Abstract: Articles that contain a solid support with a grafted chain extending from the solid support, methods of making these articles, and various uses of the articles are described. More specifically, the grafted chain has a functional group that can react with or interact with target compound. Alternatively, the functional group on the grafted chain can react with a modifying agent to provide another group that can react with or interact with the target compound. The grafted chains are attached to the solid support through a ring-opened azlactone group. The articles can be used to purify the target compound or to separate the target compound from other molecules in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbent polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a surrounding heated gas phase and flowing the gas cocurrent through the polymerization chamber, wherein the temperature of the gas leaving the polymerization chamber is 130° C. or less, the gas velocity inside the polymerization chamber is at least 0.5 m/s, and the droplets are generated by using a droplet plate having a multitude of bores.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing water-absorbent resin particles which show an excellent water absorption rate and high equilibrium swelling capacity and which have an appropriate particle size to be excellent in handleability, and water-absorbent resin particles obtained by the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface treatment method for a water-absorbing resin comprising three steps of: 1) a humidifying and mixing step for mixing a base polymer and a surface cross-linking agent solution to obtain a “humidified substance”; 2) a pretreatment step for raising temperature of said humidified substance to obtain a “pretreated substance”; and 3) a surface cross-linking reaction step for cross-linking said pretreated substance to obtain a surface cross-linked “water-absorbing resin”; wherein dew point in the pretreatment step of the above 2) is from 50° C. to 95° C., and temperature of said humidified substance is raised from temperature below the dew point up to a temperature of 10° C. higher than the dew point.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymers containing structural units derived from itaconic acid which are useful as binders for fiberglass.

Abstract: The invention relates to heat-curing powder-lacquer compositions exhibiting a matte surface after curing of the coating, as well as to a simple method for production of the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the alkoxylation of a first polymer comprising at least one monomer unit having NH groups and optionally NH2 groups, wherein the first polymer has a molecular weight Mw of at least 500 g/mol, comprising the steps of (a) reacting the first polymer with alkylene oxide in a reaction mixture comprising a solvent until the average degree of alkoxylation of each NH group and each optional NH2 group, calculated as two NH groups, is from 0.75 to 1.

Abstract: A homogeneously surface cross-linked water absorbent resin and a method for the production thereof are provided. The water absorbent material is formed of a surface cross-linked water absorbent resin resulting from granular irregularly pulverized shaped surface cross-linking the product of partial neutralization or whole neutralization of a water absorbent resin having acrylic acid or a metal salt thereof as a main component, which water absorbent material shows a metal atom concentration on the surface of the water absorbent material in the range of 0-10% within 0 second of polishing and 2-35% at 10 seconds value of polishing as determined by subjecting the water absorbent material to Ar ion discharge polishing under a voltage of 500 ?. The surface cross-linked water absorbent resin to be used herein can be produced by surface cross-linking a water absorbent resin having a specific particle diameter with a surface cross-linking agent having a water concentration in a specific range.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention are: to provide a water-absorbent resin which exhibits excellent balances between water absorption performances; and further to provide a process by which a water-absorbent resin having excellent absorption properties can be produced even if no hydrophilic organic solvent is used, or even if its amount is extremely reduced, when carrying out the surface-crosslinking treatment; and further to provide a water-absorbent resin optimum to absorbent articles such as diapers.

Abstract: It is to provide a method for producing a polymer by a living anionic polymerization, wherein the number of functional groups and the introduction position are accurately specified in the polymer. For this purpose, a cinnamyl alcohol represented by the following formula [I] or a derivative thereof is subjected to a reaction when conducting a living anionic polymerization. In formula [I], R1 represents an alkyl group or alkoxy group; m represents an integer of 0 to 5 and when m is 2 or more, R1s may be the same or different; R5 represents a hydrogen atom, alkali metal atom, trialkylsilyl group or a substituent represented by the following formula [II]. In formula [II], R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group; and R4 represents an alkyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group, a cycloalkyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group, a phenyl group which may be substituted by an alkyl group, or a phenyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbent polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a surrounding heated gas phase and flowing the gas cocurrent through the polymerization chamber, which comprises thermal postcrosslinking in the presence of steam.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for producing a hemostatic composition comprising mixing a biocompatible polymer suitable for use in hemostasis and a genipin-type crosslinker, crosslinking said polymer by said genipin-type crosslinker to obtain a crosslinked biocompatible polymer, and finishing said crosslinks polymer to a pharmaceutically acceptable hemostatic composition, new hemostatic compositions and methods for using such compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a method which does not require alteration of the raw materials or high capital investment, and improves and stabilizes the physical property (for example, liquid permeability) of a water absorbent resin by means of a simple technique. A method for producing a water absorbent resin is disclosed, which method includes a polymerization step of polymerizing an aqueous solution of acrylic acid (salt) to obtain a water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer; a drying step of drying the water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer to obtain a water absorbent resin powder; a classification step of classifying the water absorbent resin powder; and a surface crosslinking step of surface crosslinking the water absorbent resin powder, wherein in the classification steps that are carried before the surface crosslinking step and/or after the surface crosslinking step, the stretch tension (tension) of the metal sieve mesh used in the classification step is from 35 [N/cm] to 100 [N/cm].

