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 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: In one aspect, the invention relates to polymers, crosslinked polymers, functionalized polymers, nanoparticles, and functionalized nanoparticles and methods of making and using same. In one aspect, the invention relates to degradable polymer and degradable nanoparticles. In one aspect, the invention relates to methods of preparing degradable nanoparticles and, more specifically, methods of controlling particle size during the preparation of degradable nanoparticles. In one aspect, the degradable nanoparticles are useful for complexing, delivering, and releasing payloads, including pharmaceutically active payloads. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a polylactic acid composition having excellent crystallinity, wet heat stability and melt stability. It is another object of the present invention to provide a molded article which is obtained from the polylactic acid composition and excellent in appearance and color. The present invention is a composition and molded article thereof which comprises a polylactic acid (component A), a carbodiimide compound (component B) and a phosphoric acid ester metal salt (component C).

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 method for making a multi-branched polymer includes reacting a first polymeric unit with a functional cyclic compound to form a functional macroinitiator compound with a cyclic moiety. The functional macroinitiator compound is reacted with an amine functional compound to open the cyclic moiety and form a first functional group and a second functional group. To form the branched polymer, at least one of a second polymeric unit is propagated from the first functional group and a third polymeric unit is propagated from the second functional group.

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: A heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced shrinkage in the transverse direction with little to no concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, plasticizers, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of cast and tenner manufacture is disclosed, which includes a temperature conditioning step.

Abstract: Provided is an aromatic polycarbonate resin composition including a combination composed of 98 to 1 mass % of an aromatic polycarbonate (A), 1 to 98 mass % of an aliphatic polyester (B), and 1 to 80 mass % of an organic filler derived from a natural product (C), the aromatic polycarbonate resin composition being obtained by suppressing increase in density of an aromatic polycarbonate resin composition containing an aliphatic polyester, while improving rigidity and fluidity thereof and ameliorating poor external appearance such as pearly luster.

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: A bioabsorbable blend comprising poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and a phosphorylcholine group-containing copolymer (PPCP) capable of enduring the mechanical strength of blood vessel walls and applicable for fabricating cardiovascular devices was developed. The blend acts as a scaffold to support blood vessel walls during vascular healing and undergoes biodegradation in vivo after vascular healing is complete. Furthermore, the blend can prevent the formation and adsorption of thrombi.

Abstract: The invention provides biodegradable polyesters, polyurethanes, comprising 3-carboxymuconolactone as a structural unit, 3-carboxymuconolactone esters and a process for their production. Polyesters comprising a repeating unit represented by the following formula (I): [wherein R represents a hydrocarbon-based divalent residue which, in the structure, optionally contains a heteroatom without an active hydrogen], polyurethanes comprising the polyester structure; 3-carboxymuconolactone esters; and a process for their production.

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 heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced growth in the cross direction with concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of manufacture is disclosed which includes a post-extrusion temperature conditioning step.

Abstract: Provided are a polyrotaxane capable of using an aqueous solvent in a fabricating process although it has hydrophobicity, an aqueous composition having the polyrotaxane, a crosslinked body comprising the polyrotaxane, etc. The polyrotaxane comprises blocking groups located at both ends of a pseudo-polyrotaxane having cyclic molecules and a linear molecule which pierces the cavities of the cyclic molecules in a skewered manner to form a clathrate therewith so as not to detach the cyclic molecules, wherein the cyclic molecules have a group represented by Formula I, a group represented by Formula II and a group represented by Formula III. Incidentally, M represents, for example, a group derived from ring-opening polymerization of ?-caprolactone or the like, A represents a hydroxy group or the like, B represents a —COOH group or the like, and C represents A and/or B: -M-A??Formula I; -M-B??Formula II; and —C??Formula III.

Abstract: Higher diamondoid derivatives capable of taking part in polymerization reactions are disclosed as well as intermediates to these derivatives, polymers formed from these derivatives and methods for preparing the polymers.

