Abstract: A particulate polyglycolic acid resin composition, comprising: a blend of a first particulate polyglycolic acid resin and a second particulate polyglycolic acid resin each having a moisture content of at most 110 ppm and providing a ratio of melt-viscosity (as measured at 270° C. and a shear rate of 121 sec?1; the same as hereinafter) therebetween of above 1 and at most 10. After the polymerization, the first and second particulate polyglycolic acid resins can cause change in properties before the forming (e.g., during storage); or during the forming process. However, by adequately determining the blending ratio between the resins while taking the melt-viscosities thereof into account, it becomes possible to provide a particulate polyglycolic acid resin composition showing a stable melt-formability and suitable as a starting material for various forming processes.

Abstract: A composition includes a blend of (a) a multi-block copolymer including at least one block of an elastomeric polymer and at least one block of a first polymer including a chiral polymer having a stereo isomeric configuration; and (b) a second polymer including an anti-chiral polymer corresponding to the chiral polymer in (a), wherein the second polymer includes an opposite handed stereo isomeric configuration to the chiral polymer in (a); wherein the blend of the chiral polymer and the anti-chiral polymer form stereo complex sites. A flexible tubing material further includes the blend. In an embodiment, a method of making the blend material is also provided.

Abstract: A resin composition comprising at least 0.1% by weight of poly(hydroxy carboxylic acid) and at least 50% by weight of polyethylene prepared with a single-site catalyst, preferably a metallocene.

Abstract: A one pot method of preparing cyclic carbonyl compounds comprising an active pendant pentafluorophenyl carbonate group is disclosed. The cyclic carbonyl compounds can be polymerized by ring opening methods to form ROP polymers comprising repeat units comprising a side chain pentafluorophenyl carbonate group. Using a suitable nucleophile, the pendant pentafluorophenyl carbonate group can be selectively transformed into a variety of other functional groups before or after the ring opening polymerization.

Abstract: Disclosed are a medical instrument and a medical material each comprising an aliphatic polyester resin composition, which are hardly reduced in strength and impact resistance upon the sterilization by ionizing radiation or have excellent shape-retaining properties after a heat treatment. Specifically, a medical instrument and a medical material both sterilized by ionizing radiation are provided, each of which contains a biodegradable resin and a polycarbodiimide compound in an amount of 0.1 to 10% by weight on the resin. The biodegradable resin is polybutylene succinate, a copolymer of polybutylene succinate, or a mixture of polybutylene succinate and a copolymer of polybutylene succinate with polylactic acid or poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate). A method of producing such medical instrument and medical material is also provided.

Abstract: A stent scaffolding including a polymer formulation comprising PLLA and polymandelide is disclosed. The polymandelide reduces the molecular weight drop during processing, particularly during sterilization. The stent scaffolding can further include one or more additional stabilizing agents that additionally reduce the molecular weight drop during processing.

Abstract: A block copolymer includes a hydrophobic block and a hydrophilic block, wherein the hydrophobic block and the hydrophilic block include repeating units derived from ring opening polymerization of one or more cyclic carbonate monomers. The one or more cyclic carbonate monomers are independently selected from compounds of the general formula (II): wherein each Q? and Qa group independently represents a hydrogen, an alkyl group, a halide, a carboxy group, an ester group, an amide group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, or a foregoing Q? or Qa group substituted with a carboxy group or an ester group, at least one Q? and Qa group includes an ester group; each Y independently represents O, S, NH, or NQ?; n is an integer from 0 to 6, wherein when n is 0, carbons labeled 4 and 6 are linked together by a single bond; each Q? group independently represents an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a foregoing Q? group substituted with a carboxy group, or an ester group.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable macromer compositions are provided including a polymeric component possessing a lipid segment which enhances the affinity of the macromer composition to targeted tissue. In some embodiments, the polymeric component can be combined with a second component. The resulting bioabsorbable macromer composition can be employed as an adhesive or sealant for medical/surgical uses.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic copolyester comprising: A) an acid component comprising repeating units of: 1) 53 to 54 mol % of an aromatic carboxylic acid; 2) 47 to 36 mol % of an aliphatic acid at least 50% of which is azelaic acid; B) a diol component selected from the group consisting of C3, C4 and C6 diols said AAPE being disintegrated according to the Standard ISO 20200 in 90 days.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic copolyester comprising 49 to 66 mol % of an aromatic polyfunctional acid; 51 to 34 mol % of an aliphatic acid, at least 70% of which is sebacic acid; and butandiol; and blends containing such copolyester.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic copolyester comprising 50 to 60 mol % of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and 40 to 50 mol % of an aliphatic acid, at least 90% of which is a long-chain dicarboxylic acid (LCDA) of natural origin selected from azelaic acid, sebacic acid, brassylic acid or mixtures thereof; and a diol component.

