Abstract: Agents and methods for imaging a cell and/or a portion of tissue characterized by fibrosis, as well as to agents and methods for determining and/or diagnosing fibrotic diseases are disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein are polymer conjugates that can include a detectable label, a retinoid and a polymer. The polymer conjugates can be used to image a portion of tissue, deliver a detectable label to a portion of tissue or a cell and/or diagnosis a condition or disease.

Abstract: A benzoxazole resin precursor comprising a first repeating unit which is obtained by the reaction of a bisaminophenol compound and a dicarboxylic acid compound, at least one of which has the diamondoid structure; a benzoxazole resin precursor further comprising a second repeating unit which is obtained by the reaction of a bisaminophenol compound having no diamondoid structure and a dicarboxylic acid compound having no diamondoid structure; a polybenzoxazole resin obtained by the ring-closing reaction with dehydration of the above benzoxazole resin precursor; a resin film constituted with the benzoxazole resin precursor or the polybenzoxazole resin. A polybenzoxazole resin and a resin film having excellent heat resistance and a small permittivity and a semiconductor device using the resin film can be obtained from the benzoxazole resin precursor.

Abstract: An inhibiting heart failure disease pharmaceutical composition is provided. The pharmaceutical composition includes: an effective amount of a KMUP-3 amine salt of formula (I); wherein RX contains a carboxylic group donated from one selected from a group consisting of a sodium carboxyl methylcellulose (sodium CMC), a ?-polyglutamic acid derivative, and co-polymer salt; RX? is an anion form of the carboxylic group; and a pharmaceutically accepted carrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer. Such high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymers are useful in forming crosslinked polymer membranes for the separation of fluid mixtures. According to its broadest aspect, the method of making a crosslinked membrane comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polyimide polymer comprising carboxylic acid functional groups from a reaction solution comprising monomers and at least one solvent; (b) treating the polyimide polymer with a diol at esterification conditions in the presence of dehydrating conditions to form a monoesterified polyimide polymer; and (c) subjecting the monoesterified fiber to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked fiber membrane, wherein the dehydrating conditions at least partially remove water produced during step (b). The crosslinked membranes can be used to separate at least one component from a feed stream including more than one component.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for producing a polyaspartic acid precursor polymer by polymerization using at least one kind selected from a product obtained from maleic anhydride and ammonia and, maleamic acid as a monomer, wherein at least part of carboxyl groups in the monomers are a tertiary amine salt; and an industrially inexpensive and simple method for producing a polyaspartic acid salt by treating the polyaspartic acid precursor polymer obtained by this method with a basic aqueous solution.

Abstract: A polyamide filament is disclosed. The filament includes a polyamide resin. The resin is obtained from mixing crystalline polyamide (A) with another polyamide (B). Crystalline polyamide (A) is obtained by a polycondensation reaction of metaxylenediamine and adipic acid. Crystalline polyamide (A) comprises from 5 to 50 wt. % of the resin. Polyamide (B) comprises from 50 to 95 wt. % of the resin. The filament is heated to 160 to 200° C. under a constant length condition at an initial load of 20 mg/d. After heating, a thermal contraction stress of the filament is not reduced in a cool-down region not greater than 80° C.

Abstract: Polyamide terpolymer compositions, which contain biobased monomers and are suitable for making shaped articles, are disclosed. Comprised of three monomeric species polymerized randomly, including hexamethylene diamine, adipic acid and a bio-based monomer, the compositions are easier to process and have better dye uniformity than polyamides formed from melt-blended biobased components, and are comparable in dyeability, color fastnessand appearance retention performance to non-biobased polyamide copolymers.

Abstract: Pigment based inks are provided. The inks include a non-polar carrier fluid; and a surface-functionalized pigment particle including a nitrogen-inked moiety to the surface of the pigment particle through a nitrogen link at one end of the nitrogen-linked moiety and a block copolymer having at least two blocks attached at another end, the pigment particle suspended in the non-polar carrier fluid. A combination of an electronic display and an electronic ink employing the pigment and a process for making the pigment-based inks are also provided.

