Abstract: Polymer blends of glycolide and/or lactide homopolymer and/or glycolide/lactide copolymer and polycaprolactone and/or polytrimethylene carbonate homopolymer or copolymers thereof and absorbable surgical devices manufactured therefrom having improved mechanical properties, such as improved impact resistance and improved cyclic flex, are disclosed.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a resin composition having flame retardancy, high tracking resistance and excellent mechanical properties can be obtained by compounding aluminum borate whiskers with a thermoplastic resin that has been flame-retarded with a halogen-based flame retardant.

Abstract: Absorbable copolymers are fabricated from the random polymerization of 1,4 dioxane-2-one and 1,3 dioxane-2-one monomers. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be encapped 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: Block copolymers wherein one of the blocks is made from hard phase forming monomers and another of the blocks is made from soft phase forming monomers copolymerized with randomly intermingled units of other soft phase forming monomers. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous powder coating dispersion comprising a solid, pulverulent component A and an aqueous component B, in which component A. is a powder coating comprisinga) at least one epoxide-containing binder with a content of from 30 to 45%, preferably from 30 to 35%, of glycidyl-containing monomers and, if desired, with a content of aromatic vinyl compounds, preferably styrene,b) at least one crosslinking agent, preferably straight-chain aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and/or carboxy-functional polyesters, andc) if desired, catalysts, auxiliaries, typical powder coating additives, such as degassing agents, levelling agents, UV absorbers, free-radical scavengers and antioxidants,and component B.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyester/vinyl dioxolane based coating compositions containing no or essentially no volatile organic components. Oligomers for forming the coating compositions of the present invention are vinyl dioxolane end-capped polyester oligomers.

Abstract: Flow improving agents for binder suspensions containing cement are described, which consist of:a) Graft polymers which have been prepared by radical grafting of a polyalkylene oxide of the general formula (I) with an ethylenically unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid or the anhydride thereof, and then by derivatizing with a primary or secondary amine and/or alcohol, and also ofb) Casein.These flow improving agents have the advantage that the ability to flow is considerably improved in comparison, for example, with casein alone, and the improved ability to flow is preserved over a longer period of time.

Abstract: A deformable surgical repair device is manufactured from a block or graft copolymer. The copolymer comprises a plurality of first linkages selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid ester and lactic acid ester linkages, and mixtures thereof, and a plurality of second linkages selected from the group consisting of 1,3-dioxan-2-one; 1,4-dioxan-2-one and .epsilon.-caprolactone linkages. The plurality of first linkages comprises at least about 50 up to about 90 mole percent of the copolymer. In an alternative Claim, the deformable surgical repair device is manufactured from a blend of a first and a second absorbable polymer. The first absorbable polymer comprises a plurality of linkages selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid ester and lactic acid ester linkages, and mixtures thereof. The second absorbable polymer comprises a plurality of linkages selected from the group consisting of 1,3-dioxan-2-one; 1,4-dioxan-2-one and .epsilon.-caprolactone linkages.

Abstract: An adhesive composition for surgical use including an .alpha.-cyanoacrylate adhesive composition with a polymer characteristic for biodegrading and bioabsorbing the adhesive into the body of a living organism. It is preferred that the polymer is a co-polymer of DL-lactic acid and .epsilon.-caprolactone or a co-polymer of DL-lactic acid, ethylene glycol and .epsilon.-caprolactone, or a co-polymer of ethylene glycol and .epsilon.-caprolactone.

Abstract: The present invention has for subjects, novel benzopyran derivatives, substituted in position 2 with an adamantyl group as well as the compositions and (co)polymer matrices containing such derivatives. Said derivatives possess interesting photochromic properties.

Abstract: The present invention discloses polymers of poly(p-dioxanone having an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, as determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C. This invention also describes improved surgical devices and filaments made from poly(p-dioxanone) with an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C. Additionally, disclosed are processes for manufacturing poly(p-dioxanone) with an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, as determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C., as well as, processes for molding surgical articles and extruding surgical filaments from these polymers.

