Abstract: Copolymers having the formula ##STR1## where B represents Na, K, NH.sub.4, ##STR2## or 2-amino-2-methylpropanol-1, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represent hydrogen or -(X) OH; X represents an alkylene having 1-3 carbon atoms or alkylene substituted by at least one hydroxy methyl, M represents at least one unsaturated monomer selected from acrylamides or methacrylamides substituted on the nitrogen by alkyl, the acrylates or methacrylates of monoalkyl ether of ethylene glycol or of polyethylene glycol, and N-vinylpyrrolidone, x is 22-64 mole percent, y is 13-71 mole percent, z is 6-23 mole percent, v is 0-22 mole percent and x+y+z+v is equal to 100 mole percent, can be produced by copolymerizing N,N-dimethylamino-2 ethyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid and optionally at least one other monomer corresponding to M.

Abstract: Compositions useful as multi-purpose lubricant and functional fluid additives and as thickeners and antisag additives for resins, paints and the like are prepared by free radical polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of an oil-soluble dispersant. The carboxylic dispersants are preferred, especially esters of hydrocarbon-substituted succinic acids wherein the substituent contains at least about 30 carbon atoms and the reaction products of such acids or their derivatives with amines, usually polyalkylene polyamines.

Abstract: Novel, macroreticular cross-linked anion exchange and adsorbent copolymers of at least one monovinylidene ring-containing nitrogen heterocyclic monomer are prepared. Preferred monovinylidene ring-containing heterocyclic monomers are the various vinylpyridines.

Abstract: The production of hydrocarbons from a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation containing acid-soluble components, such as one composed at least in part of dolomite or limestone, is stimulated by injecting into the formation usually via casing and cement pack perforations a composition comprising an aqueous solution of a mineral acid having dissolved therein a small amount of a vinylpyrrolidone terpolymer. The increase in the permeability and porosity of the formation achieved utilizing the method of invention results in a substantial improvement in hydrocarbon recovery. Optionally, the injected composition may be saturated with natural gas at the injection pressure.

Abstract: A novel hydrogel soft contact lens and a process for preparation thereof is disclosed which employs quaternary ammonium salts as a co-monomer which provide control over the percent of hydration with as high as 85% hydration obtainable in the resulting lens.

Abstract: The process enables the simultaneous production of hydroxytelechelic polymers and oligomers by the radical route. At least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer is polymerized in the presence of hydrogen peroxide under the effect of ultra-violet radiation. The polymerization is carried out in a diluent medium comprising essentially an alcohol. The process can be operated to produce polymers having average molecular weights between one hundred and one million and to produce selectively unimodal, bi-modal or multi-modal distributions of molecular weights.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of vinyl chloride copolymers having a reduced content of free vinyl chloride comprising polymerizing a monomer mixture containing from 15% to 90% by weight of vinyl chloride under aqueous emulsion polymerization conditions with conventional post-polymerization, releasing the pressure, flushing the gas space above the copolymer dispersion free of monomer, cooling the copolymer dispersion to a temperature of from 10.degree. to 40.degree. C., adding a redox catalyst to the cooled dispersion consisting of from 0.002% to 0.5% by weight of the dispersion of an oil-soluble peroxy compound, and a water-soluble sulfur-containing reducing agent in a ratio of reducing agent to peroxy compound of 0.5 to 3 equivalents, allowing the dispersion to stand at a temperature of from 10.degree. to 40.degree. C. for a period of two hours to two days and recovering a copolymer dispersion having a vinyl chloride content of less than 50 ppm.

Abstract: N-substituted acrylamidines having the general formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is an isopropyl group, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 each is hydrogen, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, octyl, or octadecyl. The acrylamidine is copolymerized with at least one ester of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid esters, and the copolymer has use as an oil additive and for the manufacture of molded articles, paints and adhesives.

