Abstract: The invention relates to a polysaccharide-g-polyether dispersant represented as a compound of Formula 1 or a mixture of compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II) wherein, T is the backbone polymer and is a residue of a modified cellulose or chitosan, with a molecular weight of 500-1000,000 g/mol; A and B are each, independently, —O— or —NH—; R is linear or branched —(C1-C50alkylene)-, arylene, cyclo-C5-C8-alkylene, isophoronediyl, or linear or branched —(C2-C10alkylene)- which is interrupted by phenylene or cyclohexanediyl; P is the residue of a polyether and/or polyester chain with molecular weight between 100 and 10,000 g/mol, n is a number of 1-5000.

Abstract: Provided is a process for preparing a wood fiber-polymer composite containing a wood fiber component and a polymer resin, comprising inducing chemical bonding reaction between the wood fiber and polymer by application of an ultrasonic wave upon contact of the wood fiber component with the molten polymer resin. The process of the present invention enables production of a composite having superior mechanical, thermal and Theological processing properties, by induction of chemical bonding between the wood fiber and polymer resin even without use of additional additives. Consequently, the present invention provides advantages such as reduction of composite production costs, no need to select and change kinds of additives corresponding to components of the composite and thereby high flexibility of manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical film which exhibits low hygroscopicity, high transparency, high heat resistance and markedly lowered brittleness, and particularly to provide an optical film which is appropriately employed as a polarizing plate protective film for large liquid crystal display devices and outdoor liquid crystal display devices. The above optical film is characterized in that acrylic resin (A) and cellulose ester resin (B) are incorporated at a weight ratio of 95:5-30:70, weight average molecular weight Mw of aforesaid acrylic resin (A) is at least 80,000, total substitution degree (T) of the acyl group of aforesaid cellulose ester resin (B) is 2.0-3.0, the substitution degree of the acyl group having 3-7 carbon atoms is 1.2-3.0, and weight average molecular weight Mw of aforesaid cellulose ester resin (B) is at least 75,000. It is characterized that the total substitution degree of the acyl group other than carbon atoms of 3-7 of the cellulose ester resin (B) is at most 1.3.

Abstract: By using a vulcanized rubber composition containing a rubber component composed of at least any one of a natural rubber, a modified natural rubber and a synthetic rubber, and chemically modified microfibril cellulose, it is possible to provide a vulcanized rubber composition that is environmentally conscious and that exhibits excellent rupture characteristics and a low energy loss, and a pneumatic tire that is excellent in rolling resistance property, steering stability and durability.

Abstract: The invention describes a composite microfibre, which is comprising a polysaccharide polymer selected from the group consisting of cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, n-propyl cellulose, isopropyl cellulose, cellulose acetate and combinations of two or more of these substances, and combinations of two or more of these substances, thereby the polysaccharide polymer further comprising substituents comprising a given formula, wherein k is 1 or greater, and wherein each moiety R1 is independently selected from H and methyl, and wherein each moiety R2 is independently selected from —H, —OH, —NH2, —SH, —OR3, —NHR3 and —NR3R4, —SR3, and wherein each moiety R3 and R4 are chemical groups independently selected from C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 alkoxy halide and C1-C4 heteroalkyl substituents, and is preferably selected from —CH3, —CH2—CH3, —CH2—OH, —CH2—CH2—OH, —CH2—CH2—NH2, —CH—CH(OH)—CH2—OH, —CH—CH(OH)—CH3, glycidyl, anhydride, sulfonic acid and hydroxys

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer compositions, films, continues, closures, laminates can comprise a modified vinyl polymer said modified polymer having a moiety comprising a cyclodextrin compound. The cyclodextrin compound, locked into the polymer structure, can absorb impurities, permeants, or other undesirable volatile materials. The cooperation between the cyclodextrin grafted onto the thermoplastic polymer and the polymer structure can provide barrier properties to a film, web or other polymer structure. A permeant or a contaminant can be complexed or trapped within the polymer and held within the film or Web preventing the permeant or contaminant from passing into the interior of a container or enclosure.

