Abstract: In the present invention, an inorganic reactant is, or reactants are, localized with respect to a dendritic polymer by physical constraint within or by a non-covalent conjugation to the dendritic polymer. The localized inorganic reactant or reactants is/are subsequently transformed to form a reaction product which is immobilized with respect to the dendritic polymer. This immobilization occurs on a nanoscopic scale as a consequence of the combined effects of structural, chemical and physical changes without having covalent bonds between the product(s) and the dendritic container and results in new compositions of matter called dendritic nanocomposites. The resulting nanocomposite material can be used to produce revolutionary products such as water soluble elemental metals, with specific applications including magnetic resonance imaging, catalytic, magnetic, optical, photolytic and electroactive applications.

Abstract: A method for the production of polyasparagine is provided wherein the polyasparagine is prepared by ammonolysis of polysuccinimide in liquid ammonia, acting both as a solvent and as a reactant, wherein the polysuccinimide can be any polysuccinimide, such as linear, branched or cross-linked, wherein the polyasparagine produced has high %N content and is neutral as opposed to anionic or cationic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of matter containing aromatic cyanate ester containing at least two rings linked by a group containing an unsaturated group and selected aromatic hydroxyl compounds that exhibited improved heat release and curing properties. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing said compounds and cured articles resulting from curable mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Transparent molding compositions are prepared by blending from 50 to 99 parts by weight of a transparent polyamide, and from 1 to 50 parts by weight of a graft copolymer, such that the sum of the parts by weight of the transparent polyamide and the graft copolymer is 100. The graft copolymer is prepared by reacting from 0.5 to 25% by weight, based on the graft copolymer, of a branched polyamine having at least 4 nitrogen atoms and having a number average molecular weight Mn of at least 146 g/mol, with polyamide-forming monomers selected from the group consisting of lactams, w-aminocarboxylic acids, equimolar combinations of diamine and dicarboxylic acid, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Metal cyanide catalysts are complexed with organic sulfone or sulfoxide compounds. The catalysts are active alkylene oxide polymerization catalysts that tend to have short induction periods and moderate exotherms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-swellable crosslinked polymer composition which comprises an anionic crosslinked polymer and a cationic crosslinked polymer, and is excellent in the desalting property and further in the absorption properties under load, and is therefore highly practicable. In a water-swellable crosslinked polymer composition which is particulate and comprises a cationic crosslinked polymer and an anionic crosslinked polymer, the improvement satisfies the following requirements (1) and/or (2): (1) At least either one of the cationic crosslinked polymer and the anionic crosslinked polymer has a bulk density of not more than 0.5 g/ml. (2) The water-swellable crosslinked polymer composition has a bulk density of not more than 0.5 g/ml.

Abstract: Polyamides including functional groups and methods of preparing such polyamides. The polyamides are useful, for example, to prepare filaments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the hydrolytic polymerisation of &egr;-caprolactam to polyamide-6, comprising a step (a) in which ring opening of part of the &egr;-caprolactam to the corresponding amino caproic acid is effected in the presence of water and a step (b) in which polyaddition and polycondensation are effected under preferably anhydrous reaction conditions, in which at least one of the steps (a) and (b) is carried out in a reactor in which a self-renewing interface between the molten phase and the gas phase with a large surface/volume ratio of the molten phase is effected. The method is preferably effected in an horizontal scraped-surface reactor, since relatively strong mixing of the molten phase can be achieved in these and the molten phase is present in a thin layer, a large gas volume is present having a relatively high partial pressure of the water vapour and the thin layer is constantly renewed by shear forces.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to polyamide ligand-containing polymeric resins and methods of using the same for removing, separating, and/or concentrating certain desired metal ions from solutions, even when the desired ions are in the presence of other metal ions and/or hydrogen ions at much higher concentrations. The unique composition of matter of this invention is a polyamide ligand-containing polymeric resin which is a reaction product of a hydroxymethylated polyamide ligand and a polymerization and/or crosslinking agent. Specifically, the polymeric resins of the present invention are comprised of from 10 to 50,000 polyamide ligand units wherein each polyamide ligand unit contains at least three amide groups (preferably from three to eight amide groups) and two amine groups separated by at least two carbons. Each amide group, after polymerization, may remain hydroxymethylated or be crosslinked to other polyamide ligand units through a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2) or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition that exhibits good adhesion to polyamide material and other materials, comprising 60 to 99 weight percent of a copolyester elastomer, and 1 to 40 weight percent of a novolac resin, based on the total weight of the copolymer elastomer and the novolac resin only, wherein the composition comprises greater than 50 weight percent copolyester elastomer based on the total weight of the composition. The invention also concerns an article comprising at least two materials bonded together at one or more defined contact surfaces, a first one of the bonded materials comprising a copolyester elastomer and a novolac resin. Such bodies can be welded, injection molded, and extruded simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: A high molecular weight copolymeric polyaspartic ester which has been hydrophobically modified with alkyl or alkenyl radicals having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms. The copolymers are derived from polyamino acids and have a molecular weight, Mw, of about 2500 or above.

