Abstract: The peel strength of lightweight, liquid polysulfide-based sealants for aircraft is improved by the addition of an epoxy-terminated liquid polysulfide to the liquid polysulfide. The lightweight sealants have a specific gravity of from about 1 to about 1.3 and the amount of epoxide terminated polysulfide is from about 0.4 to about 5% of the weight of the polysulfide present in the sealant. Fillers having a specific gravity of from about 0.1 to about 2.2 are used.

Abstract: A hyperbranched macromolecule of polyester type comprising a central monomeric or polymeric nucleus and at least one generation of a branching chain extender having at least three reactive sites of which at least one is a hydroxyl or hydroxyalkyl substituted hydroxyl group and at least one is a carboxyl or terminal epoxide group. The nucleus is an epoxide compound having at least one reactive epoxide group. Optionally, the macromolecule comprises at least one generation consisting of at least one spacing chain extender having two reactive sites of which one is a hydroxyl or hydroxyalkyl substituted hydroxyl group and one is a carboxyl or terminal epoxide group. The macromolecule may be terminated by means of at least one chain stopper.

Abstract: Several poly(ethylene glycol) mixed carbonates and their preparation are closed. These carbonates are synthesized by conversion of polyethylene glycol first to the chloroformate then by reaction with the hydroxyl group of N-hydroxybenzotriazole or 2-hydroxypyrimidine or N-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidinone. These mixed carbonate analogs smoothly react with amino groups in aminoglycans and protein and amino containing surfaces to form stable, hydrolysis resistant carbamate linkages.

Abstract: Absorbable, segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers lactide, and p-dioxanone are described. The segmented copolymers exhibit a broad range of properties, especially high strength and long elongations. This unique elastomeric behavior makes the copolymers of the present invention useful in a variety of medical device applications, especially adhesion prevention barriers and hemostatic devices.

Abstract: Absorbable, segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers glycolide, and p-dioxanone are described. The segmented copolymers exhibit a broad range of properties, especially high strength and stiffness, and fast absorption rates and breaking strength retention (BSR) profiles, useful in a variety of medical devices. Most importantly, for suture applications where Vicryl.RTM.-like polyglcolide-polylactide sutures with excellent tensile properties, but shorter BSR profiles than Vicryl.RTM. are needed. The copolymers of the present invention have such properties, making them useful in plastic surgery where faster absorption times would lead to less tissue scarring.

Abstract: Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to materials for medical or veterinary use that possess considerably improved properties with regard to friction. The invention also relates to the production of such materials from existing materials that possess suitable bulk properties, but inappropriate frictional properties. This invention also relates to a hydrophilic coating material that provides improved frictional properties.

Abstract: A polymer having a blocked terminal group according to the present invention, represented by the following Formula (I): ##STR1## where R is an alkylene group containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms; X.sub.1 is an acyl group containing 2 to 50 carbon atoms; Y is H, an alkyl group containing 1 to 50 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group containing 1 to 50 carbon atoms; m is a positive integer; and n.sub.1 is 0 or a positive integer.

Abstract: Absorbable copolymers are fabricated from a predominant component of dioxanone randomly copolymerized with minor amounts of other bioabsorbable monomers. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures.

Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed comprising an injection-molded housing member free of organic solvents.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to novel branched chain hydroxy terminated aliphatic azido polymers and copolymers, and to a single step process for their production. The properties of the materials are preferably adjusted through the incorporation of suitable polyols which can provide additional branching of the materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of preparing high purity polyalkylene oxide carboxylic acids. The methods include reacting a polyalkylene oxide such as polyethylene glycol with a t-butyl haloacetate in the presence of a base followed by treatment with an acid such as trifluoroacetic acid. The resultant polymer carboxylic acids are of sufficient purity so that expensive and time consuming purification steps required for pharmaceutical grade polymers are avoided.

Abstract: Hot melt adhesive compositions, particularly biodegradable hot melt adhesives are prepared from 10 to 90% by weight of a thermoplastic methylol polyester prepared from the reaction of at least one dicarboxylic acid with a diglycidyl ether, a diglycidyl ester or a combination thereof; 0 to 90% by weight of a compatible tackifier; 0 to 80% by weight of a compatible plasticizer; 0 to 50% by weight of a compatible wax diluent and 0 to 3% by weight of a stabilizer.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped with isocyanate, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of copolymers of racemic lactide and .epsilon.-caprolactone, .delta.-valerolactone, gamma-decalactone or .beta.-hydroxybutyric acid, prepared by the reaction of the monomers in the molar ratio of lactide to reaction partner of approximately 95-70 to 5-30, with the addition of metal carboxylates, known per se, as initiators at temperatures of approximately 150.degree. C. over a period of time of approximately 16 to 18 hours, for the topical treatment of human or animal skin.

