Abstract: A lactic acid polymer composition comprising formulating 100 parts by weight of a mixture consisting of 80-95% by weight of an L-lactic acid polymer having an L-lactic acid proportion of 75% or more and 5-20% by weight of a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of a polyhydric alcohol ester and a hydroxypolycarboxylic acid ester, 0.1-5 parts by weight of an anti-bloking agent having a SiO.sub.2 content of 90% or more and an average particle size of 7-50 nm, and 0.1-2 parts by weight of a slip agent; a molded product and film obtained from the composition; and a preparation process of the same are disclosed. The molded product and film are excellent in processability, transparency, flexibility, anti-blocking property and slip, and can be degraded into harmless water and carbon dioxide under natural environment, when abandoned.

Abstract: A lactide polymer composition combining compositional and purity limitations and catalyst optimization or addition of stabilizing agents resulting in a melt-stable polymer is disclosed. The melt-stable lactide polymer comprises a plurality of polylactide polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than 2 percent and water in concentration of less than 1000 parts-per-million. A stabilizing agent in an amount sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the lactide polymer during melt-processing or alternatively, control of catalyst level at a molar ratio of monomer to catalyst greater than 3000:1 is also included in the melt-stable composition. A process for manufacture of a melt-stable lactide polymer composition includes polymerizing a lactide mixture and adding stabilizing agents sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the polylactide during melt-processing, followed by devolatilizing the polylactide to remove monomer and water.

Abstract: A photodegradable and fully biodegradable plastic material, which can be molded using conventional molding techniques and which has good physical and mechanical properties includes a blend of polyisoprene and polycaprolactone resins. The material biodegrades in soil and sea water environments. All blend ingredients are completely decomposed by microorganisms. Polyisoprene is a natural polymer present in a large variety of plant species or is man made. Polycaprolactone is a synthetic polymer resin known to be decomposed by microorganisms. The plastic material has thermoplastic properties which permits processing of the material using conventional plastic working techniques. The presence of C.sub.1 -C.sub.15 saturated fatty acids and organic peroxide compatibilizers improve the properties of the blend, especially when large quantities of polyisoprenes are used which allows the production of high quality blown films.

Abstract: A curable coating composition is described comprising(A) a carbamate- or urea-functional compound that is the reaction product of a mixture comprising(1) a compound comprising a carbamate or urea group or a group that can be converted to carbamate or urea, and a hydroxyl functional group that is the reaction product of(a) a compound comprising a carbamate or urea group or a group that can be converted to a carbamate or urea group, and an active hydrogen group that is reactive with a lactone ring or a hydroxy carboxylic acid, and(b) a lactone or a hydroxy carboxylic acid, and(2) a compound that is reactive with hydroxyl groups on a plurality of molecules of compound (A)(1), but that is not reactive with the carbamate or urea groups on compound (A)(1),(B) a compound comprising a plurality of groups that are reactive with carbamate or urea.

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 hot melt adhesive composition can be made using a polyester derived from 2-propanoic acid (lactic acid). A thermoplastic resin grade polyester can be formulated into a functional adhesive using adhesive components. A lower molecular weight material can be used as a tackifying resin with a biodegradable/compostable resin in a formulated hot melt adhesive. The adhesive material can be made pressure sensitive and can be made entirely by a degradable by combining the polyester polymer with other biodegradable/compostable ingredients. The resulting adhesive composition that can be used in a variety of applications. The biodegradable/compostable adhesive material can be used as a substitute for non-biodegradable materials made from commercial polymers that resist attack by bacteria, fungi and other microbial populations. The hot melt adhesives can be used in (e.g.) packaging and the manufacture of disposable articles which are made from degradable materials.

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: 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: An improved method or process and device for treating and healing a bone void is disclosed, and in particular a method employing a surfactant for efficiently incorporating a biologically active agent into the interstices (voids or pores) of a porous hydrophobic biodegradable material wherein the biologically active agent is deposited on the internal surfaces defining the voids or pores of the biodegradable material. The biodegradable body or device, now containing surfactant and a biologically active agent in the body itself as well as on the external surfaces and the internal surfaces defining the voids or pores, is then applied into the bone void or cavity.

