Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide an economical cement additive capable of reducing the amount of water to be added to cement compositions and still capable of providing cement compositions with high fluidity, good processability, and a proper level of air-entraining ability resulting from sufficient foaming prevention, at low addition levels, a cement composition in which the above cement additive is used, and a polycarboxylic acid polymer excellent in dispersing effects on cement particles or inorganic powders or pigments and capable of being used with advantage as a cement additive or a dispersant for various uses.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polymer is denatured with a gaseous denaturant or a powdery denaturant substance made from a liquid denaturant substance. The liquid denaturant substance is made into powders by, for example, a method of mixing the liquid denaturant substance with a water-insoluble compound, a method of cooling the liquid denaturant substance to or below its melting point to turn the same into a solid state. Consequently, the hydrophilic polymer can be denatured uniformly. In case that the hydrophilic polymer is denatured with a gaseous denaturant, the hydrophilic polymer and denaturant react with each other efficiently in a safe manner regardless of the size or shape of the hydrophilic polymer. In case that the hydrophilic polymer is denatured with the powdery denaturant substance, not only the liquid denaturant substance which is substantially in the solid state can be mixed with the hydrophilic polymer, but also the denaturation timing can be readily controlled.

Abstract: The present invention is related to melt-processable thermally crosslinkable compositions consisting of I) thermoprocessable copolymers of ethylene (E) with tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and/or chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), and acrylic monomers of formula CH2═CH—CO—O—R2 (a); and II) one or more crosslinking agents.

Abstract: A vulcanizable rubber composition is described comprising a cross-linkable unsaturated chain polymeric base, wherein is incorporated at least one organic compound, solid at room temperature, selected from the group comprising: amorphous or semicrystalline polymers, oligomers, low-molecular weight organic substances and mixtures thereof, which compound is substantially insoluble in the polymeric base and shows a first or second order transition temperature of from 80 to 160° C. Such rubber composition allows the manufacture of treads with either a low rolling resistance at the temperature of normal use of the tire (40°-70° C.), or a high grip when the tread is subjected to thermal stresses exceeding such temperatures.

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

Abstract: The use of polymers comprising as essential structural elements units of the formula I and/or II in which R1 is H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl, R2 and R3 independently of one another are defined as for R1 or are selected from substituted alkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted aryl or substituted aralkyl, the substituents being selected from OH, O-alkyl, O-aryl, SH, S-alkyl, S-aryl, NH2, NH-alkyl, NH-aryl, N(alkyl)2, in protonated form if desired, N(alkyl)3+Z31 , where Z is the radical of an organic or inorganic acid, COOH, COO-alkyl, CONH2, CONH-alkyl, CON(alkyl)2, CN and SO3H; and the indices x in each case independently of one another are an integer from 1 to 20, and their corresponding acid addition salts as biocides.

Abstract: Described herein are polyolefins functionalized with maleic anhydrid and at least one high-boiling ester of the latter, and a process for their preparation in high yields, with high degrees of functionalization, without the production of by-products of cross-linking or degradation. The process, which may be carried out either continuously or discontinuously, is characterized by the use of inorganic substances having a specific porosity, grain size, density and humidity, as vehicles of the functionalizing monomers; the presence of maleic ester contributes to enhancing the reaction efficiency. Likewise described herein is a double-screw extruder devised for carrying out the said process, and the use of products obtained as compatibilizing additives in the field of adhesive and reinforcing polymers.

Abstract: A curable composition, which can be easily decomposed and removed by means of a mixed solution of acid, water, and optionally an organic solvent, is provided. The curable composition contains a resin (A) having a structure of structural formula represented by formula (1) and crosslinkable functional group(s) in one molecule.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymers comprising alkylhydrazine-functionalized styrene units of Formula 1 wherein m is an integer from 1 to 3; n is an integer from 0 to 50; p is an integer from 1 to 25; and R1 is C1-C3 alky or benzyl; a process for their preparation, and their use as supports for solid phase synthesis of small molecules and as supported nucleophiles to aid solution phase synthesis.

