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

Abstract: Blends made of bioabsorbable materials including glycolide, lactide, caprolactone, dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate, alkylene glycols, esteramides, etc., and polymers and copolymers thereof with cyanoacrylates are described. Processes for making the polymers and surgical articles made totally or in part from such polymers, including sutures, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for preparing polyalkenylsuccinimides having a sediment level less than 0.1 vol % comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a polyalkenyl derivative of an unsaturated acidic reagent by (i) reacting a polyalkylene with an unsaturated acidic reagent in the absence of a strong acid until at least 25% of the polyalkylene is converted to a polyalkenyl derivative of an unsaturated acidic reagent; (ii) continuing the reaction with an excess of the unsaturated acidic reagent in the presence of a strong acid to convert at least some of the unreacted polyalkylene to additional polyalkenyl derivative of an unsaturated acidic reagent; and (iii) removing the unreacted unsaturated acidic reagent; (b) reacting the unfiltered product of step (a) with a polyamine having at least one basic nitrogen atom; (c) diluting the product of step (b); and (d) subsequently filtering the polyalkenylsuccinimide product.

Abstract: Disclosed are copolymers based on aspartic acid or its precursor molecules and methods of their production. The copolymers are water-soluble over a wide range of composition and molecular weight. Their preparation involves conversion of a polysuccinimide to copolymers of defined composition, containing aspartate and succinimide residues and/or residues of asparagine. In particular, the copolymers include water-soluble terpolymers of aspartate, asparagine, and succinimide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) energy. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of synthesis of copoly(succinimide-aspartate), copolymers and derivatives thereof, prepared in a thermal or supercritical fluid method. Also disclosed are methods of isolating, compounding, stabilizing and processing the copoly(succinimide-aspartate), and its derivatives.

Abstract: Carboxy resins of low equivalent weight per carboxyl group are synthesized by reacting a compound having two or more isocyanate groups with a compound having one hydroxyl group and two or more carboxyl groups. In a preferred embodiment, the compound having isocyanate groups is an isocyanurate derivative of a diisocyanate. The compound having isocyanate groups and the compound having one hydroxyl group and two or more carboxyl groups are reacted under conditions where reaction of carboxyl groups with isocyanate is substantially avoided. In another aspect of the invention, coating compositions are provided that contain in addition to the carboxy resin, a second component having a number of functional groups that are reactive with the carboxyl groups on the carboxy resin.

Abstract: A linear poly-?-amino-acid derivative has at least glutamic or aspartic or serinic repeating units and additionally having a functional group at one or both ends of the polymer backbone and/or only a single functional group as a side group on the polymer backbone, the said functional end group and/or side group being other than alcohol. The said functional derivative is useful for the modification of biologically active materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymeric micellar structure which comprising an ionic porphyrin dendrimer represented by general formula (1): q(c)PM (where q represents the number of charged atoms on the periphery of the dendrimer; c represents a negative (?) or positive (+) charge; and PM is represented by the following general formula (2): wherein M represents two hydrogen atoms or a metal atom, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same or different and represents hydrogen or identical or different aryl ether dendrosubunits, provided that at least one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 represent an aryl ether dendrosubunits and that each aryl ether dendrosubunit has an anionic or cationic group at the end optionally though a spacer molecule chain.

Abstract: A process for selectively modifying pendent functionalities of a polymer containing the pendent functionalities and hydrolytically unstable backbone functionalities is provided. The process includes: (a) providing the polymer in a solvent system (preferably an ether-containing solvent system) adapted to maintain the polymer in a dissolved or partially dissolved state, wherein the pendent functionalities of the polymer are more accessible than the hydrolytically unstable backbone functionalities; and (b) adding at least one additive to the solvent system to selectively modify at least one of the pendent functionalities. The process is especially well suited for specifically acid hydrolyzing pendent esters of PDTE.

Abstract: Provided are crosslinked polymer compositions that include 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 include other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: A powder coating composition includes an acid-functional polyester resin and a matting agent selected from styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers and acid-functional acrylic resins. The compositions provide low gloss finishes at low curing temperatures, as well as consistent gloss over a wide range of curing temperatures.

Abstract: The invention concerns copolyamides obtained by using multifunctional monomers. It consists in using a multifunctional monomer comprising at least three reactive functions and at least another multifunctional monomer, in amounts such that the terminal group concentrations are balanced. The copolyamides are particularly high viscosity copolyamides. The invention also concerns compositions based on said copolyamides.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of synthesis of polysuccinimide, copolymers and derivatives thereof: also disclosed are methods of forming derivatives by ring-opening initiation reactions.