Abstract: A dope solution in which a cellulose acylate and a cycloolefin compound having a mass-average molecular mass of from 200 to 20,000 are dissolved in admixture is subjected to solution film forming to obtain a hybrid film. Further, an optically anisotropic layer having retardation Re of from 0 nm to 200 nm is provided on the hybrid film to prepare an optically compensatory film. The optically compensatory film and a polarizer are stuck to each other to prepare a polarizing plate which is then used to obtain a liquid crystal display device.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel hybrid compounds comprising at least one silicone entity (Sil) in which at least one of the silicons of Sil is substituted by at least one unit—Ro-B, B being an entity of a variable nature, for example polymer, hydrocarbonated or mineral, selected from a group comprising polyols (e.g. saccharides), silicones, polyalkylene glycols, polyamides, polyesters, polystyrenes, alkyls, alkenyls, alkynyls or aryls, in addition to mineral materials such as silica and the combinations thereof. The bond Ro between the entity Sil and the entity B is obtained by means of “click chemistry” and corresponds to formula (II.1) or (II.2), Z representing a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom. Said hybrid components can be used as emulsifiers, especially for cosmetics.

Abstract: A resin composition is provided and includes a copolymer having a structure represented by formula (I) and a structure represented by formula (II). In the formulae, X1 and X2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group; X3 and X4 each independently represent a hydroxyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxycarbonyl group; a and b each independently are an integer of from 1 to 4, and n is an integer of from 1 to 10, and R1 represents a linear or branched alkylene group; and m is an integer of 10 or more.

Abstract: A polymer coating for implantable medical devices based on polyorthoesters and methods for fabricating the coating are disclosed. The implantable medical devices made of polyorthoesters and methods for fabricating thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyester blends useful for the preparation of heat-shrinkable films, and heat-shrinkable films prepared therefrom. The heat shrinkable film may be oriented in the machine direction to produce films with high machine-direction shrinkage but low transverse growth or shrinkage. The films are useful for roll-fed, shrink-on label applications. Also disclosed are heat-shrinkable roll-fed labels prepared from reactor-grade polyesters.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin composition having excellent weather resistance and high impact resistance in the present invention is the thermoplastic resin composition containing 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin (A) and 0.5 to 20 parts by weight of a graft copolymer (B), wherein the graft copolymer (B) consists of 50% to 99.5% by weight of a core (bc) and 0.5% to 50% by weight of a non-crosslinked shell (bs), the core (bc) is constituted of only layer having a glass transition temperature of 20° C. or lower, and the non-crosslinked shell (bs) is obtained by polymerizing a monomer mixture for non-crosslinked shell, containing 52% to 100% by weight of an acrylic ester and 0% to 48% by weight of a vinyl monomer copolymerizable with the acrylic ester.

Abstract: Provided are novel methods for making cellulose nanocomposites, comprising biosynthesis of cellulose fibrils in situ using a growth medium comprising a polymer matrix material, under conditions suitable to provide for dispersion of the fibril throughout the growth medium as the fibrils are being formed to provide a cellulose nanocomposite material or film wherein the cellulose fibrils are highly or uniformly dispersed in the cellulose nanocomposite material, and wherein fibril structure and/or nanocomposite composition is customizable. Certain method aspects further comprise removing or separating the cellulose nanocomposite material or film from the medium, and may further comprise washing the cellulose nanocomposite material or film to remove residual medium. Particular aspects further comprise freeze-drying the cellulose nanocomposite material or film, and/or further comprise forming a molded product using the cellulose nanocomposite material or film. Compositions made by the methods are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising a polymer comprising a repeating unit represented by formula (I). Each of A1 and A2 represents a group selected from the group consisting of —O—, —NRa— (Ra represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent), —S—, and —CO—; each of R1, R2 and R3 represents a substituent; n is an integer from 0 to 2; X represents an alkenylene group, alkynylene group, arylene group, or heterocyclic group; each of L1 and L2 independently represents a linking group.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical film which exhibits low hygroscopicity, high transparency, high heat resistance and markedly lowered brittleness, and particularly to provide an optical film which is appropriately employed as a polarizing plate protective film for large liquid crystal display devices and outdoor liquid crystal display devices. The above optical film is characterized in that acrylic resin (A) and cellulose ester resin (B) are incorporated at a weight ratio of 95:5-30:70, weight average molecular weight Mw of aforesaid acrylic resin (A) is at least 80,000, total substitution degree (T) of the acyl group of aforesaid cellulose ester resin (B) is 2.0-3.0, the substitution degree of the acyl group having 3-7 carbon atoms is 1.2-3.0, and weight average molecular weight Mw of aforesaid cellulose ester resin (B) is at least 75,000. It is characterized that the total substitution degree of the acyl group other than carbon atoms of 3-7 of the cellulose ester resin (B) is at most 1.3.

