Abstract: A novel lactone-modified polyvinyl acetal resin and a novel carboxyl-modified resin thereof are disclosed. The novel resins of the present invention can be used as a polyol resin for coatings curable at ordinary temperatures or heating, adhesives, binders, a processing agent for fibers, a curable resin composition by mixing with a curing agent which can react to hydroxyl groups, and a composition for a magnetic recording medium, etc. The novel resins of the present invention have graft chains containing primary hydroxyl groups bonded to the ester group derived from a lactone compound, or the primary hydroxyl groups and carboxylic groups.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for producing a vinyl alcohol containing polymer having a narrow particle size without substantial reactor fouling. The process for producing the vinyl alcohol containing polymer involves hydrolyzing a vinyl ester containing polymer, e.g., a polymer containing polymerized vinyl alkanoate units in the presence of an alcoholic medium and a hydrolysis catalyst in the presence of an alcoholic medium having finely divided, inert material such as an alkali metal carbonate dispersed therein. The finely divided inert material acts as nucleating sites for the polyvinyl alcohol as it precipitates from the solution during hydrolysis.

Abstract: Polymers containing a high percentage of vinyl alcohol units are difficult to process into sheet, film, injection-molded objects, or fibers. Such melt-processing is greatly enhanced by admixing certain core/shell copolymers having a rubbery, preferably crosslinked core mainly of units derived from butadiene, and an outer shell mainly of a copolymer of styrene and acrylonitrile. Such copolymers do not require the presence of functional groups capable of reaction with the hydroxyl groups of the poly(vinyl alcohol).

Abstract: A resin composition comprising a saturated polyester resin consisting chiefly of a hydroxyalkanoate unit, a heat-moldable hydroxyl group-containing resin having a vinyl alcohol unit, and an alkaline earth metal carbonate, a molded article composed of this resin composition and, particularly, a container and a multi-layer plastic container having an outer layer formed of this resin composition and an inner layer of a resin consisting chiefly of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. The resin composition and the molded articles thereof exhibit not only excellent mechanical properties but also excellent bio-disintegrating property.

Abstract: A polyvinyl alcohol-based fiber having a gel elastic modulus of 0.05.times.10.sup.-3 to 8.0.times.10.sup.-3 g/cm.multidot.dr, a hot water shrinkage (Wsr) of 10% or higher, and a strength of 3 g/d or higher.

Abstract: A resin composition for low expansion moldings which comprises (A) 20 to 80 parts by weight of a vinyl chloride resin having an average degree of polymerization of from 500 to 1700 and (B) correspondingly from 80 to 20 parts by weight of a copolymer made of 60 to 90 parts by weight a polymerizable monomer mixture consisting of 20 to 40 wt % of acrylonitrile, 20 to 60 wt % of .alpha.-methylstyrene and 20 to 40 wt % of styrene and, correspondingly, 40 to 10 parts by weight of a crosslinked acrylic rubber. The resin composition further comprises (C) 0.5 to 30 parts by weight of an acrylic resin having a reduced viscosity of not less than 3.0 dl/g when measured by use of a chloroform solution of the acrylic resin at a concentration of 0.1 g/100 ml, (D) 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a thermally decomposable rosining agent, and (E) from 1 to 10 parts by weight of a stabilizer, each based on 100 parts by weight of a mixture of the components (A) and (B).

Abstract: Disclosed are a lactone-modified polyvinyl alcohol and a process for the preparation thereof, a polymer composition, a permanently anti-electrostatic resin composition, a lactone-modified resin having hydroxyl groups, and a process for the preparation thereof. The lactone-modified polyvinyl alcohol can be used in wide fields owing to the capability of freely adjusting the water solubility, such as water-soluble, gradually water-soluble, low water-soluble, and water-insoluble by a degree modified by lactone compounds, and owing to possessing properties both of PVA and lactones. Furthermore, the lactone-modified polyvinyl alcohol has properties such as being plasticizers or softening agents, and as a result, there can be provided a polymer composition having excellent properties by mixing with a hydrophilic polymer or polar polymer.