Abstract: A thermosetting monomer comprising at least two of an aryl-cyanato group and at least two of a phosphorus group.

Abstract: Water-entrained compositions comprising colloidal or suspensoidal solutions comprising polyimide pre-polymers/oligomers are described. These compositions are obtained in water by initial dispersion of the resin constituents in water to from colloids or suspensoids. The water-entrained polyimide compositions can be applied to numerous surfaces or more beneficially used for composite fabrication. The coated surfaces or polyimide-pre-polymer impregnated reinforcing materials are subsequently cured and are ideal for providing thermal protection.

Abstract: A process for producing a solution blend of a polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). The PBI is mixed with sulfuric acid at a temperature between 40° C. and 80° C. for 30 minutes to 2 hours to produce a PBI solution then cooled to room temperature to form a cooled PBI solution. Then PEKK is added to the cooled PBI solution to form a mixture and that mixture is stirred from 30 minutes to 2 hours at room temperature to form a stirred mixture. The stirred mixture is poured into an excess of water being stirred swiftly to form an aqueous mixture. The aqueous mixture is filtered to produce a blend. The blend is washed with water and dried. The resulting blend can yield a blend in all proportion from 1/99 PBI/PEKK to 99/1 PBI/PEKK.

Abstract: A process for cleaning short segments and bundles of carpet yarn removed from used carpets and converting the cleaned carpet fiber filaments into recycled carpet fiber is disclosed. The process reduces mechanical complexity, saves water, and minimizes the volume of waste when compared to known process. The process comprises turbulent mixing of carpet fiber segments and bundles in an aqueous medium to remove entrained particulates and soluble materials. A thermoplastic pellet or granule, carpet fiber, and carpet made from carpet filaments cleaned with the disclosed process is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymer compositions having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. The blends of the present invention are useful in producing shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce oxygen-scavenging compositions.

Abstract: The present invention refers to medical devices comprising a modified polyamide or to modified polyamides or modified polyamide elastomers with the polyamides having high flexibility and high stress resistance, especially tensile strength or tear resistance, in addition to the good physical characteristics of the known polyamide elastomers.

Abstract: Multilayer composites are obtained from a molding composition which contains the following components: a) 100 parts by weight of polyamide and b) from 0.005 to 10 parts by weight of a compound having at least two carbonate units by coextruding with a molding composition based on a high-melting-point polymer whose crystallite melting point Tm is at least 255° C. and/or whose glass transition temperature Tg is at least 180° C.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vesicle which is excellent in structure stability and environmental responsiveness and also can be produced by a simple operation. More particularly, the present invention discloses a vesicle comprising a membrane formed of a first block copolymer containing a non-chargeable hydrophilic segment and a chargeable segment, and a second block copolymer containing a non-chargeable hydrophilic segment and a chargeable segment having an electric charge which is opposite to that of the chargeable segment of the first block copolymer.

Abstract: A highly shrinkable fiber composed of nylon-MXD6 polymer and nylon-6 polymer, characterized in that a weight ratio therebetween is in the range of 35:65 to 70:30, and that each thereof exhibits a breaking strength of 4.00 cN/dtex or greater. Preferably, the weight ratio between nylon-MXD6 polymer and nylon-6 polymer of the highly shrinkable fiber is in the range of 45.55 to 55:45. The highly shrinkable fiber exhibits a high shrinkage ratio in boiling water, so that when the highly shrinkable fiber is used in a woven fabric, there can be realized a high density.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel articles, especially non-woven articles comprising fibers and/or fibrids. It also relates to novel fibers and fibrids and to a process for obtaining these fibers and fibrids.

Abstract: Composite materials that contain thermoplastic-toughened cyanate ester resins as the resin matrix. The composite materials exhibit low levels of heat release when burned. The matrix resins are composed of from 50 to 80 weight percent of a cyanate ester resin component. The matrix resin composition also includes from 10 to 40 weight percent of a thermoplastic blend that is composed of polyetherimide and polyamideimide. The epoxy resin composition further includes from 1 to 10 weight percent of a curative agent. The composite materials may be used for primary structures in aircraft and other load-bearing structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of polymer chemistry and more particularly to multiblock copolymers and methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: Methods of making miscible and compatible immiscible polymer blends are disclosed. The polymer blends have a polyimide as a component. The miscible polymer blends have a single glass transition temperature. The compatible polymer blends have two glass transition temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for forming a board. The composition includes a maleimide-based compound including at least three maleimide groups and a liquid crystalline polymer or oligomer. A prepreg and a board are each fabricated using the composition.

