Abstract: A coating agent for paper comprises: an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, wherein the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer has a content of ethylene units of 1 mol % or more and less than 20 mol % and a block character of the ethylene units from 0.90 to 0.99. Coated paper is obtained by coating paper with such a coating agent. The coating agent of the present invention is excellent in viscosity stability and also causes the resulting coated paper to be excellent in barrier properties and water resistance.

Abstract: A method for disassembling and separating a waste lithium-ion battery comprises: directly tearing a battery pack or a cell of the waste lithium-ion battery with water and electricity without discharging after removing a housing, then performing first wet screening, directly performing wet degumming without drying after recovering an electrolyte and removing iron by magnetic separation, then performing first crushing with water, third wet screening and second crushing with water after performing second wet screening, and finally performing jigging separation to obtain copper powder, aluminum powder, positive and negative electrode materials, plastic powder and separator pulp.

Abstract: An ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer may have an ethylene unit content of 1 mol % or more and less than 20 mol %, a viscosity-average polymerization degree of 200 to 5000 and a saponification degree of 80 to 99.7 mol %. A block character of ethylene units in the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer may be 0.90 to 0.99. Such an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer may have excellent high-speed coating ability and water-resistant adhesiveness, particularly when being used as an adhesive.

Abstract: There is provided a multilayer structure comprising a layer (A) containing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer having an ethylene unit content of 1 mol % or more and less than 20 mol %, a viscosity-average polymerization degree of 200 to 5000, and a saponification degree of 80 to 99.7 mol %, wherein a block character of ethylene units is 0.90 to 0.99; and a layer (B) containing at least one resin selected from the group consisting of a polyolefin resin, a polyester resin and a polyamide resin. Such a multilayer structure has excellent oxygen-gas barrier performance. In addition, an aqueous solution containing the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer exhibits excellent viscosity stability even after long-term storage. Therefore, even after a long period of time from preparation of the aqueous solution, it can be uniformly applied to a substrate and thus, a multilayer structure having excellent oxygen-gas barrier performance can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vinyl alcohol-based polymer having an olefin in side chain, comprising a vinyl alcohol unit and a structural unit represented by Formula (I), wherein X represents a divalent saturated hydrocarbon group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally having a branched structure; Y represents a hydrogen atom or a saturated hydrocarbon group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally having a branched structure; and Z represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. Thus, there is provided a vinyl alcohol-based polymer having an olefin in side chain exhibiting higher water solubility even after thermal treatment, higher storage stability, and higher reactivity to high energy beam, and a method for producing it.

Abstract: Radiopaque hydrogels, in particular radiopaque hydrogel microspheres, comprising a polymer having 1,2-diol or 1,3-diol groups acetalized with radiopaque species.

Abstract: A heat storage material composition that is excellent in shape retention and bleed resistance is provided. The heat storage material composition is obtained by heat-treating Component (A), Polymer (B-1) and Polymer (B-2) together. Component (A) is a polyhydric alcohol not having constitutional units derived from any vinyl monomers. Polymer (B-1) is a polymer composed mainly of constitutional units derived from acrylic acid or a salt thereof, a polymer composed mainly of constitutional units derived from methacrylic acid or a salt thereof, or a mixture thereof, excluding a polymer having two or more hydroxy groups in one polymer chain. Polymer (B-2) is a polymer composed mainly of constitutional units derived from a vinyl monomer, and having two or more hydroxy groups in one polymer chain.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a polyvinyl alcohol composition having higher amorphous polyvinyl alcohol polymer content, a process for making such a polyvinyl alcohol composition, and various end uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides bi-component polymeric macrofibers having an ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) outer component and a core or second component comprising a polymer blend of polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride and polypropylene or polyethylene. The bi-component polymeric macrofibers provide excellent fiber reinforcement in concrete applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified PVA having unsaturated double bonds derived from a specific monomer in the main chain of the molecule. A modified polyvinyl alcohol containing bond units of the formula (1) having double bonds in its molecular main chain: wherein each of X1 and X2 is a C1-12 lower alkyl group, a hydrogen atom or a metal atom, g is an integer of from 0 to 3, h is an integer of from 0 to 12, Y1 is a hydrogen atom or —COOM, and M is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a metal atom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing powder coating compositions. The method includes mixing in an aqueous medium a carboxylic acid functional polymer having a high glass transition temperature, with a polycarbodiimide having a high glass transition temperature, drying the mixture, and grinding the resulting solid particles to obtain a powder.

