Abstract: An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from a substantially non-aqueous organic hydrogen peroxide complex, such as a urea-peroxide complex. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor. A method for preparing substantially non-aqueous hydrogen peroxide complexes is also provided. These complexes are useful as a source of peroxide vapor in hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilizers and as a component of self-sterilizing packaging materials.

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: The present invention provides a method of modifying the surface of a polymeric substrate, e.g., to improve the wettability of the polymer film surface and/or alter the reactivity of the surface of the substrate by further oxidation or affixation of nitrogen, comprising exposing the substrate to a flame. The flame is supported by a fuel and oxidizer mixture that includes an effective amount, for modifying the polymeric substrate, of at least one compound that functions as a fuel or oxidizer substitute and is selected from an oxygen-containing compound, in which the oxygen comprises between about 10 and 50 atomic percent of the compound, a nitrogen-containing compound or an oxygen-nitrogen-containing compound. In a preferred embodiment, which affixes nitrogen or nitrogen-containing chemical groups onto the surface of the film, the flame is supported by a fuel and oxidizer mixture that includes ammonia, nitrous oxide, nitric oxide or a mixture thereof in an effective amount.

Abstract: A method for producing an improved antimicrobial material thereby producing a soft, dry, iodine/acetalized polyvinyl alcohol complex sponge material having a pleasing yellow-gold coloration which self-indicates activation of the antimicrobial elements in the complex.

Abstract: Describes a coating composition for the preparation of abrasion resistant coatings consisting essentially of:(a) 5 to 35 weight percent of a silane monomer mixture of (i) C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl tri(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxysilane and (ii) tetra(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxysilane, the weight ratio of (i) to (ii) being from 3:1 to 1:3;(b) 1 to 9 weight percent of polyvinyl alcohol that is at least 72 percent hydrolyzed;(c) a solvating amount of lower aliphatic alcohol;(d) a catalytic amount of water-soluble acid;(e) a leveling amount of nonionic surfactant; and(f) water in an amount sufficient to formhydrolysates of the silane monomers and to solubilize the polyvinyl alcohol and acid. Further described are transparent articles and photochromic articles comprising organic polymeric host material, organic photochromic compound(s), and a cured abrasion resistant coating prepared from the coating composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for the production of polyvinyl alcohol containing keto-ester groups wherein a polymer containing polyvinyl alcohol units is contacted with a compound having keto-ester forming groups under conditions for forming keto-ester groups on the polymer. The improvement in the process comprises:contacting a solid polymer containing vinyl alcohol units with a liquid phase acetoacetate of the formula: ##STR1## where R is chosen independently from alkyl groups under conditions for converting the alcohol functionality to the keto ester form; and then, removing unreacted acetoacetate forming group and volatile byproduct alcohol from the solid polymer.

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 vinyl compound is polymerized under suspension polymerization conditions by polymerizing the vinyl compound in a suspension polymerization medium containing, as the suspending agent, from 0.02 to 0.2 parts by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer (A) having a degree of hydrolysis ranging from 60 to 95 mol % and a terminal mercapto group, based on 100 parts by weight of the vinyl compound. In another aspect of the invention, the suspending agent is a combination of said polyvinyl alcohol polymer (A) and a polyvinyl ester (B) having a degree of hydrolysis less than 60 mol %. The weight ratio of the two polymeric suspending agents (A)/(B) ranges from 40/60 to 95/5.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wound dressing composed of a hydrogel with the principal component being a vinyl alcohol polymer of a viscosity average polymerization degree of 300 or more, wherein the vinyl alcohol polymer contains 5 to 50 mol % of one or more vinyl ester units represented by the following formula (I): ##STR1## and the vinyl alcohol polymer has a block character (.eta.) of 0.6 or less, the block character being represented by the following mathematical formula (II);.eta.=?OH, VES!/2?OH!?VES! (II)Because the wound dressing of the present invention is excellent in terms of transparency, flexibility, hot water resistance, water absorption, and safety, the dressing is useful for the treatment and promotion of the healing of wounds including general wounds such as abrasions, cuts and acne; surgery wounds such as excision wounds and dermabrasions; burns; ulcers; and pressure sores.

