Abstract: The present invention provides: a production process for a particulate water-absorbent resin with high productivity, which production process is carried out in such a manner that the particulate water-absorbent resin will contain particles with particle diameters of 150 to 850 ?m (but excluding 850 ?m) in an amount of not smaller than 75 weight % of the particulate water-absorbent resin after the pulverization step or after the pulverization step and the drying step even if the adjustment of the particle diameters is not carried out by the sieving classification procedure; a novel particulate water-absorbent resin having high properties; and a sanitary material comprising this particulate water-absorbent resin.

Abstract: A post-treatment process for making a water-resistant polymeric composition which is inkjet printable, or in the form of a strongly-swellable gel, includes providing a stable, aqueous two-phase polymeric composition by the steps of forming a reaction mixture in a reaction vessel which includes a water-soluble vinyl monomer, optionally with one or more water-soluble comonomers, a first amount of a multi-vinyl crosslinking agent, and water, heating the mixture, then periodically adding a predetermined amount of a free radical initiator, and polymerizing the reaction mixture, optionally removing the resultant two-phase polymeric composition from the reaction vessel, adding a predetermined amount of a post-treatment crosslinker, optionally blending with a proteinaceous or other water compatible polymer material thereto, optionally coating the mixture onto a support, and optionally heating at room temperature or above, to increase the viscosity of the composition in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymeric explosives sensor is provided which possesses selective binding affinity for explosives, such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB). The polymeric sensor incorporates a porphyrin which undergoes a detectable change in absorption and/or emission of electromagnetic radiation when the polymer is exposed to explosives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pulverulent polymer post-crosslinked on the surface and absorbing water or aqueous liquids, synthesised from polymerised, optionally pre-crosslinked monomers containing partially neutralised carboxyl groups. The present invention also relates to a process for the post-treatment of the aforementioned polymers and the use of a solution of at least one salt of an at least trivalent cation for restoring the gel permeability of the aforementioned polymers that have been damaged by mechanical action.

Abstract: A continuous bulk polymerization and esterification process includes continuously charging into a reaction zone at least one ethylenically unsaturated acid-functional monomer and at least one linear or branched chain alkanol having greater than 11 carbon atoms. The process includes maintaining a flow rate through the reaction zone sufficient to provide an average residence time of less than 60 minutes and maintaining a temperature in the reaction zone sufficient to produce a polymeric product incorporating at least some of the alkanol as an ester of the polymerized ethylenically unsaturated acid-functional monomer. The polymeric product is used in various processes to produce water-based compositions including emulsions and dispersions such as oil emulsions, wax dispersions, pigment dispersions, surfactants and coatings which contain the polymeric product.

Abstract: Polymers for cement dispersing admixtures, which show different performing properties in concrete are described. All polymers are based on a composition of reactants, namely a) a poly(acrylic acid), b) a polyalkyleneglycol-monoalkylether and, optionally c) a ?-amino-polyalkylene-glycol-?-alkylether and/or d) a primary or secondary amine. By keeping the composition of reactants constant and varying only the reaction time, polymers with different properties can easily be achieved. Such polymers are suitable for pre-cast, readymix or for increasing workability over time, just depending on reaction time. Polymers of the invention can be used as single polymer or in polymer blends. For this, the kinetics of the used polymer analogous condensation reaction was intensively studied. Additionally, the benefit of amines as reactant regarding stability and hydrolysis velocity of cleavable side groups was investigated.

Abstract: Polymers containing acid groups are modified by reaction of (a) polymers which comprise at least 5% by weight of a copolymerized monoethylenically unsaturated monomer containing acid groups, have molar masses of from 200 to 100,000 and are obtainable by free-radical polymerization of monoethylenically unsaturated acids in aqueous solution in the presence or absence of other monoethylenically unsaturated monomers and in the presence of at least 4% by weight, based on the monomers used in the polymerization, of a water-soluble sulfur compound in which the sulfur is in the oxidation state +4, with (b) polyalkylene glycols which are end-capped at one end, alkylpolyalkylene glycol amines or mixtures thereof, or mixtures of at least one of the two compounds specified with up to 30% by weight, based on the mixtures, of ammonia, amines, alcohols, hydroxycarboxylic acids or aminocarboxylic acids at up to 250° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified alkyd polymers and compositions thereof, in which the alkyd polymers are modified with polyol-containing latex compositions and/or diol-containing latex compositions. The invention further relates to compositions prepared from such modified alkyd compositions.