Abstract: To provide a therapeutic method using a water soluble, high molecular weight block polymer to enable that an intraperitoneally administered anti-cancer agent may maintain for a long-term retention in the abdominal cavity to enoughly exert the effect of the anti-cancer agent and reduce adverse side-effects thereof. A therapeutic agent as a micelle preparation, comprising a copolymer having a hydrophilic polymeric moiety and a polycarboxylic acid derivative moiety; and an anti-cancer agent bonding to or encapsulated in the copolymer, wherein the micelle preparation may exhibit sustained drug release capability, and enables an extension of a retention time period of the anti-cancer agent in an abdominal cavity, is provided. A superior life-prolonging effect was found in an intraperitoneal administration mouse model compared with a case in which only an encapsulated drug is administered, and thus the present invention was completed accordingly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a polymer material consisting of macromolecular chains bound by hydrogen bonds, wherein: the macromolecular chains consist of a polymer skeleton whereon is fixed by at least one covalent bond a modifying agent, the modifying agent comprising, assembled in a common molecule, one or more associative groups capable of being bound by hydrogen bonds and one or more reactive groups capable of forming covalent bonds with the polymer skeleton, at least one of the associative groups of the modifying agent is an imidazolidone heterocycle, the macromolecular chains bear on average, 1 to 10 imidazolidone groups per chain. The average number of imidazolidone groups to be introduced into the macromolecular chains depends both on the average mass of said chains and the final properties desired for the material.

Abstract: A shape memory structure includes, an elastic material, and a viscoelastic material commingled with the elastic material. The shape memory structure is reformable from a first shape to a second shape upon exposure to a change in environment that softens the viscoelastic material thereby allowing the shape memory structure to creep under stress stored in the elastic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block copolymer derived from at least one tetrahydrofuran monomer containing 14C. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing such a block copolymer.

Abstract: A process for adjusting polyimide polymer properties includes combining monomers in a reaction mass to form a polyimide precursor. A property modifying moiety which is covalently bonded to an amine is then added to the reaction mass, and the reaction between the amine bonded to the property modifying moiety and the polyimide precursor is arrested before equilibrium. The polyimide precursor is imidized to form a polyimide polymer prior to equilibrium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible thermoplastic composition resistant to the ageing effects of oil, said composition comprising a grafted copolymer containing polyamide blocks and consisting of a polyolefin backbone and at least one polyamide graft. According to the invention, the grafts are attached to the core by the residues of an unsaturated monomer (X) having a function that can react with a polyamide comprising an amine end or a carboxylic acid end; the residues of the unsaturated monomer (X) are attached to the backbone by grafting or copolymerization from the double bond thereof; and the composition comprises between 40 to 90 wt % of the polyolefin core comprising the unsaturated monomer (X); between 5 to 40 wt % of polyamide grafts; and between 5 to 40% of at least one polymer selected from a saponified ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer and a polyamide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-crosslinking binder for coating compositions comprising an aqueously dispersed resinous component A having at least one carbonyl group of the ketone or aldehyde type per molecule, and a component B having at least two hydrazine or hydrazide groups per molecule, and at least one structural unit —NR1—NR2—CHR3—CHR4—NH—R5 (I) where the radicals R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each individually selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen radical, and a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, R3 and R4 may additionally be selected from the group consisting of aryl and alkylaryl radicals having from 6 to 15 carbon atoms, and from oxy alkyl radicals with from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, where oxy groups may be inserted into the alkyl chain, or at the end of an alkyl chain, and R5 is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen radical, alkyl radicals which may be linear, branched or cyclic and may have from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and residues of the formula —(CH2)n—

Abstract: An electrophotographic belt, excellent in surface lubrication property and smoothness, includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyalkylene terephthalate and a polyalkylene naphthalate, and a thermoplastic silicone elastomer having a specific structure.

