Abstract: (Salph or methoxy salph) Co (initiating ligand) catalyze homopolymerizing rac-PO to produce pure highly isotactic PPO and rac-1-butylene oxide to produce pure isotactic poly(butylene oxide). A product is unfractionated isotactic PPO of m-dyad content >81%, normally at least 99%.

Abstract: A sizing composition for reinforcement fibers that includes a cationic modified polyurethane dispersion, one or more silane coupling agents, and at least one lubricant is provided. The cationic modified polyurethane dispersion includes a dual end-capped polyurethane selected from a silane-terminated polyurethane, a ketoxime-terminated polyurethane, or a hybrid silane/ketoxime-terminated polyurethane where one end of the polyurethane is terminated with a silane group and the opposing end is terminated with a ketoxime group. The size composition is applied to reinforcement fibers and formed into chopped strand, wet-laid mats that can be used for a variety of purposes, including roofing products. Chopped strand mats formed from fibers sized with the inventive sizing composition maintains or improves the dry tear strengths and wet strengths compared to chopped strand mats made from fibers sized with a commercial sizing composition that does not contain a modified cationic polyurethane dispersion (e.g., SPUD).

Abstract: A curable resin composition and powder coating compositions made therefrom including (a) an epoxy resin; (b) an amphiphilic block copolymer containing at least one epoxy resin miscible block segment and at least one epoxy resin immiscible block segment; wherein the immiscible block segment comprises at least one polyether structure provided that the polyether structure of said immiscible block segment contains at least one or more alkylene oxide monomer units having at least four carbon atoms; such that when the epoxy resin composition is cured, the toughness of the resulting cured epoxy resin composition is increased; and (c) at least one curing agent required for the manufacturing, application and proper performance of the powder coating. The amphiphilic block copolymer is preferably an all polyether block copolymer such as a PEO-PBO diblock copolymer or a PEO-PBO-PEO triblock copolymer.

Abstract: A curing agent for epoxy resin has one or more five- or six-membered aromatic rings, and substituted on the one or more five- or six-membered rings at least two functionalities reactive with the epoxy selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, amine, imidazole, azine, hydrazide, anhydride, and Lewis acid groups. Choice of functionality can provide a mixed polymer network, one with a more densely cross-linked polymer structure having a high Tg, and the other with a more linear polymer structure to contribute to stress reduction.

Abstract: Precision in thermotherapy is obtained by providing a reverse gelling polymer composition which gels when its temperature is raised above body temperature. The composition is injected into the blood supply of the tissue being treated, at the beginning of thermotherapy. The temperature increase caused by the heating gels the composition, which temporarily blocks the flow of blood in the region being treated. This improves the predictability and stability of treatment. On cessation of heating, the composition liquefies, removing the temporary embolization. The use of local heating can also expedite removal of tumors and the like from soft organs, even when the heating itself has no therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A new method of preparing a tertiary alkyl ester of a polyalkylene oxide is provided. The new method employs milder conditions that avoid the back reaction to the starting polyalkylene oxide. The tertiary alkyl ester of a polyalkylene oxide is then reacted with a suitable acid to produce a polyalkylene oxide acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to curable compositions comprising (a) at least one benzoxazine component selected from the group consisting of N-alkyl and N-alkenyl benzoxazines, and (b) a prepolymer produced from a diisocyanate. The compositions are particularly suitable in the production of adhesives and sealants, prepregs and towpregs.

Abstract: A polymer P for prolonging the flowability of water-reduced aqueous hydraulically setting compositions, and a method for prolonging the flowability of water-reduced aqueous hydraulically setting compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a block copolymer having an “A” block of a functionalized hydrocarbon moiety including one or more functional end groups selected from the group consisting of: epoxides, amines, acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, halogens, vinyl or vinylidene double bond, aromatic rings and thiols, and a “B” block of a functionalized polyether moiety including one or more functional end groups selected from the group consisting: epoxides, amines, acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, halogens, vinyl or vinylidene double bond, aromatic rings and thiols. The end group of the polyether moiety is different than the end group of the hydrocarbon moiety, and the hydrocarbon moiety and the polyether moiety are copolymerizable therewith. Preferably, the hydrocarbon moiety is a poly-?-olefin and the polyether moiety is a polyalkylene glycol.