Abstract: A resin composition for powder coating, which comprises the following components (A), (B) and (C): (A) a carboxyl group-containing resin having a number average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 20,000, an acid value of from 5 to 200 and a glass transition temperature of from 30 to 120° C.; (B) tris(&bgr;-methylglycidyl) isocyanurate of the formula (1): (C) as a ring opening polymerization inhibitor, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amines having in their molecules a bond of the formula (2): and onium salts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to rubber compositions comprised of cis-1,4-polyisoprene and a polymeric di-maleamic acid and to articles of manufacture having at least one component comprised thereof, including tires. The polymeric di-maleamic acid has been observed to enhance green strength of such rubber composition.

Abstract: Grafting a polymer at the surface of a carbonated material containing carboxyl, amine and/or hydroxyl functions at its surface. This material is suspended in a solution comprising the polymer to be grafted, which includes a carboxyl, amine and/or hydroxyl function, the solution also comprising a solvent of the polymer. This is followed by a treatment causing dehydration into a carboxyl function, an amide and/or hydroxyl function and the polymer is thus grafted on the carbonated material by means of ester or amide bonds. Utilization in the cathode or anode of an electrochemical generator, in a polymer material with low polarity, in an ink, and as a conductive deposit on flexible plastic used as electrical contact, electromagnetic protection and antistatic protection.

Abstract: An ultraviolet light absorbing material that resists blooming and migration is made up of a polyurethane or polyurea polymer and an amide functional ultraviolet light absorbing compound, wherein the polymer and the amide functional ultraviolet light absorbing compound are hydrogen bonded to one another. Polymeric films that contain a polymeric matrix and the ultraviolet light absorbing material are useful as the top layer in multilayer constructions such as retroreflective sheetings and conformable marking sheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-based pressure sensitive adhesives comprising at least one water-based polymer and at least one aminoplast resins such as melamine-formaldehyde resins, urea-formaldehyde resins, alkylated melamine-formaldehyde resins and combinations thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to water-based pressure sensitive adhesives comprising the reaction product of aqueous polymer dispersions and water dispersible melamine-formaldehyde resins. The pressure sensitive adhesives are characterized as having enhanced bonding characteristics including loop tack, peel strength, and shear strength making them particularly useful for the manufacture of dry-bonded laminates, tapes, labels, medical patches and devices, flexible packages, furnace ducts, exterior insulating finish system and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides water-borne adhesives and adhesive emulsions comprising: (1) 25 to 55 weight percent of a grafted polyolefin comprising the reaction product of (i) a polyolefin, (ii) an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having functionality capable of reacting with an amino group and (iii) an amino carboxylic acid; (2) a minor amount up to 10 weight percent of a surfactant; and (3) 55 to 80 weight percent water.

Abstract: An improved polyamide resin composition for weldable molded articles which comprises: (a) 99.9-30% by weight of a polyamide-containing compound; (b) 0.1-20% by weight of a plasticizing compound selected from the group consisting of esters of low molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol) having the formula (I) R—COO—(CH2CH2O)n—OC—R  (I) wherein R is a branched or straight chain alkyl group having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, and n is 2 to 20; or a long chain alkyl polyester of formula (II) HOOC—R—CO—(O—R′—O—CO—R—CO)n—O—R′—OH  (II) wherein R is alkyl of 16 to 45 carbon atoms, R′ is alkyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, or, wherein R is an alkyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, R′ is an alkyl of 16 to 45 carbon atoms, and n is 2 to 50.