Abstract: Active esters of PEG acids and related polymers are provided that have a single propionic or butanoic acid moiety and no other ester linkages. These polymer acids have a half life in water of from about 10 to 25 minutes. For example, alpha-methoxy, omega-propionic acid succinimidyl ester of PEG ("methoxy-PEG-SPA") has a nearly ideal reactivity with amino groups on proteins and other biologically active substances. The half life of methoxy-PEG-SPA is about 16.5 minutes in water. The invention also provides conjugates with proteins, enzymes, polypeptides, drugs, dyes, nucleosides, oligonucleotides, lipids, phospholipids, liposomes, and surfaces of solid materials that are compatible with living organisms, tissue, or fluid.

Abstract: Resin-salt plastic or polymeric reaction products are produced by reacting a resin, such as polyvinyl alcohol, with a metal salt, such as sodium chloride, in a reaction medium under agitation and conditions in which the resin does not precipitate or kick out of the reaction medium, but is solubilized in the reaction medium and reacts with the salt. The amount of salt present is at least 2.3 weight percent of the resin and is preferably added to the reaction medium in a single charge. The reaction product is separated from a mother liquor and preferably washed to remove unreacted materials and contaminants. The resin-salt reaction product, the mother liquor, and the wash liquid each have utility in the manufacture of commercially useful products.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a suspending agent for suspension polymerization of a vinyl compound which comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer (A) having a degree of hydrolysis of at least 60 mol % and a mercapto group at an end thereof; and furthermore a suspending agent for suspension polymerization of a vinyl compound which comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer (A) having a degree of hydrolysis of at least 60 mol % and a mercapto group at an end thereof and a polyvinyl ester polymer (B) having a degree of hydrosis of less than 60 mol %, weight ratio of component (A)/component (B) being 40/60 to 95/5.The suspending agent for suspension polymerization of a vinyl compound of the present invention has an excellent less-foaming effect and an effect of giving uniform and porous vinyl polymer granules.

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: The action of thermoplastic polymers to whose polymer backbone aliphatic or cycloaliphatic groups are bonded via a group --O--, --O--CO--, --CO--OR.sup.22 --OCO-- or --CO--O--, said aliphatic or cycloaliphatic groups being substituted by Cl, Br and/or iodine in the .alpha.-, .beta.-, .gamma.- or .omega.-position, on an unsubstituted or substituted tetrathio-, tetraseleno- or tetratelluro-naphthalene or -tetracene contained in this polymer gives electrically conducting compositions by the formation of charge transfer complexes. These compositions are suitable for the production of antistatic or electrically conducting mouldings, sheets, filaments, fibres, coatings and composites.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a composition suitable for use in separating CO.sub.2 from gas streams containing CO.sub.2 especially H.sub.2 rich gas streams containing CO.sub.2 and CO. The composition comprises a hydrophylic polymer and at least one salt of an aminoacid, the salt of the aminoacid being present in an amount ranging from about 10 to about 80 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A gradient mixer for the preparation of immobilized pH-gradient (IPG) gels, which includes a positive displacement syringe dispensing device (4,5) driven by a controlled speed motor (1); a mixer driven by a magnetic stirrer (6); a temperature controlled circulating air oven for the mixer/dispensing syringes (7); a cassette into which mixed solutions of acidic/basic gels are dispensed and the IPG gel is shaped (9); and a second temperature controlled circulating air oven for the cassette (8).

Abstract: Immobilized buffered gels obtained from hydroxy group containing natural or synthetic polymers and acid or basic di- or triazine derivatives are useful and highly effective media, e.g. in form of membranes, for preparative isoelectric focusing electrophoresis for separating high molecular compounds, such as proteins or peptides, from biological mixtures.

Abstract: A process for producing mixed poly(vinyl acetals) containing butyral acetal groups and long chain acetal groups derived from one or more aldehydes containing at least six C atoms, by conducting an acetalization reaction forming long chain acetal groups in the substantial of absence butyraldehyde until gel break occurs, adding butyraldehyde after gel break and continuing acetalization until the desired reaction endpoint is reached. Reaction temperature is from about 40.degree. C. up to the boiling point of water at the pressure of the acetalization reaction and preferably between about 75.degree. C. and about 98.degree..