Abstract: The present invention has its object to provide a curable composition which comprises a reactive silyl group-containing organic polymer, does not contain, as a silanol condensation catalyst, any organotin type curing catalyst currently of concern because of the toxic feature thereof, is excellent in surface curability and depth curability and, further, can provide cured products excellent in adhesiveness; the above object can be achieved by a curable composition which comprises: an organic polymer (A) containing a silicon-containing group capable of crosslinking under siloxane bond formation; and a guanidine compound (B-1), as a silanol condensation catalyst (B), represented by the general formula (1): R1N?C(NR12)2??(1) (wherein one of the five R1s is an aryl group and the other four R1s each independently is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group in which the carbon atom at position 1 is saturated).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for inducing and enhancing order and nanostructures in block copolymers and surfactants by certain nonpolymeric additives, such as nanoparticles having an inorganic core and organic functional groups capable of hydrogen bonding. Various compositions having lattice order and nanostructures have been made from a variety of copolymers or surfactants that are mixed with nonpolymeric additives. Particularly, a variety of nanoparticles with an inorganic core and organic functional groups have been discovered to be effective in introducing or enhancing the degree of orders and nanostructures in diverse block copolymers and surfactants.

Abstract: A polymeric material comprised of (i) at least one random copolymer comprised of ethylene oxide and one or more other alkylene oxide(s) and (ii) at least one non-random polymer comprised of one or more poly(alkylene oxide)s has been discovered. Preferably, it is a polymer alloy. Alkylene oxide homopolymers or block copolymers may be the non-random polymer. In a related discovery, an adhesive material can be made by suspending (a) particles in (b) a matrix of at least one poly(ethylene oxide) copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, or a combination thereof. The handling characteristics may be adjusted for different utilities (e.g., from runny oil to hard wax). Applications include use as adhesive, cohesive, filler, lubricant, surfactant, or any combination thereof. In particular, the hard materials may be used for cleaning or waxing.

Abstract: A polymeric material comprised of (i) at least one random copolymer comprised of ethylene oxide and one or more other alkylene oxide(s) and (ii) at least one non-random polymer comprised of one or more poly(alkylene oxide)s has been discovered. Preferably, it is a polymer alloy. Alkylene oxide homopolymers or block copolymers may be the non-random polymer. In a related discovery, an adhesive material can be made by suspending (a) particles in (b) a matrix of at least one poly(ethylene oxide) copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, or a combination thereof. The handling characteristics may be adjusted for different utilities (e.g., from runny oil to hard wax). Applications include use as adhesive, cohesive, filler, lubricant, surfactant, or any combination thereof. In particular, the hard materials may be used for cleaning or waxing.

Abstract: Compounds exhibiting angiogenic properties incorporating the structure of Formula I: R3—NH—NH—C(?O)—R2—P—R1??(I) wherein P is a water-soluble, biodegradable polymer, R1 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or —R2—C(?O)—NH—NH—R3; each R2 is independently —CH2—, —NH— or O; and each R3 is independently hydrogen or a residue of a naturally occurring alpha-L-amino acid or dipeptide thereof. Polymer networks crosslinked with hydrazide compounds are also disclosed, together with implantable medical devices incorporating the compounds and crosslinked polymers, and angiogenesis-promoting treatment methods, including wound-treatment methods.