Abstract: A process for producing polylactic acid includes the steps of polycondensing lactic acid to a lactic acid prepolymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 10,000-50,000 in a batch-type polymerization reactor, and polycondensing the lactic acid prepolymer to lactic acid polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of at least 100,000 by means of a screw-type extruder.

Abstract: Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.

Abstract: Use of a glyceryl tri(.alpha.-hydroxyacylate) in a cosmetic and/or dermatological composition as the sole precursor of glycerol and of hydroxy acid, which is capable of releasing the glycerol and the hydroxy acid onto the skin via an enzymatic reaction, in order to moisturize and soften the skin. Useful especially for moisturizing and/or treating dry skin.

Abstract: The composition of the present invention is a thermoplastic elastomer composition obtained by dynamically crosslinking (A) 51-95% by weight of a thermoplastic polyester elastomer and (B) 49-5% by weight of a rubber during kneading. The composition is excellent in all of hardness, tensile strength, tensile elongation, compression set, thermal aging resistance, oil resistance and molded product appearance, and is suitably used as a material for automobile parts such as joint boot and the like.

Abstract: This invention concerns the thermoplastic, biodegradable and nontoxic block copolymer which is easily degraded and excreted in human body by the hydrolysis of intramolecular ester and amide bond. The structure of present copolymer comprises i) hydrophilic and swellable soft domain consisting of polyethyleneoxide(PEO), and ii) hydrophobic, biodegradable, crystallizable and non-swellable hard domain consisting of polylactide(PLA), polyglycolide(PGA), polylactideglycolide(PLdA) and polycaprolactone(PCL).

Abstract: A resist ink composition developable with a diluted, alkaline solution, which exhibits high dispersion stability itself, can form a pattern with excellent resolution, even in the case of a low exposure amount, and can produce a cured resist film excellent in solvent resistance for high-performance printed circuits and which comprises an ultraviolet-curable resin obtained by copolymerizing (a) from 5 to 50% by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer of a general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; n represent an integer of from 1 to 4, and/or glycerol mono(meth)acrylate, (b) from 10 to 90% by weight or glycidyl (meth)acrylate and (c) from 0 to 80% by weight of other ethylenically unsaturated monomers capable of copolymerizing with these (a) and (b), followed by reacting the resulting copolymer with from 0.7 to 1.

Abstract: Low-molecular-weight, hydroxy-functional acrylate resins are disclosed. The resins are copolymers derived from an allylic alcohol or a propoxylated allylic alcohol, an acrylate or methacrylate monomer, and optionally, one or more additional ethylenic monomers. The resins are uniquely prepared without a chain-transfer agent or reaction solvent, and are useful in many thermoset polymer applications, including thermoset polyesters, polyurethanes, crosslinked polymeric resins, melamines, alkyds, uralkyds, and epoxy thermosets.

Abstract: This invention relates to materials for medical or veterinary use that possess considerably improved properties with regard to friction. The invention also relates to the production of such materials from existing materials that possess suitable bulk properties, but inappropriate frictional properties. This invention also relates to a hydrophilic coating material that provides improved frictional properties.

Abstract: A process for making wet strengthened paper comprises (1) treating an aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers with a composition comprising (a) a cationic polymer that cures at a neutral pH and is capable by itself of conferring wet strength to paper, the resin having a multiplicity of 3-hydroxyazetidinium ion groups along the polymer chain, and (b) a water-soluble carboxyalkylated polyamine polymer or a carboxylic acid salt thereof.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing a linear lactide copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight of from 20,000 to 400,000 using a continuous reaction apparatus composed of three or more stirred flow reactors connected in series, which process comprises the steps of continuously feeding from 50 to 98 parts by weight of a lactide and from 2 to 50 parts by weight of a polymer having a hydroxyl group in a molten state or as dissolved in a solvent to the first reactor of said continuous reaction apparatus, and transferring the reaction mixture from said first reactor to the following reactors successively while maintaining the reaction pressure and the reaction temperature in every reactor in the range of from 1 to 5 atm. and of from 140.degree. to 210.degree. C., respectively, to conduct ring opening copolymerization. According to the process of the present invention, the production problems associated with conventional continuous production methods for lactide copolymers, i.e.

Abstract: Block copolymers have one of the block made from hard phase forming monomers and another block made from soft phase forming monomers copolymerized with randomly intermingled units of other soft phase forming monomers. Particularly useful copolymers are initiated with a polyalkylene oxide initiator. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures.