Abstract: A water-insoluble hydrophilic gel comprising: (A) about 30 to about 90% of a hydrophilic (a) polymer of identical or different water-soluble mono-olefinic monomers, or (b) copolymer of said water-soluble monomers with 1 to 70% of water-insoluble, identical or different mono-olefinic monomers, which polymer or copolymer is cross-linked with (B) about 10 to about 70% of a terminal diolefinic hydrophobic macromer having a molecular weight from about 400 to about 8000.

Abstract: The process for increasing the molecular weight of poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone over that normally obtained by suspension polymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone in a saturated hydrocarbon suspension medium, by adding to the suspension medium a controlled amount of water, specifically an amount between about 1% and 35% by weight based on the total weight of N-vinylpyrrolidone monomer. The significantly higher molecular weight of the resulting polymeric product can be still further increased by additionally incorporating in the suspension medium between about 0.001 mol % and about 1 mol % of a difunctional vinyl cross-linking agent per mol of N-vinylpyrrolidone monomer. The polymeric products of the present invention are preferably water soluble granules having a porous structure; although the present invention also concerns the poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone having a number average molecular weight of between 400,000 and 2,000,000, preferably between 450,000 and 1,500,000 in any physical form.

Abstract: Ethylenically unsaturated blocked aromatic diisocyanates are prepared which readily polymerize to form homopolymers and interpolymers with copolymerizable vinylidene monomers. Polymers can be prepared via emulsion polymerization, and exhibit excellent stability to hydrolysis when stored in latex form. The polymers cure at temperatures as low as 80.degree. C., and under acidic, neutral, or basic pH conditions. Homopolymers and interpolymers of the defined diisocyanates are useful as adhesives, and interpolymers of the ethylenically unsaturated blocked aromatic diisocyanates with acrylate monomers are particularly useful as binders for nonwoven fibers.

Abstract: Provided is a cross-linked polymer composition which can be in a transparent polymeric gel form having an equilibrium water content of at least 60 wt.% for use in soft contact lenses. The cross-linked polymer composition is prepared by polymerizing, using a bulk polymerization procedure, a monomer mixture comprising an alkyl methacrylate and an N-vinyllactam in the presence of a cross-linking agent comprising at least one compound selected from vinyl acrylate, vinyl methacrylate, triallyl isocyanurate and vinyl carboxylates expressed by the formula:R--COOCH.dbd.CH.sub.2).sub.nwhere R is a hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 10 carbon atoms and n is an integer of 2, 3 or 4.

Abstract: A process for reducing the residual monomer content of a copolymer prepared by copolymerizing vinyl esters and N-vinyl-lactams in a solvent in the presence of a free radical polymerization initiator. Following the main polymerization, from 0.05 to 0.5% by weight, based on the monomers employed, of di-tert.-butyl peroxide, di-tert.-amyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-bis-(tert.-butylperoxy)-hexane, 2,2-bis-(tert.-butylperoxy)-butane, 1,1-bis-(tert.-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 4,4-di-(tert.-butylperoxy)-butyl valerate, or a mixture of these, is added to the reaction mixture and the after-polymerization is carried out at a higher temperature than the main polymerization.

Abstract: A new composition of matter specially adapted for the production of contact lenses, artificial eyes or other prosthetic devices. The composition has the characteristics of increased hydrophilicity, softness after hydration and oxygen permeability. The composition is a solid copolymer of comonomers consisting essentially of about 15 to 65 parts by weight of one or more of the amide group containing monomers and about 10 to 85 parts by weight of one or more of the polysiloxanylalkyl ester of acrylate or methacrylate. Optionally, 0 to 75 parts by weight of at least one of the property modifier vinyl monomers such as methyl methacrylate, ethylacrylate, etc., can be employed into the copolymers. The inventive material is optionally transparent, translucent or opaque depending on the type, composition and relative content of the comonomers. In general, the transparent composition is suitable for use in making contact lenses.