Abstract: To provide a resin composition for laser engraving that can give a film having excellent compositional uniformity and toughness and a relief printing plate having little breakage of small-size halftone dots, a relief printing plate precursor employing the resin composition for laser engraving, a process for making a relief printing plate employing same, and a relief printing plate obtained thereby. A resin composition for laser engraving of the present invention that includes (Component A) a compound having one or more condensable groups and having one or more radical chain transfer groups; (Component B) a radically polymerizable compound; (Component C) a radical polymerization initiator; and (Component D) a binder polymer.

Abstract: Polymeric nanoparticles with a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic shell are formed from: 1) N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAM), at a molar ratio of about 50% to about 90%, and preferably 60% for specific delivery routes such as oral or parenteral; either water-soluble vinyl derivatives like vinylpryolidone (VP) or vinyl acetate (VA), or water insoluble vinyl derivaties like methyl methacrylate (MMA) or styrene (ST), at a molar ratio of about 10% to about 30%; and acrylic acid (AA), at a molar ration of about 10% to about 30%.

Abstract: A method for the production of a water-absorbing resin is to be provided which permits enhancement and stabilization of property, for example, liquid permeability, of a water-absorbing resin by a simple and convenient method without requiring change of raw materials or expensive facility investment. The method comprises a polymerization step for polymerizing an aqueous solution of acrylic acid (or salt thereof) to obtain a hydrogel cross-linked polymer; a drying step for drying the hydrogel cross-linked polymer to obtain a water-absorbing resin powder; a classification step for classifying the water-absorbing resin powder; and a surface cross-linking step for surface cross-linking the water-absorbing resin powder before or after the classification step, wherein electricity is eliminated in the classification step.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to injectible polyisobutylene polymer compounds. More specifically, the present invention relates to injectible polyisobutylene polymer compounds that are designed for various biological and medical applications. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to injectible functionalized polyisobutylene polymer compounds that are designed for various biological and medical applications. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to injectible cyanoacrylate-functionalized polyisobutylene polymer compounds.

Abstract: Processes for preparing crosslinked polymers using biomass derived materials, such as aldaric acids and derivatives, are provided. The polymers can be used as hydrogels.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a conjugated diene-based polymer capable of providing a polymer composition which is excellent in a reduction in fuel consumption when silica is incorporated as a filler, a process for producing the conjugated diene-based polymer, and a polymer composition comprising said conjugated diene-based polymers and silica.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, comprising polymerization, drying, comminution, classification and recycling of the undersize obtained in the classification, wherein the recycled undersize is coated with a reducing agent and/or inorganic particles.

Abstract: A method for producing a modified conjugated diene polymer includes a step (A) carrying out a primary modification reaction that reacts a heterocumulene compound having two or more specific functional groups with a conjugated diene polymer having a vinyl content of below 10% and a cis-1,4-bond content of 75% or more and possessing an active end to obtain a primary-modified conjugated diene polymer, and a step (B) carrying out a secondary modification reaction that reacts an active hydrogen-containing compound that includes one or more functional groups selected from the group consisting of an amino group, an imino group, a mercapto group, and a hydroxyl group with the primary-modified conjugated diene polymer to obtain a secondary-modified conjugated diene polymer. The method can produce a modified conjugated diene polymer that exhibits low heat build-up (low fuel consumption) and excellent wear resistance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a functionalized 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(mole % ethylene incorporated)+100), when 10 to 60 mole % ethylene is present in the co-oligomer, and 2) X=45, when greater than 60 and less than 70 mole % ethylene is present in the co-oligomer, and 3) X=(1.83*(mole % ethylene incorporated)?83), when 70 to 90 mole % ethylene is present in the co-oligomer. This invention also relates to a functionalized homo-oligomer, comprising propylene, wherein the oligomer has: at least 93% allyl chain ends, an Mn of about 500 to about 20,000 g/mol, an isobutyl chain end to allylic vinyl group ratio of 0.8:1 to 1.2:1.0, and less than 100 ppm aluminum. This invention also relates to a process of making functionalized homo- or co-oligomer, comprising propylene, wherein the productivity is greater than 4500 g/mmol Hf (or Zr)/hour.

