Abstract: A mastopexy implant for maintaining the breast in an elevated and aesthetically pleasing position includes a lower pole support comprising end portions which may be affixed to the chest wall or to a previously installed upper suspension strut. The implant is loaded in an insertion device. The insertion device is inserted through a small incision and into a subcutaneous pocket created in an inferior half of the breast. The lower pole support may have various constructs and in one embodiment includes a unitary conformable mesh having a plurality of arm or band members which are attached across the breast parenchyma and to the chest wall.

Abstract: Polylactide resins are branched by reaction with a mixture of a polyene compound and a cyclic peroxide. This branching method produces a product that has a very high polydispersity, a high branching number (Bn) and excellent melt strength, without forming large amounts of gelled material. The branched polylactide resins are useful in many melt processing operations, in particular sheet and film extrusion, extrusion foaming, extrusion coating and fiber processing. They are characterized by easy processing and allow for broadened processing windows.

Abstract: A method for quantification of the amount of meso-lactide in a composition containing at least one other lactide stereoisomer with respect to the total amount of lactide stereoisomers in the composition. The quantification is based on measurements performed on absorptions in the Infra-Red region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Small amounts of meso-lactide in a lactide composition could be measured online in an easy and reproducible manner. Preferably near-IR has been used in this quantification method. The method can be applied with great advance in a lactide production device.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as aliphatic hydroxy-carboxylic acid and hydroxyl-carboxylic acid derivatives. These aliphatic hydroxy-carboxylic acids are, in turn, polymerized. The polymerization is carried out using a thin film evaporator or a thin film polymerization/devolatilization device. Conversion of lactic acid to poly lactic acid is an especially useful product to this process.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions and processes of forming the same are discussed herein. The processes generally include contacting a polylactic acid with a reactive modifier selected from epoxy-functionalized polybutadiene, ionic monomer, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices comprising radiopaque star-block copolymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polylactic acid resin composition useful as a packaging material which has not only improved flexibility but also superior external appearance and superior properties such as mechanical property, transparency, heat resistance, anti-blocking property, workability of a film, and the like, and a packaging film including the same. The polylactic acid resin composition comprises a polylactic acid resin including a hard segment comprising a polylactic acid repeating unit and a soft segment comprising a polyurethane polyol repeating unit in which polyether polyol repeating units are linearly linked via a urethane bond; and a specific content of antioxidant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses new catalyst systems based on complexes of divalent metals supported by chelating phenoxy ligands for immortal ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters and cyclic carbonates.

Abstract: A system and method for making a biomaterial device includes a support structure providing a shape for a biomaterial device. At least one applicator has a supply of biomaterial solution and is positioned along the support structure. The at least one applicator forms a biomaterial fiber by applying shear force to the biomaterial solution and delivering the biomaterial fiber to the support structure. A controller causes relative movement between the support structure and the at least one applicator, and the biomaterial fiber is arranged on the support structure according to the relative movement to form the biomaterial device. The biomaterial may be silk fibroin which may be wound onto a reciprocating and rotating mandrel. Control over the properties of the biomaterial device is achieved through appropriate selection of material processing, winding strategy, and post-winding processing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric materials comprising biodegradable, dioxanone-based copolymers and implantable devices (e.g., drug-delivery stents) formed of such materials. The polymeric materials can also contain at least one additional biocompatible moiety, at least one non-fouling moiety, at least one biobeneficial material, at least one bioactive agent, or a combination thereof. The polymeric materials are designed to improve the mechanical, physical and biological properties of implantable devices formed thereof.

Abstract: A method of making a pure block copolymer includes forming a crude block copolymer; heating a solution of the crude block copolymer and alcohol; and cooling the solution to promote precipitation of a purified block copolymer, wherein an amount of impurities remaining in the purified block copolymer is from about 0 to about 5 wt % based on a total weight of the purified block copolymer; a ratio of a polydispersity index of the crude block copolymer to a polydispersity index of the purified block copolymer is from about 1.02 to about 1.25; a ratio of a molecular weight of the crude block copolymer to a molecular weight of the purified block copolymer is from about 0.75 to about 1.0; and a ratio of a number average molecular weight of the crude block copolymer to a number average molecular weight of the purified block copolymer is from about 0.65 to about 1.

