Abstract: A coating composition comprising a film forming binder of a. at least one polymer that has pendant groups, such as, hydroxyl, carboxyl, glycidyl, amine, amide, silane and mixtures thereof that are reactive with a crosslinking component and the polymer has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 10 to 80° C.; b. a polytrimethylene ether diol having a Mn (number average molecular weight) of 500 to 5,000; and c. a crosslinking component, such as, organic polyisocyanates, melamine formaldehydes, alkylated melamine formaldehydes, benzoquanamine formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, polyepoxides, silane resin and any mixtures thereof; wherein the coating composition can be used as a clear coating composition and can contain pigments and may be used as a pigmented top coating, a pigmented base coating, a primer or primer surfacer coating and is useful for coating automobile and truck bodies and parts, industrial equipment, appliances and exterior structures.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymer blends suitable for laminate coatings, wraps and other packaging materials are manufactured from at least one “hard” biopolymer and at least one “soft” biopolymer. “Hard” biopolymers tend to be more brittle and rigid and typically have a glass transition temperature greater than about 10° C. “Soft” biopolymers tend to be more flexible and pliable and typically have a glass transition temperature less than about 0° C. While hard and soft polymers each possess certain intrinsic benefits, certain blends of hard and soft polymers have been discovered which possess synergistic properties superior to those of either hard or soft polymers by themselves. Biodegradable polymers include polyesters, polyesteramides, polyesterurethanes, thermoplastic starch, and other natural polymers. The polymer blends may optionally include an inorganic filler. Films and sheets made from the polymer blends may be textured so as to increase the bulk hand feel.

Abstract: An improved barrier or drug delivery system which is highly adherent to the surface to which it is applied is disclosed, along with methods for making the barrier. In the preferred embodiment, the system is compliant, in that it is capable of conforming to the three dimensional structure of a tissue surface as the tissue bends and deforms during healing processes. The barrier or drug delivery systems is formed as a polymeric coating on tissue surfaces by applied a polymerizable monomer to the surface, and then polymerizing the monomer. The polymerized compliant coating preferably is biodegradable and biocompatible, and can be designed with selected properties of compliancy and elasticity for different surgical and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymer blends suitable for laminate coatings, wraps and other packaging materials are manufactured from a blend of suitable biodegradable polymers, such as at least one “hard” biopolymer and at least one “soft” biopolymer. “Hard” biopolymers tend to be more brittle and rigid and typically have a glass transition temperature greater than about 10° C. “Soft” biopolymers tend to be more flexible and pliable and typically have a glass transition temperature less than about 0° C. While hard and soft polymers each possess certain intrinsic benefits, certain blends of hard and soft polymers have been discovered which possess synergistic properties superior to those of either hard or soft polymers by themselves. Biodegradable polymers include polyesters, polyesteramides, polyesterurethanes, thermoplastic starch, and other natural polymers. The polymer blends may optionally include an inorganic filler. Films and sheets made from the polymer blends may be textured so as to increase the bulk hand feel.

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: The present invention provides a biaxially oriented film of a polylactic acid resin that is suitable for films for bags and packaging films for various windows, particularly films for outlook window envelopes. The film is biodegradable and, as films for outlook window envelopes, is superior in the coating adaptability for an antistatic agent, a lubricant and an antiblocking agent or the like and in the high-speed cutting property. The present invention discloses a biaxially oriented film of a polylactic acid resin comprising not less than 50% by weight of a polylactic acid resin, which has a storage modulus E?at 80° C. within the range from 10 MPa to 3,000 MPa, as determined by the test method for temperature dependency of dynamic viscoelasticity, in accordance with JIS K7198 (method A); a heat shrinkage of not higher than 10%, upon heating at 80° C. for 10 seconds; and a tear strength in the width direction (TD direction) of the film of 10 to 200 mN, as determined in accordance with JIS K7128 (method B).

Abstract: Monomer addition methodology is provided to adjust monomer addition rates to a polymerization reactor. Advantages of the invention include control of bioabsorbable copolymer structure, improvement of monomer conversion, control of reaction temperature, and reduced reaction time. The overall result is an improved process and enhanced product performance. The technology is particularly useful in the copolymerization of monomers with different reactivity ratios, such as glycolide/lactide copolymers and glycolide/caprolactone copolymers. Monomer reactivity ratios and reaction kinetics are utilized to adjust monomer addition rates.

Abstract: The present invention includes photocurable, liquid polymers incorporating coumarin ester endgroups into their molecular structure, which polymers are crosslinked upon irradiation with ultraviolet light by photochemically allowed [2+2] cycloaddition reactions among the chain ends, and which crosslinked polymers are useful in the preparation of medical devices, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems and, in particular, in vivo preparation of implants in an open surgical procedure or laproscopically.

