Abstract: The invention provides water-soluble compounds that include a polymer and at least one terminal azide or acetylene moiety. Also provided are highly efficient methods for the selective modification of proteins with PEG derivatives, which involves the selective incorporation of non-genetically encoded amino acids, e.g., those amino acids containing an azide or acetylene moiety, into proteins in response to a selector codon and the subsequent modification of those amino acids with a suitably reactive PEG derivative.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyamide composition including at least one semi-aromatic copolyamide, said semi-aromatic copolyamide consisting essentially of about 25 to about 55 mole percent repeat units of the formula —C(O)(CH2)mC(O)NHCH2ArCH2NH—??(I) and about 45 to about 75 mole percent repeat units of the formula —C(O)(CH2)mC(O)NH(CH2)nNH—??(II) wherein m is 8, 10, and/or 12, n is 6, 10 and/or 12 and Ar is a meta-substituted benzene ring; and said polyamide has a melting point equal to or less than 225° C.; and 0.25 to 20 weight percent of one or more polyhydroxy polymer(s) having a number average molecular weight of at least 2000 and selected from the group consisting of ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer and poly(vinyl alcohol). Also disclosed are molded or extruded articles including the polyamide composition.

Abstract: Multilayer laminates useful in packaging of respiring food products and packages made therefrom. The laminates have a CO2 permeability rate of at least about 10 cm3/100 in2/24 hours and an O2 permeability rate of less than about 5.3 cm3/100 in2/24 hours.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyvinyl acetal powder which is excellent in flowability during the coating process when it is applied to a powder coating material. This polyvinyl acetal powder enables to obtain a coating film having good impact resistance and uniformity of thickness (uniformity of coating film thickness). The present invention also provides a powder coating material using the polyvinyl acetal powder. Specifically, the present invention is a polyvinyl acetal powder having an average particle diameter of 10 to 150 ?m, a maximum particle diameter of 250 ?m or less, and a melt flow rate of 1 to 200 g/10 min. as measured in accordance with JIS K7210: 1999. The present invention also is a powder coating material containing this polyvinyl acetal powder.

Abstract: Hydrophobicizing additives are water-redispersible powders or aqueous dispersions containing: a) water-insoluble, film-forming base polymer(s) based on homopolymers or copolymers of one or more vinyl esters of optionally branched C1-15 alkylcarboxylic, (meth)acrylic esters of C1-15 alcohols, vinylaromatics, olefins, dienes and vinyl halides, b) one or more hydrophobic organosilicon compounds, fatty acids, or derivatives thereof, or hydrocarbon waxes, and c) one or more protective colloids, wherein the proportion of the component b) based on the total weight of the component a) is more than 30% by weight.

Abstract: An ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and a molded article thereof are disclosed. The ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer has improved stretching properties and provides the molded article with excellent gas barrier properties, appearance and strength. The ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer comprises the structural unit of formula (1): (wherein X represents any binding chain excluding an ether bond, each of R1 to R4 represents independently any substituent and n represents 0 or 1.).

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for preparing a block or comb copolymer comprising at least one hydrophilic portion and at least two hydrophobic portions, by anionic solvent-free polymerization of a prepolymer selected from a polyethylene glycol and a polyvinyl alcohol, and of a lactone or dilactone monomer. The process is carried out in the presence of an alkaline-earth metal hydride, in an inert atmosphere, and the polymerization step is not carried out under vacuum. The invention also concerns copolymers obtained by this process.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is, in a thermoplastic elastomer composition in which a modified rubber is dispersed and filled in an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer matrix in order to improve the low-temperature durability of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, to reduce the extrusion load during extrusion molding thereof into a film without deteriorating the low-temperature durability. The present invention is a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) and a modified rubber (B) dispersed in the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A), wherein the modified rubber (B) has an acid anhydride group or epoxy group and is dynamically cross-linked by a compound (C) having at least two amino groups. This thermoplastic elastomer composition can be suitably used in the production of an inner liner of a pneumatic tire.