Abstract: The invention describes the preparation of high molecular weight copolymeric polyaspartic esters which have been hydrophobically modified with alkyl radicals having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2) or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: Provided are alkenyl and/or alkyl succinimides formed from at least one alkenyl or alkyl succinic anhydride and at least one aliphatic amine having one or two primary amino groups in the molecule. These succinimides are characterized in that each alkenyl or alkyl group thereof contains in the range of 16 to 30 carbon atoms. Such group is bifurcated on its alpha carbon atom into two branches neither of which contains less than 2 carbon atoms, one such branch being free of any side chain, and the other such branch either being free of any side chain or containing at most one methyl or methylene side chain. In addition the succinimide has a viscosity at 80° C. of less than about 100 centistokes. These succinimides are especially useful as internal and external sizing agents for paper and paper products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous pigment pastes comprising hydrophobically modified polyaspartic acid derivatives as dispersants. The invention relates in particular to the use of hydrophobically modified polyaspartic acid derivatives as dispersants for preparing aqueous pigment pastes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-dispersible materials (e.g. fibers or films) and to a method of producing same. The materials of the invention comprise a water soluble component, for example, a sulfonated polycondensate thermoplastic, and a modifying auxiliary component, for example, a low melt temperature thermoplastic.

Abstract: The present invention recites a method comprising reacting in a solvent in the presence of a base a) at least one diacidic monomer comprising about 1 to 100 mole % of at least one light-absorbing monomer having a light absorption maximum between about 300 nm and about 1200 nm and 99-0 mole % of a non-light absorbing monomer which does not absorb significant light at wavelengths above 300 nm or has a light absorption maximum below 300 nm, with b) an organic compound of Formula II X—B—X1 wherein B is a divalent organic radical to form a light absorbing composition comprising a mixture of a polymer having the formula and a cyclic compound having the general formula wherein B is as defined above; n is at least 2, m is 1, 2, 3 or 4 and A comprises the residue of a diacidic monomer comprising about 1 to 100 mole % of at least one light-absorbing monomer having a light absorption maximum between about 300 nm and about 1000 nm and wherein the remaining portion of A

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out polycondensation reactions, according to which the polycondensation of a monomeric starting material is carried out with external supply of heat in a reactor combination which has at least two stages and is composed of a pre-reactor and a high-viscosity reactor, where the low-molecular-weight elimination products produced are removed by evaporation. In the pre-reactor, the reaction product is concentrated to give a high-viscosity preliminary product. The high-viscosity preliminary product is then fed to the high-viscosity reactor, in which it reacts to completion with simultaneous introduction of thermal and mechanical energy and with a residence time of from 20 s to 60 min to give a polycondensation product.

Abstract: A vinyl-group-containing dendrimer useful in coating and printing and is curable by any one of conventional triggers such as heating, ultraviolet light, infrared light, electron beams and &ggr; rays, the composition comprising a vinyl-group-containing dendrimer (A) comprising a core portion, branching portions, branches and at least 4 terminal portions and having a vinyl group as a terminal portion and a long-chain group and a curable unsaturated-group-containing compound (B), and the composition comprising a vinyl-group-containing dendrimer (A) obtained by reacting a polyfunctional compound (a) having at least three active-hydrogen-containing groups in a terminal per molecule and having at least five active hydrogen atoms per molecule with a long-chain-group-containing compound (b) having a functional group reactive with an active hydrogen atom so as to leave part of the active hydrogen atoms, thereby obtaining a long-chain-group-containing multi-branched compound (X), and reacting the long-chain-containing

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive composition which comprises (a) an adhesive carrier, and (b) an adhesively effective amount of a polyamino acid salt selected from the group consisting of polyaspartic acid salts, polyglutamic acid salts, and copolymers of polyaspartic acid salts with polyglutamic acid salts, and mixtures thereof. The present invention also pertains to an article to which the adhesive composition has been applied, a method for adhering a first substrate to a second substrate employing the polyamino acid salts, and to an improved method for making polyamino acid salts.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (--NH.sub.2) or thiol (--SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: A highly polymerizable N-vinylcarboxylic acid amide having an N-1,3-butadienylcarboxylic acid amide content of 30 ppm or less, a process for producing the same, and a process for producing a homopolymer of N-vinylcarboxylic acid amide or a copolymer thereof with another copolymerizable monomer using the same. Also, a highly polymerizable N-vinyl-carboxylic acid amide is produced by thermal cracking or catalytic cracking of N-(1-alkoxyethyl)carboxylic acid amide or ethylidenebiscarboxylic acid amide, wherein the N-vinyl-carboxylic acid amide content of the N-(1-alkoxyethyl)-carboxylic acid amide or ethylenebiscarboxylic acid amide is 10 wt % or less.

Abstract: A resin composition for powder coating, which comprises the following components (A), (B) and (C): (A) a carboxyl group-containing resin having a number average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 20,000, an acid value of from 5 to 200 and a glass transition temperature of from 30 to 120.degree. C.; (B) tris(.beta.-methylglycidyl) isocyanurate of formula (1); and (C) as a ring opening polymerization inhibitor, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amines having in their molecules a bond of formula (2); and onium salts.