Abstract: A bioerodible polymeric semi-IPN alloy which comprises a first bioerodible polymer capable of producing acidic products upon hydrolytic degradation; a second bioerodible polymer, which provides a biopolymeric scaffolding or internal reinforcement; and optionally a buffering compound that buffers the acidic products within a desired pH range. In a preferred embodiment, the second bioerodible polymer comprises polypropylene fumarate (PPF), which is cross-linked, desirably by a vinyl monomer such as vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) to form the biopolymeric scaffolding which provides the semi-IPN with dimensional and geometric stability.

Abstract: A random-block copolymer having appropriate hydrolyzability, excellent flexibility and excellent mechanical strength, a monofilament thereof, and a process for producing the copolymer. The random-block copolymer comprises from 5 to 50 mol % of a random copolymer segment containing from 20 to 80 mol % of a lactide unit (A) and from 80 to 20 mol % of a caprolactone unit (B), and from 95 to 50 mol % of a block copolymer segment containing a glycolide unit (C).

Abstract: Block copolymers containing a fluorinated hydrocarbon unit, a hydrocarbon unit, and a poly(oxyethylene) unit are useful in fluid formulations of pharmaceutical agents. A typical embodiment is:C.sub.11 H.sub.23 --CONHC.sub.2 H.sub.4 NHCO--C.sub.8 F.sub.16 --CONHC.sub.2 H.sub.4 NHCOO--(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.34 --H.

Abstract: A triblock terpolymer with a structure ABA formed from a biodegradable hard segment A and a biodegradable soft segment B has as the soft segment a statistical terpolymer with a completely amorphous structure. A process for its production comprises chemically reacting the hard segment monomer with hydroxy terminal groups of the soft segment B. The absorbable polymer is suitable for the production of a surgical suture material, which is wholly or partly formed from the polymer.

Abstract: Compatible polymer compositions and optically clear, degradable films containing from 55 to 90 wt % of a poly(hydroxy acid) polymer composition and from 10 to 45 wt % of one or more compatible thermoplastic polymers are disclosed. The films are prepared by melt processing the materials to obtain uniform composition, and forming the composition into a film of thickness from 0.01 to 2 mm. The films can be used in packaging and conventional applications.

Abstract: A low molecular weight, ester-terminated polyamide may be blended with a liquid hydrocarbon to form a transparent composition having gel consistency. The ester-terminated polyamide is prepared by reacting "x" equivalents of dicarboxylic acid wherein at least 50% of those equivalents are from polymerized fatty acid, "y" equivalents of diamine such as ethylene diamine, and "z" equivalents of monoalcohol having at least 4 carbon atoms. The stoichiometry of the reaction mixture is such that 0.9.ltoreq.{x/(y+z)}.ltoreq.1.1 and 0.1.ltoreq.{z/(y+z)}.ltoreq.0.7. The reactants are heated until they reach reaction equilibrium. The gel contains about 5-50% ester-terminated polyamide with the remainder preferably being pure hydrocarbon. The gels are useful in formulating personal care products and other articles wherein some degree of gel-like or self-supporting consistency is desired.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is provided for use in providing syringeable, in-situ forming, solid biodegradable implants for animals. The polymer is placed into the animal in liquid form and cures to form the implant in-situ. A thermoplastic system to form said implant comprises the steps of dissolving a non-reactive polymer in biocompatible solvent to form a liquid, placing the liquid within the animal, and allowing the solvent to dissipate to produce the implant. An alternative, thermosetting system comprises mixing together effective amounts of a liquid acrylic ester terminated, biodegradable prepolymer and a curing agent, placing the liquid mixture within an animal and allowing the prepolymer to cure to form the implant. Both systems provide a syringeable, solid biodegradable delivery system by the addition of an effective level of biologically active agent to the liquid before injection into the body.

Abstract: A process for preparing hydroxyl-containing polymers and, in particular, a process for preparing polytetrahydrofuran with terminal hydroxyl groups from the corresponding acyloxy-containing polymers by transesterification with alcohols is carried out continuously in at least one stirred vessel, with the foam produced in the transesterification being fed tangentially to a cylindrical container, preferably a cyclone separator, at an adequate velocity to destroy the foam. The liquid phase which separates out is recycled through a line to the at least one stirred vessel.This continuous process is preferably carried out in a cascade of stirred vessels, in which each stirred vessel or a subunit of at least two stirred vessels can in each case be coupled to a cylindrical container, preferably in the form of a cyclone separator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating composition for PVC sections, based on a polymeric vehicle, a crosslinking agent, and a thermoplastic resin powder. The coating composition is particularly useful for coating PVC sections for windows, shutters, and doors. PVC joinery coated with the composition of the invention has exceptional impact strength and resistance to abrasion, friction, and inclement weather.