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: A polymer support is provided which comprises hydroxypolyC2-4 alkyleneoxy chains attached to a cross-linked polymer. The hydroxypolyC2-4 alkyleneoxy chain contains from 2 to 8 C2-4 alkyleneoxy groups and the polymer support has from about 0.1 to about 5 meq free hydroxy groups per gram of polymer. Preferably, the cross linked polymer is a copolymer comprising phenylethylene and 4-hydroxyphenylethylene units or phenylethylene and 4-chloromethylphenylethylene units.

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 preparation of allylated poly(vinyl chloride) by utilizing an allyltrialkylsilane in the presence of Friedel-Crafts acids is disclosed. The pendant allyl groups can be further reacted through various functionalization reactions to contain end groups such as epoxy and hydroxyl. Alternatively, an unsaturated group can be added to poly(vinyl chloride) utilizing a diene also in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts acid. These pendant groups can also be reacted to contain functional end groups such as hydroxyl and epoxy. In yet a further embodiment, the functionalized end groups such as pendant—OH groups of both the allylated and diene grafted poly(vinyl chloride) are further reacted with other monomers or polymer chains which thus results in a poly(vinyl chloride) chain having pendant monomers or polymers. These compositions are useful as compatibilizers for poly(vinyl chloride) and various other resins.

Abstract: At least partially vulcanized elastomers are described, these elastomers obtained by at least partially crosslinking (1) an elastomeric polymer containing reactive substituents with (2) a crosslinking agent (a) containing two or more reactive substituents differing from those contained in the elastomeric polymer, and (b) having a number average molecular weight less than about 2000, each of the reactive substituents selected (i) such that those of the elastomer will react with those of the crosslinking agent to at least partially crosslink the elastomer, and (ii) from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, carboxylic anhydride, carboxylic acid salt, carbonyl halide, hydroxy, epoxy, and isocyanate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for generating mixed acetal polymers by reacting a hydroxyl containing polymer or monomer with vinyl ether and alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst. The process of this invention provides a new class of polymers based on mixed acetals which are prepared in-situ with one reaction. The mixed acetal polymers are inexpensive to synthesize and readily reproducible. The resulting mixed acetal polymer is blended with a photoacid generator and dissolved in a solvent to produce a chemically amplified resist composition. A process for forming a pattern comprises the steps of providing the chemically amplified resist composition, coating a substrate with the resist composition, imagewise exposing the resist coated substrate to actinic radiation, and forming a resist image by developing the resist coated substrate.

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: A modified polybutene(polyisobutylene) containing isobutylene repeating units and having, in the main chain, at the ends, and/or at the side chains of the polymer chain thereof, free radicals stable at a room temperature and in the presence of oxygen, or having a half-ester structure, amide structure, onium salt structure, or imide structure or acid anhydride residual group, as well as a rubber composition containing the same.

Abstract: An adsorbent, polystyrene spherical resin grafted with polyethylene glycol characterized in that polystyrene resin is crosslinked with 1 to 10 wt % of divinylbenzene, the content of polyethylene glycol is more than 50 wt % and the molecular weight of polyethylene glycol part, is more than 500 Da, is described. In addition processes for decontaminating dye contained in waste water of dye industry, heavy metal ion contained in waste water, surfactant, humic substance contained in trash sediment effectively and quickly by using the said adsorbent, are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel class of fluorovinyl ether monomers which are useful as cure site monomers in fluoroelastomers, a process for the preparation of these fluorovinyl ether monomers, and fluoroelastomer copolymer compositions that contain copolymerized units of these fluorovinyl ether monomers.

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 including 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: Disclosed is a two-step method of making soft, high refractive index, acrylic ophthalmic device materials.