Abstract: The invention concerns copolyamides obtained by using multifunctional monomers. It consists in using at least one multifunctional monomer comprising at least three reactive functions and at least another multifunctional monomer, in amounts such that the terminal group concentrations are balanced. The copolyamides are more particularly high viscosity copolyamides. The invention also concerns compositions based on said copolyamides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymer composition comprising a poly (arylene ether) resin; a polyamide resin having a weight average molecular weight greater than or equal to about 75,000 as determined by gel permeation chromatography using polystyrene standards; an impact modifier; and a flame retardant.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified polyamides, and more particularly to polyamides containing units of the type obtained by reacting a diacid with a diamine, modified with a multifunctional compound. The finished articles shaped from these polyamides or from compositions based on these polyamides have excellent mechanical properties and also a very good surface aspect. The modified polyamide according to the invention is obtained by melt-blending polyamides of different natures, in the presence of a multifunctional compound.

Abstract: A polyester resin composition containing a thermoplastic polyester resin; a polyester copolymer containing a monomer having at least one of an amino group, an imino group, an amido group, and a sulfonic acid group; a layered silicate; and an antioxidant. The monomer having at least one of an amino group, an imino group, an amido group, and a sulfonic acid group is contained in the polyester copolymer in an amount of 5 to 15 mol %. The monomer having at least one of an amino group, an imino group, an amido group, and a sulfonic acid group is contained in the polyester resin composition in an amount of 1 to 5 mol % based on a total polyester content of the polyester resin composition. The antioxidant is contained in the polyester resin composition in an amount of 0.01% to 1.0% by mass.

Abstract: The present invention is directed primarily to an interlinked crystalline solid polyethylene glycol composition (I-PEG) having a molecular weight of at least 20 kDa and a melting temperature of at least 40° C. and its use as an absorbable device having hydrolabile ester or carbonate interlinks that allow in vivo dissociation of the interlinked chain into excretable, low molecular weight PEG segments.

Abstract: The invention provides multi-arm block copolymers useful as drug delivery vehicles comprising a central core molecule, such as a residue of a polyol, and at least three copolymer arms covalently attached to the central core molecule, each copolymer arm comprising an inner hydrophobic polymer segment covalently attached to the central core molecule and an outer hydrophilic polymer segment covalently attached to the hydrophobic polymer segment, wherein the central core molecule and the hydrophobic polymer segment define a hydrophobic core region. The solubility of hydrophobic biologically active agents can be improved by entrapment within the hydrophobic core region of the block copolymer. The invention further includes pharmaceutical compositions including such block copolymers, methods of making such copolymers and pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the block copolymers as drug delivery vehicles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of free, emulsified, or dissolved water from liquids of low volatility, such as oil, is shown. The liquid of low volatility is removed by contacting the fluid stream of concern with one side of a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane divides a separation chamber into a feed side into which the stream of fluid is fed, and a permeate side from which the water is removed. The permeate side of the chamber is maintained at a low partial pressure of water through presence of vacuum, or by use of a sweep gas.

Abstract: A method of tissue repair is provided using a biocompatible nonimmunogenic adhesive composition. The adhesive composition comprises collagen and a plurality of crosslinkable components having reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to enable inter-reaction between the components, i.e., crosslinking. Kits for use in carrying out the method of the invention are also provided, as are pretreated surgically acceptable patches that have been coated with the aforementioned adhesive composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a polyamide comprising at least a step in which a composition that comprises at least (a) a primary aminocarbonamide and (b) an aminocarboxylic acid and/or a lactam is polymerised, said composition comprising at least (a) 10-90 wt. % primary aminocarbonamide; (b) 10-90 wt. % aminocarboxylic acid and/or lactam; (c) 0-4 wt. % water; the amounts being relative to the sum of the compounds (a+b+c). Preferably the sum of the compounds (a+b+c) is at least 75 wt. % of the total composition, more preferably 85 wt. %, most preferably 90 wt. %. The polyamide obtained with the process has a &eegr;rel of more than 2.2. The process is eminently suitable for the preparation of polyamide-6 (polycapronamide) from a composition comprising 6-aminocapronamide, 6-aminocaproic acid and/or &egr;-caprolactam. This composition is preferably obtained via the reductive amination of a 5-formylyalerate ester, preferably 5-formylmethylvalerate in water.

Abstract: Disclosed are copolymers based on aspartic acid or its precursor molecules and methods of their production. The copolymers are water-soluble over a wide range of composition and molecular weight. Their preparation involves conversion of a polysuccinimide to copolymers of defined composition, containing aspartate and succinimide residues and/or residues of asparagine. In particular, the copolymers include water-soluble terpolymers of aspartate, asparagine, and succinimide.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a solution composition of aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester from which a film excellent in an electric property and mechanical strength is produced. The present invention provides a solution composition comprising a solvent, aromatic liquid crystalline polyester, an inorganic filler, and coupling agent having a boiling point of not less than 250° C., wherein a pH of water solution of the coupling agent is from 4 to 8.