Abstract: A bimodal bioabsorbable polymer composition. The composition includes a first amount of a bioabsorbable polymer polymerized so as to have a first molecular weight distribution; a second amount of said bioabsorbable polymer polymerized so as to have a second molecular weight distribution having a weight average molecular weight between about 10,000 to about 50,000 Daltons, the weight average molecular weight ratio of said first molecular weight distribution to said second molecular weight distribution is at least about two to one; wherein a substantially homogeneous blend of said first and second amounts of said bioabsorbable polymer is formed in a ratio of between about 50/50 to about 95/5 weight/weight percent. Also disclosed are a medical device, a method of making a medical device and a method of melt blowing a semi-crystalline polymer blend.

Abstract: Implantable matrices and methods are provided. The matrices are configured to fit at or near a target tissue site, the matrices comprise biodegradable materials and ligands bound to the matrices and are configured to bind receptors and allow influx of cells into the implantable matrices, wherein the ratio of ligands to receptors is from about 1.5 to about 0.5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block copolymer derived from at least one tetrahydrofuran monomer containing 14C. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing such a block copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides the method for producing a polylactic acid resin composition, including steps (1) and (2) step (1): adding the polycarbodiimide cross-linking agent to the polylactic acid resin to cross-link the polylactic acid resin; and step (2): mixing the cross-linked polylactic acid resin prepared in the step (1) with the uncross-linked polylactic acid resin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing a thermoformable composite by crosslinking PHA and PLA together in the presence of an additive to produce PHA and PLA blend and resins having: (a) a Ts value of up to about 180° C.; and (b) a heat distortion index of up to about 160° C. The thermoformable composite is used to make a food or beverage cup, lid, cutlery item, foodservice item, molded tray, or food storage container. The thermoformable composite comprises from about 5% to about 95% by weight of polylactic acid (PLA), from about 5% to about 95% by weight polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer, and from about 0.01% to about 60% additives wherein the PLA and PHAs being crosslink together by intermolecular means to enhance performance and processability.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a polylactic acid block copolymer having high molecular weight, and in lower cost, wherein only a stereo-complex crystal is capable of growing, even when heat melting process is repeated. The present invention relates to a method for producing a polylactic acid block copolymer characterized in that (i) ring-opening polymerization of D-lactide (D component) is carried out in the presence of poly-L-lactic acid (L component), or (ii) ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide (L component) is carried out in the presence of poly-D-lactic acid (D component), and mass ratio of the D component and the L component is the D component/the L component=60/40 to 91/9, or the L component/the D component=60/40 to 91/9.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable packaging film is provided. The film is formed from a blend that contains a thermoplastic starch and polylactic acid. Starch is a relatively inexpensive natural polymer that is also renewable and biodegradable. Polylactic acid is likewise an inexpensive synthetic polymer that is biodegradable and renewable, yet also capable of providing increased tensile strength to the film. Although providing a good combination of biodegradability/renewability and increased tensile strength, the polylactic acid is also relatively rigid and can result in films having a relatively high stiffness (e.g., high modulus of elasticity) and low ductility. While more ductile than polylactic acid, the thermoplastic starch is often difficult to melt process in film forming processes and very sensitive to moisture and water vapor, reducing its ability to be used as a stand alone packaging film.