Abstract: A polyamide resin produced by polymerization of an aliphatic diamine monomer mixture (A) and polyester resin (B) is disclosed. The aliphatic diamine monomer mixture (A) includes an aliphatic diamine monomer (a1) having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and an aliphatic diamine monomer (a2) having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, with the proviso that (a1) and (a2) are different and have a different number of carbon atoms. A method to produce the polyamide resin is also disclosed. The polyamide resin can have excellent heat resistance, low hygroscopic property and good color.

Abstract: A dihydroxyphenyl cross-linked macromolecular network is provided that is useful in artificial tissue and tissue engineering applications, particularly to provide a synthetic macromolecular network for a wide variety of tissue types. In particular, artificial or synthetic cartilage, vocal cord material, vitreous material, soft tissue material and mitral valve material are described. In an embodiment, the network is composed of tyramine-substituted and cross-linked hyaluronan molecules, wherein cross-linking is achieved via peroxidase-mediated dityramine-linkages that can be performed in vivo. The dityramine bonds provide a stable, coherent hyaluronan-based hydrogel with desired physical properties.

Abstract: A variety of graft copolymers can be formed sodium poly(aspartate) with a wide variety of monomers in an aqueous medium by the use of grafting method in the presence of radical initiator at a temperature of from about five degrees Centigrade to about 100 degrees Centigrade. Graft copolymers at high conversion with molecular weight up to millions can be prepared using this method.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a fuser member. The fuser member includes a substrate layer comprising a polyamideimide/polybenzimidazole polymer blend. A method of manufacturing the fuser member is described.

Abstract: To provide a novel separating agent for optical isomers based on a polymer having an optically active moiety, provided is a separating agent for optical isomers formed of: a helical polymer obtained by using an aromatic isonitrile as a monomer having an amide group in which an optically active amino acid is amide-bonded to an aromatic ring; and a carrier for carrying the helical polymer by being chemically bonded to an end of the helical polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of low-halogen-content polybiphenyl sulfone polymers, to the resultant polybiphenyl sulfone polymers, to polybiphenyl sulfone polymers having less than 400 ppm content of polymer-bonded halogen, to thermoplastic molding compositions comprising these polybiphenyl sulfone polymers, and to their use for the production of moldings, of fibers, of films, of membranes, or of foams.

Abstract: A biodegradable packaging film is provided. The film is formed from a blend that contains a thermoplastic starch and polylactic acid. Starch is a relatively inexpensive natural polymer that is also renewable and biodegradable. Polylactic acid is likewise an inexpensive synthetic polymer that is biodegradable and renewable, yet also capable of providing increased tensile strength to the film. Although providing a good combination of biodegradability/renewability and increased tensile strength, the polylactic acid is also relatively rigid and can result in films having a relatively high stiffness (e.g., high modulus of elasticity) and low ductility. While more ductile than polylactic acid, the thermoplastic starch is often difficult to melt process in film forming processes and very sensitive to moisture and water vapor, reducing its ability to be used as a stand alone packaging film.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for solid state polymerization of copolyester thermoplastic elastomers that results in a reduction of solid state polymerization reaction time while producing a high molecular weight product. The addition of 10 wt % or less of polar polymers i) having melting points at least 40° C. below the melting temperature or melting point of a copolyester thermoplastic elastomer and ii) having a solubility parameter greater than 18.4 (J/cm3)1/2 results in a copolyester thermoplastic elastomer composition which, after solid state polymerization, has either a melt flow rate which is less than or equal to 1/100 the melt flow rate of the copolyester thermoplastic elastomer/polar polymer blend and/or which exhibits a polymerization rate value of greater than or equal to 0.2 [ln(g/10 min.)]/hour.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer material with a functionalised surface and also to a method for in situ functionalisation of polymer materials. Furthermore, the invention comprises the use of the polymer materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for producing membranes, the compositions comprising at least 0.1% by weight of highly branched polymer, at least 0.5% by weight of linear polymer and at least 30% by weight of solvent. The present invention additionally describes membranes obtainable from the compositions, and methods of producing these membranes.

