Abstract: Featured are novel heterocycle substituted hydroquinones, aromatic copolymers and homopolymers bearing main and side chain polar pyridine units. These polymers exhibit good mechanical properties, high thermal and oxidative stability, high doping ability and high conductivity values. These novel polymers can be used in the preparation and application of MEA on PEMFC type single cells. The combination of the above mentioned properties indicate the potential of the newly prepared materials to be used as electrolytes in high temperature PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: Featured are polymer electrolyte membranes based on blends of aromatic polyethers containing pyridine units in the main chain. Preferred membranes can show excellent mechanical properties and exceptional thermal and oxidative stability. Preferred polymer blends can be easily doped with inorganic acids such as phosphoric acid resulting in ionically conducting membrane.

Abstract: High temperature polymer electrolyte membranes bearing pyridine and tetramethyl biphenyl moieties are provided. Preferred polymers can exhibit good mechanical properties, high thermal and oxidative stability and high doping ability with strong acids. Further provided are MEA on PEMFC type single cells.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an intrinsically conductive polymer crosslinking at least a portion of an intrinsically conductive polymer precursor in the solid state, the swollen state, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing states, wherein the swollen state is characterized as being one wherein the intrinsically conductive polymer precursor increases in volume upon exposure to a solvent without completely dissolving in the solvent. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a pattern comprises casting a film of an intrinsically conductive polymer precursor on a substrate; and crosslinking at least a portion of the film by oxidation, wherein the crosslinking occurs in the solid state, the swollen state or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing states.

Abstract: A thiol-ene polymeric material is disclosed. The material is produced by the photopolymerization of reactants having thiol and olefin moieties. The material can incorporate encapsulated components, including cells. Additionally, the material can be derivatized by reacting the polymeric material with components such as proteins.

Abstract: An acid-doped, single-layer or multilayer polymer membrane comprising at least one layer A of a polymer blend with contains: a) from 0.1 to 99.9% by weight of one or more polymers comprising recurring azole units of the formula 1A and/or 1B: wherein the radicals Ar, Ar1, and Ar2 are tetravalent, divalent or trivalent aromatic or heteroaromatic groups and the radicals X are each and oxygen atom, a sulfur atom or an amino group bearing a hydrogen atom, a 1-20 carbon group, in admixture with b) from 99.9 to 0.1% by weight of a polysulfone containing recurring unit having no sulfonic acid groups.

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.

Abstract: Mixtures of chain-extended N-alkylaziridino prepolymers are disclosed herein. The disclosed mixtures of chain-extended N-alkylaziridino prepolymers can be used in combination with additional materials to make curable formulations that can be used, for example, as dental materials such as impression compounds.

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: 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 resist pattern thickening material has resin, a crosslinking agent and a compound having a cyclic structure, or resin having a cyclic structure at a part. A resist pattern has a surface layer on a resist pattern to be thickened with etching rate (nm/s) ratio of the resist pattern to be thickened the surface layer of 1.1 or more, under the same condition, or a surface layer to a resist pattern to be thickened. A process for forming a resist pattern includes applying the thickening material after forming a resist pattern to be thickened on its surface. A semiconductor device has a pattern formed by the resist pattern. A process for manufacturing the semiconductor device has applying, after forming a resist pattern to be thickened, the thickening material to the surface of the resist pattern to be thickened, and patterning the underlying layer by etching, the pattern as a mask.

Abstract: A thermo-sensitve copolymer of following formula; is disclosed; wherein R1 is hydrogen, or —C(?O)—R2; R2 is C7-30 alkyl substituted or unsubstituted with functional groups; R3 is hydrogen, or C1-6 alkyl; and x, y or z individually is an integer greater than 0. The thermo-sensitive copolymers disclosed here are easy to be implanted into a human body through injection. The biodegradability is greatly improved and the cytotoxicity of the copolymers is low.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions useful as biosensors that specifically interact with various pathogens and other target analytes. The biosensor itself, comprises functionalized dendritic tethers derivatized for attachment to a variety of surfaces as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as well as attached binding moieties (sometimes referred to as capture binding ligands). Accordingly, the present invention provides compositions comprising supports comprising surfaces to which the binding moieties (e.g. antibodies) are attached for the detection of target analytes (e.g. pathogens) as well as methods and compositions relating to the attachment of such binding moieties.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the preparation of multiblock copolymers, dispersions of multiblock copolymers, vesicles and micelles containing multiblock copolymers, and oxidative degradation products of multiblock copolymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are block copolymers represented by the following general formula (I) wherein AI represents a hydroxyl group or an organic residue derived from an anionic polymerization initiator, R represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl group, NP represents a residue derived from a nucleophilic reagent, m is an integer of 2 to 20,000, and n is an integer of 1 to 20,000.