Abstract: A biocomposite is produced from natural fiber fabrics embedded in a matrix of biosynthetic polyhydroxy-alkanoate (PHA) polymers. The PHA is synthesized using aerobic microbial biosynthesis using mixed bacterial cultures and a feedstock containing anaerobic degradation products such as methane and volatile fatty acids derived from microbial biodegradation of organic waste materials, which may include waste biocomposites. Monomers may be added to the synthesized PHA polymer to control mechanical properties of the resulting biocomposite. The natural fibers and/or PHA may be pretreated using various techniques to improve the bond between the fibers and the PHA resin matrix and water absorption resistance of the fibers. The composite may be a laminate of treated and untreated fabric layers, or differently treated layers, to achieve good in-service performance as well as rapid and/or optimal biogas production when taken out of service and put in an anaerobic environment to degrade.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biocompatible block copolymer containing the polycondensation product of a diol and an additional component selected from the group of the same diol, an ?,?-dihydroxy-polyester or an ?,?-dihydroxy-polyether. Also disclosed are a medical implant containing the block copolymer, the use of said block copolymer for the production of a medical implant, a diol and a method for the production thereof. The diol may be obtained by transesterification of ?,?-dihydroxy-[(oligo(3-(R)-hydroxybutyrate)-ethylene-oligo-(3-(R)-hydroxybutyrate)] with diglycolide. Transesterification is carried out, preferably, in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: A blend of a multiply branched lactic acid polymer of one steric configuration with a linear lactic acid polymer of the opposite steric configuration has different and more useful properties than either component alone.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for preparing a block or comb copolymer comprising at least one hydrophilic portion and at least two hydrophobic portions, by anionic solvent-free polymerization of a prepolymer selected from a polyethylene glycol and a polyvinyl alcohol, and of a lactone or dilactone monomer. The process is carried out in the presence of an alkaline-earth metal hydride, in an inert atmosphere, and the polymerization step is not carried out under vacuum. The invention also concerns copolymers obtained by this process.

Abstract: A polylactic acid resin film or sheet which can be satisfactorily and stably formed and has excellent matte properties. It is a single-layer matte film or sheet which comprises a polylactic acid resin composition containing a particulate substance and at least one side of which has a surface gloss as measured in accordance with ASTM-D2457-70 (45° gloss) of 60% or lower.

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: The invention is directed to a method for preparing an environmentally degradable polymeric compound as well as to such a compound per se and to its use. A compound of the present invention includes a polycondensated lactic acid containing polymer, having a molecular weight (Mw) of from 500 to 50,000 g/mol, to which a flexibilizing aliphatic polyester having a molecular weight of from 500 to 50,000 g/mol is coupled. The amount of lactic acid including groups in the polymeric compound ranges from 50 to 99% and the amount of flexibilizing polyester groups ranges from 1 to 50%.

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 polymeric composition including a mono-functional, low molecular weight, low epoxy content end-cap which includes the polymerization product of at least one epoxy-functional monomer and at least one styrenic and/or (meth)acrylic monomer, with a polyfunctional chain extender; and at least one condensation polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials comprising polymer network containing siloxanes or organic-based core structures, preferably the materials have thermal-responsive properties. In some embodiments, the invention relates to an organic core functionalized with polymers. In another embodiment, organic core-polymer conjugates comprise polylactone segments. The organic core-polymer conjugates may be crosslinked together to form a material, and these materials may be functionalized with bioactive compounds so that the materials have desirable biocompatibility or bioactivity when used in medical devices. In some embodiments, the invention relates to silsesquioxane groups functionalized with polymers. In another embodiment, silsequioxane-polymer conjugates comprise polylactone segments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a treated or modified polymer, which process comprises the steps of: (I) providing a mixture comprising a liquid, an additive and a polymer, wherein the additive is dispersed in the liquid; and (II) heating the mixture obtained in step (I) to soften the surface of the polymer so that the additive attaches to the polymer.

Abstract: A polyurethane obtained by reaction between (i) at least one homopolymer obtained by homopolymerization of ?-caprolactone, and (ii) at least one dissocyanate, wherein said reaction between (i) and (ii) and said homopolymerization are performed in presence of a catalyst selected from (a) a catalyst containing bismuth ethylhexanoate and ethylhexanoic acid, (b) a catalyst containing bismuth ethylhexanoate and bismuth neodecanoate, and (c) a catalyst containing zinc neodecanoate and zinc oxide.