Abstract: Methods of making a biodegradable polymeric stent made from poly(L-lactide) and a low concentration of L-lactide monomer is disclosed. The concentration of L-lactide is adjusted to provide a degradation behavior that is suitable for different treatment applications including coronary, peripheral, and nasal. Methods include making a poly(L-lactide) material for a stent with uniformly distributed L-lactide monomer through control of polymerization conditions during PLLA synthesis, control of post-processing conditions, or both.

Abstract: A drug conjugate is provided herein. The conjugate comprises a protein based recognition-molecule (PBRM) and a polymeric carrier substituted with one or more -LD-D, the protein based recognition-molecule being connected to the polymeric carrier by LP. Each occurrence of D is independently a therapeutic agent having a molecular weight ?5 kDa. LD and LP are linkers connecting the therapeutic agent and PBRM to the polymeric carrier respectively. Also disclosed are polymeric scaffolds useful for conjugating with a PBRM to form a polymer-drug-PBRM conjugate described herein, compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of their preparation, and methods of treating various disorders with the conjugates or their compositions.

Abstract: A drug conjugate is provided herein. The conjugate comprises a protein based recognition-molecule (PBRM) and a polymeric carrier substituted with one or more -LD-D, the protein based recognition-molecule being connected to the polymeric carrier by LP. Each occurrence of D is independently a therapeutic agent having a molecular weight ?5 kDa. LD and LP are linkers connecting the therapeutic agent and PBRM to the polymeric carrier respectively. Also disclosed are polymeric scaffolds useful for conjugating with a PBRM to form a polymer-drug-PBRM conjugate described herein, compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of their preparation, and methods of treating various disorders with the conjugates or their compositions.

Abstract: Auristatin compounds and conjugates thereof are provided herein. The conjugate comprises a protein based recognition-molecule (PBRM) and a polymeric carrier substituted with one or more -LD-D, the protein based recognition-molecule being connected to the polymeric carrier by LP. Each occurrence of D is independently an Auristatin compound. LD and LP are linkers connecting the therapeutic agent and PBRM to the polymeric carrier respectively. Also disclosed are polymeric scaffolds useful for conjugating with a PBRM to form a polymer-drug-PBRM conjugate described herein, compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of their preparation, and methods of treating various disorders with the conjugates or their compositions.

Abstract: Polyglycerol carboxylic acid esters are made by reaction of a, typically C2 to C30, particularly C6 to C22, carboxylic acid with glycerol carbonate, particularly with base catalyst, and desirably at temperatures from 170° C. to 250° C. Other carbonates e.g. cyclic diol carbonates such as ethylene or propylene carbonates, may be used in combination with the glycerol carbonate to make novel mixed polymeric esters. The molar ratio of carboxylic acid group to glycerol carbonate is typically from 2 to 30, but can be up to 100. The base catalyst is desirably alkali metal hydroxide, carbonate or alkoxide. The reaction is desirably carried out in an inert atmosphere, and reducing agent such as phosphorous acid, hypophosphorous acid or borohydride and/or activated carbon, may be included to improve product color.

Abstract: A process for producing an aliphatic polyester, comprising: subjecting at least two serial stages of bulk-phase ring-opening polymerization and a solid-phase polymerization step, wherein a cyclic ester held in a dry air atmosphere is supplied to a first reactor to perform a first stage polymerization, thereby obtaining a partially polymerized molten product, and the resultant partially polymerized molten product is supplied to a second reactor held under a dry inert gas atmosphere to perform a second stage polymerization. As a result, the production efficiency can be improved, while maintaining excellent properties of the aliphatic polyester product.