Abstract: Copolymers containing carboxyl groups in aqueous dispersion form or redispersible powder form and their water-soluble salts, based on ethylenically unsaturated and copolymerizable monomers, the macro-molecules of which contain at least 24% by weight of monomer units carrying carboxyl groups prepared, by emulsion copolymerization initiated by free radicals in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) dissolved in the aqueous phase and isolation of the copolymers in aqueous dispersion form, and optionally subsequent removal of water by spray drying to obtain redispersible copolymer powders and processes for their preparation and their use as thickeners in aqueous formulations which copolymers, by conversion into their water-soluble salt forms, are useful as thickening agents having a surprisingly advantageous rheology-modifying action in aqueous systems.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polymer alloy which has a permanent hydrophilic nature, a sufficient mechanical strength and a high safety and which is suitable for the formation of hydrophilic porous membranes manufacturable by an industrially advantageous process can be prepared by blending an amorphous hydrophilic copolymer (X) containing 10 mole % or more of an ethylene unit, 10 to 60 mole % of a vinyl alcohol unit and 1 mole % or more of a vinyl acetate unit with a polyolefin (Y). Furthermore, this polymer alloy is also suitable for the formation of hydrophilic (porous) fibers having a sufficient mechanical strength and antistatic function.

Abstract: A planarizing material comprising a resin capable of having its practical temperature for a planarizing step set at a level lower than 200.degree. C., and a melamine-type heat-curing agent and/or an epoxy-type heat-curing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy polymerizable composition comprising at least one epoxy monomer or at least one vinyl ether monomer and an initiation system therefor, the initiation system comprising at least one organometallic complex salt and at least one stabilizing additive. The cured composition provides useful articles or coated articles.

Abstract: A method of forming a useful molded part or film of polyvinyl alcohol. The polyvinyl alcohol, together with a plasticizer is injection or blow molded to form the useful molded part or melt processed (blown or cast extrusion) to form the film wherein upon forming the useful molded part or film, the plasticizer is substantially removed to create the useful molded part or film which is selectively hot water soluble and which is resistant to the affects of moisture below the solubility temperature.

Abstract: Polymers containing a high percentage of vinyl alcohol units may be blended with copolymers of alkyl methacrylates and unsaturated organic acids and processed into sheet, film, fiber and other objects which exhibit an useful balance of barrier and strength properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer compound for the production of sealing elements for vessel or container closures, which sealing elements when closed have a barrier effect preventing the penetration of gaseous or vaporous substances such as oxygen or aromatic compounds, in particular benzenes, phenyl ethers and suchlike into the vessel and/or show an excess pressure valve effect at interior vessel pressures of between approx. 3 and 10 bar and may be produced by mechanical forming of the unshaped thermally plastified polymer compound and its subsequent hardening directly on or in the vessel closure ("in shell" moulding), comprising a mixture of butyl and/or acrylate rubber and a polymer of an .alpha.-oleflnic unsaturated monomer as well as, if appropriate, one or several further polymer components and common additives such as glide enhancers, pigment, talcum and stabilizers. The invention further relates to a sealing element of this kind and a corresponding vessel or container closure.

Abstract: A method for compatibilizing at least two thermoplastic resins each having hydroxyl group(s), with each other, which method comprises reacting at least one of the thermoplastic resins with a boron compound simultaneously with or before mixing of the resins, to form a boric acid ester at least at the boundary of the resins; a resin composition comprising resins compatibilized with each other, obtained by the method; and a laminate whose at least one layer consists of the resin composition.

Abstract: Hot melt adhesive compositions, particularly biodegradable hot melt adhesives are prepared from 10 to 90% by weight of a thermoplastic methylol polyester prepared from the reaction of at least one dicarboxylic acid with a diglycidyl ether, a diglycidyl ester or a combination thereof; 0 to 90% by weight of a compatible tackifier; 0 to 80% by weight of a compatible plasticizer; 0 to 50% by weight of a compatible wax diluent and 0 to 3% by weight of a stabilizer.