Abstract: Cross-linked hydrophilic interpolymers and contact lenses made therefrom comprising hydrophilic units of which the only or major proportion are derived from an N-vinyl heterocyclic monomer, hydrophobic units derived from the group consisting of styrene and ring-substituted styrenes, and cross-linking units derived from monomers containing two or more polymerizable double bonds per monomer unit.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a normally-tacky pressure-sensitive adhesive which comprises subjecting a solventless radiation-sensitive acrylate-containing polymerizable mass to radiation in the near UV region, at a rate of from about 0.1 to 7 milliwatts per square centimeter of the mass exposed.

Abstract: This invention relates to copolymerizable ultraviolet light absorber compounds having the formula: ##STR1## where (Ar).sub.1 and (Ar).sub.2 are aromatic carbocylic nuclei of the benzene and naphthalene series and are independently selected from phenyl or phenyl substituted with alkyl, halo, alkoxy, carboxy, carbalkoxy, cyano, acetyl, benzoyl, phenyl, alkyl phenyl, phenoxy phenyl, alkyl substituted phenoxy, or alkoxy phenyl substituted phenyl, and naphthyl;X is alkylene, C.sub.2 -C.sub.17, unsubstituted or substituted with halo, cyano, alkyl C.sub.1 -C.sub.6, alkoxy C.sub.1 -C.sub.6, alkoxyalkyl C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 or alkoxyalkyleneoxy C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 ; and,Y is a copolymerizable radical selected from acryloyl C.sub.3 -C.sub.12, alkylacryloyl C.sub.3 -C.sub.12, acryloxyalkyl C.sub.3 -C.sub.12, acryloxyhydroxyalkyl C.sub.3 -C.sub.12 and alkylacryloxyhydroxyalkyl C.sub.3 -C.sub.12.

Abstract: The invention relates to hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions having a novel combination of properties. More specifically, the invention relates to polymerized terpolymer compositions containing 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone and styrene which provide pressure-sensitive adhesives. These terpolymer hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions have good peel adhesion, shear adhesion and permanent tack.

Abstract: Novel cationic hydrogels, containing basic (cationic) groups in their molecular structure, and processes for their preparation are described. These novel hydrogels are three-dimensional polymer networks, having good water permeability and mechanical properties, and are obtained by simultaneous polymerization and crosslinking, in the presence of a polymerization catalyst, such as an organic peroxide, azobisisobutyronitrile or other free radical polymerization catalyst, of a mixture of (a) hydroxyalkyl acrylate or methacrylate, (b) a cationic monomer -- usually an ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid with an amino alcohol, the terminal amino group of which may be quaternized, such as dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate or acrylate and the quaternized derivatives thereof, and (c) a cross-linking agent, such as glycol diacrylate or dimethacrylate; if desired there may also be present (d) one or more additional monomers, usually an acrylic monomer such as an alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, acrylamides etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photo-cross-linkable polymer containing units each having a 2-pyridone side group. The invention also relates to a photosensitive copying material including the novel photo-cross-linkable polymer.

Abstract: A solventless, fast-setting anaerobic adhesive composition comprises two monomer parts which are adapted to be copolymerized anaerobically at ambient temperature between opposing surfaces to form a high-strength bond thereto. One part comprises a multifunctional acrylate monomer and the other an N-vinylamide monomer. The formulation also includes a redox system consisting of oxidizing and reducing agent components for initiating polymerization between said monomers. The oxidizing agent of the redox system may be present in either one of said parts, preferably with the multifunctional acrylate. The reducing agent is present in the other part, usually the N-vinylamide. Upon anaerobic admixing of the respective parts of the composition at ambient temperature, the oxidizing and reducing agents react to generate free radicals which initiates copolymerization of the monomers to form the desired high-strength adhesive bond to said surfaces.

Abstract: Contact lenses comprising hydrophilic units of which the only or major proportion are derived from an N-vinyl heterocyclic monomer hydrophobic units derived from a hydrophobic monomer, and allylic cross-linking units containing more than one polymerizable double bond selected from monoallyl itaconate, diallyl itaconate, triallyl cyanurate, triallyl isocyanurate, triallyl trimellitate, N,N-diallylmelamine, other multifunctional allyl monomers formed by the esterification of polybasic acids with allyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof; the proportions of said monomers being adjusted to give the desired water content and resistance to dissolution when the polymer is swollen to equilibrium in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: An improved contact lens material is formed by a copolymer of a siloxanyl alkyl ester monomer, an itaconate ester and an ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid. The copolymer preferably includes a cross-linking agent and a hydrophilic monomer. Contact lenses made of the mterial can be readily machined and polished into hard contact lenses having excellent dimensional stability but also have extremely high permeability to oxygen.