Abstract: A polymeric material comprised of (i) at least one random copolymer comprised of ethylene oxide and one or more other alkylene oxide(s) and (ii) at least one non-random polymer comprised of one or more poly(alkylene oxide)s has been discovered. Preferably, it is a polymer alloy. Alkylene oxide homopolymers or block copolymers may be the non-random polymer. In a related discovery, an adhesive material can be made by suspending (a) particles in (b) a matrix of at least one poly(ethylene oxide) copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, or a combination thereof. The handling characteristics may be adjusted for different utilities (e.g., from runny oil to hard wax). Applications include use as adhesive, cohesive, filler, lubricant, surfactant, or any combination thereof. In particular, the hard materials may be used for cleaning or waxing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material mixture comprising at least one epoxy resin and a thermoplast, selected from such copolymers that comprise at least three different monomers. Preferably, the thermoplast is selected from such where at least one monomer is a hydrocarbon without heteroatoms and with at least one C?C double bond and where at least one other monomer is an optionally substituted acrylate or an optionally substituted acrylic acid ester. The invention also relates to a material mixture of said kind that additionally comprises the following components: at least one blowing agent, at least one hardener and at least one filler. The invention relates to methods for the production of molded bodies made from said material mixture, to the molded bodies and the use thereof for structural reinforcement.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-arm siloxane-based molecules suitable for use as a drug delivery vehicle comprising a central core molecule that comprises a cyclic or cubic siloxane, and a plurality of arms attached to the central core molecule, wherein each arm comprises an organic moiety. The multi-arm siloxane-based molecules described herein are suitable for encapsulation of a therapeutic agent. The invention further includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising the claimed multi-arm siloxane-based molecules and an encapsulated therapeutic agent in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods of making and using the multi-arm siloxane-based molecules are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an epoxy resin composition for optical semiconductor element encapsulation, the epoxy resin composition including following components (A) to (C): (A) an epoxy resin represented by the following structural formula (1): in which n is a positive number, (B) an epoxy resin except for the epoxy resin represented by the structural formula (1), and (C) a curing agent.

Abstract: Nucleotide delivery polymers, compositions, and associated methods for the enhancement of gene delivery and expression in solid tissues are provided. In one aspect, for example, a nucleotide delivery polymer may include a poloxamer backbone having a metal chelator covalently coupled to at least one terminal end of the poloxamer backbone. In another aspect, the nucleotide expression polymer has a metal chelator coupled to at least two terminal ends of the poloxamer backbone.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing, in high purity and high yield, heterobifunctional derivatives of poly(ethylene glycol) or related polymers. A chromatographic purification step is not necessary in the method. In accordance with the method of the invention, an intermediate polymer having a formula of W-Poly-OH is provided bearing a removable group W at one terminus. The intermediate polymer W-Poly-OH is first altered by modifying the OH group to a first functional group X, followed by the removal of W to generate a second hydroxyl group. The latter hydroxyl group may then be further converted to a second functional group Y, thus providing the desired heterobifunctional derivative.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for preparing polymers bearing a terminal propionic acid. The method involves first reacting a water soluble and non-peptidic polymer comprising at least one hydroxyl group with a tertiary alkyl acrylate in the presence of a catalyst to form a propionic acid ester of the polymer, wherein the polymer has a weight average molecular weight of at least about 10,000 Da; and then treating the propionic acid ester of the polymer with a strong acid to form a propionic acid of the polymer.

Abstract: A series of novel phosphorus-containing compounds having the following formula are disclosed: wherein R1-R12, A, B, D, X, and Y are as defined in the specification. A process for the preparation of the compound of formula (1), a curing agent, and a flame resistant epoxy resin and a preparation process thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A light filter or an array of filters can be either one or two dimensional. The filter or filters use multiple beam interference by varying an optical path length between semi-reflective surfaces. The optical path length between the semi-reflective surfaces is varied by changing a thickness of a polymer film in response to an electric field formed between two semi-transparent electrodes. The filter can be configured in either a transmissive or reflective mode.

Abstract: A radiation-curing resin composition that includes a resin component that includes an epoxy resin and/or oxetane resin having a naphthalene structure or a biphenyl structure, a boron-based diaryliodonium salt polymerization initiator represented by a specific formula at 0.005 to 0.5 mol per kg of the resin component, and a viscosity adjusting agent, the resin composition having a viscosity at 50° C. of at least 50 Pa·s, and a prepreg obtained by impregnating a fiber reinforcement with such a resin composition. This resin composition has excellent reactivity, and a prepreg formed from this resin composition and a fiber reinforcement is used for producing a composite material/member suitable for the aerospace field in particular.

Abstract: An active-hydrogen-containing (carboxyl or hydroxyl) phosphorus compound is provided. An epoxy resin semi-thermoset formed by bonding the phosphorus compound to an epoxy group is also provided. A flame-retardant epoxy resin thermoset is formed after reacting the epoxy resin semi-thermoset with a curing agent. The epoxy resin thermoset possesses excellent flame retardancy, heat stability, and high glass transition temperature (Tg), does not produce toxic and corrosive fumes during combustion, and thus is an environmentally friendly flame-retardant material.