Abstract: A release liner formed of a highly recyclable polypropylene-based resin sheet and capable of assuring excellent operability over a wide range of environmental temperature is provided. A pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) sheet with release liner is also provided. A PSA sheet with release liner according to the present invention comprises a PSA sheet including a support and a PSA layer; and a release liner formed of a polypropylene-based resin sheet which is obtained by molding into a sheet a polypropylene-based resin composition containing a nucleating agent. The PSA sheet with release liner provides excellent operability even in a high temperature environment of, for example, about 35° C. The PSA sheet with release liner is preferably applicable in an attachment operation wherein the PSA sheet is attached to an adherend while the liner is released from the PSA sheet.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method of manufacturing an esterified substance including a process in which a copolymer is obtained by copolymerizing a 1-alkene having 5 to 80 carbon atoms and maleic anhydride, and a process in which an esterification reaction of the copolymer and an alcohol having 5 to 25 carbon atoms is caused in a presence of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid in order to obtain a reaction mixture containing an esterified substance including at least one repetition unit selected from formulae (c) to (f) is provided, and, in the formulae (c) to (f), R represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 78 carbon atoms, R2 represents a hydrocarbon group having 5 to 25 carbon atoms, m represents the copolymerization molar ratio X/Y of the 1-alkene (X) to the maleic anhydride (Y) and is 1/2 to 10/1, and n is an integer of more than or equal to 1.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to the preparation of polymers or copolymers wherein in a first step a controlled free radical polymerization process is carried out and in a second step the resulting polymer is modified by transesterification reactions. The final modified polymer or copolymer is useful as a dispersant for pigments. Further aspects of the invention are the thus prepared polymers or copolymers, a pigment concentrate containing the polymer or copolymer and a coating material containing the pigment concentrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel multi functional additive grafted rubber. More particularly the present invention relates to novel grades of rubber and in particular to chemically grafted with cardanol (meta-penta decenyl phenol) and/or its derivatives. Importantly the rubber grades of the invention involve chemically anchored/grafted selective meta alkenyl phenol and/or its derivatives in the backbone of natural or synthetic rubber. Importantly, such rubber variant of the invention have high plasticity, lower Mooney and melt viscosities, better cure properties as compared to conventional virgin natural rubber or natural rubber plasticized with aromatic process oils.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing water absorbent resin powder in which permeability potential (SFC) is improved while a water absorbing rate (FSR) is being kept. The method is a method for producing water absorbent polyacrylic acid (salt) resin powder including the steps of: (i) polymerizing an acrylic acid (salt) monomer aqueous solution; (ii) during or after the step of (i), performing gel grinding of a hydrogel crosslinked polymer obtained by the polymerization, wherein the hydrogel crosslinked polymer has resin solid content of 10 wt % to 80 wt %, and the gel grinding is carried out with gel grinding energy (GGE) of 18 [J/g] to 60 [J/g]; (iii) drying a particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer obtained by the gel grinding, wherein the drying is performed at 150° C. to 250° C.; and (iv) carrying out a surface treatment to the particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer thus dried.

Abstract: A fluororubber composition according to the present invention contains 0.1 to 3 parts by weight of a polyol compound, 0.1 to 4 parts by weight of a peroxide crosslinking agent, and 1 to 9 parts by weight of a co-crosslinking agent per 100 parts by weight of a peroxide-crosslinkable fluoropolymer. A crack-resistant seal according to the present invention contains a crosslinked fluoropolymer and a polyol compound. The crack-resistant seal according to the present invention can be formed by crosslinking the fluororubber composition, and the resultant crack-resistant seal has particularly high crack resistance. With the fluororubber composition according to the present invention, a durable crack-resistant seal having high plasma resistance, crack resistance, and compression set and that produces few particles can be formed at low cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for radically curing an unsaturated polyester resin or vinyl ester resin composition, wherein the resin composition contains at least 10 ppm radical inhibitor; the resin composition has an acid value of from 0.001 to 300 mg KOH/g resin composition and the curing is effected in the presence of at least 5 mmol Mn/kg primary resin system and at least 10 mmol of thiol/kg primary resin system. The invention also relates to cured objects or structural parts obtained from a resin composition obtained by such a process.