Abstract: A phase change composition including at least one crystalline polyester and at least one acrylate monomer. Examples of suitable crystalline polyesters include aliphatic crystalline polyesters and polylactones. A method of making the phase change composition, and a method for applying the phase change composition to a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a polymer composition comprising one of poly-D-lactide and poly-L-lactide bonded to an anionic clay mineral and the other of poly-D-lactide and poly-L-lactide not bonded to the anionic clay mineral. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic clay mineral is a hydrotalcite or a meixnerite. The polylactide composition according to the invention combines a high polymerisation rate with a low amount of contaminants in the system.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to produce a polylactic acid having a high molecular weight such as a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of more than 100,000 from which only a stereocomplex crystal is grown even by repeating melting and crystallization. The present invention is a process of producing a polylactic acid, including the steps of: (i) obtaining a solid by kneading together poly(L-lactic acid) and poly(D-lactic acid) at a temperature of 160 to 225° C. and crystallizing the kneaded product; and (ii) melt kneading the obtained solid.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide a material for producing a bioabsorbable material in which it is easy to remove a metal zinc catalyst from a bioabsorbable polymer such as a polymer of lactide or a polymer of lactide and caprolactone and it is easy to recycle the removed powdery metal zinc catalyst, and to provide a bioabsorbable material produced from the material for producing a bioabsorbable material. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A material for producing a bioabsorbable material including a three-dimensionally shaped metal zinc polymerization catalyst and a bioabsorbable polymer such as a polymer of lactide or a polymer of lactide and caprolactone; and a process for producing a material for producing a bioabsorbable material, characterized in that in the process for producing a bioabsorbable polymer by polymerization, a three-dimensionally shaped metal zinc catalyst is used as a polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a proton-conducting polymer membrane which comprises polyazole blends and is obtainable by a process comprising the steps A) preparation of a mixture comprising polyphosphoric acid, at least one polyazole (polymer A) and/or one or more compounds which are suitable for forming polyazoles under the action of heat according to step B), B) heating of the mixture obtainable according to step A) under inert gas to temperatures of up to 400° C., C) application of a layer using the mixture from step A) and/or B) to a support, D) treatment of the membrane formed in step C) until it is self-supporting, wherein at least one further polymer (polymer B) which is not a polyazole is added to the composition obtainable according to step A) and/or step B) and the weight ratio of polyazole to polymer B is in the range from 0.1 to 50.

Abstract: Novel bioabsorbable polymeric blends are disclosed. The blends have a first component that is a polylactide polymers or a copolymer of lactide and glycolide and a second component that is poly(p-dioxanone) polymer. The novel polymeric blends provide medical devices having dimensional stability. Also disclosed are novel bioabsorbable medical devices made from these novel polymer blends, as well as novel methods of manufacture.

Abstract: Disclosed are biomedical implants comprising surface-modified metal particles and biodegradable polymers; its use for suppressing inflammation; and a method for preparing a biomedical material, comprising: (a) modifying surface of basic metal particles with a polymer to obtain surface-modified metal particles; and (b) mixing the surface-modified metal particles with a biodegradable polymer, followed by manufacturing a biodegradable biomedical implant, or coating the resulting mixture on a conventional biomedical implant.

Abstract: N-substituted 4-aza-caprolactone biodegradable polymers, including derivatives thereof, useful for making implantable medical devices and coatings therefore are provided. The medical devices and coatings of the present invention can also be used for in situ controlled release drug delivery and are useful for treating or preventing medical conditions such as restenosis, aneurisms and vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: An aromatic polyester resin composition, comprising: a melt-kneaded product of 99-70 weight parts of an aromatic polyester resin and 1-30 wt. parts (providing a total of 100 wt. parts together with the aromatic polyester resin) of a polyglycolic acid resin, wherein the composition is characterized by a transesterification rate CTE (%) of 20-60% determined by formula (1) below based on a peak integration ratio of methylene group in polyglycolic acid appearing at ?4.87 ppm with reference to tetramethylsilane according to 1H-NMR measurement: CTE (%)=(1?I(B)/I(A))×100??(1), wherein I (A): a peak integration ratio of the methylene group of the polyglycolic acid main chain with respect to the alkylene group of the aromatic polyester main chain calculated from the components weight ratio; and I (B): a peak integration ratio of the methylene group of polyglycolic acid main chain to the alkylene group of the aromatic polyester main chain in the resin composition.

Abstract: Metal catalyst residues in resins containing polymerized lactic acid units, such as polylactides, are deactivated by treatment with a polymer or copolymer that contain pendant acid groups and pendant ester groups, with an acid-containing PLA resin, or with a polymer or copolymer having at least one acid groups per 250 atomic mass units and which has pendant lactic acid or poly(lactic acid) groups. The deactivating agent is effective at deactivating the catalyst, and has little effect on the optical clarity of the resin.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds and medical devices activated with a solvophobic material functionalized with a first reactive member and methods of making such compounds and devices.

