Abstract: A water-soluble film which comprises a saccharide component and a vinyl alcohol resin component, where the vinyl alcohol resin may include functional comonomer units such as sulfonic acid functional groups or salts thereof. Preferred are polyvinyl alcohol/2-methylacrylamido-2 methyl propane sulfonic acid resins (PVOH/AMPS) which may be purchased commercially with relatively higher or relatively lower characteristic viscosity. The films exhibit superior resistance to aggressive oxidizing chemicals and remain soluble in water after prolonged exposure thereto. The films are particularly useful for unit-dose packaging of chlorine-containing pool chemicals, such as trichloroisocyanuric acid.

Abstract: Provided is a composite of saponified product of an ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer from which films excellent in gas barrier properties and film rigidity and highly inhibited from having fish eyes are obtained. It is a process for producing a composite of saponified product of an ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer, which comprises: mixing a composition (a) containing a saponified product of ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer (A1) and having a moisture content of 50% by weight or higher with a water-swellable layered inorganic compound (B) to obtain a composition (C); and mixing the composition (C) in the state of having a moisture content of 10% by weight or higher and less than 60% by weight with a saponified product of ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer (A2).

Abstract: Catalytic materials with high activity in various chemical reactions as well as high durability are described. The catalytic materials are composed of specific, hybrid combinations of inorganic/polymeric compounds containing metal nano-particles therein, and can be easily reused with negligible catalysts leaching. They are particularly useful, but not limited to, the hydrogenation of subsituted ?,? unsaturated acids or esters.

Abstract: Disclosed are composites comprising water-soluble polymeric fibers dispersed in a biodegradable polymer matrix, as well as methods of making and using such composites.

Abstract: Ethanol is produced from methyl acetate by a hydrogenolysis reaction. The methyl acetate is produced as a byproduct during the conversion of a vinyl acetate polymer or copolymer to a polymer or copolymer of vinyl alcohol. By integrating the two processes, a valuable product, i.e. ethanol, is produced from a methyl acetate byproduct.

Abstract: Acetic acid is converted to vinyl acetate monomer by a reaction with oxygen and ethylene. The vinyl acetate is polymerized to form a vinyl acetate polymer or copolymer, which is then reacted in a methanolysis reaction with methanol and base to form a polymer or copolymer of vinyl alcohol and a methyl acetate byproduct. Ethanol is produced from methyl acetate by a hydrogenolysis reaction. The hydrogenolysis reaction also produces methanol. At least a portion of this ethanol is converted to ethylene by a dehydration reaction. At least a portion of the ethylene produced in this dehydration reaction is recycled to react with acetic acid and oxygen to form vinyl acetate. By converting a byproduct and by recycle of compositions, a polymer or copolymer of vinyl alcohol is efficiently produced with minimal waste.

Abstract: A biodegradable injection mouldable polymer composition including on a dry weight basis from 45-85% w/w by weight of a starch and/or a modified high amylose starch, from 2-15% w/w by weight of a water soluble polymer preferably selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate and copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch components, and from 5-45% w/w by weight of one or more polyol plasticizers having a molecular weight in the range of 50-6000, more preferably 50-2500, and still more preferably 100-400 and preferably selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol, erythritol, polyglycerol, glycerol trioleate, tributyl citrate, acetyl tri-ethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, polyethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol; more preferably glycerol, maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol and xylitol.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a new acetoacetic ester group-containing polyvinyl alcohol-based resin that contains less amount of water-insoluble matter and is excellent in transparency and viscosity stability when converted into an aqueous solution, and that realizes excellent water resistance by combined use of a crosslinking agent. The invention provides an acetoacetic ester group-containing polyvinyl alcohol-based resin containing a structural unit represented by the general formula (1): wherein at least one of R1 and R2 represents an acetoacetyl group, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 each independently represents an arbitrary substituent, and X represents a single bond or an arbitrary bonding chain.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a film that is used as one layer of a multilayer structure articles such as a laminated glass, and a solar cell module, and prevents the intrusion of bubbles and the generation of unfilled portions at the edge portions of the film; and a multilayer structure articles obtained with the use of the film. A polyvinyl acetal resin film, having a thickness distribution in the width direction of 10% or less, and a volatile matter content of 1.0 mass % or less, in which as to a portion of 5% of the total width inside from each of both edges in the width direction, when each portion is heated at 150° C. for 30 minutes, the larger value of the heat shrinkage in the flow direction that is parallel to the film and perpendicular to the width direction is referred to as heat shrinkage MD1, and the other value is referred to as heat shrinkage MD2, and when central portion in the width direction of the film is heated at 150° C.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an encapsulant for solar cells, which can improve the load bearing property, and achieve the frameless implementation, the use of inexpensive glass, and the reduction in weight for solar cells. In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide an interlayer film for laminated glass, which is excellent in adhesion to glass, and able to improve the load bearing property of laminated glass. The present invention relates to an encapsulant for solar cells or an interlayer film for laminated glass, which has a storage elastic modulus of 1000 to 4000 MPa measured at a frequency of 0.3 Hz and 25° C. in accordance with JIS K 7244-4 and a compression shear strength of 5 to 80 MPa measured at 25° C. for a laminate with glass bonded at both surfaces.