Abstract: An amino acid based polymer, oligomer or copolymer containing at least 5 mol % of units of a basic amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, argenine, ortnithine, trgptophane and mixtures thereof and at least about 5 mol % of a polymerizable compound selected from the group consisting of aliphatic or cycloaliphatic amines, alicyclic amines, diamines, triamines, tetraamines, aliphatic amino alcohols or mixtures thereof, an a process for the production of the said polymer, oligomer or copolymer by condensing at a temperature of at least 120.degree. C. said basic amino acid with at least one of said polymerizable compounds.

Abstract: The present invention describes a polyoxaamide copolymer and blends thereof that may be used to produce hydrogels, surgical devices such as catheters, molded devices, and the like. The polyoxaamide copolymers of the present invention are composed of a first divalent repeating unit of formula IA:[--X'--C(O)--R.sub.30 --C(O)--] IAa second divalent repeating unit of the formula IB:[X--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--]IBand a third repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of:[--Y--R.sub.17 --].sub.T II[--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--].sub.B, III([--O--R.sub.9 --C(O)].sub.P --O--).sub.L G XIand combinations thereof, wherein R.sub.30 is an alkylene, arylene, arylalkylene, substituted alkylene, substituted arylene and substituted alkylarylene provided that R.sub.30 cannot be --[C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)].sub.1--2 --O--R.sub.3 --O--[C(R'.sub.1)(R'.sub.2)].sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing polymers having repeating succinyl units, especially polysuccinimide and polyaspartic acid, with increased M.sub.W values at non-increased, moderate synthesis temperatures and at the same time without increased polycondensation times, using maleic anhydride and ammonium carbonate plus a catalyst.

Abstract: A urethane-resin based coating for reducing friction includes a urethane paint and a first powder. The coating is to be applied to a shaped article which is to be subjected to a heat treatment at a certain temperature after the application of the coating to the shaped article. The first powder has a melting point lower than the certain temperature and a solubility parameter which is smaller than or larger than that of the urethane paint by at least 0.5. The coating optionally further includes a second powder which has a melting point higher than the certain temperature. The coating provides the shaped article with low friction, irrespective of the coating film's thickness.

Abstract: A preparation process of a polymer comprising conducting ring-opening polymerization of a 4- to 10-membered ring-opening polymerizable cyclic monomer in the presence of a phosphazenium salt of an active hydrogen compound represented by the chemical formula (1): ##STR1## wherein n is an integer of 1 to 8 and indicates the number of phosphazenium cations, Z.sup.n- is an anion of a n-valent active hydrogen compound derived by releasing n protons from an active hydrogen compound having a maximum of 8 active hydrogen atoms, a, b, c and d are individually a positive integer or 0 and are not all 0 at the same time, R's are the same or different hydrocarbons having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and two R's located on each common nitrogen atom may be coupled together to form a ring structure; or in the presence of the phosphazenium salt of the active hydrogen compound and the active hydrogen compound is disclosed.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric compositions are provided, wherein biodegradable polyphosphazenes are combined with at least one other polymer, either in the form of a blend, a semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN), or an interpenetrating network IPN. The side groups and composition of the polyphosphazenes are used to determine the properties of the compositions, for example, the rate and extent of degradation, and mechanical properties. These are useful in biomedical applications, including controlled drug delivery and tissue regeneration, and environmental applications. In the most preferred embodiment, as demonstrated by the examples, the polyphosphazenes contain hydrophobic side groups, such as p-methylphenoxy and other aromatic groups, and groups which impart hydrolytic instability, such as amino acid alkyl esters, and degrade by surface erosion. A preferred example is ethyl glycinato-substituted polyphosphazene (PPHOS) with p-methylphenoxy as co-substituent.

Abstract: Polyaspartate, useful for inhibition of incrustations due to materials causing hardness in water and of value in detergent formulations, can be prepared by reacting maleic acid or fumaric acid in a molar ratio of 1:1-2.1 at temperatures greater than 190.degree. C., followed by conversion of the polymer formed in this reaction to a salt of polyaspartic acid by basic hydrolysis.

Abstract: The invention provides composite color-plus-clear coatings having improved appearance, especially with respect to wrinkling, and to methods and compositions for providing such coatings. The method of the invention utilizes a second coating composition comprising (A) a film forming component comprising (a) a first component comprising a compound having appended thereto at least one carbamate or urea functional group, or a group convertible to a carbamate or urea group, and (b) a second component comprising a compound reactive with said carbamate or urea groups on component (a), (B) a cyclic anhydride, and (C) a catalyst.