Abstract: A barrier composition which is injection mouldable and able to be made into a transparent film or incorporated (by co-extrusion and/or lamination) into multi-layer film products, the composition on dry basis: a) from 45 to 90% by weight of a starch and/or a modified starch selected from starches modified by reaction with a hydroxyl alkyl group, an acetate or a dicarboxylic acid anhydride or a grafting polymer; b) from 4 to 12% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, and copolymers of ethylene and vinylalcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch components c) from 5 to 45% by weight of a non-crystallising mixture of sorbitol and at least one other plasticizer selected from glycerol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol, glycerol trioleate, epoxidised linseed or soybean oil, tributyl citrate, acetyl tri-ethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate; polyethylene oxide or polyethylene glycol; d) from

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of making core-shell polymer particles, comprising forming a linking-group-containing polymer by derivatizing a hydroxy-group-containing polymer, comprising hydroxy groups on adjacent carbon atoms with a linking agent, that is a compound comprising both an aldehyde moiety and an amine moiety, wherein one or more acetal moieties are formed in the linking-group-containing polymer, each acetal formed by the reaction of the aldehyde moiety in the linking agent with two hydroxy groups in the linking-group-containing polymer, wherein the amine moiety then becomes a linking group pendent from the linking-group-containing polymer, wherein the linking group is capable of reacting with a precursor group in the precursor polymer. Also disclosed are compositions comprising insoluble core-shell particles made by the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a hybrid composition membrane comprising the steps of preparing a sol comprising at least one poly(amino-alcohol) and at least one alkoxy silane, casting the sol on a surface and drying the casted sol to form the hybrid composition membrane. The hybrid composition membrane may be used for capturing and separating CO2 and/or H2S from a gas sample.

Abstract: Multiblock copolymers are described and contain the structural unit of formula I -A-O—R1—O—CO—(R2—CO—)m—X-D-X—(CO—R2)m—CO—X—??(I), where A is a radical derived from a homo- or copolyoxymethylene, R1 is an alkylene radical-having at least two carbon atoms or a cycloalkylene radical, R2 is a direct carbon-carbon bond, or an alkylene, cycloalkylene, arylene, or aralkylene radical, X is selected from —O—, —S—, or —NH—, D is a divalent radical B which is a radical of a hydroxy-terminated, mercaptan-terminated, or amino-terminated polymer which derives from polyalkylene glycols, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl ether-alkene copolymers, polyvinyl esters, polyvinyl ester-alkene copolymers, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol-alkene copolymers, polyvinylaromatics, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyacetals, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyamides, polyimines, polyetherester elastomers, polyetheramide elastomers, polyalkadienes, polyurethanes, polyureas, polysiloxanes, or a triblock copolymer radical -PAO-B-PAO-, wh

Abstract: Acetalized polyvinyl alcohols having a high residual polyvinyl acetate content are suitable as use as dispersing agents in the production of ceramic green films.

Abstract: Water-soluble films are prepared from polymer blends of polyvinyl alcohol and sulfonate polymers. The sulfo group can be acid form, SO3H, as well as salt form of potassium, sodium, ammonium, i.e. —SO3K, —SO3Na, and —SO3NH4. Conventional film-forming processes can be used to produce the films. Polymeric films prepared from the blend compositions have unique characteristics. Their water solubility rate can be controlled by varying the composition ratio of the polymer blend. Their water solubility rate is increased even at a temperature of 0° C. The water-soluble polymeric films can be used as packaging materials and immersion transfer printing film.

Abstract: Moulding compound, comprising 30 to 80% by weight of a polyamide as a thermoplastic matrix and of a cross-linked, disperse elastomer phase which is bonded to the thermoplastic matrix and contains 10 to 69% by weight of an ethylene copolymer and also 1 to 10% by weight of a compatibility agent, selected from the compounds obtained by means of grafting of ?, ?, ethylene-unsaturated mono- and/or dicarboxylic acids or derivatives thereof on an ethylene-copolymer-polymer backbone, respectively relative to the moulding compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyvinlyl alcohol gels which are suitable for use in the organism and which are formed at the site of application (in situ) from a viscous liquid by partial crystallization and network formation.