Abstract: A copolymer suitable for use as contact lenses, comprising a polymerization product of (a) at least one monomer selected from methyldi(trimethylsiloxy)sylylpropylglycerol methacrylate and methyldi(trimethylsiloxy)sylylpropylglycerolethyl methacrylate, (b) a hydrophilic monomer, (c) a methacrylic acid alkyl ester and (d) a cross-linking agent having at least two copolymerizable functional groups. Contact lenses made of the above copolymer has excellent oxygen permeability and can be comfortably worn continuously for a long term without a foreign body sensation and pain.

Abstract: A copolymer suitable for use as soft contact lenses, comprising a polymerization product of (a) at least one monomer selected from methyldi(trimethylsiloxy)sylylpropylglycerol methacrylate and methyldi(trimethylsiloxy)sylylpropylglycerolethyl methacrylate, (b) a hydrophilic monomer and (c) a cross-linking agent having at least two copolymerizable functional groups. Soft contact lens made of the above copolymer has excellent oxygen permeability in spite of low water content and can be comfortably worn continuously for a long term without a foreign body sensation and pain.

Abstract: Copolymers of at least two acrylate monomers such as isobutyl methacrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, an organic acid or acid anhydride, and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone are prepared by emulsion polymerization. The polymer is then coagulated and dried, and dry resin is mixed with a water miscible coalescing solvent and a volatile amine. The amine-treated resin is water reducible and when used as a coating resin produces coatings of unusual water resistance and adhesion to metal surfaces.

Abstract: Hydantoin diacrylate compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen, alkyl containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is alkyl containing 5 to 8 carbon atoms; and R.sub.3 is hydrogen or methyl are prepared. The diacrylate compounds are liquid at room temperature, easily processable as adhesives, casting and laminating resins and when cured possess excellent resistance to water.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising;A. an oligomer of Formula I: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is hydrogen or methyl;R.sup.2 is lower alkylene;R.sup.3 is aliphatic or cycloaliphatic;X is --O-- or --NH--;n is an integer from 2 to 50 inclusive;B. n-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone;C. an acrylic acid ester having a boiling point of at least 200.degree. C at 760 mm Hg.

Abstract: Contact lens of a hydrogel composition containing a physiologically acceptable aqueous solution and water-insoluble but water-swellable polymer composition from a polymerizable mixture containing:(1) polymerizable monoester of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid and polyhydric alcohol;(2) an alkyl acrylate and/or alkyl methacrylate and/or vinyl ester;(3) heterocyclic N-vinyl compound containing carbonyl functionality adjacent to nitrogen in the ring;(4) divinyl benzene and/or divinyl toluene.

Abstract: There is provided a hygroscopic resin comprising a vinyl polymer having an epoxy group, said vinyl polymer being a copolymerization product between a vinyl monomer having a hydrophilic property and a further vinyl monomer having an epoxy group. This hygroscopic resin is not soluble in water or organic solvent and is thus useful for various applications, e.g., a humidity sensor can be made by dispersing a conductive powder in the hygroscopic resin. This humidity sensor has high sensitivity to humidity and can operate stably for a long time.

Abstract: Powders of physiologically-tolerable copolymers of vinyl and vinylidene monomers, said copolymers being useful as fast-dissolving resin binders for the preparation of pharmaceutical coatings, having a residual monomer content of less than 0.05 percent by weight, and having a primary particle size less than one micron; a method of preparing such powders by spray drying an aqueous dispersion of a copolymer under non-sintering temperature conditions; a method for preparing solutions for coating orally-ingestible dosage unit forms with said copolymers; and such dosage unit forms coated with said copolymers.