Abstract: A water-soluble block copolymer having a mass average molecular weight of 2500 to 800000 and comprising, within a molecule, a poly(ethylene imine) block unit and a poly(N-propionylethylene imine) block unit is a novel linear or star-shaped water-soluble block copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polythiophenes, particularly regioregular head-to-tail poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (HT-PATs), block copolymers made therefrom, and their methods of formation. The present invention provides HT-PATs with well-defined, specific end-groups, functionalization of the defined HT-PATs, and incorporation of end group functionalized HT-PATs into block copolymers with structural polymers. The intrinsically conductive diblock and triblock copolymers, formed from the HT-PATs, have excellent conductivity and low polydispersities that are useful in a number of applications. The block copolymers of the present invention have been found to exhibit conductivities that range from a low of 10?8 S/cm for certain applications to as high as several hundred S/cm or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a production process for a basic water-absorbent resin to be a main component of a water-absorbing agent which exhibits an excellent water absorption capacity under a load with high productivity; a production process for a water-absorbing agent; and use thereof. The production process for an irregular shape basic water-absorbent resin comprises the step of reacting a basic resin and a crosslinking agent in order to obtain the basic water-absorbent resin, with the process forwarding a crosslinking reaction and pulverizing the resultant product at the same time. The first production process for a water-absorbing agent comprises the step of blending an acidic water-absorbent resin with the basic water-absorbent resin obtained by the above-mentioned process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an intrinsically conductive polymer crosslinking at least a portion of an intrinsically conductive polymer precursor in the solid state, the swollen state, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing states, wherein the swollen state is characterized as being one wherein the intrinsically conductive polymer precursor increases in volume upon exposure to a solvent without completely dissolving in the solvent. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a pattern comprises casting a film of an intrinsically conductive polymer precursor on a substrate; and crosslinking at least a portion of the film by oxidation, wherein the crosslinking occurs in the solid state, the swollen state or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing states.

Abstract: A crosslinking agent that is an ungelled reaction product of (a) at least one aminoplast resin and (b) at least one aromatic heterocycle containing at least one nitrogen atom wherein the crosslinking agent is essentially free of active hydrogen functional groups and has a glass transition temperature of at least 10° C. is disclosed. Methods for preparing crosslinking agents are also disclosed. Further provided is a curable powder coating composition including a polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 30° C. containing reactive functional groups and the present crosslinking agent; a multilayer composite coating composition and substrates coated therewith are also disclosed.

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: There is provided a process for producing particles of amine reaction product by means of a carrier having a melting point of less than 30° C. optionally followed by a coating step. Processed amine reaction products and finished compositions incorporating such processed product are also herein provided.

Abstract: A stable and high-solids aqueous dispersion of blocked isocyanates, containing auxiliary solvent, is prepared by (1) preparing a solution of a polyisocyanate mixture of from 20-70% by weight of a blocked, hydrophilically modified polyisocyanate (A) and from 30-80% by weight of a blocked, hydrophobic polyisocyanate (B) in an auxiliary solvent (G) and (2) adding water to this solution, with intensive mixing, in an amount which is such as to give a two-phase system comprising a disperse polyisocyanate phase and a continuous, aqueous phase containing auxiliary solvent. In a preferred embodiment of the invention dispersions are prepared which are virtually free from auxiliary solvent, by first adding a portion of water to the solution (1), substantially removing the auxiliary solvent with intensive mixing and then adding a second portion of water with intensive mixing to the mixture comprising the polyisocyanates (A) and (B) and the first portion of water.

Abstract: The present invention is a polyester resin composition comprising an inorganic filler such as a swellable, lamellar silicate organized by an organizing agent, polyetherimide, and a polymer containing polyethylene naphthalate in a constituent unit thereof, which polymer is preferably a copolymer containing polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate as copolymerized components.

Abstract: A phosphazene composition which has a content of volatile components of not less than 0.02% by weight and not more than 1.0% by weight when it is heated at 200° C. for 2 hours; is excellent in resistance to hydrolysis, and when the phosphazene composition is added to a resin, there is provided a resin composition which highly maintains the balance of resistance to hydrolysis, flame retardancy and stability of electric characteristics in a high-frequency field of not less than 1 GHz.