Abstract: Regrind is mixed with at least one low density metallocene polyethylene to increase the amount of regrind that can be used in a thermoformed article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on low Mooney, optionally hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber and polyamides. The present invention also relates to TPVs based on low Mooney, optionally, hydrogenated nitrile terpolymers and polyamides. TPVs prepared according to the present invention have improved morphology, smaller rubber particle size, and improved processability compared to TPVs containing non-low Mooney, optionally hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polylactic acid composition, which comprises a polylactic acid, a polyvinyl alcohol, and a grafted polylactic acid. In the present invention, the polylactic acid composition has an improved dyeing property, physical strength, crystal stability, and so forth. Hence, the composition of the present invention can be manufactured into textile fabrics having good strength by melt blowing or reeling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising reacting a phenolphthalein material and a primary hydrocarbyl amine in the presence of an acid catalyst to form a reaction mixture comprising 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine, wherein the phenolphthalein material comprises greater than or equal to 99 weight percent phenolphthalein, based on the total weight of the phenolphthalein material; quenching the reaction mixture and treating the quenched reaction mixture to obtain a first solid. The first solid is purified by a combination of techniques to produce a solid comprising 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine with sufficient purity to be used as a monomer in the synthesis of clear polymers.

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 herein is a method comprising reacting a phenolphthalein material and a primary hydrocarbyl amine in the presence of an acid catalyst to form a reaction mixture comprising 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine, wherein the phenolphthalein material comprises greater than or equal to 95 weight percent phenolphthalein, based on the total weight of phenolphthalein material; quenching the reaction mixture and treating the quenched reaction mixture to obtain a first solid. The first solid is then triturated with a trituration solvent and washed to obtain a second solid, wherein the second solid comprises greater than or equal to 97 weight percent 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine, based on the total weight of the second solid. The second solid may be polymerized to form a polycarbonate.

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 provides: a novel water-absorbing agent, which exhibits an excellent absorption capacity under a load (AAP), gel layer liquid permeation rate under a load (FRUP), saline flow conductivity (SFC), and shape-maintaining property and ball burst strength (BBS) of a swollen water-absorbing agent aggregate, and excellent persistency of these effects for a long time. The water-absorbing agent, which comprises a polymer obtained by a process including the steps of polymerizing and then crosslinking a monomer including acrylic acid and/or a salt thereof, with the water-absorbing agent being characterized by: (1) exhibiting a free swelling capacity of not less than 23 g/g (GV), a gel deformation of not more than 12.5 cm under a short-time load (0.5 hrPT), and a gel deformation deterioration of not more than 3.

Abstract: It is disclosed an over-coating agent for forming fine-line patterns which is applied to cover a substrate having thereon photoresist patterns and allowed to shrink under heat so that the spacing between adjacent photoresist patterns is lessened, with the applied film of the over-coating agent being removed substantially completely to form or define fine trace patterns, further characterized by containing a copolymer or a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol with a water-soluble polymer other than polyvinyl alcohol. Also disclosed is a method of forming fine-line patterns using the over-coating agent. According to the invention, one can effectively increase the shrinkage amount (the amount of heat shrinking) of the agent, thereby achieving a remarkably improved effect of forming or defining fine-line patterns and which also present satisfactory profiles and meet the characteristics required of today's semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A composition comprising the following components: 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane (A), 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of a crosslinking agent (B), 50 to 1,000 parts by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or copolymer (C), 0 to 5 parts by weight, as an active ingredient, of a catalyst (D), 100 to 100,000 parts by weight of water (E), and 0.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of ethylene acid copolymers and EVOH that are useful for fabricating films, sheets and other shaped articles such as tubing, bottle, fuel tank, tray etc. comprising (1) an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer; and (2) a copolymer comprising in-chain copolymerized units of (a) in-chain copolymerized units of ethylene; (b) in-chain polymerized units of an ?,?-unsaturated C3-C8 carboxylic acid; (c) in-chain polymerized units of at least one comonomer that is an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof; and optionally (d) in-chain copolymerized units of alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate, and wherein the carboxylic acid functionalities present are at least partially neutralized by one or more alkali metal, transition metal, or alkaline earth metal cations. The compositions can be used for packaging of foodstuffs, medical solutions and industrial chemicals.

