasing properties, are resistant to repetitive use, and have both flame resistance and antibacterial properties and a process for producing the same are provided.Acrylic fibers in which increase in nitrogen content by hydrazine cross-linking, an amount of salt type carboxyl groups and amido groups by modification of nitrile groups, tensile strength, LOI and sterilization rate are specifically adjusted. Such the fibers are obtained by hydrazine cross-linking treatment, hydrolysis treatment and conversion of the carboxyl groups to the salt type.High-moisture absorbing and releasing fibers having excellent processability in addition to flame resistance and antibacterial properties are obtained. Such the fibers can also be used repeatedly.

Abstract: A water washable protective coating composition for application to surfaces subjected to contact with airborne paints which composition comprises an ionomer of a copolymer of an acrylic acid and an alpha-olefin. The composition forms a protective, clear low-slip coating layer upon surfaces, and is readily removable with heated water.

Abstract: Acid-functional polymer is reacted with a transition metal compound at a temperature above a T.sub.g of the polymer to produce crosslinked polymer. The process produces a liquid polymer product that dries to a crosslinked film without the required presence of volatile ligands. Improved coatings such as floor polishes are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising an elastomeric material based on a styrene-butadiene-alkyl (meth) acrylate copolymer also including an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid.The compositions are used for forming a sealing gasket for a container that contains an organic solvent, by crosslinking with a polyvalent metal crosslinking agent, and preferably also a vulcanizing crosslinking agent.The preferred ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid is itaconic acid.

Abstract: A composition suitable for use in producing tire treads, is provided. The composition comprises a halogen-containing copolymer of a C.sub.4 to C.sub.7 isomonoolefin and a para-alkylstyrene; a rubber, such as, styrene-butadiene rubber, carbon black, and a plasticizer oil. Tires comprising treads made of the composition are also provided.

Abstract: A crosslinked polymer having shape memorizing property, said crosslinked polymer being obtained by thermally reversibly crosslinking a base polymer composed of a blocked copolymer of an aromatic vinyl monomer and a conjugated diene monomer, the base polymer having a glass transition temperature of 70.degree. to 140.degree. C., and the glass transition temperature being higher than the dissociation temperature of the thermally reversible crosslinkage contained in the crosslinkage polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition, a process for making the composition, and blends comprising the composition, wherein the composition comprises (a) an at least partially neutralized carboxylated ethylene-propylene rubber copolymer that is the reaction product of (i) a non-carboxylated ethylene-propylene rubber, (ii) an azidosulfonylbenzoic acid, and (iii) and a metal based neutralizing agent wherein: (1) the carboxylated copolymer is substantially free of olefinic unsaturation, and (2) the degree of neutralization of the carboxyl groups of the carboxylated copolymer is at least 50 percent, and (b) a zinc carboxylate.

Abstract: Metal salts of carboxyl-containing polymers are prepared by suspending carboxyl and/or carboxylic anhydride group-containing polymers in an inert solvent, reacting with a pulverulent basic metal compound, and then working up the suspension.

Abstract: Partially crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer which is produced as follows:(A) propylene (10-90 weight part), (B) halogenated butyl rubber (90-10 weight part, (A)+(B)=100 weight part), (C) olefinic rubber (10-120 weight part) and (D) mineral oil softening agent (5-120 weight part) are heated in the presence of (E) metal oxide and/or metal chloride. To the composition based on (A)-(E) (100 weight part), (F) polyolefin (300-1900 weight part) and (G) styrenic rubber (50-1100 weight part) are blended. The composition has particularly good moldability, compatibility, low temperature impact strength, and gloss, and can be used for large scale molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising crosslinkable polyethylene homopolymer, copolymer or mixture thereof. The composition includes a peroxide crosslinking agent, a crosslinking co-agent, and a metal compound having a cation selected from Group IIA and IIB of the Periodic Table of Elements. The composition is particularly useful for polymers which are formed using Ziegler-type catalysts and have complete terminal saturation. The present invention also includes a composition which has been found particularly suitable for use in critical molding processes such as rotational molding. This composition comprises a polyethylene homopolymer, copolymer, or mixture thereof. The present invention includes a method of rotational molding.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of carboxylated propylene homo- and copolymers which comprises the reaction of a thermoplastic propylene homo- or copolymer with an azidosulfonyl- benzoic acid by mechanically mixing said polymer and said acid at a temperature of at least 180.degree. C. in the substantial absence of a free-radical initiator. The carboxylated polymers thus prepared display considerably improved viscosity characteristics and can advantageously be used in novel polymer blends with polyamide polymers as well for the preparation of novel ionomers by reaction with a metal compound of basic character based on a mono-, di- or trivalent metal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the reduction of the extractability of trialkanolamines from polyolefins containing such compounds e.g. as a result of the use of trialkanolamines as catalyst deactivators in processes for the polymerization of olefins. Zinc oxide and/or zeolite molecular sieves are incorporated into the polyolefin, either during the process for the manufacture of the polyolefin or subsequent to such manufacture. Zinc oxide may be used in amount of 0.01-4 parts by weight and zeolite molecular sieves in amounts of 0.05-1 parts by weight, per 100 parts of polyolefin. The resultant compositions may be more acceptable for use in the fabrication of articles intended for the packaging of e.g. foodstuffs.

Abstract: Polymers and copolymers of conjugated dienes and aromatic vinyl compound which have a carboxyl end group and are present as salts, the salts containing metal cations or metal cation complexes which are bivalent or polyvallent and also a process for preparing such salts of polymers which contain carboxyl end groups and their use for modifying thermoplastic materials or as vulcanizable materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer derivative comprising the reaction product of a metal compound and a polymer having functional groups. The metal compound may be an acetate, carbonate, chloride, hydroxide, oxalate, oxide or sulphate of Al, Ba, Ca, Ce, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Pb, Sn, Ti, V, Zn and Zr. The functional group may be a carboxylic acid group, a thiol group or an olefinic group.The invention includes a process for efficiently reacting a functional group on a polymer with at least one co-reagent wherein the co-reagents are rendered compatible with the polymer, for example by being dissolved in the polymer or in a solution thereof whereby the reaction is effected in a single phase. The process may be a two stage process which comprises forming a metal derivative of a polymer of relatively low molecular weight and then incorporating the metal derivative into a polymer of higher molecular weight.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparing a water-absorbing resin which comprises the steps of mixing powder of an inorganic inactive substance with a water-absorbing resin having carboxylate-containing monomer units, and adding water and a high molecular-weight cross-linking agent to the mixture to perform cross-linking reaction and evaporation of water, the cross-linking agent being selected from a specified copolymer (1) and a specified mixture of copolymers (2), and also provides a water-absorbing resin prepared by the process.The process of the invention gives water-absorbing resins improved not only in water-absorbing ability, rate of water absorption, gel strength after water absorption and unlikelihood of affording a wetty feeling after water absorption but also in capability of retaining water under pressure.

Abstract: A method of producing a molded rubber product for use in the pharmaceutical industry comprising the steps of mixing a rubber formulation including a halogenated butyl rubber and a curing system of from 0.5 to 2.0 parts by weight of zinc oxide and from 0.5 to 1.5 parts by weight of m-PBM. The parts are based upon the weight of the formulation. A sheet is formed from the mixture by feeding the mixture through a calender means. The calender sheet is molded into a molded rubber product at a pressure of at least 500 psi and at a temperature of up to 375.degree. F. for up to 5 minutes. The formed product is then removed.