Abstract: A method of forming a branched polymer includes forming a plurality of growing linear polymer chains by polymerizing a monomer which is protected against branching and which forms a reactive end group which is in a first condition which is one of electrophilic or nucleophilic, exposing the growing linear polymer chains to a chain transfer agent to cause the reactive end group of at least a first growing linear polymer chain to reverse its electrophilic or nucleophilic character, whereby a non-reversed reactive end group on a second growing linear polymer chain reacts with the reversed reactive end group on the first growing linear polymer chain to create a branched polymer and reverses the electrophilic or nucleophilic character of the reversed reactive end group back to its first condition, whereby it may continue adding monomer in a linear fashion; and quenching the polymerization by adding a compound having multiple reactive sites capable of reacting with the reactive end groups of the polymer chains when

Abstract: The present invention relates to polythiophenes, particularly regioregular head-to-tail poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (HT-PATs), block copolymers made therefrom, and their methods of formation. The present invention provides HT-PATs with well-defined, specific end-groups, functionalization of the defined HT-PATs, and incorporation of end group functionalized HT-PATs into block copolymers with structural polymers. The intrinsically conductive diblock and triblock copolymers, formed from the HT-PATs, have excellent conductivity and low polydispersities that are useful in a number of applications. The block copolymers of the present invention have been found to exhibit conductivities that range from a low of 10−8 S/cm for certain applications to as high as several hundred S/cm or more.

Abstract: The physical properties of high performance composites can be tailored by using blends to make the composites. The resulting composites are relatively easy to make and have long-term, high performance capabilities even in harsh service conditions. The blends of the present invention include at least one oligomer having an aromatic, aliphatic, or mixed aromatic and aliphatic backbone from one chemical family and an unsaturated hydrocarbon end cap and at least one polymer from a different chemical family. Upon curing, the oligomer in the blend addition polymerize to form composites possessing advanced properties with respect to those exhibited by the pure oligomer or the pure polymer. Coreactive oligomer blends can be used instead of a pure oligomer to form composites that include addition polymers, block copolymers, and the compatible polymer, thereby further achieving a tailoring of properties in the cured composite. The blends can be prepregged and cured to form composites.

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: An improved PVOH-based coating solution for application to a polymeric substrate. The coating solution includes poly(vinyl alcohol), a formaldehyde-containing crosslinking agent and a crosslinking-promoting acid catalyst which lowers the pH of the solution to about 3.5 or less and, preferably, to about 3 or less. The coating solution exhibits improved viscosity stability, particularly with the addition of a second acid catalyst. The coating solution also provides improved crosslinking and oxygen barrier characteristics upon drying.

Abstract: TADDOL dendrimers are described. Their use as crosslinkers in polymerisation reactions and the use of Ti salts of polymer-bound TADDOL dendrimers as catalysts in enantioselective addition reactions is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product of reaction between a primary and/or secondary amine and one or more active ingredients. By the present invention, there is provided a release of the active component over a longer period of time than by the use of the active itself.

Abstract: A graft copolymer is prepared by a process comprising: graft polymerizing a polyamide-forming monomer selected from the group consisting of lactams and &ohgr;-aminocarboxylic acids and an oligocarboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of from 0.015 to about 3 mol. % of dicarboxylic acid and from 0.01 to about 1.2 mol. % of tricarboxylic acid, in each case the stated amounts of oligocarboxylic acid based on a molar amount of lactam, &ohgr;-aminocarboxylic acid or combination thereof, onto from 0.5 to 25% by weight, based on the graft copolymer, of a polyamine having at least 11 nitrogen atoms and a number-average molecular weight Mn of at least 500 g/mol., wherein the amino group concentration in the graft copolymer ranges from 100 to 2500 mmol./kg.

Abstract: A stable and high-solids aqueous dispersion of blocked isocyanates, containing auxiliary solvent, is prepared by (1) preparing a solution of a polyisocyanate mixture of from 20-70% by weight of a blocked, hydrophilically modified polyisocyanate (A) and from 30-80% by weight of a blocked, hydrophobic polyisocyanate (B) in an auxiliary solvent (G) and (2) adding water to this solution, with intensive mixing, in an amount which is such as to give a two-phase system comprising a disperse polyisocyanate phase and a continuous, aqueous phase containing auxiliary solvent. In a preferred embodiment of the invention dispersions are prepared which are virtually free from auxiliary solvent, by first adding a portion of water to the solution (1), substantially removing the auxiliary solvent with intensive mixing and then adding a second portion of water with intensive mixing to the mixture comprising the polyisocyanates (A) and (B) and the first portion of water.

Abstract: Curable coating compositions for powder coatings are disclosed which are composed of a cyclic carbonate functional polymer and a carbamate salt of a multifunctional amine.

Abstract: Block copolymers containing a fluorinated hydrocarbon unit, a hydrocarbon unit, and a poly(oxyethylene) unit are useful in fluid formulations of pharmaceutical agents. A typical embodiment is: C11H23—CONHC2H4NHCO—C8F16—CONHC2H4NHCOO—(C2H4O)34—H.

Abstract: Starburst conjugates which are composed of at least one dendrimer in association with at least one unit of a carried agricultural, pharmaceutical, or other material have been prepared. These conjugates have particularly advantageous properties due to the unique characteristics of the dendrimer.