Abstract: A process for preparing cocondensates of aspartic acid and amines by heating aspartic acid and amines in the presence of acidic catalysts comprises supplying the feed region of the extruder with particulate aspartic acid and a downstream metering zone with at least one amine and at least one acidic catalyst, condensing the resulting mixture to such an extent by heating that the downstream end of the extruder discharges a precondensate which contains at least 20-95% by weight of the starting aspartic acid in condensed form, and then completing the condensation of the precondensate. The cocondensates are useful as incrustation inhibitors in detergents.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (--NH.sub.2) or thiol (--SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: The curable coating composition of the invention comprises a film forming component (A) and a wrinkle reducing catalyst (B) comprising a compound of the formula:M.sub.y (L).sub.xwherein M is a metal having an empty or full d orbital and wherein the pk.sub.a of the aqua ion of M is less than or equal to 12; L is a ligand wherein the pk.sub.a of the parent acid is .gtoreq.-10 and is .ltoreq.4; and x is an integer which is a multiple of the charge of M, y is an interger which is a multiple of the charge of L, x and y selected so that ML is charge balanced. Film forming component (A) has first component (a) with a compound having appended thereto at least one carbamate or urea functional group, or a group convertible to a carbamate or urea group, and a second component (b) with a compound reactive with said carbamate or urea groups on component (a).

Abstract: By heating at above the melting point or glass transition point of the polyamide and adding a secondary aromatic amine and a difunctional epoxide it is possible to bring about an increase in the molecular weight and/or viscosity of virgin polyamide and recycled polyamide.

Abstract: Dendritic polymers containing disulfide functional groups which are essentially inert under non-reducing conditions, but which form sulfhydryl groups upon being subjected to a reducing agent are prepared by synthesizing dendritic polymers having a core with a disulfide linkage or by reacting a dendritic polymer with a molecule containing a disulfide linkage and reactive terminal groups. In one aspect of the invention, dendritic polymers having a single disulfide functional group at the core are provided. The single disulfide group at the core can be reduced to form two sulfhydryl groups to which other molecules, such as proteins, oligonucleotides, peptides, hormones, other dendritic polymers, non-dendritic polymers, etc., can be bound.

Abstract: Copolymers of polyaspartic acid which are suitable for the inhibition of scale deposition were obtained by reacting maleic acid, an additional polycarboxylic acid and ammonia in a stoichiometric excess, at 120.degree.-350.degree. C., preferably 180.degree.-300.degree. C., to provide copolymers of polysuccinimide. In a second embodiment, a polyamine was added to the reaction mix. These intermediate polysuccinimide copolymers could then be converted to the salts of copolymers of polyaspartic acid by hydrolysis with a hydroxide. Such copolymers are useful in preventing deposition of scale from water and find applications in treating water. Other applications include scale prevention additives for detergents. In addition, such copolymers inhibit dental tartar and plaque formation.

Abstract: A new class of branched dendrimeric macromolecules, is described essentially consisting of a polyvalent central nucleus and a series of polyoxaalkylene "dendra". Such molecules are characterized by the presence of at least one branch, attached either directly to the "core" or to a "dendron", which does not participate in the growth and which therefore differs from all the other functions of the macromolecule.

Abstract: .epsilon.-Caprolactam is continuously recovered from carpet made from nylon 6 face fibers and a backing. The carpet is fed to a separator to prepare scrap containing nylon 6 and auxiliary materials. The scrap from the separator is fed to a depolymerizing reactor to produce an .epsilon.-caprolactam containing distillate and more auxiliary materials. The .epsilon.-caprolactam in the distillate is separated from other volatiles and purified. The auxiliary materials are also recovered or re-used.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of a removable passivating layer in multichip packaging and CUBE applications. The process takes advantage of the fact that various metal ions will react with the carboxylic acid groups of various polyimide precursors. The polyimide will cure at a first temperature and the system may be manipulated and tested. At a later point, the polyimide is subjected to a second, higher temperature in order to decompose or completely destroy the polyimide.

Abstract: A liquid crystal alignment agent containing at least two kinds of polymers selected from the group consisting of polyamic acids and imidized polymers and having a structure obtained by dehydration and ring closure of polyamic acid. In the at least two kinds of polymers contained in the liquid crystal alignment agent, the polymer of higher imidization degree has a smaller surface free energy. The liquid crystal alignment agent gives a liquid crystal display device having less stuck image and high pretilt angle.