Abstract: A vulcanizable rubber composition is described comprising a cross-linkable unsaturated chain polymeric base, wherein is incorporated at least one organic compound, solid at room temperature, selected from the group comprising: amorphous or semicrystalline polymers, oligomers, low-molecular weight organic substances and mixtures thereof, which compound is substantially insoluble in the polymeric base and shows a first or second order transition temperature of from 80 to 160° C. Such rubber composition allows the manufacture of treads with either a low rolling resistance at the temperature of normal use of the tire (40°-70° C.), or a high grip when the tread is subjected to thermal stresses exceeding such temperatures.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention comprises (A) 5-45 parts by weight of polypropylene resin, (B) 10-50 parts by weight of ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, (C) 5-25 parts by weight of an ethylene copolymer, (D) 15-45 parts by weight of an ionomer, (E) 2-10 parts by weight of phenol cross-linking agent and 3-15 parts by weight of a cross-linking accelerator per 100 parts by weight of the (B), and (F) 3-15 parts by weight of epoxy polymer based on 100 parts by weight of the (D), wherein (A+B) is 30-40 parts by weight and (C+D) is 20-70 parts by weight. The thermoplastic resin composition is excellent in impact resistance at low temperature, heat resistance, weather resistance, scratch resistance and the vacuum formability, and is thus useful for the interior sheathing of an automobile.

Abstract: A method for the production of a water-absorbent agent comprises mixing an absorbent resin containing a carboxyl group with an additive soluble in the aqueous solution of at least one member selected from the group consisting of inorganic acids, organic acids, and polyamino acids and a cross-linking agent capable of reacting with the carboxyl group. A water-absorbent agent obtained by adding from 0.005 to 8 parts by weight of an epoxy compound to 100 parts by weight of a water-absorbent resin, exhibiting an absorption capacity without load of at least 45 (g/g), an absorption capacity under load of 20 g/cm2 of not less than 30 (ml/g) and having a residue amount of an epoxy compound of not more than 2 ppm. A water-absorbent composition comprises a polyamino acid (salt) and a water-absorbent resin containing a carboxyl group.

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: Fluoroelastomers which contain copolymerized units of a fluoroolefin cure site monomer of the general formula

Abstract: A thermosetting composition is provided comprising: (a) a crosslinking agent having at least two functional groups that are reactive with carbamates; and (b) a non-gelled, carbamate functional polymer prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization, in the presence of an initiator having at least one radically transferable group.

Abstract: A (meth)acrylate terpolymer is provided comprising 1-30% of total terpolymer weight epoxy-functional (meth)acrylate monomer units, 1-98% of total terpolymer weight tackifier (meth)acrylate monomer units, and 1-98% of total terpolymer weight compatibilizing (meth)acrylate monomer units, wherein said compatibilizing (meth)acrylate monomer unit is a (meth)acrylic ester derived from an aromatic alcohol containing 6-14 carbon atoms. Also provided are self-fixturing adhesive compositions comprising the acrylate terpolymer of the present invention and methods of their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for modifying hydrophilic polymers by mixing with a modifier, characterized in that the pulverulent polymer and the modifier are introduced continuously into a vertical, cylindrical mixer, mixed at a power of from 1,000 to 5,000 Wh/m3 of powder by means of rotating blades at a blade rate of from 100 to 300 s−1 at a residence time of 1-10 seconds, during which the powder is passed through zones having energy dissipation densities of 300-600 W/l of mixer volume.

Abstract: Curable fluoroelastomer compositions comprising a fluoroelastomer, a curative for the fluoroelastomer, and a molecular sieve additive exhibit a reduced tendency to sponge during the curing process.

Abstract: A vulcanizable rubber composition is described comprising a cross-linkable unsaturated chain polymeric base, wherein is incorporated at least one organic compound, solid at room temperature, selected from the group comprising: amorphous or semicrystalline polymers, oligomers, low-molecular weight organic substances and mixtures thereof, which compound is substantially insoluble in the polymeric base and shows a first or second order transition temperature of from 80 to 160° C. Such rubber composition allows the manufacture of treads with either a low rolling resistance at the temperature of normal use of the tire (40°-70° C.), or a high grip when the tread is subjected to thermal stresses exceeding such temperatures.

Abstract: Water-soluble homo- and/or copolymers containing alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal carboxylate groups and based on acrylic or methacrylic derivatives, and corresponding water-soluble homo- and/or copolymers containing carboxyl groups and homo- and/or copolymers containing ammonium carboxylate groups are provided, which homo- and/or copolymers possess excellent suitability for increasing the viscosity of aqueous systems, in particular of print pastes for textile treatment.

