Abstract: The invention relates to a pigment dispersion which contains at least one polymer containing polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl ether an/or polyvinyl acetal units and at least one polymer based on acrylate, wherein the weight ratio is generally 1:10 to 10:1, preferably 4:1 to 1:4. This dispersion is used in positive- or negative-working and reversible photosensitive mixtures for the preparation of recording materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides golf balls having a cover, a core, and optionally one or more intermediate layers between the cover and the core, wherein at least one of the cover, the core and, if present, the intermediate layer or layers, includes an anionic polymer. The anionic polymer has at least one of a neutralizable hydroxyl or dealkylable ether group, at least a portion of which are neutralized or dealkylated by a metal ion to provide anionic moieties. The anionic polymer compositions of the present invention can be used to provide improved characteristics to golf balls made therefrom.

Abstract: Provided are melt-spun fibers comprising, as at least one component, a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, and a method for producing fibrous structures comprising the fibers. The thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol fibers comprise, as at least one component, a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol containing from 0.1 to 25 mol % of C1-4 &agr;-olefin units and/or vinyl ether units, having a molar fraction, based on vinyl alcohol units, of a hydroxyl group of vinyl alcohol unit located at the center of 3 successive vinyl alcohol unit chain in terms of triad expression of being from 70 to 99.9 mol %, having a carboxylic acid and lactone ring content of from 0.02 to 0.15 mol %, and having a melting point falling between 160° C. and 230° C., and contain from 0.0003 to 1 part by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the polyvinyl alcohol therein and in terms of sodium ion, of an alkali metal ion.

Abstract: A composition including a mixture of 1 to 80% by weight of polyolefin and 20 to 99% by weight of polyvinyl alcohol; based on 100% by weight of the polyolefin, 3 to 40% by weight of high molecular compatibilizer and/or 0.1 to 5% by weight of low molecular compatibilizer and 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of initiator; based on 100% by weight of the polyvinyl alcohol, 3 to 50% by weight of plasticizer, 1 to 10% by weight of processing auxiliary agent and 0.01 to 5% by weight of antioxidant. Also, films, sheets and processed articles having barrier properties against gases and organic solvents, manufactured by melt processing the composition; and multi layer articles using the same. These films, sheets and molded articles can maximize barrier properties against gases and organic solvents due to the unique morphology of polyolefin and polyvinyl alcohol, and also show water resistance and mechanical properties of polyolefin.

Abstract: To provide a coating composition for forming an ink-receiving layer which is satisfactory in the fixability and water resistance of inks in ink-jet printing and is excellent in transparency and clearness of recorded images.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to blend compositions of an unmodified poly vinyl alcohol and a thermoplastic elastomer and thermoplastic film and fiber structures comprising these blend compositions. More specifically, this invention relates to substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A method of improving ink stability. A block co-polymer is added to either an under-/overprinting vehicle or an ink vehicle. The polymer increases chemical interactions between the ink the print media. The under-/overprinting vehicle and the ink vehicle interact through electrostatic interactions while the polymer increases smearfastness by interacting with the print media through non-covalent interactions.

Abstract: Vinyl alcohol polymers having an ethylene unit content of 2 to 19 mole %, a polymerization degree of 200 to 2,000, a degree of saponification of 80 to 99.99 mole % and a total content of carboxyl group and lactone rings of 0.02 to 0.4 mole % are excellent in thermal stability, water resistance, gas-barrier properties, water vapor-barrier property, stability of aqueous solution kept at low temperatures and biodegradability.

Abstract: A resin composition comprising (A) a polyolefin resin, (B) a vinyl alcohol copolymer and (C′) a block copolymer composed of a polymer block of an aromatic vinyl compound and an isobutylenic polymer block, the weight ratio of (A) to (B) ranging from 100/10 to 100/1000 and the weight ratio of (C′) to [(A)+(B)] ranging from 5/100 to 1000/100 is a flexible resin material having high gas barrier properties, good heat resistance and good moldability or formability so that it is useful as a material for various molded or formed articles.

Abstract: A cationic polymer latex comprises at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, an ethylenically unsaturated cationic monomer, and a component which is incorporated into the cationic polymer latex to provide steric stabilization to the cationic polymer latex.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydrolytically modified, biodegradable polymer and a method of making a hydrolytically modifiable a biodegradable polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of grafting polar groups onto biodegradable polymers and modified biodegradable polymer compositions produced by the method. The polymer compositions are useful as components in flushable and degradable articles. Water-sensitive polymer blends and method of making those polymer blends are also disclosed.