Abstract: The disclosed process for continuously producing a water-absorbing resin comprising a plurality of joined continuous steps; a polymerization step of polymerizing an aqueous unsaturated monomer solution, a drying step of drying a particulated water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer obtained in a finely crushing step during the polymerization or after the polymerization, a pulverizing step after the drying, a classification step after the drying, and a surface treatment step for the water-absorbing resin powder after the classification step. In the process, with some of the above steps kept running, the other steps are interrupted, and subsequently all the steps are restarted.

Abstract: Provided herein are telechelic polymers and methods for producing the same. In some embodiments, provided herein are compounds having the formula and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: Surface modification methods for an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel to provide a basis for cell or tissue attachment are provided. The method involves the activation of functional groups on the surface of the IPN hydrogel. The activated functional groups are then reacted with amine-containing molecules or hydroxyl-containing molecules. The methods (i) can be performed in an aqueous environment and do not require the use of any organic solvent, (ii) do not require UV treatment, thereby avoiding denaturation of the IPN hydrogel or proteins, and/or (iii) can be performed as a one pot reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an interpenetrating polymer network structure, which comprises the steps of impregnating a polymer molding with a radical polymerizable composition containing an ethylenically unsaturated compound and a radical polymerization initiator; and polymerizing the ethylenically unsaturated compound in a swollen state of the polymer molding impregnated with the radical polymerizable composition; wherein a chain transfer agent and/or a radical polymerization inhibitor are added to the radical polymerizable composition and/or the polymer molding before impregnating the polymer molding with the radical polymerizable composition. According to the present invention, a highly uniform interpenetrating polymer network structure can be obtained.

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: 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: [PROBLEM] It is an object of the present invention to enhance and stabilize properties of a water-absorbing resin, for example, damage resistance or water-absorbing speed, by a simple and convenient method without requiring change of raw materials or expensive facility investment, in a large scale production method for the water-absorbing resin. [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM] It is solved by circulation of the water-absorbing resin in a predetermined amount or more in the pulverization step before the surface cross-linking step. That is, at least a part of the classified polymer is supplied again to the same or different pulverization step, before the surface cross-linking step, wherein circulation pulverization ratio in the pulverization step, represented by the following equation is 1.10 to 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising (i) a polymer, (ii) an organic compound A carrying at least two amide functionalities, and (iii) 12 to 1'000 parts per million (ppm) of a compound B selected from the group consisting of an organic compound C carrying at least two amide functionalities, sugar alcohol acetals and derivatives thereof, metal salts of organic acids and precursor-systems thereof, metal salts of organic phosphoric acids and precursor-systems thereof and metal salts of polyols and precursor-systems thereof, and mixtures thereof, based on the weight of the polymer, as well as shaped articles obtainable from this composition.

Abstract: The application discloses a process for making a polymer having pendant side groups comprising: (i) polymerising an olefinically unsaturated monomer functionalized with (a) an azide group optionally protected by a protecting group, or (b) an alkyne group optionally protected by a protecting group, by living radical polymerization, most preferably RAFT, transitional metal mediated living radical polymerization (TMM-LRP) and/or atom transfer radical polymerization, to produce a polymer intermediate; (ii) removing, when present, at least a portion of the total number of protecting groups from the polymer intermediate; (iii) reacting the polymer intermediate with at least one pendant side group moiety functionalised with (a) an alkyne group or (b) an azide group respectively so that the alkyne and azide groups react to attach the pendant side group to the polymer. Processes for making supports comprising pendant side groups, and polymers and supports prepared by the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing isobutene homo- or copolymer derivatives by (i) polymerizing isobutene or an isobutene-comprising monomer mixture in the presence of an iron halide-donor complex, an aluminum trihalide-donor complex, or an alkylaluminum halide-donor complex, (ii) reacting a resulting high-reactivity isobutene polymer with a compound which introduces a low molecular weight polar group or a substructure thereof, and (iii) in the case of reaction with a substructure, further reacting to complete the formation of the low molecular weight polar group. The homo- or copolymer derivatives include a radical of a hydrophobic polyisobutene polymer having a number-average molecular weight of 110 to 250 000 and low molecular weight polar groups including amino functions, nitro groups, hydroxyl groups, mercaptan groups, carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid derivative functions, sulfonic acid or sulfonic acid derivative functions, aldehyde functions and/or silyl groups.

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.