Abstract: A water based coating composition provides a stain resistant layer which adheres well to a substrate and is resistant to chemical attack by common household cleaning solvents such as isopropyl alcohol. The coating composition has a very low volatile organic compound content, thus providing an environmentally desirable alternative to organic solvent based coatings. The low volatile organic compound content of the composition substantially or completely eliminates the problems and expenses associated with solvent recovery for meeting chemical emission standards, and the potential for human exposure to solvent vapor is substantially eliminated or significantly reduced. The coating composition is aqueous based and incorporates a crosslinkable acrylic polymer latex, an amino resin crosslinking agent and a crosslinking catalyst. The polymer, crosslinking agent and catalyst are dispersed and/or solubilized in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of mouldings, especially contact lenses, in which a soluble prepolymer comprising crosslinkable groups is cross-linked in solution, and also to mouldings, especially contact lenses, obtainable in accordance with that process. The present invention relates also to novel prepolymers that can be used in the process according to the invention, especially derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 that, based on the number of hydroxy groups of the polyvinyl alcohol, comprise from approximately 0.5 to approximately 80% of units of formula I ##STR1## wherein R is lower alkylene having up to 8 carbon atoms,R.sup.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl andR.sup.

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 non-crosslinked non-polypeptide polymers containing biodegradable lipophilic side chains incorporating methylene diester units of the formula --[--CO--O--C(R.sup.1 R.sup.2)--O--CO--]--, where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each represents a hydrogen atom or a carbon-attached monovalent organic group or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together form a carbon-attached divalent organic group. The lipophilic moieties are biodegradatively cleavable to yield a water-soluble polymer.

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: 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: 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: Aqueous emulsion adhesives having a pH from 2 to 6 which comprise homo- or copolymeric polyvinyl esters, polymeric protective colloids, water-soluble compounds which can be complexed with the polymeric protective colloids, and at least partially masked polyaldehydes having at least 3 carbon atoms from which aldehyde groups can be released in a controlled manner in acidic media are suitable for bonding porous and semiporous substrates.

Abstract: This invention is an acetal polymer having the following repeating units: ##STR1## where R is an alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms;Ar.sub.1 is an aromatic group substituted with an aliphatic group containing 3 to 20 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms;Ar.sub.2 is a non-substituted aromatic group;A.sub.1 is an acid group;n.sub.1, n.sub.2, n.sub.3, n.sub.4, n.sub.5 represent the molar percents of the respective repeating units and n.sub.1 is 0-20 mole %, preferably 2-10 mole %; n.sub.2 is 2-20 mole %, preferably 5 to 15 mole %; n.sub.3 is 15-85 mole %, preferably 20 to 65 mole %; n.sub.4 is 0 to 40 mole %, preferably 0 to 20 mole %; and n.sub.5 is 5-40 mole %, preferably 20 to 35 mole %. These polymers may be used in photosensitive compositions and lithographic printing plates.

Abstract: A saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer is oxidation-treated in solution in a solvent mixture of water and alcohol in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and a polyvalent metal salt to provide an oxidation-treated polymer solution. This oxidation-treated polymer solution is coated on a substrate, e.g. a polymer film, to provide a laminate.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing a linear lactide copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight of from 20,000 to 400,000 using a continuous reaction apparatus composed of three or more stirred flow reactors connected in series, which process comprises the steps of continuously feeding from 50 to 98 parts by weight of a lactide and from 2 to 50 parts by weight of a polymer having a hydroxyl group in a molten state or as dissolved in a solvent to the first reactor of said continuous reaction apparatus, and transferring the reaction mixture from said first reactor to the following reactors successively while maintaining the reaction pressure and the reaction temperature in every reactor in the range of from 1 to 5 atm. and of from 140.degree. to 210.degree. C., respectively, to conduct ring opening copolymerization. According to the process of the present invention, the production problems associated with conventional continuous production methods for lactide copolymers, i.e.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of mouldings, especially contact lenses, in which a soluble prepolymer comprising crosslinkable groups is crosslinked in solution, and also to mouldings, especially contact lenses, obtainable in accordance with that process. The present invention relates also to novel prepolymers that can be used in the process according to the invention, especially derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 that, based on the number of hydroxy groups of the polyvinyl alcohol, comprise from approximately 0.5 to approximately 80% of units of formula I ##STR1## wherein R is lower alkylene having up to 8 carbon atoms,R.sup.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl andR.sup.