Abstract: A drug conjugate is provided herein. The conjugate comprises a protein based recognition-molecule (PBRM) and a polymeric carrier substituted with one or more -LD-D, the protein based recognition-molecule being connected to the polymeric carrier by LP. Each occurrence of D is independently a therapeutic agent having a molecular weight ?5 kDa. LD and LP are linkers connecting the therapeutic agent and PBRM to the polymeric carrier respectively. Also disclosed are polymeric scaffolds useful for conjugating with a PBRM to form a polymer-drug-PBRM conjugate described herein, compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of their preparation, and methods of treating various disorders with the conjugates or their compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable multi-block copolymer, comprising at least two hydrolysable segments derived from pre-polymers A and B, which segments are linked by a multi-functional chain-extender and are chosen from the pre-polymers A and B, and triblock copolymers ABA and BAB, wherein the multi-block copolymer is amorphous at physiological (body) conditions. The invention further relates to a process for preparing said copolymer and to its use as a medical implant, a coating for a medical device or a drug delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Process for preparing a composition of a vinylidene chloride polymer and at least one ?-caprolactone polymer according to which: a) during the preparation of the vinylidene chloride polymer by polymerization of the vinylidene chloride and at least one comonomer that is copolymerizable with it, at least one ?-caprolactone polymer, preformed in a medium other than that of the vinylidene chloride polymerization, is added; and b) optionally, in addition, at least one ?-caprolactone polymer is added to the vinylidene chloride polymer isolated at the end of step a). Process for preparing articles, in particular films, which includes the use of a composition prepared by the aforementioned process. Single-layer or multilayer film comprising said composition and packaging or bag formed from this film.

Abstract: Block copolymers include hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks having repeating units derived from ring opening polymerization of one or more cyclic carbonate monomers. The carbonate monomers are independently selected from compounds of 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: There are provided a resin composition including a polylactic acid which (i) includes a poly-L-lactic acid (component B-1) and a poly-D-lactic acid (component B-4), (ii) has a weight ratio of the component B-1 to the component B-4 (component B-1/component B-4) of 10/90 to 90/10, and (iii) shows a proportion of melt peaks at 195° C. or higher to all melt peaks in a temperature rising process in measurement by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) of at least 20%; a molded article of the resin composition; and methods for producing the resin composition and the molded article.

Abstract: Organic materials which possess outstanding stability to oxidative, thermal or light-induced degradation comprise as stabilizers at least one compound of the formula I wherein the general symbols are as defined in claim 1. The compounds of formula I are especially useful as stabilizers for protecting polymers and lubricants against oxidative, thermal or light-induced degradation and as scavengers for oxidized developer in color photographic material.

Abstract: A resin composition comprises a polylactic acid resin (A) 75-10 wt %, an aromatic polycarbonate resin (B) 25-90 wt % and a polymer compound to which a glycidyl compound or an acid anhydride is grafted or copolymerized (D) 1-50 wt parts with respect to 100 wt parts of the total of the component (A) and the component (B).

Abstract: A block or graft copolymer including a thermoplastic resin segment and as an aliphatic polyester segment is provided. The copolymer can be used as a compatibilizer for a resin alloy comprising polylactic acid, which can reduce the consumption of petroleum raw materials.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugates or crosslinked HAs compositions for coating an implantable device are provided. The implantable device can be used for treating a disorder such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, high cholesterol, hemorrhage, vascular dissection or perforation, vascular aneurysm, vulnerable plaque, chronic total occlusion, claudication, anastomotic proliferation for vein and artificial grafts, bile duct obstruction, ureter obstruction, tumor obstruction, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A drug conjugate is provided herein. The conjugate comprises a protein based recognition-molecule (PBRM) and a polymeric carrier substituted with one or more -LD-D, the protein based recognition-molecule being connected to the polymeric carrier by LP. Each occurrence of D is independently a therapeutic agent having a molecular weight ?5 kDa. LD and LP are linkers connecting the therapeutic agent and PBRM to the polymeric carrier respectively. Also disclosed are polymeric scaffolds useful for conjugating with a PBRM to form a polymer-drug-PBRM conjugate described herein, compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of their preparation, and methods of treating various disorders with the conjugates or their compositions.