Abstract: High-density, miniaturized arrays including high surface areas. Arrays described include substrate with a coating of linking agents, as well as arrays with reactants affixed to the substrates. Methods of manufacturing high-density arrays of reactants. The methods include the use of oriented, heat shrink films and elastomeric materials. Methods of functionalizing a substrate with linking agents for subsequent affixation of reactants are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Esterified polyalkene/UAR copolymer reaction products useful as (1) a friction modifier for lubricating oils such as automatic transmission fluids to improve torque capacity and anti-shudder durability and for continuous variable transmissions (CVTs), (2) a friction modifier for fuels or (3) a cold flow improver for diesel fuels are provided. The esterified copolymer reaction product may be used as is or can be further derivatized (e.g., by post treatment of the esterified copolymer reaction product with, for example, ethylene carbonate or boric acid).

Abstract: The object of the invention is a redispersible material, particularly in powder form, which comprises a polymer containing silanol groups, the latter being provided with a protective group. The redispersible material can be in the form of a redispersible powder, an aqueous dispersion or an aqueous solution. The invention also makes available a process for the preparation of a redispersible material by reacting a silanol group-containing polymer with a compound having a protective function for the silanol groups, optionally with the subsequent recovery of a redispersible, pulverulent material from the polymer provided with the protective groups. The invention also relates to the use of the redispersible material in adhesives, plastic-containing, cement-bound systems, plastic-bound, cement-free binders, wallpaper pastes, disperse dyes, glass fibre composite systems, etc.

Abstract: A composition comprising (a) a fluoropolymer having pendant imidate groups, which imidate groups have the formula: —C═NH(OR) wherein R is a C1-C10 aliphatic group which aliphatic group may have F or Cl substituents; and optionally, (b) a perfluorovinyl ether of the general formula: CF2═CFO(R′fO)a(R″fO)bRf wherein R′f and R″f are the same or are different C1-C6 linear or branched perfluoroalkylene groups; a and b are, independently, 0 or an integer from 1 to 10; and Rf is a C1-C8 perfluoroalkyl group or a C1-C15 perfluoroalkoxy group. Also provided are a method of making a fluoropolymer composition and curable and cured articles comprising a fluoropolymer composition.

Abstract: A thermosetting composition that includes an ungelled copolymer composition and a crosslinking agent. The ungelled copolymer composition includes a functional group-containing copolymer that includes segments of alternating residues derived from a donor monomer composition comprising an acceptor monomer composition. The donor monomer composition includes one or both of isobutylene and diisobutylene, and the acceptor monomer composition includes acrylic monomers and monomers containing functional groups. The ungelled copolymer composition is substantially free of transition metals and Lewis acids, and the copolymer is substantially free of maleate-type monomer residues and fumarate-type monomer residues. The crosslinking agent has at least two functional groups that are reactive with the functional groups of the copolymer. The thermosetting composition may be in liquid, powder, or dispersed form and may be applied by traditional or electrocoating methods.

Abstract: A primer composition comprises (I) a modified copolymer obtainable by addition of a polar group represented by the following formula (1) or (2) to at least one (co)polymer selected from an olefin (co)polymer, a halogenated olefin (co)polymer, a styrene/conjugated diene/styrene tri-block copolymer or its hydrogenated product and a halogenated styrene/conjugated diene/styrene tri-block copolymer or its hydrogenated product, wherein the modified copolymer contains the polar group in an amount of from 1×10−3 to 250×10−3 mol based on 100 g of the modified copolymer, and (II) an organic solvent; in the formulas (1) and (2), R1 is hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R2 is an alkylene group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms and n is an integer of 1 to 20.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin having a vinyl ether linker and more particularly, to a resin having a vinyl ether linker expressed by formula (I), useful for the synthesis of compounds having hetero atoms such as alcohol, thiol, imidazole, triazole and tetrazole by employing combinatorial chemical synthesis on solid supports.