Abstract: Graft polyvinyl acetals having acetal groups from etherified .omega.-hydroxy(poly)alkoxyalkanals, processes for their preparation and their usePolymeric acetals of polyvinyl alcohols grafted onto polyalkylene oxide graft bases or onto polyurethane graft bases, which contain acetal groups from etherified .omega.-hydroxy(poly)alkoxyalkanals of the formula (I), and processes for their preparation by acetalization of corresponding graft polyvinyl alcohols are described.The polymeric acetals according to the invention are polymers which are plasticized internally and in general obtainable in solid form and which can be processed to films, shaped articles or coatings by thermoplastic methods without external plasticizers. Mixed acetals with other aldehydes can also be prepared and allow wide variants in the properties, inter alia the solubilities in water or in organic solvents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cement composition containing a water reducing amount of the product formed by reaction of polyvinyl alcohol and an hydroxyaldehyde such as 4-hydroxybutanal.

Abstract: A dried film reinforced with coalescable water insoluble polymer particles which are substantially noncoalesced is disclosed. Also disclosed are dried films reinforced with noncoalesced water insoluble polymer particles which are readily water dispersible. Also disclosed are stable aqueous dispersions for formation of such films which comprise (a) a water insoluble component comprising coalescable polymer particles which have a T.sub.g less than 55.degree. C. and a majority of which have a particle size of less than 1 micron; and (b) a water soluble component which comprises a water soluble polymer capable of inhibiting coalescence of the polymer particles, or a water soluble polymer and a component capable of inhibiting coalescence of the polymer particles.

Abstract: Preparation of polyvinyl acetals which can form emulsifier- and surfactant-free aqueous dispersions and redispersible dry powders and contain copolymeric polyvinyl acetals with, in amounts sufficient to form a dispersion, comonomer units carrying sulfo salt groups which are derived from copolymeric polyvinyl alcohol (PVALs) which contained comonomer units carrying sulfonate groups in the salt form. The preparation is carried out by acetalization of the starting polyvinyl alcohols to be used with aldehydes or aldehyde acetals under acid-catalyzed acetalization conditions in an aqueous medium, emulsifier-free stable aqueous polyvinyl acetal dispersions being obtained, from which dry redispersible polyvinyl acetal powders can be obtained by spray drying or freeze drying. The polyvinyl acetals according to the invention can be plasticized by mixing in plasticizers both in their aqueous dispersion form and in the dry powder form.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gas barrier film formed from a mixture containing polyvinyl alcohol and poly(meth)acrylic acid at a weight ratio of 95:5 to 20:80, and having an oxygen permeability constant of 1.25.times.10.sup.-3 ml(STP).cm/m.sup.2.h.atm{Pa} or smaller as measured under conditions of 30.degree. C. and 80% relative humidity. A production process of the gas barrier film, in which a film formed from a mixture containing polyvinyl alcohol and poly(meth)acrylic acid is subjected to a heat treatment under specific conditions, is also disclosed. The gas barrier film of the invention are far excellent in gas barrier property under high-humidity conditions and also superb in water resistance.

Abstract: Polymers containing a high percentage of vinyl alcohol units may be blended with copolymers of alkyl methacrylates and unsaturated organic acids and processed into sheet, film, fiber and other objects which exhibit an useful balance of barrier and strength properties.

Abstract: A coating agent comprising a particulate PVA having an average particle diameter of 0.01 to 1 .mu.m has excellent applicability through blade coaters or roll coaters.

Abstract: Polymers containing a high percentage of vinyl alcohol units may be blended with copolymers of alkyl methacrylates and unsaturated organic acids and processed into sheet, film, fiber and other objects which exhibit an useful balance of barrier and strength properties.

Abstract: Resin compositions, melt-extruded articles, oriented articles and packaging materials for foods obtained from these articles are disclosed. The resin composition includes: (a) from 40 to 80% by weight of a PVA (A) having a degree of saponification of from 60 to 95 mole % by weight, (b) from 5 to 40% by weight of EVOH (B), (c) from 1 to 15% by weight of a thermoplastic resin (C) having a softening temperature not higher than 130.degree. C. and (d) from 5 to 15% by weight of a PEG (D), the total of (A), (B), (C) and (D) being 100% by weight.