Abstract: A biodegradable aliphatic polyester, such as polylactic acid, is mixed with a monomer having allyl and molded into a molding having the crosslinking degree of the biodegradable aliphatic polyester increased. Thereafter, the molding is exposed to ionizing radiation to thereby obtain a molding excelling in heat resistance. Triallyl isocyanurate or triallyl cyanurate is used as the monomer having allyl.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic compositions comprising a polymer matrix and an additive which modifies the rheological behavior of the matrix in the molten state. The purpose of the invention is to provide a preferably non-reactive additive which can be dispersed in the matrix and which can be used to obtain a good compromise in terms of rheological properties/mechanical properties. According to the invention, the additive is a hyperbranched polymer which is functionalized by R<2> radicals, R<2> being a radical of the following type: substituted or non-substituted hydrocarbon, of the silicon type, linear or branched alkyl, aromatic, arylalkyl, alkylaryl or cycloaliphatic, which can comprise one or more unsaturations and/or one or more heteroatoms.

Abstract: The present invention is of methods of preventing restenosis and promoting vascular re-healing. Specifically, the present invention is of a method of exposing the luminal wall of a blood vessel to a substance by deploying a drug-eluting polymer film inside the lumen of a blood vessel during or following angioplasty.

Abstract: A method for making crosslinked fibers containing cellulose fibers in which an aqueous solution comprising a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer in water is treated with a first crosslinking agent to provide a gel; the gel mixed with a water-miscible solvent to provide mixed polymer fibers; cellulose fibers are added to the mixed polymer fibers; and these fibers are treated with a second crosslinking agent to provide crosslinked fibers.

Abstract: Articles containing a cellulosic fiber filled thermoplastic that includes about 10% to about 99.9% by weight of a copolymer; optionally 0.1% to 30% by weight of one or more elastomeric polymers; and 0.1% to 70% by weight of one or more cellulosic fibers. The copolymer contains residues formed by polymerizing a mixture that contains i) 51% to 99.9% by weight of one or more primary monomers, ii) 0.1% to 49% by weight of one or more maleate-type monomers, and iii) optionally 1% to 25% by weight of one or more other polymerizable monomers. The article has a thickness of from 0.1 cm to 12 cm. The tensile modulus, determined according to ISO 527-2, of the cellulosic fiber filled thermoplastic is at least 2,000 MPa and the DTUL at 1.82 MPa determined according to ISO-75-2, of the cellulosic fiber filled thermoplastic can be at least 85° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are grease-resistant compositions that can include a cellulose-based polymer and a complementary material. Such compositions can be applied to substrates, such as paper-based materials, to impart enhanced grease/oil resistance. The complementary material can act to provide the composition with enhanced fatigue resistance relative to layers that solely utilize the cellulose-based polymer, and can preferably have limited leaching from the composition. Examples of complementary materials include polymers, such as poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(vinyl alcohol), plasticizers, and combinations of these materials. Such compositions can be prepared as a treatment formulation or coating material, which can be dissolved or suspended in a solvent. The compositions may also be melted and applied without a solvent. The formulations can be a water-based system, or an emulsion. The films may be applied to paper products as part of the papermaking process, or as post treatments on a coating machine.

Abstract: A silicon-containing polytrimethylene homo- or copolyether wherein at least a portion of the polymer end groups are silicon-containing end groups having the formula: —OSi(X)(Y)(Z), where X and Y are groups that are easily displaceable from silicon by reaction with water and/or alcohols, and Z is selected from the group consisting of (a) C1-C20 linear or branched alkyl groups, (b) cycloaliphatic groups, (c) aromatic groups, each of (a), (b) and (c) being optionally substituted with a member selected from the group consisting of O, N, P and S, (d) hydrogen, and (e) groups that are easily displaceable from silicon by water and/or alcohol.