Abstract: Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is a thermoplastic resin which has double bonds attached in an alternating fashion to its polymeric backbone. Films, fibers and molded articles can be made utilizing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. It can also be blended into rubbers and cocured therewith. It is generally preferred to synthesize syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene in an aqueous medium by suspension or emulsion polymerization utilizing a cobalt-based catalyst system. This invention is based upon the unexpected finding that certain substituted benzoic acids can be employed to deactivate such cobalt based catalyst systems.

Abstract: A method for controlling any increase in Mooney viscosity during aging of siloxane-functionalized polymers includes the step of adding a viscosity stabilizing effective amount of a long chain alcohol preferably selected from the group consisting of aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, and aromatic alcohols having more carbon atoms than the hydrolyzable substituent on the siloxane end groups. The method provides for the stabilization of Mooney viscosity of siloxane-functionalized polymers at any given level upon aging. The long chain alcohols react with the siloxane-functionalized polymers prior to hydrolysis of the siloxane end groups to form moisture stabilized polymers.

Abstract: The invention provides a copolymer of an isomonoolefin having from 4 to 7 carbon atoms and containing a copolymerized alkenyl styrene moiety represented by the formula I: where m=0-2, n=0-20, each of R1 through R7 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1 to C10 alkyl and C1 to C10 primary or secondary alkyl halides, and at least one of R1, R2 or R3 is hydrogen, and when m=1 or 2, R3 and R1 are —CH2—.

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: A method for preparing a moisture-curable, pseudo-telechelic, silyl-functional polyisobutylene terpolymer is disclosed, said method comprising reacting, in the presence of a Lewis acid and a solvent, (A) an isobutylene monomer; (B) a isopropenylphenyl comonomer having the formula (C) a vinylphenyl comonomer of the formula wherein R′ is a divalent non-aromatic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, R″ is independently selected from alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or aryl groups having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, R is a divalent non-aromatic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, X is independently a hydrolyzable group and n is independently 1, 2 or 3, with the proviso that rAC is greater than 1 and rAB is less than 1, wherein rAB is the reactivity ratio of said isobutylene in the presence of said comonomer (B) and said solvent and rAC is the reactivity ratio of said isobutylene in the presence of said comonomer (C) and said solvent.

Abstract: Polyolefin-substituted dicarboxylic ester derivatives, having an ester group derived from a polyether polyol and process for making such; wherein the ester derivatives are useful additives in lubricating oil compositions and concentrates thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing polyolefin graft copolymers (II) from linear and well defined polyolefin copolymers (I) containing divinylbenzene comonomer units, wherein R, in formulas I and II, is a C1 to C10 linear or branched alkyl group or a C6 to C10 substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group; and wherein G and G′, independantly, are selected from —H, —OH, epoxy, —NH2, —COOH, anhydride, —Cl, —Br, —M, —COOM (M=metal, e.g., Li, Na, K and Ca) or a polymer chain having the molecular weight of at least about 500, which can be derived from both step and chain polymerization reactions. G and G′ can be selected singly or in a combination of two or more thereof. In the graft copolymer composition, the combined alpha-olefin mole .% (x+y) is from about 50 to 99.9 mole %. Preferably, x+y is from 85 to 99.9 mole %, and most preferably x+y is from 95 to 99.9 mole %.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a water-absorbing agent by using a crosslinking agent of high molecular weight, wherein the water-absorbing agent is excellent with good balance in respect to the absorption capacities under no load and under a heavy load and can display excellent absorption properties even if the weight percentage of the water-absorbent resin (resin concentration) is high when the water-absorbent resin is used for materials such as hygienic products.

Abstract: An oxygen scavenger composition, for use in or with plastics materials, includes a polymer or oligomer having at least one cyclohexene group or functionality. The composition produces only low levels of volatile or extractable (from a plastics material in which it is incorporated) products as a consequence of oxygen scavenging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface-crosslinking process of a water-absorbent resin to obtain a water-absorbing agent which has high absorption speed and excellent absorption capacity under a load (a water-absorbent resin which has specific or larger values of properties). In a process comprising the step of adding a crosslinking agent to a dry water-absorbent resin powder to thereby crosslink the neighborhood of its surface, the surface-crosslinking is carried out while the resin powder having a weight-average particle diameter of 200 to 1,000 &mgr;m is pulverized.