Abstract: Unique hot-melt adhesive compositions that irreversibly crosslink in a few days in the presence of atmospheric moisture comprise a polyisocyanated EVA terpolymer having a melt index at 190.degree. C. ranging from 100 to 1,000, such polyisocyanated terpolymer comprising (1) from 60% to 90% by weight of ethylene, (2) from 10% to 40% by weight of vinyl acetate and (3) from 5 to 60 meq. OH of an ethylenically unsaturated termonomer bearing at least one primary hydroxyl functional group per mole, and the composition being essentially devoid of free hydroxyl functional groups.

Abstract: Polymers containing a high percentage of vinyl alcohol units may be blended with copolymers of alkyl methacrylates and unsaturated organic acids and processed into sheet, film, fiber and other objects which exhibit an useful balance of barrier and strength properties.

Abstract: A method for compatibilizing at least two thermoplastic resins each having hydroxyl group(s), with each other, which method comprises reacting at least one of the thermoplastic resins with a boron compound simultaneously with or before mixing of the resins, to form a boric acid ester at least at the boundary of the resins; a resin composition comprising resins compatibilized with each other, obtained by the method; and a laminate whose at least one layer consists of the resin composition.

Abstract: An improved oxygen barrier layer for coating a substrate, such as a polymeric film. The oxygen barrier is a layer of cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol and glyoxal, which exhibits improved barrier characteristics to the transmission of oxygen. The oxygen barrier is produced by coating a solution of polyvinyl alcohol, glyoxal and tensoactive agent onto at least one side of a substrate adapted for receipt of such solution. The polyvinyl alcohol is thereafter cross-linked in the absence of a catalyst to provide the oxygen barrier.

Abstract: Ink jet printing materials comprise a support and an ink receiving layer containing a pigment, a hydrophilic binder comprising polyvinyl alcohol, vinylpyrrolidone homopolymer and/or vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, and a quaternary ammonium compound.

Abstract: A process for making a spray dried redispersible polymer powder, especially a VAE copolymer powder, by spray drying a polymer emulsion containing a polyvinyl alcohol redispersant. A sufficient amount of the total polyvinyl alcohol redispersant is added to the polymer emulsion prior to spray drying and the remaining amount of polyvinyl alcohol redispersant is added as a dry powder to the spray dried polymer powder.

Abstract: A plasticized polymer molding that includes a plasticizer and polyvinyl butyral is disclosed. The polyvinyl butyral includes comonomer units carrying sulfonate groups in the main polymer chain of the polyvinyl butyral. The molding is useful as intermediate films in laminated glass sheets.

Abstract: Fiber or film of water-absorbent water-insoluble fibrous material has a matrix of a crosslinked copolymer formed from 50 to 95% by weight of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic monomer and 5 to 50% by weight of copolymerisable ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The matrix contains regions of a dispersed polymeric material, the matrix copolymer and the dispersed polymeric material being mutually immiscible and chemically substantially nonreactive under ambient conditions. The fiber or film can be produced by extruding a solution or dispersion of the polymeric material in a solution of the matrix copolymer in its non-crosslinked state into a gaseous environment.

Abstract: Thermosettable composition suitable for the production of endless objects without the use of continuous carrier material, whereby the composition comprises an epoxy resin or an unsaturated polyester and a high molecular weight thermoplastic polymer which has a weight-average molecular weight of at least 1,000,000 g/mol in an amount to make the composition spinnable, the amount ranging from at least 0.1% where the polymer has a molecular weight of 5,000,000 g/mol or more or less than 2% where the polymer has the weight-average molecular weight of 1,000,000 g/mol, the amount decreasing as the weight-average molecular weight increases.