Abstract: Method for crosslinking a carboxylated polymer using a triazine crosslinking activator, method for crosslinking a mixture of first and second carboxylated polymers a triazine crosslinking activator, a crosslinked carboxylated polymer having ionic crosslinks, and a composition comprising first and second carboxylated polymers treated with an amount of an amine compound to form plurality of amide bonds

Abstract: Provided herein is a PEA polymer blend and coatings or implantable devices formed therefrom. The PEA polymer blend is formed of a PEA polymer and a material capable of hydrogen bonding with the PEA. The PEA polymer blend can form a coating on an implantable device, one example of which is a stent. The coating can optionally include a biobeneficial material and/or optionally with a bioactive agent. The implantable device can be used to treat or prevent a disorder such as one of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, hemorrhage, vascular dissection or perforation, vascular aneurysm, vulnerable plaque, chronic total occlusion, claudication, anastomotic proliferation for vein and artificial grafts, bile duct obstruction, ureter obstruction, tumor obstruction, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A film substrate of an electronic displaying element, an electronic optical element, a touch panel, or a solar battery is disclosed which is composed mainly of an organic polymer having water solubility of 0 to 5 g based on 100 g of 25° C. water and having acetone solubility of 25 to 100 g based on 100 g of 25° C. acetone and an inorganic condensation polymer of a reactive metal compound capable of being condensed.

Abstract: A description is given of water-soluble aminoplast ether copolymers of the following structural type: wherein Z is a glycoluril central unit, B is a radical of an essentially water-insoluble polymer and R1 is a radical of a hydrophilic organic compound. The ratio R1:B is selected within a range of about 1.5 to 4:1 and the overall mass of the water-soluble aminoplast ether copolymer is from about 2000 to 50 000 g/mol such that the copolymer is soluble in water and may be used as a dispersant for e.g. pigments in polar solvents, e.g. water.

Abstract: A transparent resin film for an electronic display and its manufacturing method are disclosed, the transparent resin film having an ultraviolet light transmittance of not less than 50%, the ultraviolet light having a wavelength range of from 250 to 450 nm, and having a glass transition temperature of not less than 180° C., the glass transition temperature being measured according to thermal stress strain measurement (TMA).

Abstract: A method for crosslinking a mixture of first and second carboxylated polymers using a triazine crosslinking activator.

Abstract: A method for crosslinking a carboxylated polymer using a triazine crosslinking activator.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inhibited non-solubilized granular starch modified by less than 5% of a carboxylated polymer. In addition, a process is provided wherein a non-solubilized, substantially granular starch is mixed with a carboxylated polymer, dried to form a starch/carboxylated polymer blend and then physically treated to form a starch/carboxylated polymer composite. Further, this invention relates to the improved industrial and food products prepared from these starch/carboxylated polymer composites.

Abstract: A film substrate of an electronic displaying element, an electronic optical element, a touch panel, or a solar battery is disclosed which is composed mainly of an organic polymer having water solubility of 0 to 5 g based on 100 g of 25° C. water and having acetone solubility of 25 to 100 g based on 100 g of 25° C. acetone and an inorganic condensation polymer of a reactive metal compound capable of being condensed.

Abstract: Cellulosic polymers, copolymers and grafts, are disclosed that adhere to fibers and surfaces during an aqueous treatment process. The cellulosic polymers having grafts and/or co-blocks are prepared using living-type free radical polymerization techniques, which provides control over the degree of substitution and graft/co-block composition and structure. These cellulosic polymers allow for the modification of fibers and surfaces to provide a desired effect.

Abstract: A copolymer resin composition provided by the process of the present invention is of considerable strength and moldability and is produced by polymerization of a monosaccharide or a polysaccharide that is derived from natural objects and has a hydroxyl group, and a carboxyl group or a salt thereof with a compound having a hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group. The monosaccharide or the polysaccharide serves as a polyfunctional central compound. The copolymer resin composition is obtained through dehydration-polycondensation of (A) at least one selected from the group consisting of a monosaccharide and a polysaccharide having a hydroxyl group, and a carboxyl group or an ion-exchanged carboxyl group; and (B) at least one selected from the group consisting of (b1) hydroxycarboxylic acid, (b2) polyhydroxycarboxylic acid, (b3) a mixture of an aliphatic polyol and an aliphatic polybasic acid, and (b4) an aliphatic polyester obtained by the reaction of an aliphatic polyol with an aliphatic polybasic acid.