Abstract: A polymeric material comprised of (i) at least one random copolymer comprised of ethylene oxide and one or more other alkylene oxide(s) and (ii) at least one non-random polymer comprised of one or more poly(alkylene oxide)s has been discovered. Preferably, it is a polymer alloy. Alkylene oxide homo-polymers or block copolymers may be the non-random polymer. In a related discovery, an adhesive material can be made by suspending (a) particles in (b) a matrix of at least one poly(ethylene oxide) copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, or a combination thereof. The handling characteristics may be adjusted for different utilities (e.g., from runny oil to hard wax). Applications include use as adhesive, cohesive, filler, lubricant, surfactant, or any combination thereof. In particular, the hard materials may be used for cleaning or waxing.

Abstract: A synthetic polymer has a water-soluble or water-swellable polymer backbone and terminal groups and/or intermediate groups of blocks of hydrophobes of alkyl- or aryl compounds containing a polymerizable cyclic monomer or a polymerizable double bond (or alkene) group or derivatives thereof. The blocks of hydrophobes are composed of two or more units of the same or different hydrophobes. These synthetic polymers are used as rheology modifiers, especially in latex paints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fullerene derivatives including a pendant group that may be reacted to prepare a composition including a plurality of covalently bound fullerenes. The pendant group may be a cyclic ether, such as an epoxide. The present invention also relates to compositions including reaction products of these fullerene derivatives and photovoltaic devices including such polymeric compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a one-stage process for the production of polyoxyalkylene containing polyols having equivalent weights of about 150 to about 6000 and functionalities of about 2 to 8. The process comprises (1) mixing (a) an organic compound having a hydroxyl functionality of about 2 to about 8 and an equivalent weight of about 35 to about 575, with (b) a hydroxyl functional compound having an equivalent weight of about 100 to about 6000 and a functionality of about 2 to 8; and (2) alkoxylating the mixture with (c) one or more alkylene oxides, in the presence of (d) one or more double metal cyanide catalysts. Suitable compounds to be used as (a) the organic compound having a hydroxyl functionality of about 2 to about 8 and an equivalent weight of about 35 to about 575 in the present invention include bisphenol-A, Bisphenol TMC, tetrabromobisphenol A, and novolak phenolic resins.

Abstract: Provided is an epoxy resin composition for fiber-reinforced composite materials, which serves as a matrix resin composition for use in a self-adhesive prepreg for a face sheet of a honeycomb panel. The epoxy resin composition enables to increase self-adhesiveness of the prepreg, while improving workability and appearance quality of the prepreg. The epoxy resin composition is characterized by containing an epoxy resin (A) which is in a liquid state at room temperature; a thermoplastic resin (B) which dissolves in the epoxy resin (A) at a temperature not less than 90° C.; thermosetting resin particles (C) which do not completely dissolve in the epoxy resin (A) at a temperature less than 90° C. and has a softening point of not less than 120° C.; and a curing agent (D).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an epoxy resin exhibiting superior heat resistance, dielectric properties, water resistance, and workability, a resin composition containing the epoxy resin, and a prepreg and a laminated plate. The epoxy resin of the invention is expressed by the following formula. (In the formula, R represents a hydrocarbon group having a carbon number of 1 to 4. m Represents an integer of 1 to 4 and when m is 2 to 4, R's may be the same or different. n Represents a positive number of 1 to 6 on average.) The epoxy resin composition of the invention contains the epoxy resin of the invention and a curing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to crosslinking compositions for polyurethane elastomers, made up of a polyol component containing: 30 to 80 wt % polyether diols and/or polyester diols; 10 to 40 wt % polyols comprising at least three OH groups; and to 50 wt % of a monofunctional compound that comprises an isocyanate-reactive group, and an isocyanate component containing an at least trifunctional isocyanate, such that the NCO/OH ratio is intended to be between 0.9 to 1.2. Use of the corresponding crosslinked polyurethane elastomers as molded elements is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides curing agent compositions comprising alkylated polyalkylene polyamine compounds. Amine-epoxy compositions and articles produced from these amine-epoxy compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a block copolymer formed by coupling the following components with each other: (a) a copolymer (A) of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) type compound with a biodegradable polymer; and (b) at least one oligomer (B) selected from the group consisting of poly(?-amino ester) and poly(amido amine). A method for preparing the same block copolymer, and a polymeric hydrogel type drug composition comprising the temperature and pH-sensitive block copolymer and a physiologically active substance that can be encapsulated with the block copolymer are also disclosed. The multiblock copolymer is obtained by copolymerization of a pH-sensitive poly(?-amino ester) and/or poly(amido amine) type oligomer, a hydrophilic and temperature-sensitive polyethylene glycol type compound and a hydrophobic and biodegradable polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable polymer systems comprising anionic and modified polyamine polymers. When such polymer systems are employed in cleaning compositions, such cleaning compositions exhibit unexpectedly improved anti-soil re-deposition and situs whitening capabilities.