Abstract: Provided are crosslinked polymer compositions that include 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 include other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition comprising a polyimide containing particular dianhydride and diamine, and an epoxy resin. The resin composition can be bonded at a relatively low temperature, has excellent heat resistance, adhesion property, soldering heat resistance and retaining ratio of peeling strength after PCT. By forming a circuit using the polyimide resin sheet or the polyimide resin sheet with metal foil, which comprises the resin composition, according to the semi-additive method, a printed wiring board having a good wiring shape, firm adhesion of circuit and high insulating resistance in the microcircuit space can be obtained.

Abstract: This invention is a highly concentrated stable solution of polyimide precursors (monomers) having a solids content ranging from about 80 to 98 percent by weight in lower aliphatic alcohols i.e. methyl and/or ethyl alcohol. The concentrated polyimide precursor solution comprises effective amounts of at least one aromatic diamine, at least one aromatic dianhydride or a lower molecular weight alkyl ester of said dianhydride, and a monofunctional endcap including monoamines, monoanhydrides and the lower alkyl esters of said monoanhydrides. These concentrated polyimide precursor solutions are particularly useful for the preparation of fibrous prepregs and composites for use in structural materials for military and civil applications.

Abstract: A process for producing a polysuccinimide (co)polymer derivative which permits the reaction of a polysuccinimide (co)polymer with a Lewis base in a wide temperature range (90° to 300° C.) without using a pH-adjusting agent is provided. The process for producing a polysuccinimide (co)polymer derivative of this invention comprises reacting a polysuccinimide (co)polymer with a Lewis base by heating in the presence of a solvent having a low boiling point and high relative permittivity.

Abstract: Blending of thermoplastic polyester with fiber-forming polyamide in the production of melt-colored melt-spun fibers results in improved color strength and aesthetics, and dimensional stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method of producing double-metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts for the production of polyether polyols by polyaddition of alkylene oxides to starter compounds containing active hydrogen atoms, in which the DMC catalyst dispersion is produced using a mixing nozzle, preferably a jet disperser. The DMC catalysts produced in this way have an increased activity in polyether polyol production, reduced particle size and narrower particle size distribution.

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 remai

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition, and articles made thereform, containing at least graphite, mica and carbon fiber for low coefficient of friction materials and an article made therefrom. Additionally a particulate polyimide can also be added as a filler. The thermoplastic composition having a coefficient of friction less than or equal to 0.20.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyaspartate mixtures containing a) 5 to 70 equiv. %, based on the total equivalents of aspartate groups, of a cyclic polyaspartate corresponding to the formula wherein X1 represents the residue obtained by removing the amino groups from a cyclic polyamine having a functionality of n, R1 and R2 are identical or different and represent organic groups which are inert to isocyanate groups at a temperature of 100° C. or less, R3 and R4 are identical or different and represent hydrogen or organic groups which are inert towards isocyanate groups at a temperature of 100° C. or less and n is 2 to 4, and b) 30 to 95 equiv.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyaspartates corresponding to the formula wherein X1 represents the residue obtained by removing the amino groups from a polyether polyamine having a functionality of n and a number average molecular weight of less than 600, wherein the amino groups are attached to primary carbon atoms and the ether groups are separated by at least two carbon atoms, R1 and R2 are identical or different and represent organic groups which are inert to isocyanate groups at a temperature of 100° C. or less, R3 and R4 are identical or different and represent hydrogen or organic groups which are inert towards isocyanate groups at a temperature of 100° C. or less and n is 2 to 4. The present invention also relates to polyureas prepared by reacting the polyaspartates and optionally other isocyanate-reactive compounds with polyisocyanates.

Abstract: Powder coating materials based on acidic polyesters, polyureas, crosslinkers, and other customary additives for coatings having a matt appearance.

Abstract: A moisture curable compound for bonding substrates and a moisture curable adhesive composition are provided. The adhesive composition includes an alkoxysilane functional urethane compound having hydrolyzable alkoxysilane groups anchored on a flexible backbone. Also provided are processes for the preparation of the moisture curable compounds and a method of using them as moisture curable adhesives for bonding substrates to produce bonded composites.