Abstract: A composition for treating a keratin based substrate that includes a cosmetically acceptable medium containing a water-soluble interjacent complex. The water-soluble interjacent complex includes a first water-soluble polymer and a second water-soluble polymer formed by polymerizing one or more water-soluble monomers in the presence of the first water-soluble polymer. The water-soluble interjacent complex is characterized in that it forms a solution in water that is free of insoluble polymer particles. The water-soluble interjacent complex is used in a method of treating a keratin based substrate, whereby a cosmetically acceptable medium is applied to the substrate and contains from 0.1-20% by weight of the water-soluble interjacent complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel biopolymer consisting of a three-dimensional cross-linked mixture of (a) a cross-linking agent, activated with an activating agent, dissolved in a aqueous solution, and (b) a recombinant protein, namely polyubiquitin. The novel biopolymer is based on the cross-linking of ubiquitin (monomeric and/or polymeric) with a cross-linking agent, preferably bifunctionalized polyethylene oxides or a polyethylene glycol of various molecular masses (MW 2000 to 35 000 kDa), dissolved in aqueous solution in adequate proportions. The novel biopolymer offers a wide range of formulations since the number of ubiquitin units and cross-linking agent can vary both in length and ratio. The novel hydrogel is also biodegradable by a specific protease and is resistant to a wide range of other proteases.

Abstract: A golf ball which is excellent in durability, sufficient to be used in a golf practice range, wherein the golf ball includes a core, a cover covering the core, and a mark printed on the surface of the cover, wherein: the cover is formed from a mixture of an ionomer and an epoxy group-containing polymer and the mark is printed with an ink containing a pigment, an isocyanate compound, and a base resin which is curable with the isocyanate compound.

Abstract: Cellulosic polymers, copolymers and grafts, are disclosed that adhere to fibers and surfaces during an aqueous treatment process. The cellulosic polymers having grafts and/or co-blocks are prepared using living-type free radical polymerization techniques, which provides control over the degree of substitution and graft/co-block composition and structure. These cellulosic polymers allow for the modification of fibers and surfaces to provide a desired effect.

Abstract: The invention provides cross-linkable polymer powder compositions containing a) at least one water-soluble polyhydroxy compound; b) at least one boric acid complex compound which is of limited solubility in water that is, it has a water solubility of less than 10 g per liter at normal conditions; and optionally c) a water-soluble film-forming polymer consisting of one or more free-radical polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The compositions are useful as a constituent in adhesives, plaster, jointing mortars, paints and binders for coating compositions, textiles, paper and the like.

Abstract: A printed antifog packaging film incorporates one or more organic acid esters of cellulose to reduce the tendency of the film to form a ghost condensate image of the printed image after the film has been unwound from a roll form and subjected to conditions that form moisture condensation on the film. The organic acid ester of cellulose may be incorporated in the ink that forms the printed image or may be incorporated in an overprint varnish covering the printed image.

Abstract: A water absorbent material, comprising, as a main component, a water absorbent resin which has a structure in which a anhydropolyamino acid having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond is grafted with polysaccharides, wherein at least a portion of the anhydropolyamino acid is hydrolyzed and crosslinked, has high water absorbency and high biodegradability even if the anhydropolyamino acid has a low molecular weight.

Abstract: Cellulosic fibers intrafiber crosslinked with a polymeric polycarboxylic acid crosslinking agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the polymeric polycarboxylic acid is polyacrylic acid and, in another embodiment, the polycarboxylic acid is polymaleic acid. Methods for forming cellulosic fibers having stable intrafiber crosslinks and for forming crosslinked cellulosic fibers having low knot level are also disclosed.

Abstract: Thiol-linked polymeric prodrugs, methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The use of a sulfhydryl bond in combination with a benzyl elimination system results in the formation of prodrugs which can take advantage of plasma enzymes in vivo for regeneration of the parent molecule.