Abstract: Low-cure powder coating compositions are disclosed, comprising at least one epoxy-containing resin and/or at least one siloxane-containing resin, and at least one material having the structure wherein R1 is an organic radical having 6 to 25 carbon atoms; each R2 is independently a multivalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; Y is each R3 and R4 are independently alkyl or aryl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; each Z is independently oxygen or nitrogen; R5 is absent when Z is oxygen and R5 is hydrogen, an alkyl or aryl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or (Y)a—R2— when Z is nitrogen; a and b are integers; a is at least 1; b is 1 to 3; and (b) at least one epoxy-containing resin and/or at least one siloxane-containing resin. The material can optionally be reacted with an acidic hydrogen-containing compound. Some compositions are curable without using crosslinking agents or accelerators.

Abstract: The problem is to efficiently produce an active hydrogen group-containing oxyalkylene polymer as a starting material of a hydrolyzable silicon group-containing oxyalkylene polymer which has a low viscosity while maintaining a plasticity of a cured product and which does not contaminate an area around a sealing portion and/or has no adverse effect on an adhesion. The problem is dissolved by a process for producing an oxyalkylene polymer in which a first oxyalkylene polymer having at least two active hydrogen groups and a second oxyalkylene polymer having one active hydrogen group coexist, which process comprises reacting an alkylene oxide using a first initiator having at least two active hydrogen groups and a second initiator having one active hydrogen group in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: A curable laminate epoxy composition comprising (a) an epoxy resin; (b) an amphiphilic block copolymer containing at least one epoxy resin miscible block segment and at least one epoxy resin immiscible block segment; wherein the immiscible block segment comprises at least one polyether structure provided that the polyether structure of said immiscible block segment contains at least one or more alkylene oxide monomer units having at least four carbon atoms; such that when the epoxy resin composition is cured, the toughness of the resulting cured epoxy resin composition is increased; (c) a curing agent; and (d) a curing catalyst. The amphiphilic block copolymer is preferably an all polyether block copolymer such as a PEO-PBO diblock copolymer or a PEO-PBO-PEO triblock copolymer.

Abstract: A one-component curable insulating coating composition comprises encapsulated catalysts and encapsulated curing agents mixed with an unsaturated resin. The encapsulated catalyst and/or curing agent is prevented from chemically contacting the resin until a cure temperature is achieved. The one-component coating composition has a shelf life that is equal to or greater than 6 months and a cure temperature and/or cure time that is lower than the cure temperature and/or cure time normally associated with currently available multi-component coating compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of making a negative pattern of carbon nanotubes or a polymerized carbon nanotube composite having an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) by modifying the surfaces of the carbon nanotubes with polymerizable functional groups such as oxirane and anhydride groups and subjecting the surface-modified carbon nanotubes either to a photolithography process or to a heatcuring process. By virtue of the present invention, desired patterns of carbon nanotubes can be easily made on the surfaces of various substrates, and polymerized carbon nanotube composites improved in hardening properties can be made without additional polymers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an emulsifier for emulsion polymerization. The emulsifier is obtained by alkoxylating a mixture of (a) 20% to 80% by weight of a fatty alcohol containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms and (b) 20% to 80% by weight of a ring opening product of a 1,2-epoxyalkane containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms with ethylene glycol, with from 5 to 100 mol ethylene oxide per equivalent of free OH groups in the sums of (a) and (b) and sulfation of the intermediate product obtained to form the emulsifier. The emulsifier provides a polymer similar with low coagulum and high stability.