Abstract: The present invention is a water-responsive fiber. More particularly, the present invention is a fiber comprising a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polylactide and a method of making such fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a fiber comprising a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and modified polylactide and a method of making such fibers. The fibers are useful as a component in flushable and degradable articles.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymers comprising a polyether ester P1 obtained by reactinga first mixture of20-95 mol% of adipic acid or ester-forming derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof,5-80 mol% of terephthalic acid or ester-forming derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, and0-5 mol% of a compound containing sulfonate groups,and a second mixture of15-99.8 mol% of a dihydroxy compound selected from the group consisting of C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkanediols and C.sub.5 -C.sub.10 -cycloalkanediols,85-0.2 mol% of a dihydroxy compound IHO--?(CH.sub.2).sub.n --O!.sub.m --H(n=2, 3 or 4, m=2-250)with0-5 mol%, based on the first mixture, of a compound D having at least three groups capable of ester formation,and a bisoxazoline C1, their preparation and their use in the manufacture of biodegradable molding materials.

Abstract: Blends of polymers having properties distinct from the individual polymer components and that are suitable for use as carriers of pharmaceutically active agents, are prepared from two or more polyanhydrides, polyesters or mixtures of polyanhydrides and polyesters. The blends have different properties than the polymers used to prepare the blends, providing a means for altering the characteristics of a polymeric matrix without altering the chemical structure of the component polymers. Blends of various polyanhydrides, polyesters, and polyanhydrides and polyesters, containing pharmaceutically active agents, are prepared using solvent mixing or melt mixing procedures.

Abstract: Degradable polyesteramide suitable for use in biomedical applications is obtained by reacting diamino alkyl ester with alpha hydroxy acid to form diamide-diol which is reacted with acyl halide or dicarboxylic acid to yield polyesteramide.

Abstract: A thermal resistant resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of polyester (A) having 25-75% by weight of a lactic acid component consisting of 25-75% by weight of a lactic acid-based polymer (a1) and 25-75% by weight of other aliphatic polyester (a2) having a melting point of 100-250.degree. C., and 0.1-70 parts by weight of a crystalline inorganic filler (B) containing 10% by weight or more of SiO.sub.2. The thermal resistant resin composition of the invention performs following function:1) injection molding can be carried out at a mold temperature of Tg or less or around room temperature with a short molding-cycle,2) quick crystallization velocity and satisfactory crystallinity can be attained in the molding step, and3) the molded articles have, as a result, excellent thermal resistance and generate properties of low deterioration of a high polymer component and slow embrittlement in use.

Abstract: Polyesteramides having amino acid-derived groups alternating with hydroxy acid-derived groups are useful in making shaped articles, particularly, shaped articles suitable for use as surgical devices.

Abstract: A polyesteramide suitable for use in the fabrication of absorbable surgical devices such as monofilament and multifilament sutures, films, sheets, plates, clips, staples, pins, screws, and the like, is obtained by reacting a monoalkanolamine such as ethanolamine with a diacid halide such as succinic acidchloride to provide a diamidediol and thereafter reacting the diamidediol with the same or different diacid halide under polymerization conditions to form the polyesteramide.

Abstract: Cyclic monomers prepared by novel methods are useful in making polyesteramides which can be made into shaped articles, particularly, shaped articles suitable for use as surgical devices.