Abstract: Provided are a method of manufacturing a polarizing film, in which time for dyeing can be shortened, and the productivity of polarizing films with few dyeing unevenness can be heightened, and a poly (vinyl alcohol)-based resin for a polarizing film. The method of manufacturing a polarizing film according to the present invention includes the steps of: preparing a poly (vinyl alcohol)-based resin film formed by using a poly (vinyl alcohol)-based resin having a saponification degree of 94 to 98.5 mol % obtained in accordance with JIS K6726 and a polymerization degree of 2500 to 3000; and obtaining a polarizing film using the poly (vinyl alcohol) -based resin film; and the poly (vinyl alcohol)-based resin for a polarizing film according to the present invention is a poly (vinyl alcohol)-based resin having a saponification degree of 94 to 98.5 mol % measured in accordance with JIS K6726 and a polymerization degree of 2500 to 3000.

Abstract: Provided are a vinyl acetal polymer that has sufficient plasticity and solubility in an alcohol solvent, imparts low viscosity, stability, etc., to a solution thereof, is less likely to cause phase separation from other components, and allows for formation of a slurry superior in dispersibility of particles and thixotropic nature, as well as a sheet superior in strength and flexibility, and the like. An alkyl-modified vinyl acetal polymer obtained by subjecting an alkyl-modified vinyl alcohol polymer to acetalization, in which the alkyl-modified vinyl alcohol polymer comprises a monomer unit represented by the following general formula (I), and has a viscosity average degree of polymerization P of 150 or greater and 5,000 or less, a degree of saponification of 20 mol % or greater and 99.99 mol % or less, and a percentage of alkyl modification S with the monomer unit of 0.05 mol % or greater and 5 mol % or less.

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film polarizer having an excellent durability, the method comprising dyeing, cross-linking, stretching, and drying, wherein additives containing phosphorus is inputted into one or more of the dyeing, the cross-linking, and the stretching. In this case, the additives containing phosphorus may be selected from a group consisting of a phosphoric acid, potassium phosphate monobasic, potassium phosphate dibasic, magnesium phosphate dibasic, sodium phosphate monobasic, and ammonium phosphate monobasic. An amount of the additives containing phosphorus in an added solution may be 0.01 to 15 wt %. As described above, when inputting the additives containing phosphorus while producing a polarizer, cross-linking between iodine and a polymer matrix becomes strong due to the phosphorus contained in the additives, thereby producing a polarizer having an excellent durability, and particularly, an excellent thermal stability.

Abstract: A plurality of fibers or one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional fibrous structures are provided, having fibers from a first raw fiber material. The first raw fiber material contains unsubstituted or partially substituted polyvinyl alcohol and/or unsubstituted or partially substituted polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. The fibers can be crosslinked by tempering the fibers or fibrous structures, with the result that the fibers or the fibrous structure are configured to be gel, in particular hydrogel, fibers or fibrous structures and have excellent stability.

Abstract: Packaging materials for medical devices are provided. The packaging is formed of a biodegradable material which permits disposal by conventional methods, including landfills, composting, and the like. Use of the packaging avoids undesirable disposal methods such as incineration and the like.

Abstract: In one aspect, adhesives for use with a 3D printer are described herein. In some embodiments, an adhesive for use with a 3D printer comprises a first polymeric component comprising a poly(vinyl alcohol) and a second polymeric component. The poly(vinyl alcohol), in some embodiments, comprises amorphous poly(vinyl alcohol). In some embodiments, the second polymeric component comprises a water-soluble polymer. Further, in some embodiments, an adhesive described herein further comprises a solvent, a surfactant, and/or a preservative.