Abstract: Cellulosic polymers, copolymers and grafts, are disclosed that adhere to fibers and surfaces during an aqueous treatment process. The cellulosic polymers having grafts and/or co-blocks are prepared using living-type free radical polymerization techniques, which provides control over the degree of substitution and graft/co-block composition and structure. These cellulosic polymers allow for the modification of fibers and surfaces to provide a desired effect.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation f electrostatically-linked, aliphatic- or alicyclic-substituted anionic or cationic polysaccharide gels from readily available macroporous ionic polysaccharide chromatographic media, such as diethylaminoethyl (DEAE), quaternary aminoethyl (QAE) and sulfopropyl (SP) substituted polysaccharide gels. These novel gels are used for the isolation, recovery and purification of non-polar extractives using one or more extracting solvents from the group of lower alcohols, ketones, and water. The non-polar extractives may be alk(n)lyresorcinols, steroid, triterpenoid, cardiac glycosides and saponins, steryl ferulates and other phenolic acid conjugates, flavonoids, lipids, alcohol-soluble antimicrobials, prolamines or other alcohol-soluble proteolipid complexes.

Abstract: Cellulosic polymers, copolymers and grafts, are disclosed that adhere to fibers and surfaces during an aqueous treatment process. The cellulosic polymers having grafts and/or co-blocks are prepared using living-type free radical polymerization techniques, which provides control over the degree of substitution and graft/co-block composition and structure. These cellulosic polymers allow for the modification of fibers and surfaces to provide a desired effect.

Abstract: A copolymer resin composition provided by the process of the present invention is of considerable strength and moldability and is produced by polymerization of a monosaccharide or a polysaccharide that is derived from natural objects and has a hydroxyl group, and a carboxyl group or a salt thereof with a compound having a hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group. The monosaccharide or the polysaccharide serves as a polyfunctional central compound. The copolymer resin composition is obtained through dehydration-polycondensation of (A) at least one selected from the group consisting of a monosaccharide and a polysaccharide having a hydroxyl group, and a carboxyl group or an ion-exchanged carboxyl group; and (B) at least one selected from the group consisting of (b1) hydroxycarboxylic acid, (b2) polyhydroxycarboxylic acid, (b3) a mixture of an aliphatic polyol and an aliphatic polybasic acid, and (b4) an aliphatic polyester obtained by the reaction of an aliphatic polyol with an aliphatic polybasic acid.

Abstract: There is disclosed block and graft copolymers, and hydrogels thereof, which, in one embodiment, contain both a temperature-sensitive polymer component and a pH-sensitive polymer component, and the use of such copolymers for topical drug delivery to a treatment area. The block and graft copolymers may be physically mixed with one or more drugs (or with other polymers) to form a copolymer-drug mixture. These mixtures may be applied as solid particles suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, or as a liquid which gels upon contact with the treatment area. Upon contact with the treatment area, the pH-sensitive polymer component hydrates and swells, thereby causing release of the drug from the mixture. In addition, such hydration and swelling causes the pH-sensitive polymer component to adhere to the tissue of the treatment area, thus prolonging contact time.

Abstract: A graft polymer comprises a carbohydrate polymer having pendant 3-amino-2-hydroxy propyl groups grafted thereon and may be employed as a retention aid and strengthening additive in paper manufacture. When the carbohydrate polymer is a component of wood pulp the resulting chemically modified wood pulp may be employed in conjunction with unmodified wood pulp to incorporate therein the retention and strengthening characteristics.

Abstract: Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), a highly biocompatible hydrophilic polyether, is tethered to poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF), a biodegradable polyester. To avoid change in molecular weight distribution of PPF, end hydroxyl groups of PPF are reacted with bis-carboxymethyl PEG after being treated with thionyl chloride. New end carboxyl groups of the PEG-tethered PPF are further reacted with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) to couple bioactive molecules. Glutamine and glycine-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (GRGD) are attached to the PEG-tethered PPF in 50 mM phosphate buffer of pH of 7.4. The method is valuable for the preparation of a triblock copolymer with PEG end blocks and the coupling of biologically active molecules.

Abstract: A biologically degradable polymer mixture is proposed which consists essentially of starch and at least one hydrophobic polymer. The hydrophobic polymer is in this connection at least substantially biologically degradable and thermoplastically processable and the mixture with the starch comprising a polymer phase mediator or a macromolecular dispersing agent so that the starch is present in the mixture as disperse phase with the hydrophobic polymer as continuous phase, and the phase mediator or the dispersing agent is responsible for the molecular coupling of the two phases. As starch there is preferably used thermoplastic starch which has been prepared substantially with the exclusion of water by means of sorbitol or glycerol. The production of the biologically degradable polymer mixture is also carried out substantially with the exclusion of water.