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: The present invention provides polylactic compositions effecting an excellent mold releasability upon processing and significantly improved elongation at break and impact strength without affecting the transparency. Also provided is a shrink film which decomposes under the natural environment and has excellent transparency, flexibility, shrinkability and mold releasability upon processing by applying the polylactic acid composition to a shrink film. There is provided a biodegradable polymer composition comprising 100 parts by weight of polylactic acid and 5 to 70 parts by weight of EVA. Further, a biodegradable polymer composition is provided comprising the polymer composition with one or more additives selected from the group consisting of 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of a lubricant, 1 to 50 parts by weight of plasticizer, 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of thermal stabilizer and 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of mold releasing agent. These biodegradable polymer compositions are applied to shrink films.

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: 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: 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: Preventive as well as therapeutic treatment to alleviate cosmetic conditions and symptoms of dermatologic disorders with amphoteric compositions containing alpha hydroxyacids, alpha ketoacids, related compounds or polymeric forms of hydroxyacids is disclosed. The cosmetic conditions and the dermatologic disorders in which the amphoteric compositions and the polymeric compounds may be useful include dry skin, dandruff, ache, keratoses, psoriasis, eczema, pruritus, age spots, lentigines, melasmas, wrinkles, warts, blemished skin, hyperpigmented skin, kyperkeratotic skin, inflammatory dermatoses, skin changes associated with aging, and skin requiring cleansers.

Abstract: This invention provides various copolymers comprising a first repeating unit of the chemical formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and/or R.sub.2 are alkyl groups and a second repeating units generally having the chemical formula: ##STR2## and combinations of two or more thereof wherein R is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and the first repeating unit is less than 45 weight percent of the total weight of the copolymer. This invention also relates to use of these copolymers in the fabrication of absorbable surgical devices such as sutures and as coatings for medical devices. Additionally, described are blends and polyoxaesters containing the first repeating unit.

Abstract: A process for preparing a block copolymer of an .alpha.-olefin and a vinyl compound is here disclosed which comprises the steps of polymerizing an olefin selected from ethylene and the .alpha.-olefin having 3 or more carbon atoms by the use of a divalent or a trivalent rare earth metal complex, and then polymerizing a vinyl compound, a vinylidene compound or a lactone. According to the process of the present invention, a polar group can be introduced into a polyolefin, whereby the characteristics of the polymer can be effectively improved.

Abstract: A surgical suture material of absorbable, synthetic polymer is formed from glycolide-trimethylene carbonate copolymer with a glycolide content higher than 76 wt. % and with a statistical distribution of the monomers. Within 9 to 21 days, the suture material has a complete breaking strength loss and is completely absorbed in vivo after 35 to 91 days.

Abstract: Absorbable polymers and blends of acrylated poly(alkylene diglycolate)s and aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers such as lactide, glycolide, e-caprolactone, p-dioxanone, and trimethylene carbonate are described. The polymers and blends exhibit a broad range of properties, useful in a variety of medical devices.

Abstract: A preparation process of heat-resistant molded articles of a lactic acid-based polymer comprising mixing the lactic acid-based polymer and poly-.epsilon.-caprolactone so as to obtain a L-lactic acid ratio of 75% by weight or more, adding to the polymer mixture a crystalline inorganic powder containing 50% by weight or more of SiO.sub.2, melt-kneading the resultant composition, filling the same into a mold which is set at 85.degree..about.125.degree. C. and forming a shape while promoting crystallization. The molded articles have excellent heat resistance and impact strength, are suitably used for food trays and beverage cups, and can be degraded, in the case of waste, into nontoxic water and carbon dioxide like natural products within a relatively short period in the natural environment.

Abstract: A sustained-release preparation which comprises a physiologically active peptide of general formula ##STR1## wherein X represents an acyl group; R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.4 each represents an aromatic cyclic group; R.sub.3 represents a D-amino acid residue or a group of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.3 ' is a heterocyclic group; R.sub.5 represents a group of the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --R.sub.5 ' wherein n is 2 or 3, and R.sub.5 ' is an amino group which may optionally be substituted, an aromatic cyclic group or an O-glycosyl group;R.sub.6 represents a group of the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --R.sub.6 ' wherein n is 2 or 3, and R.sub.6 ' is an amino group which may optionally be substituted;R.sub.7 represents a D-amino acid residue or an azaglycyl residue; andQ represents hydrogen or a lower alkyl group, or a salt thereof and a biodegradable polymer having a terminal carboxyl group.