Abstract: An interlayer film for a laminated glass and a laminated glass, which do not cause an increase in a haze value due to moisture absorption and have excellent moisture resistance are provided. An interlayer film for a laminated glass which contains a polyvinyl acetal resin and a moisture resistance improver is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymers comprising ester/hydroxyl groups, containing repetitive structural units of formulae (I) and (II) in blocks, alternating, or random sequence wherein D represents a direct bond between the polymer backbone and the hydroxyl group, a C1- to C6-alkylene group, a C5- to C12-arylene group, a oxyalkylene group of formula —O—R2—, an ester group of formula —C(O)—O—R2— or an amide group of formula —C(O)—N(R3)R2—, E represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 C-atoms, R1 represents hydrogen, a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 50 C-atoms or an acyl group of formula —C(O)—R4, R2 represents a C2- to C10-alkylene group, R3 represents hydrogen or a C1- to C10-alkyl group, which can have substituents, R4 represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 50 C-atoms, A represents a C2- to C10-alkylene group, k represents a number between 1 and 100, n represents a number from 0 to 4999, m represents a number from 1 to 5000, n+m for a number from 10 to 5000, under the proviso that a) the molar fraction o

Abstract: A method of preparing a multiarm polymer includes reacting a branched polyol with one or more functionalizing reagents to effect substitution of an ionizable functional group or a protected ionizable functional group, Y, to form a mixture comprising (i) unsubstituted branched polyol containing no Y groups; (ii) a monosubstituted polyol comprising one Y group, and (iii) a multisubstituted polyol (e.g., a disubstituted polyol comprising two Y groups); followed by purifying the mixture to separate the monosubstituted polyol from other species Thereafter, a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer segment is attached to the monosubstituted branched polyol at the site of at least one of the hydroxyl groups. The invention also provides purified monosubstituted branched polyols and multiarm polymers prepared by the method and polyol precursors for use in the method.

Abstract: The invention provides a method comprising the steps of providing a poly(ethylene glycol) having one terminal hydroxyl group; reacting the terminal hydroxyl group of the poly(ethylene glycol) with di(1-benzotriazolyl)carbonate to form a 1-benzotriazolylcarbonate ester of the poly(ethylene glycol); reacting the 1-benzotriazolylcarbonate ester of the poly(ethylene glycol) with an amino acid to form an amino acid derivative; and reacting the amino acid derivative with a biologically active agent under conditions to form a polymer-active agent conjugate.

Abstract: Fibers or one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional fibrous structures configured to be hydrogelling, produced from fibers made of a first fiber raw material, whereby the first fiber raw material contains water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol and/or polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, whereby the hydrogelling configuration of the fibers or fibrous structures is achieved by tempering the fiber raw material at a predetermined tempering temperature that is preferably higher than the glass transition temperature and/or lower than the melting or decomposition temperature of the first fiber raw material employed, as well as by tempering for a predetermined tempering duration, and whereby the fiber raw material is cross-linked by the tempering.

Abstract: A binder composition has good tensile strength, and can improve the cycle life of a rechargeable battery by maintaining the conduction path of an electrode even during expansion or shrinkage of the active material. The binder composition is environmentally friendly, and can be used in existing production lines as-is. An electrode and a rechargeable battery use the binder composition. The binder composition for a rechargeable battery includes a main binder including a poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) having at least one of a sulfonic acid group (—SO3H) or a sulfonate group (—SO3?M+) in the polymer main chain.

Abstract: Hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions, especially hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions that can be processed into polymeric structures, especially polymeric structures in the form of fibers are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides fabricated PVA-hydrogels, PVA-hydrogel-containing compositions, and methods of making the same. The invention also provides methods of implanting or administering the PVA-hydrogels, or the PVA-hydrogel-containing compositions to treat a subject in need. Methods of cross-linking pre-solidified or pre-gelled hydrogel particles and making cross-linked PVA-hydrogels, and cross-linked PVA-hydrogel-containing compositions also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Plasticizers comprising monoesters and/or diesters of poly(trimethylene ether) glycol are provided. The plasticizers can be used in plasticizing a variety of base polymers.