Abstract: The surface energy of polymeric substrates is increased by the application or incorporation of novel amphiphilic block copolymers. The block copolymer additives comprise a linear hydrophilic polymer or oligomer and a random hyperbranched polymer or oligomer and is completely or partially terminated with lipophilic end groups. The polymeric articles or constructions which benefit from the application or incorporation of the amphiphilic block copolymers in the areas of anti-fog, dissipation of static electricity, paintability, dyeability, printability, wicking of moisture, adhesion and polymer compatibility include carpet fibers, composite fibers, agricultural films, nonwoven coverstock, exterior automotive bumper fascia, packaging, hygienic products, incompatible polymer blends, laminated articles and eyewear.

Abstract: A bloom inhibitor which comprises (A) an alkylene oxide adduct of a saponified ethylene-saturated carboxylic acid vinyl ester copolymer, and (B) a polyether compound; a rubber composition comprising a rubber and the bloom inhibitor; and a vulcanized rubber in which blooming is prevented obtained by vulcanizing the rubber composition are provided.

Abstract: Water-dilutable polyvinylbutyral dispersions obtainable by a two-stage reaction in the first stage of which at least one tertiary alkanolamine A and at least one diisocyanate B are reacted to the theoretically calculated NCO content and the amounts of components A and B are chosen such that the amount of substance of the diisocyanates B is from 0.8 to 1.3 times the amount of substance of the reactive hydroxyl groups in A and thereafter in the second stage a polyvinylbutyral C dissolved in a solvent which is inert towards isocyanates is reacted with the adduct AB from the first step to form the product ABC until all of the isocyanate groups have undergone complete reaction, the number of hydroxyl groups in C being at least ten times the number of isocyanate groups in the reaction product AB.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition based on an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer comprising:

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A resin composition comprising (A) a polyolefin resin, (B) a vinyl alcohol copolymer and (C′) a block copolymer composed of a polymer block of an aromatic vinyl compound and an isobutylenic polymer block, the weight ratio of (A) to (B) ranging from 100/10 to 100/1000 and the weight ratio of (C′) to [(A)+(B)] ranging from 5/100 to 1000/100 is a flexible resin material having high gas barrier properties, good heat resistance and good moldability or formability so that it is useful as a material for various molded or formed articles.

Abstract: A redispersible synthetic resin powder comprising particles of a polymer made from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated monomers and diene monomers, and a polyvinyl alcohol resin having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of acetoacetoxy group and mercapto group and having a block character [&eegr;] of 0.3 to 0.6, wherein said polyvinyl alcohol resin is adsorbed onto the surface of said particles. The powder has excellent redispersibility, blocking resistance, film forming property and water resistance, can be easily dispersed into water to form emulsions and is also useful as an admixture for cement and mortar.

Abstract: A plastic closure that includes a cap having a base with a peripheral skirt defining a cap interior and threads on the skirt for securing the closure to a container. A liner is secured to the interior of the cap, preferably by compression molding in situ. The liner consists essentially of a blend of a matrix polymer, a particulate barrier polymer and an compatibilizer. The heat and pressure of compression forms the particles of barrier polymer into platelets that are oriented essentially parallel to the plane of the disk.

Abstract: A resin composition comprises a copolymer (A) comprising ethylene as a major component produced with a single-site catalyst, and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (B) having an ethylene content of 20-60 mol. % and a degree of hydrolysis of 95% or above, the resin composition satisfying the equation (1): 1/99≦{weight of (A)}/{weight of (B)}≦99/1  (1) A preferred resin composition comprises a copolymer (A) which has a density of 0.90-0.94 g/cm3 and the resin composition further comprises a carboxylic acid-modified polyolefin (C) and satisfies the equations (2) and (3): 60/40≦{weight of (A)}/{(weight of (B)}≦:99/1  (2) 0.1/99.9≦X≦:20/80  (3) wherein X={weight of (C)}/{total weight of (A) and (B)}. Another preferred resin composition comprises a copolymer (A) which has a density of 0.85-0.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to methods of making blend compositions of an unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and a metallocene polyolefin or grafted metallocene polyolefin and thermoplastic film and fiber structures comprising these blend compositions. More specifically, this invention relates to methods of making substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and a metallocene polyolefin or grafted metallocene polyolefin.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to methods of making blend compositions of an unmodified poly vinyl alcohol and a thermoplastic elastomer and thermoplastic film and fiber structures comprising these blend compositions. More specifically, this invention relates to methods of making substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a modified ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer (EVOH) comprising an oxygen scavenging functional group.