Abstract: A polyketone is contacted with an organic peroxyacid in a reactive, oxidization, slurry process to produce a polyester polymer.

Abstract: The invention is a self-cross-linked polyvinyl butyral (PVB) binder for organic photoconductors (OPC's). The non-cross-linked form of the binder is available from Monsanto Co. in the U.S.A. as Butvar.TM., and from Sekisui Chemical Co. in Japan as Slek.TM.. It was discovered that the PVB may be self-cross-linked by subjecting it to a thermal cure at between about 150.degree.-300.degree. C. for about 2 hours. Other ways of cross-linking, for example, e-beam, UV or X-ray radiation, may achieve results similar to those obtained with heat. No cross-linker, nor cross-linkable copolymer nor catalyst is required to accomplish the cross-linking. After self-cross-linking, the PVB has good mechanical durability and good anti-solvent characteristics. In addition, the self-cross-linked PVB's glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) increases from about 65.degree. C. to about 170.degree. C.

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: 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: Compositions comprising two or more re-esterified ethylene-unsaturated ester copolymers, for example ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, improve the low temperature properties of fuel oils.

Abstract: Provided are resin compositions comprising the following (A), (B), (C), which is at least one member selected from (C.sub.1) through (C.sub.3) and (D):(A): a polyolefin,(B): a saponified product of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having an ethylene content of 20 to 65 mol % and a saponification degree of vinyl acetate component of at least 96%,(C): (C.sub.1): at least one inorganic substance selected from titanium oxide, talc, calcium carbonate, mica and absorptive inorganic materials,(C.sub.2): at least one compound selected from the group consisting of metal salts of higher fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, metal salts of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and hydrotalcite, and(C.sub.3): a polyolefin modified with an unsaturated carboxylic acid or derivatives thereof;and,(D): a saponified product of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having an ethylene content of 68 to 98 mol % and a saponification degree of vinyl acetate component of at least 20%.

Abstract: A resin composition comprises an EVOH (A) and a thermoplastic polymer (B) having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of boronic acid group, borinic acid group and boron-containing groups convertible into boronic acid group or borinic acid group in the presence of water. The composition may further comprise a thermoplastic polymer (C) other than (A) or (B). The resin compositions thus obtained have good compatibility and give molded products having superior transparency and good mechanical properties.

Abstract: Photopolymers based on polyvinyl alcohol derivatives of 8-hydroxy quinoline compositions having a high degree of photosensitivity, a marked degree of water solubility, and the ability to photodimerize when exposed to actinic radiation.

Abstract: Water resistant emulsions for woodworking adhesives may be prepared using an emulsion polymer, the polymer being prepared in the presence of 1 to 2.5% by weight of 88% hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol and 1 to 4% by weight of 95-99.5% (or above) hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: Immobilized buffered gels obtained from hydroxy group containing natural or synthetic polymers and acid or basic di- or triazine derivatives are useful and highly effective media, e.g. in form of membranes, for preparative isoelectric focusing electrophoresis for separating high molecular compounds, such as proteins or peptides, from biological mixtures.

Abstract: A polymeric solid electrolyte comprising a high molecular compound and a salt wherein the high molecular compound is a product formed by graft-polymerizing an alkylene oxide to the saponification product of a copolymer of ethylene with a vinyl ester of an aliphatic carboxylic acid. The polymeric solid electrolyte has a high ionic conductivity of 10.sup.-5 S/cm or more even at a temperature of 30.degree. C., shows a low temperature dependency of ionic conductivity and thus can be used as the solid electrolyte of various electrochemical devices such as batteries.