Abstract: A thermosetting composition is disclosed characterized in that it comprises (by weight) from 60 to 90% of a bis-maleimide of the formula: ##STR1## in which A represents a divalent radical chosen from the group consisting of phenylene radicals and radicals of the formula: ##STR2## where T represents --CH.sub.2 --, --C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 --, --O-- or --SO.sub.2 --; and from 10 to 40% of N-vinylpyrrolid-2-one. The preferred bis-maleimide is N,N'-(4,4'-diphenylmethane)-bis-maleimide. The composition may be modified by the addition of an unsaturated polyester. The composition is useful for the manufacture of molded articles or of articles having a cellular structure, or for the impregnation of electrical coils.

Abstract: An anti-solar polymer has in the macromolecular chain thereof at least one unit of the formula ##STR1## wherein F is a residue derived from an aromatic compound. The anti-solar polymer can also be one having in the macromolecular chain thereof at least one unit of the formula ##STR2## wherein F.sub.1 is ##STR3## These polymers have the ability to absorb wave lengths in the range of about 280-315 millimicrons. The polymers are employed in a cosmetic composition.

Abstract: Copolymers are prepared from .omega.-bromoalkyl esters of acyclic unsaturated dicarboxylic acids and compounds copolymerizable therewith. The copolymers are useful as flame retardant plasticizers for polymers.

Abstract: A solventless, fast-setting anaerobic adhesive composition comprises two monomer parts which are adapted to be copolymerized anaerobically at ambient temperature between opposing surfaces to form a high-strength bond thereto. One part comprises a multifunctional acrylate monomer and the other an N-vinylamide monomer. The formulation also includes a redox system consisting of oxidizing and reducing agent components for initiating polymerization between said monomers. The oxidizing agent of the redox system may be present in either one of said parts, preferably with the multifunctional acrylate. The reducing agent is present in the other part, usually the N-vinylamide. Upon anaerobic admixing of the resective parts of the composition at ambient temperature, the oxidizing and reducing agents react to generate free radicals which initiates copolymerization of the monomers to form the desired high-strength adhesive bond to said surfaces.

Abstract: Structurally dyed random polymers and copolymers characterized in that their chain comprises a dye of the formula: ##STR1## wherein the residue --CH.dbd.CH--CN is fixed in position 4 or 5, X represents a hydrogen or halogen atom, the benzene ring A can be substituted by halogen atoms, alkyl, alkoxy or acylamino groups, m represents 0 or 1 and B represents the residue of a coupling component, either substituted or unsubstituted and which is free of sulfonic or carboxylic acid groups. Such dyed polymers and copolymers are intensely dyed and useful for making yarns, molded articles, varnishes, synthetic resins, synthetic fibers, and the like. The dye forms an integral part of the chain structure of the polymers and copolymers.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding composition comprising a terpolymer having a weight ratio of from about 20 to 50, preferably 20 to 30, parts .alpha.-methylstyrene, about 79 to 40, preferably 73 to 67, parts methyl methacrylate and about 1 to 10, preferably 3 to 6, parts N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone. A particularly preferred terpolymer composition includes 25 parts .alpha.-methylstyrene, 70 parts methyl methacrylate and 5 parts N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone. Thermoplastic molding compositions embodying this invention are characterized by excellent transparency, high flow rates and resistance to deformation at high temperatures.

Abstract: A starting monomer mixture containing a minor amount of a cross linking agent is precipitation polymerized in a diluent/precipitant which is an unlimited solvent for the starting monomers but is neither a solvent nor a substantial swelling agent for the resultant polymer. The resultant product falling from the polymerization contains soluble and insoluble hydrophilic polymers and copolymers.