Abstract: A polymer membrane for water treatment composed of a vinyl chloride copolymer comprising a vinyl chloride monomer and a hydrophilic monomer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polyamide-filled curable hydrocarbon elastomer compositions having enhanced heat aging performance where the presence of conventional filler, such as carbon black or silica, does not detract from desired heat stability properties. Also disclosed are polyamide-filled curable hydrocarbon elastomer compositions where the use of compatibilzer is optional, for polyamides having an inherent viscosity of greater than 0.88 dL/g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a saponification product of a vinyl ester/ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer having superior tolerance of the aqueous thickening liquid against mechanical shear. More specifically, the present invention provides a saponification product of a vinyl ester/ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer having the superior tolerance, by polymerizing a mixture where the molar ratio of the vinyl ester/ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid ester is from 8/2 to 3/7, and saponifying the obtained copolymer in a mixed solvent where the mass composition ratio of an aqueous organic solvent/water mixture solvent is from 3/7 to 8/2.

Abstract: A cryogel-forming vinyl alcohol co-polymer is operable to form a cryogel, i.e., a hydrogel formed by crytropic gelation, in an aqueous solution at a concentration of less than about 10% by weight, in the absence of a chemical cross-linking agent and in the absence of an emulsifier. In one embodiment, a vinyl alcohol co-polymer cryogel comprises at least about 75% by weight water and a vinyl alcohol co-polymer, wherein the vinyl alcohol co-polymer is operable to form a cryogel in an aqueous solution at a concentration of less than about 10% by weight, in the absence of a chemical cross-linking agent and in the absence of an emulsifier.

Abstract: Provided is a thermoplastic resin composition which exhibits little dependence of air permeability on fatigue. The present invention is a thermoplastic resin composition which comprises an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and a polyamide resin, said thermoplastic resin composition being characterized in that only one maximal peak point assignable to crystallization is observed in the curve of heat flow versus temperature as determined by differential scanning calorimetry of a melt-kneaded mixture of 25 parts by mass of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and 75 parts by mass of the polyamide resin in a cooling process.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising a hydrophobic or hydrophilic (or both) interpenetrating polymer network containing a non-ionic/ionic polymer and a hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer, articles made from such composition and methods of preparing such articles. The invention also includes a process for preparing a hydrophobic/hydrophilic IPN or semi-IPN from a hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer including the steps of placing an non-ionizable/ionizable monomer solution in contact with a hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer; diffusing the monomer solution into the hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer; and polymerizing the monomers to form a penetrating polymer inside the hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer, thereby forming the IPN or semi-IPN.

Abstract: A plastic preform, container or article includes a multilayer wall having at least one layer of a matrix resin, at least one layer of a barrier resin, an adhesion-promoting material blended with the barrier resin and/or matrix resin, and an active oxygen barrier composition blended with the barrier resin and/or matrix resin. The adhesion-promoting material promotes bonding between the barrier and matrix resin layers and includes an amine polymer, preferably an imine polymer having a number of available primary, secondary or tertiary amine groups. The matrix resin preferably is an ester-containing resin, such as PET. The barrier resin preferably is EVOH. The active oxygen barrier composition includes a metal with an additive compound, and may also include a host polymer.

Abstract: A method of forming a surface layer that includes a hydroxyl polymer on a substrate coating on a medical device is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides for preparing a polymer-active agent conjugate, the method comprising the steps of reacting an amino acid derivative with a biologically active agent under conditions to form a polymer-active agent conjugate.

Abstract: A dynamically vulcanized alloy contains at least one isobutylene-containing elastomer and at least one thermoplastic resin, wherein the elastomer is present as a dispersed phase of small vulcanized or partially vulcanized particles in a continuous phase of the thermoplastic resin. The dynamically vulcanized alloy also contains an anhydride functionalized oligomer. The alloy maintains a high Shore A hardness value while obtaining improved flowability for processing.

Abstract: A water soluble polyvinyl alcohol copolymer having a diad syndiotacticity of greater than about 60% and less than about 70%. In some embodiments, the water soluble polyvinyl alcohol copolymer is soluble in water at a concentration of at least 1 wt % at a temperature of less than 100° C. In other embodiments, the composition is soluble in water at a concentration of at least 5 wt % at a temperature in the range from about 90° C. to less than 100° C. The high solubility of the high syndiotactic poly vinyl alcohols disclosed herein may provide various advantages as described herein, including ease of processing and decreased use of harmful solvents.