Abstract: This invention provides a nanodisk, which can be formed of a wide variety of materials and has a high level of application, and a method for manufacturing the same. The nanodisk comprises fundamental units formed of two-molecule block copolymers arranged in series in a main chain direction, the fundamental units having been aggregated in a plane direction. The nanodisk has a thickness of 1 nm to 100 nm, a diameter of 10 nm to 5 ?m, and an aspect ratio of not less than 1. Since the thickness of the nanodisk is not more than 100 nm, the nanodisk is transparent to light in a visible region. Further, when a metal element is held on the crosslinked structure part, the nanodisk can be utilized as a nanodisk having magnetic properties and electroconductive properties, or a nanodisk having catalytic activity and a high refractive index. Thus, the nanodisk can be applied to a wide variety of fields such as fine particle/powder technology, colloid surface science, electronic materials, and optical materials.

Abstract: Described herein are polymer mixtures comprising polymers have at least one different non-repeating unit. Methods for making and using the polymer mixtures are also disclosed. Also disclosed are uses of the polymer mixtures, including methods for making microparticles from the polymer mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention provides NO and, optionally, drug releasing macromers and oligomers wherein the drug molecule and NO releasing moiety are linked an absorbable macromer or oligomeric chain susceptible to hydrolytic degradation and wherein the macromer or oligomer comprises of repeat units derived from safe and biocompatible molecules such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, caprolactone and p-dioxanone. Furthermore, the present invention relates to controlled release of nitric oxide (NO) and/or drug molecule from a NO and drug releasing macromer or oligomer. Moreover, the present invention also relates to medical devices, medical device coatings and therapeutic formulations comprising of nitric oxide and drug releasing macromers and oligomers of the present invention.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition comprising an ionic complex of an anionic polyester with an antimicrobial metal, wherein the anionic polyester has an ion exchange capacity from about 0.19 meq/g to about 1.0 meq/g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyester polyols with low functionality and a process for their production, to prepolymers prepared from these polyester polyols and a process for their production, and to polyurethanes prepared from these polyester polyols and/or from these prepolymers, and to processes for their production. These polyester polyols are produced in a two-step process. In the second step of this two-step process, one or more cyclic ester monomers is reacted with one or more polyester polyols at low temperatures.

Abstract: This invention provides a hydrophilic porous fiber wick for delivering vaporizable material into the atmosphere, such as a room environment. The wick may be biodegradable. The wick is comprised of a sintered synthetic bicomponent fibers, optionally combined with synthetic monocomponent fibers or natural monocomponent fibers. The wick is optionally treated with plasma or finishing agents for improved hydrophilicity. The wick can wick aqueous and/or non-aqueous-based fragrances or other vaporizable materials and evaporate them into the air without the use of heat, convection air, or atomization.

Abstract: This invention is directed to fibers comprising copolymers or homopolymer blends, superstructures comprising said fibers, process for the preparation of the same and uses thereof. The fibers of this invention have long range order and superstructures produced from said fibers can be used in applications including but not limited to membranes, filtration media, high surface area substrates for sensors and catalysis, stents, tissue scaffolds and drug delivery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to carboxylic acid and ester moieties that are attached to a carbon chain that is between 2 and 24 carbons in length wherein, the chain contains at least one dioxanone ring system, said dioxanone being formed from two adjacent carbons in the chain and/or at least one carbon in the chain is substituted with a pendant dioxanone ring system. In preferred embodiments, the carbon chain is a fatty acid residue. The carbons of said chain can be optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated. When two or more said ester moieties are present, the invention is directed to a polyester such as a triglyceride, that contains multiple carbon chains wherein each chain is independently derivatized such that the triglyceride contains at least one dioxanone ring system, said dioxanone being formed from two adjacent carbons in at least one of said chains. The present invention is also directed to a method of preparing a dioxanone containing composition or fatty acid derivative.

Abstract: Provided are an organic-inorganic hybrid scaffold with surface-immobilized nano-hydroxyapatite, and a method for the fabrication thereof. The scaffold is fabricated by reacting an acid group present on a surface of nano-hydroxyapatite with a primary amine present on a surface of a polymer support in the presence of EDC (1-ethyl-3-dimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide) to immobilize nano-hydroxyapatite onto the surface of the polymer support. The surface of nano-hydroxyapatite is previously grafted with poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate) (PolyEGMP) having phosphonic acid functionality or with a polymer having carboxylic acid functionality.

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: Polylactide resins are blended with core-shell rubber particles to improve impact strength. A good balance of impact strength and transparency is achieved when the rubber particles are distributed within the polymer matrix such that most of them exist as single particles or agglomerates having a diameter of 150 nanometers or more, and the number average size of the particles and agglomerates is not more than 210 nanometers.