Abstract: An adhesive composition which is a mixture of: (A) between about 30 and about 99 wt% of a first urethane adhesive component which is formed from a polyether polyol having a weight average molecular weight of between about 400 and about 10,000, the polyether polyol being end-capped with an isocyanate and having an isocyanate functionality between about 2.0 and about 3.0; (B) between about 1 and about 70 wt% of a second urethane adhesive component formed from a polyester diol or polyester diol mixture having hydroxyl functionalities of at least about 2, the polyester diol or polyester diol mixture being end-capped with an isocyanate and has a isocyanate functionality of between about 2 and about 2.3; and (C) between about 1 and about 70 wt% of unreacted isocyanate having an isocyanate functionality of between about 2 and about 3.

Abstract: A lactide polymer coating resulting in a strong, repulpable, high gloss, paper coating. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for coating paper with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The biocompatible multi-block copolymer is obtainable by linear polycondensation of at least two .alpha.,.omega.-dihydroxypolyesters acid and/or .alpha.,.omega.-dihydroxypolyethers with a diisocyanate, diacid halide or phosgene. The block copolymer is preferably degradable in the human or animal body. The block copolymer is suitable for the production of medical implants and surgical aids.

Abstract: Combinations of IPN type molecular or intramolecular materials, which are thermoadhesive at temperatures not exceeding 90.degree. C. and which can be molded and shaped at said temperature, are characterized in that they contain a first rubber-like elastoviscous constituent having a softening point not exceeding 90.degree. C. and a second, semi-cristalline constituent essentially of the polyester type having a fusion temperature of 35.degree. to 80.degree. C. These combinations have controlled adhesiveness and adequate fluidity for application by hand particularly in do it yourself applications, orthopedics, sport and physiotherapy, and as an adhesive material on rough or porous bodies.

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) adding to said reaction product mixture a cyclic anhydride under conditions effective for reaction of the poly-p-dioxanone with the cyclic anhydride to form an end-capped poly-p-dioxanone;(c) exposing the reaction product mixture to a temperature within the range of about 50 to about 150.degree. C. under reduced pressure and removing unreacted p-dioxanone from the reaction product mixture; and(d) recovering the end-capped poly-p-dioxanone.The invention process permits the economical production of high molecular weight poly-p-dioxanone in the melt.

Abstract: A process for utilizing compact or porous plastics is described that comprise in part or totally polyurethane plastics, wherein the process is characterized by the fact that the plastics are prepared into a reaction mixture with a low hydroxyl number, which can be further processed in the conventional manner into new final products by swelling the plastics eithera) in suitable swelling agents and reducing in size into a free flowing gel; orb) dissolving and/or decomposing in suitable hydroxy polyols; andc) adjusting the hydroxyl number to the desired size;d) optionally transforming the reaction mixture comprising a), b) and c) into a polyurethane prepolymer,e) further processing the individual reaction mixtures a) to c) into a polyurethane product or into a plastic with the aid of other suitable hardener systems.

Abstract: Polymer compositions are provided which comprise a first polyhydroxyalkanoate component and optionally a second polymer component, the composition have enhanced properties by using an inorganic oxygen containing compound in the composition. The inorganic oxygen containing compound may be acting as a transesterification catalyst.

Abstract: Absorbable polymers and blends of poly(alkylene diglycolate)s and aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers such as lactide, glycolide, e-caprolactone, p-dioxanone, and trimethylene carbonate are described. The polymers and blends exhibit a broad range of properties, useful in a variety of medical devices.

Abstract: Absorbable biocompatible polymer blends useful to manufacture medical devices. The blends have a first major phase including polymers such as poly(lactide homopolymers and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) copolymers and combination thereof. The blends have a second minor phase include copolymers of poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-p-dioxanone).

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

Abstract: Absorbable, segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers glycolide, and p-dioxanone are described. The segmented copolymers exhibit a broad range of properties, especially high strength and stiffness, and fast absorption rates and breaking strength retention (BSR) profiles, useful in a variety of medical devices. Most importantly, for suture applications where Vicryl.RTM.-like polyglcolide-polylactide sutures with excellent tensile properties, but shorter BSR profiles than Vicryl.RTM. are needed. The copolymers of the present invention have such properties, making them useful in plastic surgery where faster absorption times would lead to less tissue scarring.