Abstract: A class of bioinspired, cross linking polymers, created by working catechol functionalities into the backbone of a bulk polymer, is disclosed. Varied cross linking groups may be incorporated into different polymer backbones, and subsequently reacted with an array of reagents. An adhesive composition comprising a copolymer, the copolymer comprising pendant dihydroxyphenyl groups; and a crosslinking agent selected from the group consisting of, for example, oxidants, enzymes, metals, and light. A method of preparing an adhesive composition comprising copolymerizing a first monomer comprising pendant dihydroxy-protected dihydroxyphenyl groups; deprotecting the dihydroxy-protected dihydroxyphenyl groups; crosslinking the dihydroxyphenyl groups with a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A functionalized homopolymer or copolymer of vinyl alcohol of the formula P—(R)n, where: P represents a straight or branched chain polymer backbone that is a homopolymer of vinyl alcohol or a copolymer of vinyl alcohol and at least one other monomer, the homopolymer or copolymer comprising one or more reactive coupling group; R represents an aminosilane-containing and/or an aminosilanol-containing side chain attached to the polymer backbone via the one or more reactive coupling group; and n represents the number of side chains, which are present in an amount from about 1 to about 25 mol % of the polymer backbone; and ink or coating compositions containing the functionalized polymer.

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: In one embodiment, the invention is to a vinyl acetate/diacetoxyethylene copolymer, processes of making the copolymer and processes of hydrolyzing said copolymer to form a copolymerized polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing an EVOH resin having sufficient long-run workability in melt molding and enabling prevention of coloring such as yellowing, an EVOH resin obtained by this method for production, and a laminate obtained from this resin. Additionally, a method for producing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin capable of efficiently drying while inhibiting deterioration of qualities is provided. The method for producing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin of the present invention includes a step of irradiation with an infrared ray for irradiating with an infrared ray an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer or an ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer that is a precursor of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition including at least one elastomer and at least one supramolecular polymer. The supramolecular polymer is obtained by the reaction of at least one trifunctional compound (A), having first and second functions, with: at least one compound (B) having at least one reactive group capable of reacting with the first functions of (A) and at least one associative group; and at least one at least bifunctional compound (C) having functions capable of reacting with the second functions of compound (A) in order to form ester, thioester and amide bridges.

Abstract: There is provided a medium for plant cultivation comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer chip. An ethylene content of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer included in the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer chip is preferably 20 to 60 mol %. In addition, a water content in the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer chip is preferably 20 to 300 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. As a result, it is possible to provide a medium for plant cultivation, which is capable of being used instead of the soil or rock wools, and with which it is possible to sufficiently grow crop plants, to have excellent recyclability, to facilitate a process for disposal the medium, and to have a small environmental burden.

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: 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: 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: The aforementioned problems can be solved by a dispersion stabilizer composed of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer (B) having a double bond in its side chain. The polyvinyl alcohol polymer (B) is obtained by esterifying a polyvinyl alcohol polymer (A) with a carboxylic acid having an unsaturated double bond or a salt thereof. Furthermore, the aforementioned problems can be solved with a dispersion stabilizer composed of a carboxylic acid-modified polyvinyl alcohol polymer (C) that is obtained by esterifying a polyvinyl alcohol polymer (A) with aliphatic carboxylic acid and/or aromatic carboxylic acid containing no olefinically unsaturated bond in the molecule or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid ?-olefin vinyl acetate compound containing a liquid ?-olefin vinyl acetate copolymer. Compositions according to the present invention have improved resistance to premature vulcanization as well as good physical properties and aging resistance. The present invention is also directed to a vulcanized compound containing a liquid ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer.

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: Provided is a modified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C) having an ethylen content of 5 to 55 mol %, which contains a specific structural unit (I) in an amount of 0.3 to 40 mol % and may be obtained by reacting an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) with a monofunctional epoxy compound (B) having a molecular weight of not more than 500. This can be produced by a method for producing the modified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C) which comprises melting and kneading an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) with a monofunctional epoxy compound (B) in an extruder. The modified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C) is superior to a unmodified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) in transparency, stretchability, flexibility and flexing resistance due to the specific structural unit (I) incorporated therein, and thus, can be used as a barrier material in various applications requiring the above performance capabilities.