Abstract: The invention relates to water-soluble layers which in addition to polyvinyl alcohol comprise poly(1-vinylimidazole) or a copolymer of 1-vinylimidazole and at least one further monomer as a further component. These layers can be used as an overcoat on the light-sensitive layer of printing plates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polarizing film having a dichroic ratio of at least 20 and comprising a polyvinyl alcohol derivative with a polyvinylene structure as obtained from a polyvinyl alcohol material having a degree of polymerization of at least 2000. The polarizing film of the present invention has excellent polarizing properties in the range of the visible ray spectrum, and exhibits excellent durability when left in high-temperature and high-humidity surroundings for a long period of time. The polarizing film of the present invention is useful for a polarizing sheet laminated with a protective film for on-vehicle LCD that is placed in heavy temperature and humidity fluctuations, such as LCD navigation systems, LCD TV, etc.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a novel water-swellable crosslinked polymer composition which exhibits excellent saltwater absorption speed and capacity under a load. This object can be achieved in the case where, in a water-swellable crosslinked polymer composition comprising a blend of water-swellable crosslinked polymer particles of basicity in water and water-swellable crosslinked polymer particles of acidity in water, the water-swellable crosslinked polymer particles of basicity in water are unified with the water-swellable crosslinked polymer particles of acidity in water through ionic bondings in a state where water is present between the particles, wherein the ionic bondings are formed in a state where water is present between the particles by neutralization of at least part of acid groups of the water-swellable crosslinked polymer particles of acidity in water with the water-swellable crosslinked polymer particles of basicity in water.

Abstract: Polyvinyl ester dispersions which can be employed as binders in building materials, preferably in the form of redispersible plastics powders, are obtained by polymerization of at least one vinyl ester and optionally other monomers which can be copolymerized with vinyl ester, by use of water-soluble cationic azo initiator.

Abstract: Oriented films of polypropylene and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer are disclosed wherein the ethylene content of the copolymer is from about 40 to 50 mole %. The films are characterized by an improved oxygen transmission rate. Films are readily drawn to 6× by 6×. Films also exhibit improved resistance to transmission helium gas.

Abstract: A thermosetting powder coating composition prepared by a wet process, which contains a mixture comprising (a) an epoxy-containing acrylic resin, (b) a polycarboxylic acid compound curing agent, (c) fine crosslinked resin particles and/or (d) a resin that exists in the liquid form at room temperature.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an immunoadsorbent matrix includes preparing polyvinyl alcohol beads by partially crosslinking polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with a crosslinking agent to provide polyvinyl alcohol beads which are at least partially crosslinked; coupling phenylalanine onto the polyvinyl alcohol beads to obtain a —COOH functionality for the phenylalanine coupled polyvinyl alcohol beads; and activating the —COOH functionality for immobilizing heparin onto the phenylalanine coupled polyvinyl alcohol beads.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin integrated structure, which comprises a structural member (A) molded from a resin composition (a) comprising 5-80 wt. % of polyacetal resin (a-1) and 20-95 wt. % of at least one resin (a-2) selected from the group consisting of polyolefin resin, olefinic elastomer and hydrogenated butadienic elastomer, and a structural member (B) molded from thermoplastic resin (b), the integrated structure having at least one structure of the structural member (A) and the structural member (B) as integrated together side by side has a good bonding strength between the structural member (A) molded from polyacetal-based resin and the structural member (B) molded from other thermoplastic resin, typically polyethylene.

Abstract: A resin composition comprising (A) an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, (B) a polyamide resin, (C) an ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer or its metal salt, and (D) a thermoplastic resin except the resins noted above, of which the solubility parameter (as calculated from the Fedors' formula) is not more than 11. The resin composition has good compatibility, excellent barrier properties, mechanical strength, flexibility, drawability, melt stability, scrap recyclability, heat sealability, coatability, stain resistance and transparency.