Abstract: A method for alleviating the symptoms of a cosmetic or dermatologic skin condition is described. An effective amount of a poly(hydroxy acid)/polymer conjugate in a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable vehicle is provided. Topical compositions of the conjugates with another cosmetic or dermatological agent, and compounds of the conjugates having attached physiologically active functional groups, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diblock copolymer comprising: (a) a first block of polyester wherein said first block is made from aromatic polyester having: (i) an intrinsic viscosity which is measured in a 60/40 by weight mixture of phenol and tetrachloroethane and is at least about 0.6 deciliter/gram and (ii) a Newtonian melt viscosity which is measured by capillary rheometer and is at least about 7,000 poise at 280.degree. C.; and (b) a second block of polyester wherein said second block is made from lactone monomer. The diblock copolymer is useful in engineered materials, films, and in spinning fibers for industrial applications such as seat belts. A process for making the diblock copolymer uses a twin screw extruder for melting the aromatic polyester and mixing it with monomer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses polymers of poly(p-dioxanone having an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, as determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C. This invention also describes improved surgical devices and filaments made from poly(p-dioxanone) with an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C. Additionally, disclosed are processes for manufacturing poly(p-dioxanone) with an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, as determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C., as well as, processes for molding surgical articles and extruding surgical filaments from these polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel biodegradable polymer compositions effecting superiority in elongation at break, Izod impact strength and mold releasability which has not been obtained before the past and provides a biodegradable shrink film exceling in transparency, strength, flexibility, mold releasability and shrinkability by applying the biodegradable polymer composition to the shrink film. Thus, the biodegradable polymer compositions are provided which comprise as a main component a mixture of two or more of polylactic acids, glycol/aliphatic dicarboxylic acid copolymers and polycaprolactones and these biodegradable polymer compositions are applied to shrink films.

Abstract: Reinforced, molding compositions having improved ductility and melt flow properties. The present compositions contain a cyclo aliphatic polyester resin preferably comprising the reaction product of a cycloaliphatic C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 diol or chemical equivalent and C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 cycloaliphatic diacid or chemical equivalent, preferably an impact modifying amorphous resin which increases the ductility of the polyester resin but reduces the melt flow properties thereof, a high molecular weight polyetherester polymer which increases the melt flow properties of the polyester polymer without reducing the ductility thereof, and a glass filler to reinforce and stiffen the composition and form a reinforced molding composition.

Abstract: A surgical bonding material includes a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase. The continuous phase is formed from a polymerizable liquid. The discontinuous phase includes particles of bioabsorbable polymer. The bonding material may be partially or completely bioabsorbable.

Abstract: An optically active block polyester copolymer formed of structural units represented by the following general formulas (I) and (II): ##STR1## wherein represents for an asymmetric carbon atom and m and n each represents a natural number in the range of from 300 to 5000 is obtained by subjecting an optically active butyrolactone and a species of lactone other than the optically active butyrolactone to sequential ringopening copolymerization in the presence of a catalyst. This optically active block polyester copolymer possesses a high molecular weight and a high melting point (not less than 130.degree. C.) and forms a biodegradable and hydrolyzable material of high strength capable of tolerating the impacts of actual use.

Abstract: Compositions for bone repair have been developed based on linear hydrophobic degradable polymers and monomers or macromers, at least one of which includes an anhydride linkage. The monomers and/or macromers crosslink each other but not to the linear polymer to form semi-interpenetrating networks. The compositions can include various excipients, therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents. The compositions can be polymerized in the presence of dissolvable particles such as inorganic salts and proteinaceous materials to provide a porous polymer network. The compositions can be injected into a patient and polymerized in situ or can be polymerized ex vivo and implanted. When polymerized ex vivo, the composition can be shaped into various articles, such as pins, screws, and hollow tubes, which can be used to repair broken bones.

Abstract: Disclosed are a biodegradable copolymer and a biodegradable article molded therefrom, said copolymer having a number average molecular weight ranging from 1,000 to 1,000,000 consisting essentially of (A) from 5 to 99% by mol of epsilon-caprolactone or delta-valerolactone structural units and (B) from 95 to 1% by mol of oxetane structural units, said structural units being combined in the state of a block, and containing an organic aluminum-based Lewis acid represented by general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl group having a carbon number ranging from 1 to 4, Y is independently selected from a substituted group, and p is any one of 1, 2 and 3. Also disclosed are block polymers of lactone and dimethyltrimethylene carbonate and blends of polylactone with polyoxetane.

Abstract: This invention discloses non-crosslinked, poly-branched polymers having a comb-burst configuration and a process for preparing such polymers.

Abstract: Crystane, low melting .epsilon.-Caprolactone polymers which undergo accelerated hydrolysis, and their use as lubricant coatings and/or as coatings containing bioactive agents, as carriers of viable cells, and as coatings for open-cell microporous template or constucts for tissue regeneration; the polymers bearing basic functionalities can be linked ionically or covalently to the ester chain which induces autocatalyzed hydrolysis.