Abstract: A polyester (alkyd) for use in hot melt adhesive composition is provided. Unreacted carboxyl groups in the alkyd resin are reacted with a monofunctional epoxide to form functional groups that are unreactive with alcohols.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyvinyl alcohol polymer having excellent water solubility, compared to conventional polyvinyl alcohol polymers, and having a high cloud point even when the polyvinyl alcohol polymer is partially saponified. The present invention is a polyvinyl alcohol polymer having, at its end, a group represented by the general formula (I) and/or having, in its main chain, a group represented by the general formula (II). In the formulae, R denotes a hydrogen atom or an OM group, and M denotes a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, a 1/2 alkaline earth metal atom, or an ammonium group.

Abstract: A controlled release remediation composition or compositions, a method making such composition(s), a method of using such composition(s), and a remediation system including such composition(s) are disclosed. The disclosed controlled release remediation composition or compositions include at least one chemical oxidant agent, optionally, at least two chemical oxidant agents; at least one encapsulant polymer; and, optionally, at least one matrix polymer. The disclosed controlled release remediation composition or compositions are capable of substantially constantly releasing an amount of the at least one chemical oxidant agent, optionally, amounts of the at least two chemical oxidant agents, for example, into an aqueous system such as may be found at a contaminated site, over at least about a one month period up to over about a three month period.

Abstract: A flexographic printing plate precursor for laser engraving that comprises a relief-forming layer formed from a resin composition for laser engraving, wherein the flexographic printing plate precursor for laser engraving has matting agent particles at the surface of the relief-forming layer, and the matting agent particles comprise a water-soluble resin and have a number average particle size of 2 ?m to 40 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocompatible prepolymer comprising hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments, wherein the hydrophobic segments have at least one ethylenically unsaturated functional group and at least 5% of the segments have two or more ethylenically unsaturated functional groups and water. The invention further provides a biocompatible prepolymer composition comprising hydrophilic and hydrophobic prepolymers, wherein at least one of the hydrophobic prepolymers has at least one ethylenically unsaturated functional group and at least 5% of the prepolymers have two or more ethylenically unsaturated functional groups and water. The invention further provides use of the prepolymer or prepolymer compositions of the invention in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, as bone substitutes or scaffolds, and in wound treatment.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a non-natural polymer comprising a plurality of pendant nucleophilic groups and a crosslinker comprising at least two pendant electrophilic groups. Another aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a non-natural polymer comprising a plurality of pendant electrophilic groups and a crosslinker comprising at least two pendant nucleophilic groups. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method for reducing lung volume in a patient comprising the step of administering a hydrogel composition as described herein. Further, hydrogels of the invention may be used to achieve pleurodesis, seal brochopleural fistulas, seal an air leak in a lung, achieve hemostasis, tissue sealing (e.g., blood vessels, internal organs), or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods described herein are intended for use in the treatment of patients with emphysema.

Abstract: The invention concerns a radiopaque, non-biodegradable, water-insoluble iodinated benzyl ether of poly(vinyl alcohol) consisting of a PVA having covalently grafted thereon iodinated benzyl groups comprising 1-4 iodine atoms per benzyl group, a process for preparing the same comprising reacting a 0-100% hydrolyzed PVA with a iodinated benzyl derivative comprising 1-4 iodine atoms per benzyl group in a polar aprotic solvent in the presence of a base in anhydrous conditions. Said iodo-benzylether-PVA is particularly useful as embolic agent in an injectable embolizing composition. The invention also concerns an injectable embolizing composition comprising said iodo-benzylether-PVA and capable of forming a cohesive mass upon contact with a body fluid by precipitation of the iodo-benzylether-PVA. Said injectable embolizing composition is particularly useful for forming in-situ a cohesive mass in a blood vessel or into a tumor.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyurethanes including a reaction product of components including: (a) an isocyanate functional urethane prepolymer comprising a reaction product of components including: (i) about 1 equivalent of at least one polyisocyanate; and (ii) about 0.1 to about 0.5 equivalents of at least one diol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms; and (b) about 0.05 to about 0.9 equivalents of at least one branched polyol having 4 to 18 carbon atoms and at least 3 hydroxyl groups; and (c) up to about 0.9 equivalents of at least one polyol different from branched polyol (b) and having 2 to 18 carbon atoms, wherein the reaction product components are essentially free of polyester polyol and polyether polyol; compositions, coatings and articles made therefrom and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A polymer composition and its use for thin film packaging applications including on a dry basis: a) from 45 to 90% by weight of starch; b) from 0.1 to 15% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, and copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch component; and c) from 5 to 45% by weight of one or more plasticizers having a molecular weight in the range of 50-6000, more preferably 50-2500 and more preferably still 100-400 and desirably selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol, erythritol, glycerol trioleate, tributyl citrate, acetyl tri-ethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, polyethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: An additive composition for mortars, exterior insulation finish systems, self-leveling compounds and joint compounds is disclosed. The additive composition contains a nitrogen-containing polymer and a reactive agent capable of forming a crosslinking reaction with the nitrogen-containing polymer. Small amounts of the additive composition contained in a product not only can increase one or more properties of the product but can also minimize the use of redispersible polymers in the product.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugates or crosslinked HAs compositions for coating an implantable device are provided. The implantable device can be used for treating a disorder such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, high cholesterol, 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: The present invention provides a method for making an organic-inorganic hybrid composition membrane comprising the steps of preparing a sol comprising at lease one silylated polyamine, casting the sol onto a surface and drying the sol to form the organic-inorganic hybrid composition membrane. The hybrid composition membrane may be used for capturing and separating CO2 and/or H2S from a gas sample.