Abstract: A process for producing a lactic acid polymer of 15,000 to 50,000 in weight-average molecular weight, the content of polymeric materials having not more than about 5,000 in weight-average molecular weight therein being not more than about 5% by weight, characterized by hydrolyzing a high molecular weight lactic acid polymer, placing the resultant solution comprising the hydrolyzed product under a condition capable of precipitating the objective lactic acid polymer, separating the precipitated lactic acid polymer and collecting them. The lactic acid polymer is useful as a matrix for sustained-release preparations. The sustained-release microcapsule preparation encapsulating a physiologically active substance can fully prevent the initial excessive release of the physiologically active substance from the microcapsules and keep a stable release rate over a long period of time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel POZ-2 derivatives, methods for synthesizing POZ-2 derivatives and intermediates useful in such methods. In one embodiment, the POZ-2 derivative comprises two linear POZ chains of the present disclosure linked directly or indirectly to a branching moiety that contains a functional group for linking the POZ-2 derivative to the target molecule. Target molecule-POZ-2 conjugates are also described. In certain embodiment, the POZ-2 derivatives have low polydispersity values and a decreased amount of impurities produced by unwanted side reactions, such as, but not limited to, chain transfer.

Abstract: Plasticization process for lactic acid polymers characterized in that it includes the grinding of the lactic acid polymers, the mixing of said ground and solid state lactic acid polymers, with mixtures of lactic acid oligomers, the subjecting of the mixture to a temperature of between 150° C. and 200° C. and at a pressure of between 1.4 bar and 4 bar, and the making up of the mixture, in a period of time of less than 30 minutes from the moment the lactic acid oligomers come in contact with lactic acid polymers.

Abstract: A dispersant comprising a polyester chain obtainable by polymerising a hydroxy carboxylic acid or lactone thereof such as ?-caprolactone with a cyclic alkylene carbonate such as 5,5-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate. The dispersant may be in the form of a phosphate ester where the polyester chain is reacted with a phosphating agent such as polyphosphoric acid or the polyester chain may be attached to a polyamine or polyimine such as polyethyleneimine.

Abstract: A crosslinked lactic acid polymer composition containing (i) a macromer comprising (i-a) a flexible segment produced by the condensation of two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of lactones, furans, epoxies, isocyanates, anhydrides, dianhydrides, alcohols, diols, triols, carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, esters, diesters, triesters, ethers, diethers, and triethers; and (ii) a lactic acid polymer produced by the condensation of a lactic acid monomer ordimer selected from the group consisting of D-lactic acid, L-lactic acid, D,L-lactic acid, L,L-lactide, D,D-lactide, and D,L-laclide; wherein the macromer and the lactic acid polymer contain carbon-carbon single-bond crosslinks.

Abstract: A star-branched polyester polyol is obtained by polymerizing lactide or lactic acid, using, as an initiator, a fat and oil composed mainly of a triacylglycerol that has at least three hydroxyl groups or epoxy groups in its molecule. This polyester polyol has low crystallinity and a low melting point, and thus shows good working properties when used in various applications. Furthermore, this polyester polyol is derived from renewable resources, and, thus, it is highly desirable in view of its effectiveness in protecting the global environment and preventing fossil resources from being depleted.

Abstract: Curative fibre components comprise one or more fibres for filaments of curative suitable to cure curable resins such as thermoset resin. In curative fibre components comprising a plurality of fibres of curative, the fibres can be commingled, such as twisting, to form a thread or yarn. Curative fibre components can be used to form a material in the form of a sheet, fabric, layer, textile or mat of woven or non-woven curative fibres. Curative fibre components can be used to produce composite materials such as fibre reinforced resinous composite materials. The curative fibre components can be commingled, including interwoven, stitched and layered with other fibres or fibrous materials, such as fibrous reinforcement, fibrous curable resin, fibrous thermoplastic, other non-reinforcing fibres to form composite materials, prepregs, preforms and articles.