Abstract: A suture material for surgery comprises one or more filaments and is formed with a coating, which is characterized in that the coating at least partly comprises a bioresorbable polymer, which is essentially formed from a random terpolymer with a completely amorphous structure.

Abstract: A block copolymer is disclosed, which comprises a first block comprising polymerized units of an alkylene oxide and a second block comprising polymerized units of an alkylene oxide and a lactone, said copolymer being obtainable by polymerizing an alkylene oxide in the presence of an organic initiator to form said first block, and reacting the first block with a mixture of an alkylene oxide and a lactone. Such copolymers are found to have improved foam inhibition characteristics while maintaining their biodegradable properties.

Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to a suture, stents, stent mantles and sealing devices made from the polyaxial copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention includes photocurable, liquid polymers incorporating coumarin ester endgroups into their molecular structure, which polymers are crosslinked upon irradiation with ultraviolet light by photochemically allowed [2+2] cycloaddition reactions among the chain ends, and which crosslinked polymers are useful in the preparation of medical devices, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems and, in particular, in vivo preparation of implants in an open surgical procedure or laproscopically.

Abstract: The present invention uses a reactor that combines devices having a special portion structure to solve the difficulty of uniform blending due to the reactants becoming highly viscous, the difficulty of heat removal, and the increase in pressure loss, thus leading to continuous production of a polyester-based polymer stably having excellent quality.

Abstract: Copolymers of lactide and glycolide with high glycolide content. The average glycolate block length is less then about 3, which allows the copolymer to be soluble in slightly polar solvents such as methylene chloride.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process for producing lactide-based polymers and the polymers produced by this process. The polymers of the present invention are terpolymers formed by the copolymerization of a lactide monomer, a linking monomer and an epoxy-terminated monomer. In one embodiment of the invention, the polymers may be formed from fluorine-containing monomers or aromatic ring-containing monomers. The disclosed materials may display improved hydrolytic and thermal characteristics as compared to previously known lactide-based materials. For example, the lactide based terpolymers may have a glass transition temperature over 60° C. For instance, lactide-based thermoplastic terpolymers of the present invention can have a glass transition temperatures of about 80° C. or higher. Lactide-based thermoset networks of the invention can have glass transition temperatures of up to about 200° C.

Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to a suture, stents, stent mantles and sealing devices made from the polyaxial copolymer.

Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to a suture, stents, stent mantles and sealing devices made from the polyaxial copolymer.

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: Compositions based on ?-caprolactone polymer, comprising at least one ?-caprolactone polymer and calcium carbonate. Process for preparing these compositions, which are used for manufacturing articles, in particular films, preferably obtained by extrusion blow-moulding or by flat-die extrusion.

Abstract: Production of a porous layer includes using a composition which includes a first polymer component and a second polymer component, the first polymer component being polyhydroxyamide and/or polybenzoxazole and stable at a temperature at which the second polymer component decomposes and volatilizes. If the composition is heated to the decomposition temperature of the second polymer component, the second component volatilizes and a porous layer that contains the first component remains.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for making an absorbable polylactone copolymer prepared in part from about 2 to about 80 mole percent glycolide, which process utilizes a combination of a monofunctional polymerization initiator and a di-functional polymerization initiator, to achieve rates of crystallization of the copolymer of at least about 2 times faster than the rate of crystallization of a copolymer made by a similar process utilizing either the mono-functional or the di-functional polymerization initiator alone. Absorbable polylactone copolymers prepared by such processes and medical devices containing such copolymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for effectively producing a cyclic lactic acid oligomer, and a cyclic lactic acid oligomer produced by the method.

Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to a suture, stents, stent mantles and sealing devices made from the polyaxial copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to absorbable polylactone copolymers prepared in part from about 2 to about 80 mole percent glycolide, utilizing a combination of a monofunctional polymerization initiator and a di-functional polymerization initiator, to achieve rates of crystallization of the copolymer of at least about 2 times faster than the rate of crystallization of a copolymer made by a similar process utilizing either the mono-functional or the di-functional polymerization initiator alone. Medical devices containing such copolymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sequentially ordered biodegradable lactide (or glycolide or lactide/glycolide)/&egr;-caprolactone multi-block copolymers having proper degradation properties and enhanced mechanical properties such as flexibility and elasticity and a process for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides a hydroxyalkyl(meth)acrylate composition modified by a small amount of lactones in which a proportion of monomers having two or more continuous chains of lactone is less than 50% (area % by GPC). This invention also provides methods for synthesizing such a composition. This invention also provides an acrylic polyol resin comprising the hydroxyalkyl(meth)acrylate composition, a carboxylic group-containing acrylate composition modified by a small amount of lactones, and a polyester unsaturated monomer modified by a small amount of lactones. Uses of these materials in curable resins, coating compositions, and finishing agents are also provided.