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: This invention relates to materials for medical or veterinary use that possess considerably improved properties with regard to friction. The invention also relates to the production of such materials from existing materials that possess suitable bulk properties, but inappropriate frictional properties. This invention also relates to a hydrophilic coating material that provides improved frictional properties.

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 copolymers are fabricated from a predominant component of dioxanone randomly copolymerized with minor amounts of other bioabsorbable monomers. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures.

Abstract: Graft polymers with reactive groups for linking to peptides for use in tissue engineering and to drugs to provide drug delivery systems and useful per se to release amino acids and useful, for example, for wound closure devices, pins, screws, anastomosis rings, and surgical implants, consist essentially of biodegradable homopolymer or copolymer backbone joined at carbon alpha to carbon of backbone carbonyl group, to side chain amino acid pendant group at a carbonyl moiety of said pendant group wherein said side chain contains reactive amino acid group. The graft polymers are prepared by reacting amino acid halide having other reactive groups protected, with biodegradable polymer containing carbanion on carbon alpha to carbon of carbonyl group, and then deprotecting the protected groups. Biodegradable polymer containing carbanion on carbon alpha to carbon of carbonyl group, for use in preparing the graft polymers herein or for otherwise reacting, e.g.

Abstract: The incorporation of 2 to 35 .mu.m particles of a differentially soluble engineering thermoplastic into heat curable epoxy resin systems significantly increases the toughness of such systems without loss of other desirable properties. These toughened epoxy resin systems are useful in preparing carbon fiber reinforced composites having compression strength after impact (CAI) of greater than 45. Ksi 310 MPa after a 1500 in-lb/in impact.

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 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: A composition comprising a polylactide polymer with improved extensional viscosity and methods of making the same are disclosed. The polylactide polymer composition is prepared by providing in the composition polylactide polymer molecules which have been modified, relative to linear non-substituted polylactide, to provide increased molecular interaction among polylactide backbone chains in the composition. The preferred polylactide polymer composition has a number average molecular weight of at least about 10,000 (preferably at least 50,000) and a polydispersity of at least about 2.5. In addition, the polylactide polymer composition should have a neck-in ratio of less than about 0.8.

Abstract: An amorphous film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 2 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing an amorphous film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped 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: 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: The invention relates to the use of copolymers of racemic lactide and .epsilon.-caprolactone, .delta.-valerolactone, gamma-decalactone or .beta.-hydroxybutyric acid, prepared by the reaction of the monomers in the molar ratio of lactide to reaction partner of approximately 95-70 to 5-30, with the addition of metal carboxylates, known per se, as initiators at temperatures of approximately 150.degree. C. over a period of time of approximately 16 to 18 hours, for the topical treatment of human or animal skin.

Abstract: Polylactide of the general structure I(R.sup.1 --OCONH).sub.n --R.sup.2 (I)whereR.sup.1 is a polylactide residue with a molecular weight of from 500 to 500,000 or a degree of polymerization, based on lactic acid units, of about 5 to 5500 andR.sup.2 is the n-functional radical of a tri-, tetra- or polyisocyanate.

Abstract: A process for producing polylactic acid includes the steps of polycondensing lactic acid to a lactic acid prepolymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 10,000-50,000 in a batch-type polymerization reactor, and polycondensing the lactic acid prepolymer to lactic acid polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of at least 100,000 by means of a screw-type extruder.

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 water and UV light degradable copolymer of monomers of lactic acid and a modifying monomer selected from the class consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, P-dioxanone, 1,5 dioxepan-2-one, 1,4-oxathialan-2-one, 1,4-dioxide and mixtures thereof. These copolymers are useful for waste disposal and agricultural purposes. Also disclosed is a water degradable blend of polylactic acid or modified polylactic acid and high molecular weight polyethylene oxide wherein the high molecular weight polyethylene oxide is present in the range of from about 2 by weight to about 50% by weight, suitable for films. A method of applying an active material selected from the class of seeds, seedlings, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and mixtures thereof to an agricultural site is also disclosed.

Abstract: Use of a glyceryl tri(.alpha.-hydroxyacylate) in a cosmetic and/or dermatological composition as the sole precursor of glycerol and of hydroxy acid, which is capable of releasing the glycerol and the hydroxy acid onto the skin via an enzymatic reaction, in order to moisturize and soften the skin. Useful especially for moisturizing and/or treating dry skin.

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.