Abstract: Storage stable aqueous dispersions of a heat-reactive hydrophilic phenolic resin (e.g., phenol/formaldehyde) are disclosed. The dispersions comprise a base resin that is the reaction product of an aromatic alcohol and an aldehyde, and an etherified resin component selected from the group consisting of an etherified phenol/aldehyde resin, an etherified cresol/aldehyde resin, and mixtures thereof. The dispersions further comprise a protective colloid (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol). The addition of the etherified resin component in an amount of at least about 20% by weight of the base resin provides storage stability, but does not adversely affect the desirable physical and chemical characteristics (e.g., chemical resistance) of end products made from such dispersions. Moreover, the dispersions of the present invention can avoid the use of etherified resin components derived from bisphenol-A and/or xylenols, which present heath concerns in food coating applications.

Abstract: A paper adhesive composition includes a cationic non-crosslinked acidified solution of a polyamidoamine with the repeating units wherein n?1; m=1 or 2; X?m is chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, bisulfate, nitrate, oxalate, alkyl carboxylate, aryl carboxylate, hydrogen phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, alkyl sulfonate, aryl sulfonate, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing anions; R1 is a divalent aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or araliphatic group having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms; R2 is hydrogen or a monovalent aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or araliphatic group having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms; and R3 is a divalent hydrocarbon radical derived from a dibasic carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition, a process that can be used to produce the composition, and an article comprising or produced from the composition wherein the composition comprises or is produced from PVOH and a polyol ester plasticizer; the PVOH includes a PVOH homopolymer or copolymer; the polyol ester plasticizer includes an esterified polyol having one or more ester groups and at least one free hydroxyl group; and the process comprises combining PVOH with a polyol ester plasticizer under a condition sufficient to transesterify the poly(vinyl alcohol).

Abstract: A method of forming a poly(arylene ether)-containing solid concentrate is described. The method includes blending a poly(arylene ether), a thermosetting resin, and a compatibilizing agent in the presence of a solvent to form a homogeneous solution, and removing the solvent to yield the solid concentrate. The solid concentrate is useful for preparing curable conditions.

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 polymer blend consisting essentially of at least one thermoplastic polymer, and a polymer comprising structural units derived from a 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine is disclosed.

Abstract: A photosensitive resin which exhibits excellent storage stability, affinity, miscibility, or solubility with respect to a variety of compounds, and high sensitivity can be solidified even under hydrous conditions as well as exhibiting high cure-related sensitivity and high flexibility and being uniformly solidified even under highly hydrous conditions, a photosensitive resin composition containing the resin, and a novel compound. The photosensitive resin is a saponified poly(vinyl acetate)-based photosensitive resin having a structural unit represented by formula (1): (wherein R1 represents H or Me; R2 represents a linear or branched C2-C10 alkylene group; n is an integer of 1 to 3; X represents m is an integer of 0 to 6; and Y represents an aromatic ring or a single bond).

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: Polymer particles including a covalently bonded chemical species, as well as related compositions and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A thiol-ene polymeric material is disclosed. The material is produced by the photopolymerization of reactants having thiol and olefin moieties. The material can incorporate encapsulated components, including cells. Additionally, the material can be derivatized by reacting the polymeric material with components such as proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to a phytoprotein synthetic fiber and the method for the manufacture thereof. This synthetic fiber is composed of phytoprotein and polyvinyl alcohol, the phytoprotein comprising A parts of the two components, where A is equal to or greater than 5 parts and less than 23 parts, and the polyvinyl alcohol comprising B parts, where B is greater than 77 parts and equal to or less than 95 parts. The methods of manufacturing the synthetic fiber comprise a semi-finished product manufacturing process and a semi-finished product acetalization and finishing process.

Abstract: Condensation products of dihydroxyaromatics A, alone or in mixture with mono- or polyhydroxyaromatics C, with diepoxides or polyepoxides B which have been alkylolated by reaction with aldehydes D and whose alkylol groups may have been etherified with alcohols, a process for preparing them, and a method of use thereof in particular as compositions for coating the inside of foodstuff and beverage packaging forms made from metals.