Abstract: The present invention provides solvent- and water-based primer compositions that include at least one carboxylated polyolefin that has been modified with one or more polyfunctional alcohols. The carboxylated polyolefins are obtained by the reaction of polyolefins with at least one of unsaturated carboxylic esters, unsaturated carboxylic acids, unsaturated carboxylic anhydrides, acrylic monomers, and mixtures thereof. The carboxylated polyolefins are then further modified by reaction with one or more polyfunctional alcohols. These polyfunctional alcohol-modified polyolefins may also contain pendant carboxyl groups, which have the propensity to form hydrophilic salts with amines or inorganic bases, thereby rendering the polyfunctional alcohol-modified polyolefins water-dispersible. These primer compositions are useful for significantly improving the adhesion of paints, adhesives, and inks to various plastic and metal substrates.

Abstract: In a production process for a water-absorbent resin, comprising the steps of: blending a liquid material and a water-absorbent resin; and heating the resultant mixture in order to produce a modified water-absorbent resin, the present invention is to provide: a method for uniformly and efficiently treating a water-absorbent resin favorably in view of industry, and as a result, a good-balanced water-absorbent resin having various excellent properties, such absorption capacity without a load, absorption capacity under a load, and single-layer absorption capacity under a load in contact with an aqueous liquid. The production process comprises the step of spray-blending a water-absorbent resin (A) and a liquid material (B) with a blending apparatus equipped with a spray nozzle (C), wherein the liquid material (B) is sprayed from the spray nozzle (C) and its spray pattern is a circular and hollow cone shape or a double-convex-lens and elliptic cone shape.

Abstract: The invention describes a polymer with high transmission for UV rays, this transmission being preserved even after prolonged exposure to UV light (tanning lamps). The polymer is further characterized by a low residual monomer content (determined as methyl methacrylate).

Abstract: A base resistant, substantially amorphous fluoroelastomer comprising (1) 10-40 mole percent ethylene units, (2) 32-60 mole percent tetrafluoroethylene units, (3) 20-40 mole percent perfluoro ether units selected from the group consisting of perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ethers), perfluoro(alkyl alkenyl ethers) and perfluoro(alkoxy alkenyl ethers), and (4) 0.1 to 15 mole percent of a cure site monomer selected from the group consisting of i) 3,3,3-trifluoropropene-1, ii) trifluoroethylene, iii) 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylene, iv) 1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylene, and v) 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene. Such fluoroelastomers may be vulcanized with polyhydroxy curatives. The resulting vulcanized fluoroelastomer compositions are resistant to attack by amines, strong bases and hydrogen sulfide and possess a combination of good low temperature and high temperature properties and they are resistant to oil swell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonstyrenated polyester or vinyl ester resin that is found to be nonbrittle and to have good temperature performance, relative to known nonstyrenated polyesters or vinyl esters. Also disclosed is a nonstyrenated polyester or vinyl ester urethane acrylate resin. Methods for making nonstyrenated polyester or vinyl ester resins, including urethane acrylate resins, are provided.

Abstract: A multi-functional cement dispersant contains a graft copolymer obtained by a graft reaction of one or more selected from polyoxyalkylene monoalkylester, polyoxyalkylene monoalkylether and polypropyleneglycol of specified kinds to a copolymer obtained by radical polymerization of a mixture of radical polymerizable monomers containing maleic anhydride and monomers of a specified kind at a specified ratio. Hydraulic cement compositions produced with such a multi-functional cement dispersant have a superior fluidity with reduced loss over time and hardened objects produced from such a composition exhibit a superior early strength and have a low dry shrinkage and a high resistance against freezing and thawing.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of superabsorbent polymers by alkaline hydrolysis of polyacrylonitrile emulsions is disclosed. In an embodiment of the invention the process comprise preparing a PAN emulsion, subjecting the emulsion to alkaline hydrolysis, neutralizing the hydrolysate followed by drying, granulation and modifying the surface of the granular polymer by crosslinking. The process is characterized in that the isolation of the superabsorbent polymer entails neither alcohols nor organic solvents.