Abstract: Particularly useful as a barrier layer in packaging, e.g. multilayer structures, is a composition based on an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer comprising: 50 to 98% by weight of an EVOH copolymer 1 to 50% by weight of a polyethylene (A) 1 to 15% by weight of a polyethylene (B) being a blend of a polyethylene (B1) and a polyethylene (B2) chosen from elastomers, very-low-density polyethylenes and metallocene polyethylenes, the blend of (B1) and (B2) being cografted by an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a functional acid derivative thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing polymer powders from aqueous polymer dispersions in which the dispersed polymer P comprises in copolymerized form: i) at least one vinylaromatic monomer (a), ii) 1,3-butadiene as monomer (b), and iii) one or more monomers (c) different than the monomers (a) and (b), which comprises drying the aqueous polymer dispersion in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol as drying agent. The present invention also relates to the polymer powders obtainable by this process and to the use of these polymer powders as binders in paints, varnishes and coating compositions generally, in adhesives, and for modifying mineral construction materials. The present invention also relates to mineral construction materials in the form of dry formulations comprising the polymer powders of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides golf balls having a cover, a core, and optionally one or more intermediate layers between the cover and the core, wherein at least one of the cover, the core and, if present, the intermediate layer or layers, includes an anionic polymer. The anionic polymer has at least one of a neutralizable hydroxyl or dealkylable ether group, at least a portion of which are neutralized or dealkylated by a metal ion to provide anionic moieties. The anionic polymer compositions of the present invention can be used to provide improved characteristics to golf balls made therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the production of mouldings, in particular contact lenses, in which a soluble prepolymer comprising units containing a crosslinkable group and at least one unit containing a modifier is crosslinked in solution, and to mouldings, in particular contact lenses, obtainable by this process. The present invention likewise relates to novel prepolymers which can be employed in the novel process, in particular derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 which comprises from about 0.

Abstract: A hydrophilic coating composition for hydrophilically coating a metallic surface. The coating composition comprises a fluorocarbon-containing hydrophilic polymer comprising units of hydrophilic monomer and fluorocarbon-containing hydrophobic comonomer. The coating composition produces hydrophilic coatings on the metallic surface having a contact angle below about 50°.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novolak type phenol resin, in particular a novolak type phenol resin for resists suitable for forming resist patterns. The novolak type phenol resin of the present invention is obtained by reacting at least a vinylphenol having a vinyl group and a phenolic hydroxyl group, such as parahydroxystyrene, or a polyvinylphenol, which is a polymer of the vinylphenol, a compound (A) such as 4,4′-methylenebis(2-hydroxymethyl-3,6-dimethylphenol) and/or a compound (B) such as 2,6-dihydroxymethyl-4-phenol, in a ratio of 1 to 40 moles of the compound (A) and/or compound (B) to 100 moles of the vinylphenol or 100 moles of structural unit of the vinylphenol contained in the polyvinylphenol in the presence of an acid and having a weight average molecular weight of 2,000 to 20,000. Such a novolak type phenol resin provides good pattern shape, heat resistance, resolution, and sensitivity in resists for lithography.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing crosslinkable redispersible powders containing isocyanate groups by aqueous, emulsion copolymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, at least one of which is isocyonate-functional, followed by drying, preferably spray drying, in the presence of a protective colloid.

Abstract: A crosslinkable powder composition is provided which is redispersible in water and comprises a) from 30 to 95 parts by weight of a water-insoluble, film-forming polymer of one or more free-radically polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated monomers, b) from 5 to 70 parts by weight of a water-soluble polymer, where at least one of the polymer components a) and b) comprises one or more comonomer units containing reactive groups which can form a chemical, nonionic bond with one another or with crosslinkers, and the parts by weight of a) and b) add up to 100 parts by weight, and c) from 0.01 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of a) and b), of at least one phase transfer catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides golf balls having a cover, a core, and optionally one or more intermediate layers between the cover and the core, wherein at least one of the cover, the core and, if present, the intermediate layer or layers, includes an anionic polymer. The anionic polymer has at least one of a neutralizable hydroxyl or dealkylable ether group, at least a portion of which are neutralized or dealkylated by a metal ion to provide anionic moieties. The anionic polymer compositions of the present invention can be used to provide improved characteristics to golf balls made therefrom.