Abstract: A (meth)acrylate terpolymer is provided comprising 1-30% of total terpolymer weight epoxy-functional (meth)acrylate monomer units, 1-98% of total terpolymer weight tackifier (meth)acrylate monomer units, and 1-98% of total terpolymer weight compatibilizing (meth)acrylate monomer units, wherein said compatibilizing (meth)acrylate monomer unit is a (meth)acrylic ester derived from an aromatic alcohol containing 6-14 carbon atoms. Also provided are self-fixturing adhesive compositions comprising the acrylate terpolymer of the present invention and methods of their use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer having functional groups at both terminals comprising the steps of: preparing a difunctional initiator by recating divinyl aromatic material and an organo-lithium compound in the presence of a hydrocarbon solvent; synthesizing a random copolymer derived from an aromatic vinyl and conjugated diene monomer at only one terminal of two anionic terminals; adding a polar additive to activate both terminals of said copolymer, followed by the addition of an electrophilic material. The polymer material, so prepared, has an excellent combination of properties such as improved rolling resistance for use in making tire rubber treads, since it can enhance the polymer-filler interaction.

Abstract: Elastomeric vinylidene fluoride-containing copolymers are cured by a sequential process. In a first step, gum fluoroelastomer is mixed at a temperature of 150° C.-250° C. in the presence of an organic base and metal oxide or metal hydroxide to generate an unsaturated product. The unsaturated product is mixed with a polyhydroxy compound, polyamine, or organic peroxide and the resultant compounded fluoroelastomer is crosslinked.

Abstract: A shelf-stable water-borne dispersion or solution that cures rapidly and at low temperatures when coated onto a substrate can be prepared with an aqueous-based solution or stable aqueous dispersion of a polymer having a backbone containing pendant silanol groups which are sufficiently neutralized to inhibit silanol condensation.

Abstract: In situ solvent free methods for making anhydride based graft copolymers which involve mixing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, an anhydride monomer, either a monofunctional polyglycol having a hydroxyl or amine terminal group or a polyfunctional polyglycol having a weight average molecular weight of greater than 5,000 and at least one terminal hydroxyl group, and a free radical initiator to form a mixture. The mixture is heated to form a copolymer having repeat units derived from the ethylenically unsaturated monomer and anhydride monomer, and a copolymer grafted polyglycol comprising a main polyglycol backbone having copolymer side chains which are heated to form an anhydride based graft copolymer. The anhydride based graft copolymers are especially useful as soil release agents in detergent formulations.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon solutions of monofunctional ether initiators of the following general structure: M—Qn—Z—O—[A(R1R2R3)] wherein M is an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium; Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons, alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof into the M—Z linkage; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; A is an element selected from carbon and silicon; R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl groups containing lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylamino groups, aryl or substituted aryl groups containing lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylamino groups, and n is an integer from 1 to 5, monof

Abstract: Stable electron acceptor compositions are composed of a plurality of pillared metal complexes disposed on a supporting substrate. At least one Group VIII metal at zero valence is entrapped within this matrix. The complexes comprise from one to about 100 units of the formula: —(Y1O3—Z—Y2O3)MeY— Y1 and Y2 being phosphorus or arsenic; Z being a divalent group which reversibly forms a stable reduced form and contains two conjugated cationic centers having a negative E°red value; and MeY being a divalent, trivalent, or tetravalent metal of Group III, IVA, or IVB having an atomic number of at least 21 or a lanthanide with bonded anions. The units are bound to the substrate through an organic polymer having side chains derivatized with phosphonate or arsonate groups. Counter anions balance the charge of Z. The compositions can be used in the decomposition of water to yield hydrogen gas, the sensing of oxygen, and as catalysts.

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 unsatuated carboxylic acid, and a high-boiling component having at least two alcohol structures in a molecule as a specific ratio.