Abstract: The invention relates to the utilization of tricyclodecandimethanol for producing multilayer lacquers, in particular, multilayer transparent lacquer coatings, and as a binding agent in multilayer lacquers. The invention als relates to a coating substrance, especially transparent lacquer, containing at least one binding agent, at least one cross-linking agent and tricylodecandimethanol. In addition, the invention relates to a method for improving the adherence of the intermediate layer in multilayer transparent lacquer coatings.

Abstract: An agent for stabilizing air content of hydraulic cement compositions includes graft copolymers obtained by a first step in which copolymers with average numerical molecular weight 5000-50000 are obtained by radical polymerization of a mixture of radical polymerizable monomers containing anhydrous maleic acid and monomers of a specified form, together in an amount of 80 molar % or more and at molar ratio of 40/60-60/40 and a second step in which graft copolymers are obtained by a graft reaction of 100 weight parts of the copolymers obtained in the first step and 7-60 weight parts of polyoxyalkylene monoalkylether and/or polyoxyalkylene monoalkenylether with a block addition of a total of 23-70 moles of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide per 1 mole of aliphatic alcohol with 8-20 carbon atoms. A hydraulic cement composition is produced with cement, aggregates, water, a cement dispersant, an agent for controlling air content and contains an agent for stabilizing air content as described above in the amount of 0.

Abstract: Fluoroelastomers which contain copolymerized units of a fluoroolefin cure site monomer of the general formula: Rf—(CH2CF2)n—CH═CF2, wherein Rf is a C1-C6 perfluoroalkyl group or a C1-C6 perfluoroalkoxy group and n is an integer from 1-3, exhibit excellent physical properties and processability when cured with polyhydroxy compounds.

Abstract: Supported bis(phosphorus) ligands are disclosed for use in a variety of catalytic processes, including the isomerization, hydrogenation, hydroformylation, and hydrocyanation of unsaturated organic compounds. Catalysts are formed when the ligands are combined with a catalytically active metal, such as nickel.

Abstract: Molecular weight modification of polypropylene by 4-(t-amylperoxy)-4-methyl-2-pentanol and polypropylene so modified suitable for handling and packaging food, beverages and pharmaceuticals and for use in medical devices is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing stabilized olefin polymers which have a low cold heptane extractables content by polymerization of olefins with Ziegler or Phillips catalysts, wherein the polymer is, immediately after leaving the polymerization reactor, brought into contact with an involatile phenol derivative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispersing agents for pigments or extenders based on acrylic acid alkyl ester polymers, wherein at least part of the ester groups of the polymers is reacted to form acid amides, wherein the dispersing agent is obtainable by the aminolysis of ester groups of the polymers by means of amines, wherein, for the aminolysis, at least one amine is used from the group comprising a) amines of general formula NH2—R1—NR2R3, wherein R1 is a divalent alkylene radical comprising 2-4 carbon atoms and R2 and R3 are aliphatic and/or alicyclic alkyl radicals which comprise 1-12, preferably 1-6 carbon atoms and which can be the same or different. The invention also relates to the use of the dispersing agents according to the invention for the production of pigment concentrates and coating media, and to a process for producing the dispersing agents.

Abstract: Molecular weight modification of polypropylene by 4-(t-amylperoxy)-4-methyl-2-pentanol and polypropylene so modified suitable for handling and packaging food, beverages and pharmaceuticals and for use in medical devices is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for esterifying and/or transesterifying a polymer having a polyethylenic backbone and pendant acid and/or ester moieties comprising contacting a melt of the polymer with a transesterifying compound so that the polymer undergoes esterification and/or transesterification but not alcoholysis. The esterified or transesterified polymer also has pendant ester moieties which differ in kind and/or number from the unreacted polymer. In one embodiment, the process also comprises adding an amount of a transition metal salt that is effective to promote oxygen scavenging. Also in a further embodiment, the process comprises irradiating the transesterified polymer with actinic radiation to reduce the induction period before oxygen scavenging commences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production process for a water-absorbent resin powder which is excellent in particle diameter distribution and properties, wherein the production process not only inhibits adhesion and aggregation in the production steps, but also is excellent in energy efficiency, drying efficiency, and productivity.