Abstract: The invention provides water-soluble compounds that include a polymer and at least one terminal azide or acetylene moiety. Also provided are highly efficient methods for the selective modification of proteins with PEG derivatives, which involves the selective incorporation of non-genetically encoded amino acids, e.g., those amino acids containing an azide or acetylene moiety, into proteins in response to a selector codon and the subsequent modification of those amino acids with a suitably reactive PEG derivative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixture encompassing at least one plastic A, in particular polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), or a polysulfide, and at least one polyester B which can be prepared from a dicarboxylic acid I, and from at least one diol II selected from the group consisting of 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, and 1,4-butanediol, and from a monocarboxylic acid III, in particular acetic acid, and also to the use of the mixtures of the invention in casings for electrical devices, in kitchen machines, in computer cases, in piping, chemical apparatus, cables, wire sheathing, window profiles, in interior fittings, in vehicle construction and furniture construction, in floorcoverings, for producing medical items, packaging for food or drink, gaskets, sealing compounds, including those for sealed glazing, films, including roofing films, composite films, phonographic disks, synthetic leather, toys, packaging containers, adhesive tape films, clothing, or coatings, or as fibers for fabric

Abstract: A composition forms an overcoat layer for an organic photoreceptor by combining an organic silane compound, an acrylic polymer, polyvinyl butyral and a solvent. The organic photoreceptor has increased electrical and mechanical properties, leading to improved life characteristics. Also, unlike when a single material of either acrylic polymer or silsesquioxane is used in forming an overcoat layer, when the composition of the present invention is used, it is not necessary to coat a primer or an adhesive layer, thereby simplifying a coating process and reducing the cost required in forming additive layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoplastic polyurethane composition which comprises an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and/or a polyamide, and a thermoplastic polyurethane, in which the retention of melt tension thereof, when kept in a molten state at 220° C. for 1 hour, determined by the following equation (1), is not less than 10%. Retention of melt tension (%)=[Melt tension after being kept in a molten state/Melt tension before being kept in a molten state]×100 ??(1) The thermoplastic polyurethane composition of the present invention is excellent in production stability of a molded article, and can provide a molded article excellent in appearance because the progress of gelation thereof is suppressed even in a molten state.

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: The present invention relates to high-molecular-weight crosslinked polyvinyl butyrals obtainable by crosslinking a polyvinyl butyral with benzofuranone and/or with at least one derivative of the same, as crosslinking reagent, to their use, and to a process for their preparation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses water-soluble compositions comprising a blend of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(vinyl alcohol) that have improved ductility over water-soluble compositions comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) alone. In one desirable embodiment of the present invention, the poly(ethylene oxide) component of the blend is grafted. Grafted poly(ethylene oxide) resins have improved processability and improved blend compatibility with poly(vinyl alcohol). Films comprising a melt blend of poly(vinyl alcohol) and grafted poly(ethylene oxide) have improved melt processability as well as other improved properties. Films comprising compositions of the present invention have improved ductility over films comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) alone while retaining much of the high strength and water solubility exhibited by such poly(vinyl alcohol) films.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing flexible thermoplastic compositions that may be used separately or combined with up to fifty percent thermoplastic scrap. One embodiment of the invention comprises creating a melt-blend of blending composition, up to 50% by weight thermoplastic scrap and up to 15% by weight poly(ethyl-co-vinyl) acetate wherein the blending composition comprises an impact polypropylene, impact modifier and plasticizer. The polypropylene, impact modifier and plasticizer are selected to meet requirements of flexible thermoplastic compositions useful in vehicle interiors. In another embodiment of the invention a random polypropylene is used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition including an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) and a polyamide resin and having outstanding properties in terms of long-term run stability, appearance, and hot water resistance in melt molding. In this resin composition, 70 mol % or more of all the terminal ends of the polyamide resin are blocked with units including an imide structure. At least a portion of the units containing an imide structure may be units containing a cyclic imide structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for esterifying and/or transesterifying a polymer having a polyethylenic backbone and pendant acid and/or ester moieties comprising contacting a melt of the polymer with a transesterifying compound so that the polymer undergoes esterification and/or transesterification but not alcoholysis. The esterified or transesterified polymer also has pendant ester moieties which differ in kind and/or number from the unreacted polymer. In one embodiment, the process also comprises adding an amount of a transition metal salt that is effective to promote oxygen scavenging. Also in a further embodiment, the process comprises irradiating the transesterified polymer with actinic radiation to reduce the induction period before oxygen scavenging commences. Also disclosed are compositions comprising a component which comprises an ethylenic or polyethylenic backbone and a pendant or terminal moiety comprising a benzylic, allylic, or ether-containing radical.