Abstract: An aqueous emulsion composition is provided that includes, as the dispersoid, a (co)polymer that contains at least one monomer unit selected from ethylenic unsaturated monomers and dienic monomers, and, as the dispersant, (A) a polyvinyl alcohol (co)polymer, and (B) a condensate of an alkali metal salt of an aromatic sulfonic acid with formaldehyde in a ratio, (A)/(B), of from 100/0.05 to 100/100 in terms of the solid content of the two. The composition is characterized by its fluidity such that the apparent viscosity of the composition is prevented from being lowered relative to the increase in the shear rate of the composition, and that the apparent viscosity of the composition is increased relative to the increase in the shear rate thereof. In addition, the composition has excellent high initial adhesiveness and viscosity-increasing ability.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a fluid loss control agent for a petroleum industry (or analogous) cement slurry, comprising a surfactant and a micro-gel obtained by chemical cross-linking of a polyvinyl alcohol. The micro-gel and the surfactant are advantageously compatible with a wide range of petroleum industry cement additives and can also produce compositions which are gas tight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block copolymer containing 1-50 first polymer segments and 1-50 second polymer segments. Each first polymer segment has an average mole fraction of monomers possessing a branch point of 0.0001 to 1, whereas each second polymer segment has an average mole fraction of monomers possessing a branch point of 0 to 0.5. The average molecular weights range from 5-2,000 kDa for the first polymer segments, which constitute 5-95% by weight of the block copolymer. The average molecular weights also range from 5-2,000 kDa for the second polymer segments, which constitute 5-95% by weight of the block copolymer. The ratio of the average mole fraction of monomers possessing a branch point of the second polymer segments to that of the first polymer segments is 0 to 0.5. An example of such a copolymer has ethylene oxide or ethylene oxide/propylene oxide as the first polymer segment and polysulfone as the second polymer segment. This block copolymer can further be blended with a bulk polymer.

Abstract: A method of incorporating radiation-absorbing agents (i.e., dyes) into polymeric materials. A preferred method involves crosslinking or polymerizing a polymerizable or crosslinkable material in the presence of a polymeric dye. A preferred product is a tinted contact lens comprising poly(vinyl alcohol). The methods offer advantages in reduced fabrication cycles, reduced extractables, elimination of post-polymerization activation steps, elimination of post-polymerization extraction steps and reduced scrap and costs associated with lens handling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for retort packaging comprising a laminated film having an outermost layer comprising a layer formed of a cross-linked structure containing ester bonds between poly(meth)acrylic acid (A) and polyalcoholic polymer (B); a resin composition having at least the chemical structures (X) [poly(meth)acrylic acid (A) residue], (Y) [poly(meth)acrylic acid (A)-polyalcoholic polymer (B) residue] and (Z) [metal cross-linked ionic residues], wherein the degree of esterification defined by the equation: degree of esterification=c/(b+c+d) is from 0.01 to 0.5 and the degree of ionization defined by the equation: degree of ionization=c/(b+c+d) is from 0.01 to 0.9 (wherein b, c and d represent the molar ratios of the carbon-oxygen double bond in the chemical structure of the resin composition; and a gas barrier film comprising the same.

Abstract: A composition comprising a water-soluble cationic group-containing high-molecular compound (P1) derived from the reaction of (A) epichlorohydrin and a dialkyl or dialkanol amine, or (B) a glycidyl group-terminated hydrophilic oligomer and a diamine, dialkylamine or dialkanolamine; optionally, a high-molecular compound (P2) having a condensable functional group in a side chain such as alkylolacrylamide-bearing high-molecular compound (E) or hydrolyzable trialkylsilyl group-containing acrylic ester high-molecular compound (F); and a poly(meth)acrylate (P3) is coated onto a substrate and cured by ultraviolet radiation to form a printing medium.

Abstract: Thermoplastic printed wiring board spacers are fabricated by providing a water soluble partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol resin or fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol resin or a blend of partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol resin and fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol resin, the ratio thereof depending upon (1) the degree of hydrolyzation of the polyvinyl alcohol resins, (2) crystallinity associated with particular polyvinyl alcohol resins, (3) the fabrication temperatures of the printed wiring board to avoid spacer melting and (4) the degree of solubility in water of the spacer. The spacers are fabricated by injection molding the polyvinyl alcohol resins or desired polyvinyl alcohol resin mixture to provide a molded configuration having a runner system with spacers attached to a sub runner system by a very thin gate.

Abstract: A three stages process for the preparation of solid thermoplastic compositions based on polyvinyl alcohol comprising the mixing in a mixer of a first charge, comprising the polyvinyl alcohol and solid plasticizers, with a second charge constituted by one or more hydroxylated organic compounds selected from glycols, glycol ethers and alkanolamines and at least a salt of an alkaline and/or alkaline earth metal, and a third charge containing at least one or more solid polyhydroxylated alcohols, glycols and glycolic ethers, liquid alkanolamines, organic or inorganic mineral acids, hydrated inorganic salts, polymers having a low molecular weight, stabilizers and possible mineral charges, is described.