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.

Abstract: High-density, miniaturized arrays including high surface areas. Arrays described include substrate with a coating of linking agents, as well as arrays with reactants affixed to the substrates. Methods of manufacturing high-density arrays of reactants. The methods include the use of oriented, heat shrink films and elastomeric materials. Methods of functionalizing a substrate with linking agents for subsequent affixation of reactants are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides curable fluoropolymer compositions comprising fluoropolymer, onium, and alkyl or aryl oxalate-blocked compound and carbonate-blocked compound as crosslinking agents. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of making curable fluoropolymer compositions and provides alkyl or aryl oxalate-blocked and carbonate-blocked compounds.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides curable fluoropolymer compositions comprising fluoropolymer, onium, and alkyl or aryl oxalate-blocked compound as a crosslinking agent. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of making curable fluoropolymer compositions and provides alkyl or aryl oxalate-blocked compounds.

Abstract: High-density, miniaturized arrays including high surface areas. Arrays described include substrate with a coating of linking agents, as well as arrays with reactants affixed to the substrates. Methods of manufacturing high-density arrays of reactants. The methods include the use of oriented, heat shrink films and elastomeric materials. Methods of functionalizing a substrate with linking agents for subsequent affixation of reactants are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-step method of making soft, high refractive index, acrylic ophthalmic device materials. In the first step, a copolymer containing pendant oxirane groups is formed by copolymerizing one or more aryl acrylic hydrophobic monomers with one or more compounds of the formula wherein X is H or CH3; and n is 1-4. In the second step, the copolymer containing pendant oxirane groups formed in the first step is reacted with a compound of the formula W—T—H wherein W is H, CH3(CH2)a, or Z(OCH2CH2)b; a is 0-3; b is 1-5; Z is H, or CH3(CH2)p; p is 0-3; and T is O, NH, S; provided that if T≠O, then W≠H.

Abstract: A method of preparing a multivalent array that includes: polymerizing at least one monomer comprising at least one polymerizable group and at least one latent reactive group in the presence of a metal carbene catalyst to form a polymer template comprising at least one latent reactive group; and combining the polymer template with at least one functionalizing reagent comprising at least one reactive group under conditions effective to react the latent reactive group of the polymer template with the reactive group of the functionalizing reagent to form a multivalent array.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conjugated diene-based rubber composition reinforced with particulate silica-based reinforcement together with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (a non-silane coupling agent) or a combination of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and bis(3-trialkoxysilylalkyl) polysulfide having an average of from 2 to 2.6, or from 3.5 to 4, sulfur atoms in its polysulfidic bridge to aid in the reinforcement of the rubber composition with a particulate silica-based material and an article of manufacture, including a tire, having at least one component comprised of such rubber composition.

Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymeric explosives sensor is provided which possesses selective binding affinity for explosives, such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB). The polymeric sensor incorporates a porphyrin which undergoes a detectable change in absorption and/or emission of electromagnetic radiation when the polymer is exposed to explosives.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing modified vinyl ether polymers, wherein vinyl ether polymers comprising recurring units of general formula (I) where R represents a C2-C4 alkyl group and x denotes an integer from 10 to 1000, are partially transetherified with compounds of general formula Y—OH, wherein Y represents aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon groups comprising 5 to 30 carbon atoms, the hydrogen atoms of which can be replaced at least in part by halogen atoms and/or aryl radicals, and/or represents aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and/or aromatic groups with a molecular weight of up to 6000 which contain at least one ether group —O— or an ester group —COO— within the molecule, in the presence of compounds of the platinum metals with the release of the corresponding C2-C4 alcohols, wherein statistically at least one R radical is replaced by a Y radical per molecule of vinyl ether polymer.