Abstract: A method for producing a polylactic acid of the present invention includes the steps of (a) polymerizing a lactide used as a main starting material in a molten state to give a polylactic acid; and (b) further polymerizing the polylactic acid obtained in step (a) in a solid phase by heating at a temperature lower than a melting point of a final polymer product.

Abstract: Water vapor permeable films of polymeric material of thermoplastic elastomer type based on polyetheresteramide, and preferably on polyether block amides and articles comprising a film of this kind and capable, in particular, of coming into contact with the human body.

Abstract: This invention pertains to perfluoropolyethers and perhalogenated chlorofluoropolyethers that can be prepared by fluorinating addition polymers made by polymerizing epoxides.

Abstract: A block copolymer for use in the fabrication of bioabsorbable articles such as monofilament surgical sutures is prepared by copolymerizing one or more hard phase forming monomers and 1,4-dioxan-2-one, and then polymerizing one or more hard phase forming monomers with the dioxanone-containing copolymer.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyblend compositions, well suited for the production of mechanically strong and chemical-resistant shaped articles having a wide variety of chemical engineering and other applications, e.g., for the production of electrical cable for high-frequency electrical transmissions, comprise (i) a fluoropolymer, (ii) an aromatic polyester and (iii) a copolymeric compatibilizing agent therefor, the compatibilizing copolymer (iii) comprising the copolymerizate of ethylene, a glycidyl acrylate, an acrylic comonomer and, optionally, a peroxy comonomer.

Abstract: Compositions(I), (II) and (III) comprising compounds having vinyl groups as side chains and epoxidized compositions(XI), (XII) and (XIII) thereof, which can be prepared by the various reaction combinations of (a) with (b) or (b)+(c), and or (d), where(a) is at least one compound having at least one vinyl group and one epoxy group in the molecule; (b) is at least one of a polybasic compound, an anhydride thereof, a polymer having carboxylic groups at terminals and a polymer having carboxylic groups as side chains; (c) is at least one organic compound having at least one active hydrogen atom; and (d) is at least one of an unsaturated monocarboxylic compound or an unsaturated monocarboxylic ester having a hydroxyl group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bifunctional polyether having groups different from each other at both ends, with a polymerization degree of 5 to 10000 and consisting of repeating units each represented by the following formula (I): ##STR1## (wherein R.sub.1, represents a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, or a lower alkyl group optionally substituted by a halogen atom, and R.sub.1 in each repeating unit may be the same or different), as well as to a process for the preparation thereof and a polymerization initiator therefor. The process of production and polymerization initiator of the present invention enable 100% introduction of a primary amino group into one of the ends of polyether.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a triblock(ABA) copolymer used for medical application essentially consisting of: PLA, PGA, or PLA/PGA as hydrophobic block(A), biodegradable PEO derivatives synthesized by PEOs less than 4,000 molecular weight by the ester linkage among them as hydrophilic block (B). The present invention also provides a triblock copolymer easily degradable to the compounds less than M.W. 4,000 in order to excrete through the human kidney, which enables its medical application. Furthermore, using the triblock copolymer of the present invention, the improved hydrogel materials with broad biochemical applications can be provided due to its biodegradable and thermoplastic properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of copolymers of racemic lactide and .epsilon.-caprolactone, .delta.-valerolactone, gamma-decalactone or .beta.-hydroxybutyric acid, prepared by the reaction of the monomers in the molar ratio of lactide to reaction partner of approximately 95-70 to 5-30, with the addition of metal carboxylates, known per se, as initiators at temperatures of approximately 150.degree. C. over a period of time of approximately 16 to 18 hours, for the topical treatment of human or animal skin.

Abstract: Thermosettable composition suitable for the production of endless objects without the use of continuous carrier material, whereby the composition comprises an epoxy resin or an unsaturated polyester and a high molecular weight thermoplastic polymer which has a weight-average molecular weight of at least 1,000,000 g/mol in an amount to make the composition spinnable, the amount ranging from at least 0.1% where the polymer has a molecular weight of 5,000,000 g/mol or more or less than 2% where the polymer has the weight-average molecular weight of 1,000,000 g/mol, the amount decreasing as the weight-average molecular weight increases.