Abstract: Provided is a polymer prepared by using a vegetable oil-derived component and favorably used as a polylactic acid resin-softening agent that is effective in softening the polylactic acid resin while preserving the transparency of the polylactic acid resin and simultaneously resistant to bleeding out (extraction) of itself from the polylactic acid resin. Also provided are a resin mixture of the resin composition and a polylactic acid resin as well as a film or sheet prepared by using the resin mixture. The polymer (C) according to the present invention has an epoxidized vegetable oil segment (A) and a polylactic acid segment (B). The resin mixture according to the present invention is a mixture of the polymer (C) and the polylactic acid resin (D) at a (C)/(D) ratio of 10/90 to 50/50 (weight ratio).

Abstract: The invention provides alternatives to traditional polycondensation processes for preparing copolymers. For example, in certain embodiments, the invention provides a process that includes an extrusion step and a solid state polymerization step to prepare high molecular weight block copolymer with a “hard block” contributed by a macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) and a “soft block” contributed by a dihydroxyl-functionalized polymer, an oligoether, and/or a dimerized fatty acid (i.e. a polyol). The invention also provides new copolymer compositions made possible by the new processes—for example, copolymers of higher molecular weight, copolymers with higher weight ratio of soft block units to hard block units, copolymers made with higher molecular weight polyol, and copolymers with hard block units that are themselves random copolyesters of units contributed by a MPO and a cyclic ester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a triblock copolymer, that is multipurpose yet has sufficient properties particularly for medical applications, and is useful as a material having excellent flexibility and water absorbability, as well as to a method for producing the same, and a biocompatible material. The copolymer of the present invention is composed of segments A1 and A2 each composed of a polymer having a depsipeptide unit, such as a segment selected from a homopolymer of depsipeptide or a copolymer of lactide and depsipeptide, and segment B composed of polyalkylene glycol, such as PEG, and is a A1-B-A2 triblock copolymer having a number average molecular weight of 8000 to 500000. The biocompatible material of the present invention contains the triblock copolymer as a main component, and may be used as a tissue anti-adhesion barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer mixture comprising polylactic acid. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing an extruded product and the extruded product obtained therewith. The present invention furthermore relates to methods for producing a starting material for a foamed moulded product and the starting material obtained therewith. The present invention moreover relates to methods for producing a foamed moulded product and the moulded product obtained therewith. The present invention also relates to applications of these products.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a polylactic acid composition having excellent crystallinity, wet heat stability and melt stability. It is another object of the present invention to provide a molded article which is obtained from the polylactic acid composition and excellent in appearance and color. The present invention is a composition and molded article thereof which comprises a polylactic acid (component A), a carbodiimide compound (component B) and a phosphoric acid ester metal salt (component C).

Abstract: The present invention relates to micelle-forming poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ester) block copolymers having reactive groups on the polyester block therein. The biodegradability of these copolymers and their biocompatibilities with a large number of bioactive agents make them suitable as carriers for various bioactive agents. The bioactive agents, such as DNA, RNA, oligonucleotide, protein, peptide, drug and the like, can be coupled to the reactive groups on the polyester block of the copolymer.

Abstract: Cyclic esters are polymerized in the presence of a catalytic amount of a Group 4 transition metal hydride. The method is capable of producing high molecular weight polyesters with low polydispersities. These high molecular weight polyesters exhibit improved mechanical properties and are useful in a variety of product applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-component composition comprising a first component and a second component, wherein the first component being a pre-accelerated resin composition comprising an unsaturated polyester resin or vinyl ester resin and a copper2+ compound, at least one N-containing organic base selected from an amine compound and/or an ammonium salt; and wherein copper is present in an amount of at least 50 ppm (relative to the primary resin system), wherein the resin composition contains less than 0.01 mmol cobalt per kg primary resin system, the resin composition has an acid value in the range of from 0.001-300 mg KOH/g of resin composition, the molecular weight of the resin containing reactive unsaturations is in the range of from 500 to 200.000 g/mole and wherein the second component comprises a peroxide compound.

Abstract: Compositions including poly(block-phophonato-esters) or poly(block-phosphonato-carbonate) and a process for making them from oligomeric phosphonates and/or polyphosphonates and polyester and/or polycarbonates are disclosed. The compositions provide tough flame retardant materials and coatings.