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: Fiberglass mats, binder compositions, and methods for making the same are provided. The fiberglass mat can include a plurality of glass fibers and an at least partially cured binder composition. The binder composition, prior to at least partial curing, can include a first copolymer modified by reaction with one or more base compounds. The first copolymer can include one or more unsaturated carboxylic acids, one or more unsaturated carboxylic anhydrides, or a combination thereof, and one or more vinyl aromatic derived units. The first copolymer can have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 500 to about 200,000. The first copolymer can be present in an amount ranging from about 60 wt % to about 95 wt %, based on a combined weight of the first copolymer and the one or more base compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic molding composition at least comprising particles made of nonoxidatively polymerized vegetable oil which has been crosslinked by way of functional groups, as component (A), at least one thermoplastic polymer, as component (B), optionally at least one resin, as component (C), optionally at least one filler, as component (D), and optionally further additives, use thereof and a process for production thereof.

Abstract: Butadiene copolymers are brominated in solution using bromine as the brominating agent. The bromination is conducted in the presence of an excess of an aliphatic alcohol, relative to the amount of bromine that is used. The bromination proceeds rapidly at mild conditions, and is selective in that only aliphatic carbon-carbon double bonds are brominated, and unwanted bromination at tertiary carbon atoms is largely or completely avoided. The resulting brominated polymers are characterized in having very good thermal stability.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structure comprising a plurality of three dimensional cells, wherein each cell comprises exterior walls defining an interior void wherein the walls comprise a plurality of struts and windows, the struts forming borders for the plurality of windows, wherein the struts have a plurality of pores. The present invention further discloses a viscoelastic foam having a ratio of elastic modulus (E?) at 20° C. to 25% compression force deflection (CFD) of 25 to 125.

Abstract: The physical properties of a water-absorbing resin with low residual monomer content are improved or stabilized, without sacrifices in productivity, production cost, stability, etc. Provided is a water-absorbing resin with low residual monomer content and excellent whiteness, wherein a water-absorbing resin consumed in large quantities in disposable diapers, etc., is preferably a sustainable and renewable water-absorbing resin that does not require excessive purification of the acrylic acid, particularly acrylic acids derived from non-fossil sources, that is the starting material of the water-absorbing resin. Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a hydrophilic polyacrylic acid (salt) resin, which is a method of manufacturing a water-absorbing polyacrylic acid resin that comprises a step in which a monomer is prepared from acrylic acid, a step in which said monomer is polymerized, and a step in which the resulting hydrous gel is dried.

Abstract: A copolymer with high chemical homogeneity, consisting of (A) 50 to 30% by weight of ethylene, (B) 50 to 70% by weight of C4- to C24-hydrocarbyl ester of (meth)acrylic acid, (C) 0 to 5% by weight of (meth)acrylic acid and (D) 0 to 10% by weight of copolymerizable monomers, obtainable by polymerizing a mixture of 80 to 60% by weight of ethylene, 20 to 40% by weight of (meth)acrylic acid and 0 to 10% by weight of copolymerizable monomers in a backmixing, continuous polymerization apparatus, and subsequently polymer-analogously esterifying the resulting copolymer with C4- to C24-hydrocarbinols. The inventive copolymer is suitable for improving the cold flow properties of fuel oils, for lowering the lower mixing temperature of cold flow improver additives into fuel oils, and for improving the filterability of fuel oils comprising cold flow improver additives.

Abstract: A production method of the present invention is a polyacrylic water-absorbent resin powder production method including the steps of: producing an acrylic monomer solution in which gas is dissolved and/or dispersed; polymerizing the acrylic monomer solution in the absence of a surface active agent or in the presence of not more than 300 ppm of a surface active agent; during or after the step of polymerizing, fragmenting a hydrated gel crosslinked polymer obtained by polymerizing the acrylic monomer solution; and drying by heat the hydrated gel crosslinked polymer thus fragmented, the gas being dissolved and/or dispersed in the acrylic monomer solution by at least one of the methods (a) to (c): (a) applying pressure to the acrylic monomer solution and the gas; (b) creating swirling flows of the acrylic monomer solution and the gas; and (c) introducing the gas with the acrylic monomer solution via fine holes.

Abstract: A method for preparing hydrophilic pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) compositions is provided, wherein the method enables preparation of adhesives having a particular, optimized degree of adhesion. That is, the hydrophilic PSA is comprised of a hydrophilic polymer and a complementary short-chain plasticizing agent, wherein the hydrophilic polymer and plasticizing agent are capable of hydrogen bonding or electrostatic bonding to each other and are present in a ratio that optimizes key characteristics of the adhesive composition, such as adhesive strength, cohesive strength and hydrophilicity. The adhesive is useful in a wide variety of contexts, e.g., as a biomedical adhesive for application to the skin or other body surface, and as such finds utility in the areas of drug delivery systems (e.g., topical, transdermal, transmucosal, iontophoretic), medical skin coverings and wound healing products and biomedical electrodes.