Abstract: The process of the present invention comprises wet spinning or dry-jet-wet spinning a PVA-based polymer soluble in water at not more than 100.degree. C. while using a dope solvent and a solidifying solvent each comprising an organic solvent, wet drawing the solidified filaments, subjecting the drawn filaments to extraction treatment and then drying, and further subjecting the filaments to heat shrinking treatment under multi-stage temperature elevation condition. The water soluble fibers of the present invention obtained by this process, while having a low water dissolution temperature of not more than 100.degree. C., have a markedly small maximum shrinkage in water and has high tensile strength and small ash content. The water soluble fibers of the present invention are suitably used for chemical lace base fabrics and blended yarns with wool or jute.

Abstract: Polymers containing a high percentage of vinyl alcohol units may be blended with copolymers of alkyl methacrylates and unsaturated organic acids and processed into sheet, film, fiber and other objects which exhibit an useful balance of barrier and strength properties.

Abstract: A woodworking adhesive composition prepared by a two stage emulsion polymerization procedure wherein the first stage comprises the step of emulsion polymerizing vinyl acetate with 0.1 to 6% by weight of a post-crosslinking monomer in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol to produce a polyvinyl alcohol stabilized copolymer having a Tg within the range of +10.degree. to +40.degree. C. and containing no pre-crosslinking monomers and the second stage comprises the step of emulsion polymerizing methyl methacrylate to produce a methyl methacrylate homo- or copolymer containing at least 75% by weight methyl methacrylate and having a Tg within the range of +50.degree. to +120.degree. C., further characterized in that the ratio of the polymer produced in the first stage to the polymer produced in the second stage is within the range of 10:1 to 10:6 and wherein the first stage polymer and second stage monomer mixture are not equilibrated prior to the second stage polymerization.

Abstract: A continuous coupled jet-cooking/spray-drying process for processing or co-processing inherently water-dispersible or water-soluble crystalline polymers, such as starches, starch mixtures, gums (e.g., locust bean gum, carrageenan, agar), viscosifying proteins (e.g., gelatin), starch-gum mixtures, and fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohols, is disclosed. The process involves the steps of: (a) forming a slurry or paste of the polymer and water, (b) jet-cooking the slurry or paste with steam at a temperature sufficient to fully disperse or solubilize the polymer, (c) immediately conveying and introducing, under elevated temperature and pressure, the jet-cooked dispersion or solution into a nozzle of a spray-dryer chamber, (d) atomizing the jet-cooked dispersion or solution through the nozzle, (e) drying the atomized mist within the spray-dryer chamber at a temperature sufficient to dry the polymer; and (f) recovering the dried polymer as a water-dispersible or water-soluble powder.

Abstract: Compositions based on blends of certain specified poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers and other poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers are described which are useful as sizes, and have improved ability to be desized from fabrics compared with the other poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers alone. The specific poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers useful in the blends with other poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers are copolymers having a high level of acrylic ester comonomer. The blend sizes are useful in producing woven materials since they are excellent sizes, and are uniquely adaptable to caustic desizing.

Abstract: A carrier matrix of polyvinyl alcohol-coated glass is dissolvably impregnated with reagent. The matrix is manufactured by slurrying glass fibers in an excess of water and polyvinyl alcohol and forming a layer, which is then dried and impregnated with reagent.

Abstract: Semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks comprising a blend of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers wherein at least one of the polymeric components is crosslinked after blending to form a continuous network throughout the bulk of the material, and through which the uncrosslinked polymeric components are intertwined in such a way as to form a macroscopically homogeneous composition. The integrity of such networks persists even after absorption of solvent. These materials can be used to form durable, non-tacky, ink-absorbent, transparent coatings for graphical materials.

Abstract: A stable aqueous emulsion comprising:(1) between about 20 and about 50% weight percent synthetic polymer solids, said solids comprising a copolymer or a terpolymer derived from:(a) between about 60 and about 90 mole percent of a vinyl ester, optionally including vinyl alcohol derived from said vinyl ester;(b) between about 10 and about 40 mole percent of one or more water soluble monomers; and(c) between about 0 and about 10 mole percent of an alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate wherein alkyl represents an alkyl group containing between 1 and 20 carbon atoms;(2) between about 0.5 and about 5.0 weight percent of one or more surfactants or protective colloids; and(3) the balance water;wherein said aqueous emulsion has a viscosity of less than 1000 cps at 25.degree. C. and wherein said emulsion can provide adhesive properties and a process for producing the emulsion is provided. The emulsion is particularly suited for use as a wallpaper prepaste adhesive.