Abstract: Compounds exhibiting angiogenic properties incorporating the structure of Formula I: R3—NH—NH—C(?O)—R2—P—R1 ??(I) wherein P is a water-soluble, biodegradable polymer, R1 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or —R2—C(?O)—NH—NH—R3; each R2 is independently —CH2—, —NH— or O; and each R3 is independently hydrogen or a residue of a naturally occurring alpha-L-amino acid or dipeptide thereof. Polymer networks crosslinked with hydrazide compounds are also disclosed, together with implantable medical devices incorporating the compounds and crosslinked polymers, and angiogenesis-promoting treatment methods, including wound-treatment methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fullerene derivatives including a pendant group that may be reacted to prepare a composition including a plurality of covalently bound fullerenes. The pendant group may be a cyclic ether, such as an epoxide. The present invention also relates to compositions including reaction products of these fullerene derivatives and photovoltaic devices including such polymeric compositions.

Abstract: Coating powders having a low curing temperature are comprised of an acid functional acrylic resin having an acid number between about 40 and 220, triglycidyl isocyanurate, and a curing catalyst comprising tetrabutyl ammonium bromide. Such coating powders have a stoichiometry of acid groups to epoxy groups of between about 0.5 and 2.0. Low curing temperature coating powders comprising an acrylic resin, a polyester resin, an epoxy functional crosslinking agent, and a curing catalyst exhibit good flexibility properties following application to a substrate and curing. Good flexibility may also be achieved by incorporating blended epoxy crosslinking agents into acrylic resins alone or into blended acrylic and polyester resins. Such blended crosslinking agents should have an epoxy functionality of from about 2 to about 6 and an equivalent weight of from about 100 to about 700.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable polymer systems comprising anionic and modified polyamine polymers. When such polymer systems are employed in cleaning compositions, such cleaning compositions exhibit unexpectedly improved anti-soil re-deposition and situs whitening capabilities.

Abstract: A polymeric material with antistatic properties, characterised by comprising a dispersion of ions within a polymeric matrix containing heteroatoms.

Abstract: Monofunctional polyfluorooxetane oligomers and polymers are prepared by the cationic polymerization of fluorooxetane monomers with a monoalcohol. The fluorooxetane oligomers or polymers can be copolymerized with generally cyclic ethers. Alternatively, the polyfluorooxetane oligomer or polymer having a single hydroxyl end group can be functionalized with a variety of compounds so as to yield a functional end group such as an acrylate, a methacrylate, an allylic, an amine, etc., with the functionalized oligomer or polymer being suitable for use in radiation curable or thermal curable coating compositions. These functionalized polymers can be copolymerized and cured to provide improvements in wetting and surface properties that have previously been provided by migratory chemicals such as waxes and oils.

Abstract: A composition that is a reaction product of two or three moieties. The first moiety (A) is a nonpolymeric, multi-functional moiety or combination of mono- or multifunctional moieties that adsorbs onto a cementitious particle. The second required moiety (C) is a linear or branched water soluble, nonionic polymer that is capable of providing dispersing capability. A third moiety (B), if present, is a nonpolymeric moiety disposed between the first and second moiety, to connect the first and second moieties.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing, in high purity and high yield, heterobifunctional derivatives of poly(ethylene glycol) or related polymers. A chromatographic purification step is not necessary in the method. In accordance with the method of the invention, an intermediate polymer having a formula of W-Poly-OH is provided bearing a removable group W at one terminus. The intermediate polymer W-Poly-OH is first altered by modifying the OH group to a first functional group X, followed by the removal of W to generate a second hydroxyl group. The latter hydroxyl group may then be further converted to a second functional group Y, thus providing the desired heterobifunctional derivative.

Abstract: Polymer composites comprising a water-insoluble polymer and a water-sensitive polymer are disclosed. The water-sensitive polymer is a copolymer polymerized from one or more alkylene oxide monomers and one or more epoxy-functional monomers. The polymer composites can be used in the manufacture of articles having enhanced lubricious-when-wet properties, e.g., wet-shaving devices, and medical devices, e.g., catheters. The articles can provide enhanced retention of lubricity after repeated uses.