Abstract: An elastomer composition including an elastomer having a functional group, and a compound having a functional group, in which corresponding functional groups form a cross-link by at least one of an ionic bond, a hydrogen bond, and Diels-Alder reaction with temperatures, i.e., by heating, while the cross-link is cleaved at around room temperature, forming and cleaving of the cross-link being reversible.

Abstract: The present invention provides solvent- and water-based primer compositions that include at least one carboxylated polyolefin that has been modified with one or more polyfunctional alcohols. The carboxylated polyolefins are obtained by the reaction of polyolefins with at least one of unsaturated carboxylic esters, unsaturated carboxylic acids, unsaturated carboxylic anhydrides, acrylic monomers, and mixtures thereof. The carboxylated polyolefins are then further modified by reaction with one or more polyfunctional alcohols. These polyfunctional alcohol-modified polyolefins may also contain pendant carboxyl groups, which have the propensity to form hydrophilic salts with amines or inorganic bases, thereby rendering the polyfunctional alcohol-modified polyolefins water-dispersible. These primer compositions are useful for significantly improving the adhesion of paints, adhesives, and inks to various plastic and metal substrates.

Abstract: Molecular weight modification of polypropylene by 4-(t-amylperoxy)-4-methyl-2-pentanol and polypropylene so modified suitable for handling and packaging food, beverages and pharmaceuticals and for use in medical devices is disclosed.

Abstract: A dispersant is prepared from an amine and a hydrocarbyl-substituted acylating agent, wherein the hydrocarbyl substituent is a polymerized olefin having a polydispersity {overscore (M)}w/{overscore (M)}n of greater than 5. Such polyolefin substituents are prepared by polymerization of olefins in the presence of a calcined catalyst comprising a partially or fully neutralized ammonium salt of a heteropolyacid.

Abstract: The present invention provides solvent and water based primer compositions comprising carboxylated polyolefins that have been modified with one or more polyfunctional alcohols. The carboxylated polyolefins are obtained by the reaction of polyolefins with unsaturated carboxylic esters, unsaturated carboxylic acids, unsaturated carboxylic anhydrides, acrylic monomers, or mixtures thereof. The carboxylated polyolefins are then further modified by reaction with one or more polyfunctional alcohols. These polyfunctional alcohol modified polyolefins may also contain pendant carboxyl groups, which have the propensity to form hydrophilic salts with amines, thereby rendering the polyfunctional alcohol modified polyolefins water-dispersible. These primer compositions are useful for significantly improving the adhesion of paints, adhesives, and inks to various plastic and metal substrates.

Abstract: Melt-processable thermally crosslinkable compositions comprising:

Abstract: A process for producing a styrenic copolymer having a functional group and a syndiotactic configuration is provided. The process comprises bringing a metal compound into interaction with a vinyl compound having a functional group to mask the functional group and copolymerizing the vinyl compound having the masked functional group with a styrenic compound in the presence of a polymerization catalyst comprising (A) a transition metal compound, (B) at least one compound selected from compounds having oxygen and compounds which can form ionic complex compounds by reaction with the transition metal compound and (C) an organometallic compound. A styrenic copolymer which is a random, block or graft copolymer, preferably a random copolymer, of a vinyl compound having a functional group and a styrenic compound and has the repeating units derived from the styrenic compound having the syndiotactic configuration can be produced efficiently.

Abstract: An absorbing agent has a diffusing absorbency under pressure of not less than 25 g/g when 60 minutes elapsed after absorption is started, and a water-soluble content is above 0 percent by weight and not more than 7 percent by weight. The absorbing agent is prepared by surface-crosslinking a precursor of the absorbing agent obtained by performing an aqueous solution polymerization of a hydrophilic unsaturated monomer having not less than 50 mole percent neutralized acrylic acid as a main component using a specific crosslinking agent having a main component composed of an ester compound of a specific polyhydroxy alcohol and an unsaturated carboxylic acid, and a high-boiling component having at least two alcohol structures in a molecule as a specific ratio.