Abstract: A coating composition for preventing corrosion of a substrate including corrodable material, the coating composition comprising: a cycloaliphatic epoxy compound; a polyester compound; and a catalyst.

Abstract: Thermoplastic molding compositions are made from a blend of high molecular weight and low molecular weight polycaprolactones. The blends have lower viscosity, and can have higher modulus, than a composition containing only high molecular weight polycaprolactone. The blends are especially useful for dental impressioning.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable, ternary block copolymer consisting essentially of (A) polylactic acid segment, (B) poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone) segment and (C) polyglycolic acid segment, preparation process of the block copolymer, and medical molded articles prepared from said block copolymer. The bioabsorbable block copolymer is excellent in mechanical strength and flexibility and has moderate hydrolyzability and is especially utilized for a surgical monofilament suture.

Abstract: Difunctional, hydroxyl-terminated polymers in which the terminal hydroxyl group is non-primary or hindered are end-capped to provide unhindered, primary, terminal hydroxyl groups which promote an improved cure and improved mechanical properties of the cured elastomer. End-capping chemicals have an hydroxyl-reactive group at one end and a group at the other end which is removable to provide a primary, unhindered hydroxyl group. Short-chain, hydroxyl-terminated polymers are chain-extended with a diisocyanate.

Abstract: Water-soluble graft polymers are described which have been produced bya) radical grafting of a polyalkylene oxide of the general formula I ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 =--H, --C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1, --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 --C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1, ##STR2## --(CH--R.sup.2).sub.m NHR.sup.2, --(CH--R.sup.2).sub.m OH, --(CH--R.sup.2).sub.m --COOH, --CO--R.sup.5R.sup.2 =--H, --CH.sub.3, --C.sub.2 H.sub.5R.sup.3 =--H, --C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1, --C.sub.m H.sub.2m --SO.sub.3 Na, --(CH--R.sup.2).sub.m NHR.sup.2, --(CH--R.sup.2).sub.m OH, --(CH--R.sup.2).sub.m --COOH, --CO--R.sup.5R.sup.4 =--H, --(CH--R.sup.2).sub.m --COOH, --CO--R.sup.5R.sup.5 =--C.sub.m H.sub.2m+1, --C.sub.6 H.sub.5, --(CH--R.sup.2).sub.m --COOH, --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 --COOHn denotes 1-18, m denotes 1-5, x denotes 2-200, y denotes 0 or 1with an ethylenically unsaturated mono or dicarboxylic acid or their anhydride and subsequentlyb) derivatising with a primary or secondary amine and/or alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention provides injectable, bioabsorbable microdispersions suitable for use as a soft tissue repair or augmentation material in animals comprising a fluid carrier that is a liquid polymer selected from the group consisting of liquid polymers of a plurality of at least two different first lactone repeating units and other liquid polymers; and a particulate material. Additionally, the present invention also discloses methods of using these microdispersions for tissue augmentation and repair as well as kits which include prefilled containers to facilitate the use of these materials.

Abstract: Poly-p-dioxanone is prepared in a process comprising:(a) heating a reaction mixture comprising p-dioxanone and an effective amount of a polymerization catalyst under conditions of temperature and pressure effective to produce a reaction product mixture comprising molten poly-p-dioxanone and unreacted p-dioxanone;(b) solidifying the reaction product mixture and dividing it into a plurality of solid particles;(c) introducing the solid particles into a separator vessel and exposing the solid particles to a temperature within the range of about 25.degree. to about 110.degree. C. under reduced pressure and sweeping the particles with an inert gas, thereby separating the reaction product mixture into an unreacted p-dioxanone portion and a poly-p-dioxanone portion comprising less than about 3 weight percent p-dioxanone; and(d) removing the poly-p-dioxanone portion from the separator.The invention process permits the economical production of high molecular weight poly-p-dioxanone in the melt.

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, 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 varity of medical device applications, especially adhesion prevention barriers and hemostatic devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoformable composition characterized in that it contains at least one starchy compound, at least one biodegradable polyester and at least one salt of hydroxycarboxylic acid.