Abstract: An ionomer/polyamide blend with improved flow (e.g., lower viscosity) can be achieved while simultaneously maintaining or improving physical properties such as low temperature Izod impact resistance by the addition of low molecular weight ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer (e.g., so-called acid wax polymer derived from copolymerizing at least 5 weight percent and preferably greater than 9 weight percent acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid with ethylene and having a melt index, ASTM D1238, preferably greater than 900 dg/min and most preferably greater than 5,000 dg/min). Optionally, the blends can further contain additives such as very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), ethylene propylene elastomer (EPR), ethylene propylene diene monomer elastomer (EPDM), corresponding maleic anhydride grafted elastomers (MAN-g-VLDPE; MAN-g-EPR; and MAN-g-EPDM), or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A compatible blend of an engineering thermoplastic such as a polyamide and an olefin polymer material is prepared by (1) making an oxidized olefin polymer material containing carboxylic acid groups or derivatives thereof, (2) extruding a mixture of (a) the oxidized olefin polymer material from step (1), (b) an engineering thermoplastic, (c) optionally, an inorganic base, and (d) optionally, a non-oxidized olefin polymer material, and (3) recovering a blend of the engineering thermoplastic, the oxidized olefin polymer material or an ionomer thereof, which acts as a compatibilizer, and, optionally, the non-oxidized olefin polymer material.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of copolymeric polypeptides, which comprises, in a first stage, reacting glutamic acid and/or derivatives thereof with amines in the absence of solvents and catalysts, under condensation conditions and, in a second stage, adding one or more further amino acids and/or derivatives thereof and/or one or more identical and/or further amines simultaneously or in any desired order, and reacting them with the reaction product of the first stage in the absence of solvents and catalysts.

Abstract: An electrically conductive thermoplastic composition with a superior ability to be heated rapidly in an electromagnetic field comprises a polyetherimide resin, a polyester resin, and electrically conductive filler. Such compositions display good dimensional stability at elevated temperatures especially when heated rapidly using electromagnetic radiation, which renders them useful in articles and operations where rapid assembly is important.

Abstract: The invention provides a high molecular weight silicone compound comprising recurring units of formula (1) and having a weight average molecular weight of 1,000-50,000. Some or all of the hydrogen atoms of carboxyl groups or carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in the silicone compound may be replaced by acid labile groups. Z is a di- to hexavalent, non-aromatic, monocyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbon or bridged cyclic hydrocarbon group; Z is a di- to hexavalent, normal or branched hydrocarbon group or non-aromatic, monocyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbon or bridged cyclic hydrocarbon group; x, y and z are integers of 1-5 corresponding to the valence of Z and Z′; R1 is —OCHR—R′—OH or —NHCHR—R′—OH; R2 is alkyl or alkenyl or a monovalent, non-aromatic, polycyclic hydrocarbon or bridged cyclic hydrocarbon group; p1, p2, p3 and p4 are 0 or positive numbers.

Abstract: An acid-dyeable polymer composition comprising (a) polymer and (b) polymeric additive comprising repeating units having the formula: or salts thereof, wherein A, B and Q, which may be the same or different, are selected from aliphatic or aromatic substituents provided that at least four carbon atoms separate any two nitrogen groups, R is an aliphatic or aromatic group, a is 1 to 5, and n is 3 to about 1,000. In addition, an acid-dyed composition prepared from the composition, a process of acid dyeing the composition and a process for preparing the composition.

Abstract: Heat-curable thixotropic mixtures containing carbamate and/or allophanate groups, comprising

Abstract: A plastic composition including polymeric nanoparticles having a diameter of 1 to 100 nanometers, and a polymeric component. Also provided is a method for providing such a plastic composition.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions of polyester/polycarbonate blends have reduced yellowness and improved thermal and melt stability when the polyester is produced with a reduced level of a titanium-containing catalyst in an amount of from about 1 to about 30 ppm elemental titanium, with ppm based on the total weight of the polyester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric compositions for making a liquid impermeable, moisture vapour permeable layer by coating the composition onto a substrate. The polymeric compositions comprise preferred thermoplastic polymers and suitable hydrophilic plasticizers which are covalently bonded to said thermoplastic polymers. The layers made from the polymeric compositions of the present invention exhibit enhanced moisture vapour permeability and washability. These layers can find a variety of applications wherein moisture vapour permeability is desirable for example within waterproof garments, protective bedding covers, and within absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence products, protective clothing and the like.

Abstract: A polymeric material comprises at least one repeat unit consisting substantially of a moiety of Formula 1: 1

Abstract: A sustained-release preparation comprising a bioactive substance having an acidic group and a biodegradable polymer having an optionally protected basic group which improves the rate of incorporation of the bioactive substance, suppresses its leakage early after adminstration, and exhibits constantly suppressed release for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A polymeric composition that generates nitric oxide and a process for rendering the surface of a substrate nonthrombogenic by applying a coating of the polymeric composition to the substrate are disclosed. The composition comprises: (1) a crosslinked chemical combination of (i) a polymer having amino group-containing side chains along a backbone forming the polymer, and (ii) a crosslinking agent containing functional groups capable of reacting with the amino groups; and (2) a plurality of nitric oxide generating functional groups associated with the crosslinked chemical combination. Once exposed to a physiological environment, the coating generates nitric oxide thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation. In one embodiment, the nitric oxide generating functional groups are provided by a nitrated compound (e.g., nitrocellulose) imbedded in the polymeric composition. In another embodiment, the nitric oxide generating functional groups comprise N2O2− groups covalently bonded to amino groups on the polymer.