Abstract: A biodegradable resin composition including a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and a starch-based macromolecular substance. The saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer is one having an ethylene content of 20 to 60 mole %, a vinyl acetate saponification degree of not less than 90 mole %, a melt flow index of 1 to 100 g/10 min as measured under a load of 2160 g at 210.degree. C., and a melt viscosity ratio .eta..sub.60 /.eta..sub.5 of 0.5 to 4 where .eta..sub.60 means the melt viscosity after 60 minutes of standing at 250.degree. C. and the .eta..sub.5 means the melt viscosity after 5 minutes of standing at 250.degree. C. and a starch-based macromolecular substance. A layer of the above composition can be used to fabricate a laminate with a substrate material of a different kind, such as a photodegradable polymer.

Abstract: A low oxygen transmissive film combination having a substrate with a surface having a surface free energy of at least about 35 dynes/cm, a primer coating on one or both sides and an oxygen transmissive inhibiting layer of a poly(vinyl alcohol) and a cross-linking agent with a proportion of catalytically active sulfuric acid.

Abstract: Plasticized polyvinyl acetal resins based on 4-hydroxybutanal are disclosed. Laminar structures that include the resins, a process for making the resins, and a process for making an internally plasticized polyvinyl acetal resin by esterification, are also revealed.

Abstract: Polymers containing a high percentage of vinyl alcohol units may be blended with copolymers of alkyl methacrylates and unsaturated organic acids, the copolymers prefereably containing an adhesion-promoting functionality, the blend preferably containing low levels of a plasticizer to improve melt flow, and the blends in molten form utilized as hot melt adhesives for the bonding of wood, paper, and other celulosic articles.

Abstract: A composition comprising a blend of (a) a polymeric matrix component comprising crosslinkable polymers made from 80 to 99 parts by weight of at least one .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated monomer and from 1 to 20 parts by weight of at least one chelating compound, (b) a liquid-absorbent component comprising a water-absorbent, preferably water-soluble, polymer, and (c) a multivalent metal ion as a crosslinking agent. This composition is capable of forming liquid-absorbent, semi-interpenetrating networks. The composition of this invention can provide polymeric matrices which, when coated on a transparent backing, result in transparent coatings capable of providing improved combinations of ink absorption and durability, while at the same time retaining transparency and being amenable to the types of processing commonly used in producing transparent graphical materials.

Abstract: A sizing agent for paper, which comprises 100 parts by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol (component A) and from 1 to 20 parts by weight of a compound (component B provided with the following requisites (1) to (4):(1) the backbone chain is a random copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, (2) in the backbone chain, the proportion of oxyethylene units is from 20 to 40% by weight, and the proportion of oxypropylene units is from 60 to 80% by weight, (3) of the two terminals, one terminal is a hydroxyl group, and the other terminal is a C.sub.1-10 alkoxyl group or a hydroxyl group, and (4) the weight average molecular weight is from 600 to 1,200.

Abstract: Polymers containing a high percentage of vinyl alcohol units, when treated with acid to remove impurities, may be blended with low levels of copolymers of alkyl methacrylates and N-vinyllactams or N-vinylamides, optionally containing copolymerized acid, and processed into sheet, film, fiber and other objects which exhibit a useful balance of barrier and strength properties.

Abstract: Polymers containing a high percentage of vinyl alcohol units, especially when treated to remove impurities, when blended with copolymers of alkyl (meth)acrylates, N-vinyllactams or N-vinylamides, and unsaturated acids, preferably further with a small amount of plasticizer, may be applied as hot melt adhesives to paper, wood, and other cellulosic articles.