Abstract: A process for producing a biodegradable polymer having free carboxyl at the &ohgr;-end charcterized by polymerizing a cyclic ester compound in the presence of a hydroxymonocarboxylic acid derivative having protected carboxyl or a hydroxydicarboxylic acid derivative having protected carboxyl, and then deprotecting the thus obtained polymer having protected carboxyl at the &ohgr;-end. Use of the above process makes it easy to control the molecular weight of the target biodegradable polymer and the content of free carboxyl therein, thereby enabling the efficient production of a polymer having a high purity and being contaminated with littel catalyst remaining therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to implantable, resorbable copolymers containing L-lactide and glycolide repeat units, and in particular to terpolymers containing L-lactide, glycolide, and one other type of repeat unit selected from the group consisting of D-lactide, D,L-lactide, and &egr;-caprolactone. Medical devices for in vivo implantation applications containing such implantable, resorbable copolymers are also described, as well as methods for making such copolymers and devices.

Abstract: Polyelectrolyte complexes of cationic and anionic polymers which consist of (a) cationic condensates of (i) at least one amine and (ii) a crosslinking agent from the group consisting of epihalohydrins, bishalohydrins of diols, bishalohydrins of polyalkylene glycols, bishalohydrins of polytetrahydrofurans, alkylene dihalides, alkylene trihalides, bisepoxides, trisepoxides, tetraepoxides and/or mixtures of said compounds, and/or quaternized cationic condensates of (i) and (ii), and (b) anionic compounds containing at least three anionic groups and have a charge ratio between anionic and cationic polymers of from 0.01 to 20, and a process for the preparation of the polylectrolyte complexes by mixing the cationic condensates (a) with anionic compounds (b).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for reducing waste accumulation by using an environmentally degradable disposable material. The disposable material, which includes a hydroxycarboxylic acid-containing polymer, degrades hydrolytically during operative and disposal stages in a controlled manner such that the disposal degradation rate of the material is accelerated relative to the operative degradation rate of the material.

Abstract: Polyester resins formed by recurring units X=[O—(CH2)n—OCO—(CH2)m—CO] and/or Y=[O—(CH2)k—CO], where the half-sum of n+m is equal to or greater than 6 and k is a number equal to or greater than 6, or by copolymers comprising units and/or sequences having the formula xi[O—(CH2)ni—OCO—(CH2)mi—CO]; yj[O—(CH2)kj—CO] where: i,j=1-5; ni=2-22; mi=0-20; kj=1=21; (Formula (1)) and xi and yj vary between 0 and 1 and are molar fractions of the various units such that (Formula (2)), are used for the preparation of products in which a permeability to water vapour of less than 350 g×30 &mgr;m/m2 per day, measured at 38° C. and 90% RH and good biodegradability are required.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable material such as a terpolymer of poly-(L-lactide/D-lactide/glycolide). The material may consist of 85 molar percent L-lactide, 5 molar percent D-lactide, and 10 molar percent glycolide. The material may have a heat of fusion of about 15-25 J/G, tensile strength retention at 26 weeks of incubation of at least about 50%, and tensile strength retention at 52 weeks of incubation of at most about 25%. The material may be used in implantable devices such as bone fixation devices.

Abstract: A resin composition comprising: 30 to 95 parts by weight of a biodegradable polylactic acid resin (A), and 70 to 5 parts by weight of a specified polyalkylene carbonate (B), providing that the sum of components (A) and (B) is 100 parts by weight. The invention provides an excellent resin composition which is biodegradable, transparent, flexible and has gas barrier properties and which is free from the occurrence of bleedout with the passage of time. Further, the resin composition of the invention is excellent in moldability, so that a variety of molded articles can be produced by various molding techniques and put to practical use. The resultant molded articles, when disposed of after use, exhibit high biodegradability in natural environment.

Abstract: Copolymers of lactide and glycolide with high glycolide content. The average glycolate block length is less then about 3, which allows the copolymer to be soluble in slightly polar solvents such as methylene chloride.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymeric thermoplastic moldable compositions comprising poly(alkylene carbonates), which are useful in manufacturing of articles which may be manipulated and shaped by their user, but regain their shape after distortion. These compositions are free from toxic compounds and have a glass transition temperature from about 15° C. to about 132° C. These compositions are useful in manufacturing of articles such as toys, utensils to convey solids or liquids to the mouth, soothing articles (i.e., teething rings and pacifiers) and articles which support food (i.e., candy/confection sticks or holders.) They are most useful in manufacturing of children's toys and products.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a coating composition used for original equipment manufacturing or refinishing uses in the automotive industry, which coating composition utilizes an acrylic polymer which contains substituted or unsubstituted exomethylene lactones or lactams as a comonomer.