Abstract: To provide a polyamide resin excellent in lasting thermal stability and having a high biomass ratio. A polyamide resin comprising adipic acid units, pentamethylenediamine units and 6-aminocaproic acid units as constituents, wherein the weight ratio of the sum of the adipic acid units and the pentamethylenediamine units to the 6-aminocaproic acid units is 97:3 to 75:25. The pentamethylenediamine is preferably one produced from lysine using lysine decarboxylase, lysine decarboxylase-producing cells or a treated product of the cells.

Abstract: A halogenated aryl ether oligomer is formed by halogenation of an aryl ether oligomer and is useful as a flame retardant for flammable macromolecular materials. Typically, the halogenated aryl ether oligomer comprises the following repeating monomeric units: wherein R is hydrogen or alkyl, especially C1 to C4 alkyl, Hal is halogen, m is at least 1, n is 0 to 3 and x is at least 2.

Abstract: To provide a novel polyimide precursor or polyimide which can provide a liquid crystal alignment film having a low volume resistivity, a liquid crystal aligning agent containing these polymers, a liquid crystal alignment film and a novel diamine which is useful as the starting material of these polymers.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polyglutamic acid (?-PGA) fiber having antibacterial and water absorption properties is provided. The method includes providing a ?-PGA fiber and immersing it in a sodium hypochlorite solution. A relation exists between an immersing time T of the ?-PGA fiber and a concentration X of the sodium hypochlorite solution as shown in the formula below: 10.2?(T?64.55X2+50X)?15.2, wherein X is 0.006-0.4 wt %.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of thermosetting or thermoset polymers mainly used as materials, coatings, or adhesives. The invention more specifically relates to the use of specific molecules having associative groups including a nitrogen heterocycle as a hardener or co-hardener of thermosetting polymers.

Abstract: A light-activated antimicrobial article is disclosed, consisting essentially of an acridine dye covalently bonded without a linking group to a nylon material. The article may be made using electron beam processing. The article in combination with light absorbed by the acridine dye may be used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. A photosensitive nylon material in which the acridine dye is disposed on the nylon material may also be used. Medical kits that include a light source and an article having the acridine dye are disclosed.

Abstract: A synthetic nucleus pulposus is provided that is useful in treatment of degenerative disc disease, augmentation of a degenerate disc, and alleviation of back pain. In an embodiment the synthetic nucleus pulposus comprises hyaluronan macromolecules that have been cross-linked via dihydroxyphenyl linkages. The synthetic nucleus pulposus restores or improves the water-retention capability of the disc. A method of treating an intervertebral disc with the cross-linked hyaluronan macromolecules is also provided. A method of regenerative therapy to address loss of cells of nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc based on treatment with the cross-linked hyaluronan macromolecules and mesenchymal stem cells is also provided.

Abstract: A dihydroxyphenyl cross-linked macromolecular network is provided that is useful in artificial tissue and tissue engineering applications, particularly to provide a synthetic macromolecular network for a wide variety of tissue types. In particular, artificial or synthetic cartilage, vocal cord material, vitreous material, soft tissue material and mitral valve material are described. In an embodiment, the network is composed of tyramine-substituted and cross-linked hyaluronan molecules, wherein cross-linking is achieved via peroxidase-mediated dityramine-linkages that can be performed in vivo. The dityramine bonds provide a stable, coherent hyaluronan-based hydrogel with desired physical properties.

Abstract: Process for producing polyamides that are stable during processing, by treating the polyamide during the solid-phase postcondensation process with a gas which comprises carrier gas (inert gas), water, and acid, or an anhydride or lactone or a mixture of these or, respectively, comprises ammonia, or amine, or a mixture of these, at a temperature from 130 to 200° C. and at a pressure of from 0.01 to 10 bar.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of polyamide block copolymers by sequential monomer addition. More particularly, it relates to catalysts capable of copolymerizing not only cyclic amides, but other monomers such as cyclic esters and epoxides as well, using sequential addition so as to produce useful and novel block copolymers.