Abstract: Proposed is a novel vinyl chloride-based copolymeric resin suitable as an electron beam-curable binder resin for forming a magnetic recording layer of a magnetic recording medium. The binder resin is a vinyl chloride-based copolymeric resin containing monomeric units having a hydroxy group which is reacted with an ethylenically unsaturated monomeric compound having an isocyanato group in a molecule and then subjected to a modification reaction with an amine compound. The magnetic recording medium, e.g., magnetic recording tape, prepared by using the binder resin is excellent in the surface properties such as gloss and traveling resistance as well as in the magnetic properties such as residual magnetic flux density and squareness ratio of the magnetic hysteresis loop.

Abstract: Polymeric inorganic-organic compositions are obtained by intimately mixing a hydrolyzable precursor of an inorganic gel of silicon, titanium, or zirconium with an organic polymer and with an organic carboxylic acid having a pK.sub.a value of at most 4.0, present in an amount of at least 2 moles per mole of inorganic component, under conditions such that a homogeneous solution of all three components is initially formed, agitating the solution at 0.degree.-100.degree. C. until gelation of the inorganic component occurs, and recovering the inorganic-organic composition. Water need not be present as an initial reactant. Such compositions often are transparent, always have improved toughness, as compared with inorganic gels alone, and are believed to have a structure in which the organic polymer is entrapped in the inorganic gel in such an intimate manner that these two components cannot be separated from each other by physical means without destruction of the organic polymer.

Abstract: A biocidal composition and method for inhibiting and controlling the growth of microorganisms are disclosed. The composition comprises an amount, effective for the intended purpose, of polyethylene glycols and bis(trichloro methyl) sulfone, in combination with additional biocidal components, the composition in a gel form. The method comprises administering an amount of the gelled composition to the particular water containing system for which treatment is desired.

Abstract: Provided are resin compositions comprising the following (A), (B), (C), which is at least one member selected from (C.sub.1) through (C.sub.3), and (D):(A): a polyolefin,(B): a saponified product of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having an ethylene content of 20 to 65 mol % and a saponification degree of vinyl acetate component of at least 96%,(C):(C.sub.1): at least one inorganic substance selected from titanium oxide, talc, calcium carbonate, mica and absorptive inorganic materials,(C.sub.2): at least one compound selected from the group consisting of metal salts of higher fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, metal salts of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and hydrotalcite, and(C.sub.3): a polyolefin modified with an unsaturated carboxylic acid or derivatives thereof;and,(D): a saponified product of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having an ethylene content of 68 to 98 mol % and a saponification degree of vinyl acetate-component of at least 20%.

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: Provided are polyvinyl alcohol-based synthetic fiber having excellent performances as a fiber for FRC that is prepared by autoclave curing and its very effective production processes. One of the processes comprises having a monoaldehyde or a dialdehyde or its acetalization product penetrate into the central region of a polyvinyl alcohol-based synthetic fiber at a first stage and then, at a second stage, effecting crosslinking reaction with a mixed solution containing a monoaldehyde and an acid. The other process comprises conducting acetalization with a bath containing 100 to 250 g/l of formaldehyde and 30 to 80 g/l of sulfuric acid at a temperature of 70.degree. to 100.degree. C. The processes can give a polyvinyl alcohol-based synthetic fiber having a strength of at least 11 g/d, a gel elasticity of at least 6.0.times.10.sup.-3 g/cm.multidot.d and a dissolution ratio of not more than 40% and being able to withstand an autoclave curing at 140.degree. C.

Abstract: A PVA film modified with anionic comonomers is provided for use as a water-soluble seal or pouch for alkaline or borate-containing cleaning compositions. The films comprise copolymers of 90-100% hydrolyzed vinyl alcohol with a nonhydrolyzable anionic comonomer, and have molecular weights characterized by a viscosity range of 4-35 cPs. The films are resistant to insolubilization caused by alkaline or borate-containing additives, are storage stable over a wide range of temperature and humidity storage conditions, rapidly and fully solubilize in a wash solution, and do not significantly impair cleaning performance of an additive enclosed within.