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: Disclosed are: a compatibilizing agent for a polymer alloy, which can increase the compatibility with a variety of polymers; a polymer alloy using the compatibilizing agent; and master batch for a polymer alloy. Specifically disclosed is a compatibilizing agent which is used for the preparation of a polymer alloy by blending at least one polymer (A) selected from the group consisting of a polyphenylene sulfide, a polyphenylene ether and a polyamide with a polymer (B) of a different type from the polymer (A) at such a ratio that the amount of the polymer (A) blended is the same as or more than that of the polymer (B). The compatibilizing agent comprises a nanosheet-shaped layered titanic acid which is produced by intercalate an organic basic compound between the layers of a layered titanic acid.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices adapted to erodibly release delivery media for local and regional treatment are disclosed.

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 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: Disclosed is a polylactic acid/polycarbonate resin composition including (A) about 100 parts by weight of a mixed resin including: (a1)) about 10 to about 90 wt % of a polycarbonate resin and (a2) about 10 to about 90 wt % of a polylactic acid resin; (B) about 1 to about 50 parts by weight of a flame retardant based on about 100 parts by weight of the mixed resin; (C) about 1 to about 30 parts by weight of an acryl-based copolymer based on about 100 parts by weight of the mixed resin; and (D) about 1 to about 20 parts by weight of an impact-reinforcing agent based on about 100 parts by weight of the mixed 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: Organic materials which possess outstanding stability to oxidative, thermal or light-induced degradation comprise as stabilizers at least one compound of the formula (I) wherein the general symbols are as defined in claim 1. The compounds of formula I are especially useful as stabilizers for protecting polymers and lubricants against oxidative, thermal or light-induced degradation and as scavengers for oxidized developer in color photographic material.

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: 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 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: This invention is directed to implantable medical device comprising a polymeric composition comprising poly[L-lactide-co-(3,6-dialkyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione)], alone or as a blend with one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of poly(L-lactide) and poly(3,6-dialkyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione).

Abstract: Provided is a polycarbonate resin composition having high rigidity, high flowability, high heat resistance, and excellent flame retardancy and molded articles with good appearance using the polycarbonate resin composition. The polycarbonate resin composition comprises 4 to 50 parts by mass of a nonmetallic inorganic filler (B) and 0.01 to 1 part by mass of a phosphate compound (C) relative to 100 parts by mass of a resin mixture (A) which is composed of 60 to 97% by mass of an aromatic polycarbonate resin (a-1) and 40 to 3% by mass of a fatty acid polyester (a-2).

Abstract: A resin composition comprises a polylactic acid resin (A) 75-10 wt %, an aromatic polycarbonate resin (B) 25-90 wt % and a polymer compound to which a glycidyl compound or an acid anhydride is grafted or copolymerized (D) 1-50 wt parts with respect to 100 wt parts of the total of the component (A) and the component (B).

Abstract: This disclosure provides a medical device and a method of forming the medical device. The medical device comprises a coating comprising a type-one polymer and a type-two polymer. The type-one polymer comprises at least two different blocks, at least one L1 block with the formula ; and at least one L2 block with the formula Medical devices comprising these polymers, mixtures of these polymers with therapeutic agents, and methods of making these polymers and mixtures are within the scope of this disclosure.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a polymer-containing composition comprising the steps of: a) preparing a mixture of at least one cyclic monomer selected from glycolide and lactide and a layered double hydroxide comprising as charge-balancing anions 10 to 100% of an organic anion and 0 to 90% of hydroxide, based on the total amount of charge-balancing anions, and b) polymerising said monomer, optionally in the presence of a polymerisation initiator or catalyst.