Abstract: TADDOL dendrimers are described. Their use as crosslinkers in polymerisation reactions and the use of Ti salts of polymer-bound TADDOL dendrimers as catalysts in enantioselective addition reactions is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixtures of conducting organic polymers and reaction products of polyfunctional organosilanes, conducting organic-inorganic hybrid materials obtained therefrom, and their use for coating surfaces.

Abstract: A comb copolymer comprising a backbone comprising (a) hydrophilic units, (b) residues of dihalogeno compound remaining after the halogen atoms have been removed and (c) moiety containing pendant hydrophobe, such copolymer being particularly well suited as thickener for latex paints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to moisture-curable compositions containinga) 5 to 95%, based on the weight of components a) and b), of polyisocyanates having (cyclo)aliphatically-bound isocyanate groups andb) 5 to 95%, based on the weight of components a) and b), of compounds containing alkoxysilane groups and corresponding to the formula ##STR1## wherein X represents identical or different organic groups which are inert to isocyanate groups below 100.degree. C., provided that at least one of these groups is an alkoxy group andY represents a linear or branched alkylene radical containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms. The present invention also relates to coatings, adhesives or sealants prepared from these moisture-curable compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metallated or unmetallated porphyrin derivatives which have varying amphiphilic properties and which may be bonded to polymers, and to processes of their preparation. The present invention further relates to photosensitizers comprising said porphyrin derivatives, and to the use of said photosensitizers for the catalytic formation of singlet oxygen.

Abstract: A stable and high-solids aqueous dispersion of blocked isocyanates, containing auxiliary solvent, is prepared by (1) preparing a solution of a polyisocyanate mixture of from 20-70% by weight of a blocked, hydrophilically modified polyisocyanate (A) and from 30-80% by weight of a blocked, hydrophobic polyisocyanate (B) in an auxiliary solvent (G) and (2) adding water to this solution, with intensive mixing, in an amount which is such as to give a two-phase system comprising a disperse polyisocyanate phase and a continuous, aqueous phase containing auxiliary solvent. In a preferred embodiment of the invention dispersions are prepared which are virtually free from auxiliary solvent, by first adding a portion of water to the solution (1), substantially removing the auxiliary solvent with intensive mixing and then adding a second portion of water with intensive mixing to the mixture comprising the polyisocyanates (A) and (B) and the first portion of water.

Abstract: Higher generation radially layered copolymeric dendrimers having a hydrophilic poly(amidoamine) or a hydrophilic poly(propyleneimine) interior and a hydrophobic organosilicon exterior are prepared by first reacting a hydrophilic dendrimer having --NH.sub.2 surface groups with an organosilicon compound, and then hydrosilating the resulting copolymeric dendrimer with another organosilicon compound in the presence of a noble metal catalyst. In an alternate embodiment, the radially layered copolymeric dendrimers are prepared by reacting a hydrophilic dendrimer having --NH.sub.2 surface groups directly with an organosilicon dendron or organosilicon hyperbranched polymer.

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

Abstract: Molecular dispersions of rigid-rod polybenzobisazole polymer/copolymer in thermosetting matrices in a weight ratio of about 1:99 to 50:50 are prepared by dissolving the rigid-rod polymer in an alcoholic or aprotic solvent, dissolving the thermosetting polymer in an alcoholic or aprotic solvent, combining the two solutions and recovering the resulting molecular composite from the combined solution. These molecular dispersions consist essentially of rigid-rod polybenzobisazole polymer/copolymer having sulfonic acid groups pendant to the polymer/copolymer backbone and thermosetting polymers selected from the group consisting of iminobis(N-propyl-2-phenylethynyl-phthalimide), N-ethyl-(2,6-di-benzocyclobutenoxy)benzylamine, iminobis(N-propylnadic imide) and difunctional benzoxazine monomers of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is a single bond, --CO-- or --C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 -- and Q is --CH.sub.3 or --C.sub.6 H.sub.5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable biocompatible polyacetals, methods for their preparation, and methods for treating mammals by administration of biodegradable biocompatible polyacetals. A method for forming the biodegradable biocompatible polyacetals combines a glycol-specific oxidizing agent with a polysaccharide to form an aldehyde intermediate which is combined with a reducing agent to form the biodegradable biocompatible polyacetal. The resultant biodegradable biocompatible polyacetals can be chemically modified to incorporate additional hydrophilic moieties. A method for treating mammals includes the administration of the biodegradable biocompatible polyacetal in which biologically active compounds or diagnostic labels can be disposed.

Abstract: A novel class of hyper comb-branched polymers conjugated with carried materials are disclosed.

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

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