Abstract: A method of preparing an aliphatic copolyester by mixing a first compound defined by the equation: and a catalyst, and adding a second compound defined by and a lactide, wherein the second compound and the lactide have a total weight less than the first compound, wherein a is 10-230, b, d and e have a ratio of 10-35:10-35:80-30, c is 1-4, and f is 1-10. The method further adds the second compound and the lactide, wherein the second compound and the lactide have a total weight less than the first compound, the second compound and the lactide in the prior mixing step. The method further adds the second compound and the lactide, wherein the second compound and the lactide have a total weight less than the first compound, the second compound and the lactide in of the prior mixing steps.

Abstract: The invention relates to biodegradable polyester mixture, comprising i) from 5 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to ii, of at least one polyester based on aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids and on aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, and ii) from 20 to 95% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to ii, of at least one biodegradable homo- or copolyester selected from the group consisting of polylactide, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and polyesters composed of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and of aliphatic diols, and iii) from 0.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a polylactic acid stretched film having biodegradability and excelling in transparency and heat resistance. The main feature is characterized in that a polylactic acid stretched film is composed of a polylactic acid composition containing poly-L-lactic acid and poly-D-lactic acid in which a peak ratio (peak 1/peak 2) of a peak height (peak 1) of a maximum endothermic peak of endothermic peaks within a range of 150 to 200° C. to a peak height (peak 2) of a maximum endothermic peak of endothermic peaks within a range of 205 to 240° C. in DSC measurements is equal to or less than 0.2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block copolymer derived from at least one tetrahydrofuran monomer containing 14C. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing such a block copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising blends of alkenyl aromatic polymers such as styrenic polymers (i.e. PS and HIPS) and bio-based or biodegradable polymers (i.e. PLA, PGA, PHA, PBS, PCL) compatibilized with styrene-based copolymers (i.e. styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymers, maleated SEBS, styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate (SMMA) copolymer) or a mixture of two or more styrene-based copolymers such as SEBS and SMA. These novel compositions can be extruded and thermoformed to produce very low density food service and consumer foam articles such as plates, hinged lid containers, trays, bowls, and egg cartons with good mechanical properties.

Abstract: There is described herein an intermediate transfer member including a polyimide polymer having the formula: wherein n is from about 50 to about 2,000.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-modal shape memory polymer material comprising a blend of at least one polymer component having a first molecular weight and at least a second polymer component having a second molecular weight that is less than the first component.

Abstract: Nanoparticles comprising T3 and their use in treating, e.g., cardiac conditions, for example cardiac arrest, are provided. Such nanoparticles provide improved delivery of T3 and allow for acute treatment and optionally for sustained release of T3 in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a polymer composition, the method comprising melt mixing an aliphatic condensation polymer with a cyclic ester of general formula (I) where X is an optionally substituted aliphatic hydrocarbon having 2 or more carbon atoms present in the cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foam comprising (a) a polylactic acid resin, (b) at least one thermoplastic resin selected from a polyolefin resin and a polystyrene resin, and (c) a block copolymer of a vinyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, wherein a ratio of (a) to (b) by weight (a/b) is 80/20 to 20/80, and the foam comprises 0.5 to 20 parts by weight of (c) with respect to 100 parts by weight of (a) and (b) in total.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides terminally activated monofunctional POZ derivatives having a range of functional active groups allowing conjugation of the monofunctional POZ derivatives to a variety of target molecules under a wide range of reaction conditions to produce a hydrolytically stable target molecule-POZ conjugate. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides novel methods of synthesis for the disclosed terminally activated monofunctional POZ derivatives and hydrolytically stable target molecule-POZ conjugates created using the disclosed terminally activated monofunctional POZ derivatives.

Abstract: In a cured product having a thickness of 60 ?m obtained from an actinic energy ray-curable composition of the present invention, when a scratch mark is made at a vertical load of 235 mN using a diamond indenter with a tip diameter of 15 ?m, the scratch mark is repaired by a self-repairing ability under an atmosphere at 25° C. and at a relative humidity of 50%. Therefore, the actinic energy ray-curable composition is useful as coating agents or paints for products where scratch resistance is required.

Abstract: PLA stereocomplexes are formed from poly-D-PLA and poly-L-PLA oligomers. The oligomers contain functional groups which allow them to react with each other or with an added curing agent to produce a high molecular weight block copolymer. Heat treatment of the resin permits the resin to develop crystallites having a melting temperature of 185° C. or more.