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

Abstract: A bromine-containing, hydroxy-functional copolymer is prepared from an initiator that is solid at room temperature and has at least one bromone atom. The initiator is reacted with an effective amount of lactone monomers, optionally in the presence of a catalyst, to establish a bromine-containing, hydroxy-functional copolymer that is a liquid at room temperature. The copolymer of this invention may be used as liquid reactive flame retardant and, in the event the copolymer is polyfunctional, as a crosslinker.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions having improved capability of solubilizing a drug in a hydrophilic environment to form a solution, comprising: a biodegradable polyester oligomer; and biodegradable AB-type, ABA-type, or BAB-type block copolymers are disclosed. The copolymers are comprised of about 50.1 to 65% by weight of a biodegradable, hydrophobic A polymer block comprising a biodegradable polyester, and about 35 to 49.9% by weight of a hydrophilic B polymer block comprising a polyethylene glycol (PEG), and wherein the block copolymer has a weight averaged molecular weight of between 2400 to 4999. The biodegradable polyester oligomer of said composition is within a range of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total polymer mixture, and the content of the biodegradable AB-type, ABA-type, or BAB-type block copolymer is within a range of 70% to 99.99% by weight of the total polymer mixture.

Abstract: Bioresorbable blends are presented for use in the manufacture of surgical implants. The blends comprise a bioresorbable copolymer and a further bioresorbable polymer.

Abstract: An improved barrier or drug delivery system which is highly adherent to the surface to which it is applied is disclosed, along with methods for making the barrier. In the preferred embodiment, the system is compliant, in that it is capable of conforming to the three dimensional structure of a tissue surface as the tissue bends and deforms during healing processes. The barrier or drug delivery systems is formed as a polymeric coating on tissue surfaces by applied a polymerizable monomer to the surface, and then polymerizing the monomer. The polymerized compliant coating preferably is biodegradable and biocompatible, and can be designed with selected properties of compliancy and elasticity for different surgical and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A resin composition comprising: 30 to 95 parts by weight of a biodegradable polylactic acid resin (A), and 70 to 5 parts by weight of a specified polyalkylene carbonate (B), providing that the sum of components (A) and (B) is 100 parts by weight. The invention provides an excellent resin composition which is biodegradable, transparent, flexible and has gas barrier properties and which is free from the occurrence of bleedout with the passage of time. Further, the resin composition of the invention is excellent in moldability, so that a variety of molded articles can be produced by various molding techniques and put to practical use. The resultant molded articles, when disposed of after use, exhibit high biodegradability in natural environment.

Abstract: A synthetic absorbable monofilament comprising glycolide and epsilon caprolactone is provided. The monofilament exhibits physical characteristics equivalent to or superior than gut sutures. The monofilaments can be fabricated into a wide variety of surgical devices such as sutures, meshes, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyethyleneglycol/polylactide(or polyglycolide or polycaprolactone)/polyethyleneglycol triblock copolymers with an enhanced reactivity, and process for their preparation. More specifically, the present invention is directed to triblock copolymers that are obtained by the process comprising the step of synthesizing a polylactide(or polyglycolide or polycaprolactone) having hydroxy groups at both ends and the step of coupling said polylactide with polyethyleneglycol having an acylhalide group of a high reactivity at one of its ends, and the process for preparing the same Since the triblock copolymer according to the present invention has an ester structure with good biocompatibility, it can be applied extensively for biomaterials used in tissue engineering, in a matrix that slowly releases drugs, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyethyleneglycol/polylactide (or polyglycolide or polycaprolactone)/polyethyleneglycol triblock copolymers with an enhanced reactivity, and process for their preparation.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding composition comprising a transparent resinous component suitable for tinting by dip-dye method is disclosed. The resinous component is selected from the group consisting of (i) a blend of (co)polycarbonate resin and (co)polycaprolacone, and (ii) a copolymer containing carbonate and caprolactone structural units. The composition, characterized in that it is free of photochromic colorants, may be molded by thermoplastic means, and the molded article is then dipped-dyed by immersion in a tinting solution. The tinted articles are suitable for making, among others, optical lenses.

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

Abstract: There are disclosed polybenzoxazole precursors which can be processed by centrifugal techniques, which can be cyclized to polybenzoxazoles on substrates without difficulty, and which after cyclization to polybenzoxazoles exhibit a high temperature stability. In particular, these precursors and the polybenzoxazoles prepared from them possess high resistance against the diffusion of metals.

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: Water-soluble macromers including at least one hydrolysable linkage formed from carbonate or dioxanone groups, at least one water-soluble polymeric block, and at least one polymerizable group, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The macromers are preferably polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light or visible light excitation. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. The macromers can be used to encapsulate cells, deliver prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic agents in a controlled manner, plug leaks in tissue, prevent adhesion formation after surgical procedures, temporarily protect or separate tissue surfaces, and adhere or seal tissues together.