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: 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.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyamide resin compositions include the essential components of polyamide resins, polyalcohol and epoxy resin, and, optionally, one or more additives selected from among thermoplastic impact modifiers, reinforcement agents, and polyoxides; such thermoplastic polyamide resin compositions provide superior impact resistance, heat resistance, low degree of deformation, low degree of contraction, and external appearance, but also superior paint adhesion properties without requiring a primer, and function as an adhesion medium that advantageously may be applied to the interior and exterior parts of an automobile requiring painting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of applying a drug-polymer coating on a stent. A stent framework is dipped into a first polymeric solution including a first polymer, a first therapeutic agent, and a first solvent. The polymeric solution is dried and the first polymer is cured to form a thin drug-polymer layer on the stent framework. The steps of dipping the stent framework into the first polymeric solution, drying the first polymeric solution, and curing the first polymer are repeated until a target drug-polymer coating thickness is disposed on the stent framework. A drug-polymer coated stent including a stent framework and a laminated drug-polymer coated stent, a system for treating a vascular condition, and a method of treating a vascular condition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer blends comprising the components (a) from 40% to 95% by weight of at least one polyaryl ether copolymer constructed of (a1) from 50% to 99.9% by weight of building units of the general formula I and from 0% to 40% by weight of further building units II selected from segments of one or more thermoplastic polymers, and (a2) from 0.

Abstract: Cold water-soluble PVOH/alkyl acrylate copolymers are provided with a substantially random distribution of monomers which is reflected in the polymer's cold water solubility, GPEC chromatograms and may be confirmed by C13 NMR. The product is particularly useful for films used in packaging and for encapsulating particulate products. Encapsulated products which may be provided include fertilizer or other agricultural products, pharmaceutical products, biomedical products and cosmetic products.

Abstract: A process for producing polyolefin articles comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, wherein the polyolefin component is melted and mixed with the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer in the presence of a stabilizing composition comprising: a) one or more acid scavengers in amounts equal to or higher than 300 ppm by weight with respect to the weight of the polyolefin component; and b) one or more phenolic antioxidants in amounts equal to or higher than 1100 ppm by weight with respect to the weight of the polyolefin component.

Abstract: A liquid, substantially anhydrous tooth whitener composition for delivery of a tooth-whitening amount of active whitening ingredient onto teeth, with effective bioadhesion and retention thereof, and, thereupon, sufficient penetration of the ingredient through the tooth enamel, providing efficacious bleaching of stained teeth.

Abstract: A sulfonic acid-functionalized vinyl alcohol copolymer is provided which is characterized by a substantial absence of compositional drift. The copolymer is produced by polymerization in two continuously-fed reaction zones such that the ratio of sulfonic acid-containing comonomer fed to the first reaction zone to the sulfonic acid-containing comonomer fed to the second reaction zone is within the range of about 55:45 to about 80:20. The resin is characterized by a resistance to irreversible dehydration upon exposure to harsh chemicals and by retention of hydroxide functionality upon aging. A resin composition comprising a copolymer lacking compositional drift is also provided for preparation of an oil and grease barrier coating, an oxidation resistant water soluble package, or a battery separator.

Abstract: A cryogel-forming vinyl alcohol co-polymer is operable to form a cryogel, i.e., a hydrogel formed by crytropic gelation, in an aqueous solution at a concentration of less than about 10% by weight, in the absence of a chemical cross-linking agent and in the absence of an emulsifier. In one embodiment, a vinyl alcohol co-polymer cryogel comprises at least about 75% by weight water and a vinyl alcohol co-polymer, wherein the vinyl alcohol co-polymer is operable to form a cryogel in an aqueous solution at a concentration of less than about 10% by weight, in the absence of a chemical cross-linking agent and in the absence of an emulsifier.

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: A method for producing a biodegradable plastic film or a composite film, and the film obtained by such method. The film has barrier properties and is made at least of a biodegradable basic plastic material and a second plastic material having barrier properties. The film is useful in particular for packaging sensitive goods.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polyvinyl alcohol having a 1,2-glycol bond in a side chain, and a process for preparing the polyvinyl alcolnol wherein there is no generation of dimethyl carbonate hence no need of a process of eliminating dimethyl carbonate in the recovering process of waste liquid after hydrolysis. Also, even when an introduction amount of 1,2-glycol bonds is increased, there is no deterioration of solubility in a hydrolyzing solution (methanol) of a copolymer (paste) before hydrolysis. Further, water-insolubility is not lowered even in experiencing thermal history. Specifically, there is provided a polyvinyl alcohol having a 1,2-glycol bond in a side chain obtained by hydrolyzing a copolymer of a vinyl ester monomer and a compound shown in the formula (1) wherein the hydrolysis degree of the polyvinyl alcohol is at least 60% by mol.

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.).