Abstract: There is provided a thermoplastic resin composition which comprises a modified rubber having excellent low-temperature durability dispersed in a polyamide resin matrix in order to improve the low-temperature durability or repeated fatigue resistance of the polyamide resin and which maintains its flowability and can be formed into a film even at a high content of the modified rubber, and has excellent low-temperature durability. The thermoplastic resin composition comprises a modified polyamide resin (A) obtained by melt blending 100 parts by weight of a polyamide resin (A1) and 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of a compound (A2) capable of binding to a terminal amino group of the polyamide resin, at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the polyamide resin (A1), and a modified rubber (B) having an acid anhydride group, an epoxy group, or a carboxyl group or a derivative thereof. The compound (A2) is preferably a monofunctional epoxy compound.

Abstract: A water redispersible polymer powder is produced by drying an aqueous mixture of a thermosettable epoxy resin having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than 50° C., a colloidal stabilizer capable of dispersing the epoxy resin at a temperature above the Tg of the epoxy resin, preferably a polyvinyl alcohol, in an amount of the colloidal stabilizer of at least 2% by weight, and an interfacial crosslinking agent, such as a water soluble amino acid or a water soluble polyfunctional acid, such as polyacrylic acid, in an amount of at least 0.1% by weight, each based upon the weight of the thermosettable epoxy resin. The RDP may optionally include a hardener or curing agent, and may be hardened, cured, or crosslinked by cement ingredients when admixed with water. The water redispersible polymer powder exhibits unexpectedly superior redispersibility and good stability in cementitious formulations.

Abstract: A water redispersible polymer powder is produced by drying an aqueous mixture of a thermosettable epoxy resin having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 50° C., and a colloidal stabilizer capable of dispersing the epoxy resin at a temperature above the Tg of the epoxy resin, preferably a polyvinyl alcohol, in an amount of the colloidal stabilizer of at least 2% by weight, based upon the weight of the thermosettable epoxy resin. The RDP may optionally include a hardener or curing agent, and may be hardened, cured, or crosslinked by cement ingredients when admixed with water. The water redispersible polymer powder exhibits unexpectedly superior redispersibility and good stability in cementitious formulations.

Abstract: A poly(arylene ether)-poly(hydroxy ether) block copolymer includes at least one poly(hydroxy ether) block and at least one poly(arylene ether) block, and the mole ratio of poly(hydroxy ether) blocks to poly(arylene ether) blocks is 0.95:1 to about 1.00:1. The poly(arylene ether)-poly(hydroxy ether) block copolymer can be prepared by reacting a telechelic poly(arylene ether) having terminal hydroxyl groups with a telechelic poly(hydroxy ether) epoxy resin having terminal epoxy groups, wherein the mole ratio of the telechelic poly(hydroxy ether) to the telechelic poly(arylene ether) is 0.95:1 to 1.00:1. The poly(arylene ether)-poly(hydroxy ether) block copolymer can be shaped into an article by extrusion, thermoforming, or molding, and is a compatibilizing agent for non-polar and polar polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of injection molding at low, substantially constant melt pressures. Embodiments of the disclosed method now make possible a method of injection molding that is more energy—and cost—effective than conventional high-velocity injection molding processes. Embodiments of the disclosed method surprisingly allow for the filling of a mold cavity at low melt pressure without undesirable premature hardening of the thermoplastic material in the mold cavity and without the need for maintaining a constant temperature or heated mold cavity. Heretofore, it would not have been expected that a constant pressure method could be performed at low pressure without such premature hardening of the thermoplastic material when using an unheated mold cavity or cooled mold cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell adhesion matrix having poly(vinyl alcohol) chains crosslinked via carboxy phenyl boronic acid crosslinkers. The cell adhesion matrix can also include a molecular recognition element bound to the poly(vinyl alcohol) chains via a carboxy phenyl boronic acid group, as well as including cells. The present invention also provides a method for making and de-gelling the cell adhesion matrix.