Abstract: The invention relates to two classes of prepolymers containing a perfluoropolyethereal chain and carboxylic end groups, suitable as cross-linking agents for epoxy prepolymers. The first class contains anhydride-derived end groups; the second lactone-derived end groups; prepolymers therefrom are also disclosed. Additional non-fluorinated curing agents may also be added.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyblend compositions, well suited for the production of mechanically strong and chemical-resistant shaped articles having a wide variety of chemical engineering and other applications, e.g., for the production of electrical cable for high-frequency electrical transmissions, comprise (i) a fluoropolymer, (ii) an aromatic polyester and (iii) a copolymeric compatibilizing agent therefor, the compatibilizing copolymer (iii) comprising the copolymerizate of ethylene, a glycidyl acrylate, an acrylic comonomer and, optionally, a peroxy comonomer.

Abstract: A copolymer of from in the range of from about 55 to about 70 weight percent lactide and from in the range of from about 45 to about 30 mole percent .epsilon.-caprolactone suitable for use in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, coatings for surgical sutures and needles, and lubricants for medical devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to materials for medical or veterinary use that possess considerably improved properties with regard to friction. The invention also relates to the production of such materials from existing materials that possess suitable bulk properties, but inappropriate frictional properties. This invention also relates to a hydrophilic coating material that provides improved frictional properties.

Abstract: High molecular weight, biodegradable polymers of substituted-poly(.beta.-propioesters), wherein the repeat unit sequences have a predominantly syndiotactic arrangement and a method of forming such polymers are disclosed. The method includes exposing a substituted-.beta.-propiolactone to a tin-based organometallic catalyst for a sufficient combination of time and temperature to form the predominantly syndiotactic substituted-poly(.beta.-propioester).

Abstract: The present invention provides a low viscosity curable resin composition and coating composition containing the same which has a decreased solvent content. The coating composition provides a cured film having not only excellent acid resistance but also good weather resistance and mar resistance without an adverse effect to the environment. The curable resin composition comprises (a) a hydroxyl and carboxyl group containing silicone polymer, (b) a carboxyl and carboxylate group containing polymer, and (c) a hydroxyl and epoxy group containing polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-curable resin composition for use in an orthopedic cast composed of a water-reactive alkoxysilane terminated resin, having at least one hydrolyzable group per molecule. The resin composition has a viscosity of no greater than about 500 Pa-s under ambient conditions and conditions less than about 1 wt-% of a solvent, based on the total weight of the resin composition.

Abstract: A method for improving the paintability of a shaped object of which at least the outer portion is made of a polyamide/polyolefin alloy, wherein an electrical discharge is made to act on a gas in order to create a cold plasma type reactive gas stream, and the shaped object is brought into contact with the reactive gas stream thereby produced and with an oxygen source in order to oxidize the surface of the shaped object. The method is particularly useful for treating trim for motor vehicles as well as items of garden furniture prior to painting.

Abstract: Blends can be formed which comprise a flexible coil polymer substrate, e.g., of a poly(alkylene terephthalate), and a thermotropic, essentially liquid crystalline oligomer which comprises aromatic units and at least one linear polyalkylene spacer. These blends can be used to form fibers or molded articles.

Abstract: Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.

Abstract: Hindered amine light stabilizers are provided in which the hindered amine is contained in a unit of formula ##STR1## where X is ##STR2## and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and A are as defined as in the Summary of the Invention. Unique polymeric and non-polymeric compounds containing this unit are useful as additives for the stabilization of polymeric compositions which are normally subject to thermal, oxidative or actinic light degradation.

Abstract: Block copolyetheramide suitable for injection molding, consisting of polyamide blocks and polyalkylene ether blocks and having a melting point ranging from 215.degree. to 223.degree. C., an apparent viscosity, at 230.degree. C., ranging from 50 to 150 Pa, a number average molecular weight ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 and a yellow degree, measured by means of an Elrepho.RTM. apparatus, lower than or equal to 20. They are prepared by polymerizing the polyamide monomers in the presence of hypophosphorous acid or meta-hypophosphorous acid and then by polycondensing the polyamide with polyalkylene ether having hydroxyl end groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to two classes of prepolymers containing a perfluoropolyethereal chain and carboxylic end groups, suitable as cross-linking agents for epoxy prepolymers.The first class contains anhydride-derived end groups; the second lactone-derived end groups; prepolymers therefrom are also disclosed. Additional non-fluorinated curing agents may also be added.

Abstract: An impact modified polyamide composition includes a polyamide continuous phase and a rubbery polymer component which is uniformly distributed throughout the polyamide continuous phase in the form of discrete particles, with the rubber polymer component having a flexible backbone and at least about 40 percent of the monomeric units forming the rubbery polymer having pendant polar groups. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the rubbery component contains a reinforcing filler which provides for an unexpected improvement in retention of flexural modulus.