Abstract: A resin composition in which a polylactic acid resin (A) 95-5 wt %, an aromatic polycarbonate resin (B) 5-95 wt %, and, with respect to 100 wt parts of the total of the (A) and the (B), at least one compatibilizer selected from a polymer compound containing an acrylic resin or styrene resin unit as a graft (C), a polymer compound to which a glycidyl compound or an acid anhydride is grafted or copolymerized (D) and an oxazoline compound, an oxazine compound and a carbodiimide compound (E) are compounded.

Abstract: A resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a polycarbonate of which a specific ether diol residue constitutes 40-100 mol % and 1-40 parts by weight of polylactic acid, wherein the polylactic acid is composed of a poly-L-lactic acid component and a poly-D-lactic acid component, and wherein in the melting peak derived from the polylactic acid component during temperature increase for measurement with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), the proportion of the melting peak area for 195° C. and above is at least 60% of the sum of the melting peak area for 195° C. and above (high temperature) and the melting peak area for 140-180° C. (low temperature), as determined by measurement of the melting peak derived from the polylactic acid component during temperature increase with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC).

Abstract: Provided are an artificial dura mater having a laminated constitution of at least two layers of in vivo degradable polymers, at least one layer of them being a substrate layer, the substrate layer being formed of a lactic acid/glycolic acid/?-caprolactone copolymer, the copolymer having a component molar ratio of 60-85:3-15:10-30 mol % and the copolymer having an average chain length that satisfies the following expressions (1) to (3) and a process for the production thereof, and when this artificial dura mater is used, no liquid leakage is caused since the bloating of suture holes is small, and the period of time for which it retains its strength is suitably a little longer than the period of time required for the regeneration of an autodura mater, 2<L(LA)<[LA%/(LA%+GA%+CL%)]×X×0.058??(1) 1<L(GA)<[GA%/(LA%+GA%+CL%)]×X×0.58??(2) 1<L(CL)<[CL%/(LA%+GA%+CL%)]×X×0.

Abstract: A flexibilized resorcinolic novolak resin is prepared by reacting a phenolic compound, such as resorcinol, with an unsaturated dihydroxy, an unsaturated aldehyde, an aliphatic dialdehyde, or a mixture thereof. An aldehyde (different from the unsaturated aldehyde and the aliphatic dialdehyde) is either simultaneously or subsequently added to the reaction mixture. The flexibilized resorcinolic novolak resin can be used in an adhesive composition for enhancing the adhesion between tire cords and rubber for tire applications.

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: An aliphatic polyester resin composition is provided which is excellent in heat resistance, moldability and hydrolysis resistance. The aliphatic polyester resin composition comprises a biodegradable polyester resin (A) essentially including an ?- and/or ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid unit and crosslinked by at least one crosslinking agent (B) selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylate compounds and polyvalent isocyanate compounds, wherein some or all of carboxyl groups of the resin (A) are blocked by 0.01 to 20 parts by mass of a terminal blocking agent (C) based on 100 parts by mass of the resin (A).

Abstract: The present invention provides block copolymers containing at least one block of a poly(heteroaromatic) polymer and at least two blocks of a non-conjugated polymer. The chemically different blocks of the copolymer are covalently bonded to each other in an alternating fashion through an appropriate linkage group. The poly(heteroaromatic) block may exist in its neutral or oxidized form, and when in the oxidized form, it associates with organic or inorganic counter-anions to balance the charge. The poly(heteroaromatic) polymer is an intrinsically conducting polymer (ICP), and when in the oxidized form it is electrically conducting. When the ICP block or blocks of the block copolymer are in the doped form, the block copolymer is electrically conducting. Preferably the conducting block copolymers have conductivities in the range 10?6-103 S/cm. Block copolymers of this invention are soluble or dispersible in water, one or more organic solvents, or in a mixture thereof at a level of at least about 0.1 g/liter.