Abstract: A process for preparing mechanically stabilized polyazoles, comprising the following steps: I) treating at least one polyazole having at least one amino group in a repeat unit with a solution comprising (i) at least one strong acid and (ii) at least one stabilizing reagent, the total content of stabilizing reagents in the solution being in the range from 0.01 to 30% by weight, II) performing the stabilization reaction directly and/or in a subsequent processing step by heating to a temperature greater than 25° C., the stabilizing reagent used being at least one polyvinyl alcohol. The polyazoles thus obtainable are notable especially for a high conductivity and a very good mechanical stability. They are therefore especially suitable for applications in fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making composite materials comprising combining particles of crosslinked rubber with one or more aqueous polymer dispersion of a suspension polymer to form a mixture in aqueous dispersion, and, optionally, subjecting the aqueous dispersion mixture to solid state shear pulverization to form materials that can be processed as thermoplastics at crosslinked rubber concentrations of from 10 to as high as 95 wt. %, based on the total solids of the material. The method may further comprise kneading and/or compression molding the pulverized product to form useful articles, such as roofing membranes and shoe soles.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making shapeable composites in the form of finely divided materials or articles and the materials and articles produced by the methods, the methods comprising forming mixtures by (i) treating an aqueous thermoplastic acrylic or vinyl polymer to increase the particle size thereof to a weight average particle size of 1 ?m or more, and, optionally, dewatering to form a crumb mixture; and (ii) combining a thermoplastic acrylic or vinyl polymer with one or more waste rubber vulcanizate having a sieve particle size ranging from 10 to 600 ?m in the amount of from 15 to 95 wt. %, based on the total weight of polymer and rubber to form a crumb slurry, such that (ii) can take place before, during, after (i) but before any dewatering, or after any dewatering; and (iii) thermoplastic processing the mixture. Thermoplastic processing can directly form articles, like sheets or films. The shapeable composites have excellent adhesion to other materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making composite materials comprising combining particles of crosslinked rubber with coagulated aqueous polymer dispersions to form a mixture in aqueous dispersion, and subjecting the aqueous dispersion mixture to solid state shear pulverization to form materials that can be processed as thermoplastics at crosslinked rubber concentrations of from 10 to as high as 95 wt. %, based on the total solids of the material. The method may further comprise kneading the pulverized product to form useful articles, such as roofing membranes and shoe soles.

Abstract: The invention provides a method comprising the steps of (i) reacting a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer having two or more terminal hydroxyl groups with di(1-benzotriazolyl)carbonate to form a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer having two or more 1-benzotriazolylcarbonate ester groups; and (ii) reacting the water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer having two or more 1-benzotriazolylcarbonate ester groups with a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer having three or more primary amino groups under conditions effective to form a cross-linked polymer composition.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is to provide a gas barrier resin composition that is excellent in oxygen absorbability and further excellent in adhesiveness to olefin resins, a structure comprising the same, and a multi-layer structure comprising the same. The oxygen-absorbing gas barrier resin composition disclosed comprises a cyclized product of a conjugated diene polymer and an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer having a specified oxygen permeation rate. The oxygen-absorbing gas barrier resin composition further comprises an ?-olefin resin. The oxygen-absorbing gas barrier structure is obtained by molding the subject oxygen-absorbing gas barrier resin composition. The oxygen-absorbing gas barrier multi-layer structure comprises a layer of the subject oxygen-absorbing gas barrier structure and a sealing material layer.

Abstract: Membranes, methods of making membranes, and methods of separating gases using membranes are provided. The membranes can include at least one hydrophilic polymer, at least one cross-linking agent, at least one base, and at least one amino compound. The methods of separating gases using membranes can include contacting a gas stream containing at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl with one side of a nonporous and at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl selectively permeable membrane such that at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl is selectively transported through the membrane.