Abstract: A hydrolysis-resistant, film-forming, aqueous dispersion of a copolymer consisting essentially of(a) from 5% to 50% by weight of ethylene units,(b) from 10% to 60% by weight of vinyl alkanoate units having from 1 to 14 carbon atoms in the alkanoate moiety,(c) from 20% to 70% by weight of vinyl chloride units, and(d) from 5% to 30% by weight of alkyl methylacrylate units having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety; as well as the hydrolysis-resistant films produced on drying the above aqueous dispersion having a hydrolysis resistance in a 5.times. 5 cm film having a thickness of 0.1.+-. 0.02 mm, such that after storage for four days in a 25% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, its weight loss is less than 10%.

Abstract: Novel anionic hydrogels, containing acidic groups in their molecular structure, and processes for their preparation are described. These novel hydrogels are stable three-dimensional polymer networks, having good water permeability and mechanical properties, and are obtained by simultaneous polymerization and cross-linking, in the presence of a polymerization catalyst, such as an organic peroxide, azobisisobutyronitrile or other free radical polymerization catalyst, of a mixture of (a) hydroxyalkyl acrylate or methacrylate, (b) a polymerizable acidic monomer containing a sulfonic acid, sulfate or phosphate group in its molecular structure, such as sulfo-ethyl acrylate or methacrylate or a sulfate or phosphate derivative of a hydroxyalkyl- acrylate or methacrylate, and (c) a cross-linking agent, such as a glycol diacrylate or dimethacrylate; if desired there may also be present (d) one or more additional monomers, usually an acryloid monomer such as an alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, acrylamides etc.

Abstract: Water-swellable, cross-linked, bead copolymers of (A) an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a carboxylic acid anhydride, glycidyl or succinimide group, (B) a comonomer having at least two radical-polymerizable carbon double bonds, and (C) a radical-polymerizable water-soluble comonomer are disclosed to be excellent carriers capable of bonding with biologically active substances such as enzymes, enzyme substrates, inhibitors, hormones, antibiotics, antigens, and peptides.

Abstract: Novel cationic hydrogels, containing basic (cationic) groups in their molecular structure, and processes for their preparation are described. These novel hydrogels are three-dimensional polymer networks, having good water permeability and mechanical properties, and are obtained by simultaneous polymerization and crosslinking, in the presence of a polymerization catalyst, such as an organic peroxide, azobisisobutyronitrile or other free radical polymerization catalyst, of a mixture of (a) hydroxyalkyl acrylate or methacrylate, (b) a cationic monomer -- usually an ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid with an amino alcohol, the terminal amino group of which may be quaternized, such as dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate or acrylate and the quaternized derivatives thereof, and (c) a cross-linking agent, such as a glycol diacrylate or dimethacrylate; if desired there may also be present (d) one or more additional monomers, usually an acrylic monomer such as an alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, acrylamides etc.

Abstract: Copolymers are prepared from .omega.-bromoalkyl ester of acyclic unsaturated dicarboxylic acids and compounds copolymerizable therewith. The copolymers are useful as flame retardant plasticizers for polymers.

Abstract: Low molecular weight poly-N-vinyl-pyrrolidone-2 is prepared by polymerizing N-vinylpyrrolidone-2 at elevated temperature in the presence of organic peroxides which carry organic radicals on either side of the peroxide group.

Abstract: Novel cationic hydrogels, containing basic (cationic) groups in their molecular structure, and processes for their preparation are described. These novel hydrogels are stable, three-dimensional polymer networks, having good water permeability and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A composition of matter which is useful as a flocculant for aqueous dispersions containing suspended solid particles and as a filler retention aid in paper-making, consisting essentially of quaternized cationic vinyllactam-acrylamide copolymer containing the following recurring units in a random distribution: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl and ethyl; R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are selected from the group consisting of alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and together may represent the residue of a cyclic secondary amine, e.g., morpholine; R.sub.4 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or benzyl radicals (10-100%) and hydrogen (0-90%); and X represents an anion such as chloride, bromide, sulfate, methyl sulfonate, etc.; and Z is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and the group ##STR2## wherein R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.

Abstract: A process for the continuous manufacture of vinylpyrrolidone polymers of low K values, wherein vinylpyrrolidone, with or without comonomers copolymerizable therewith, is polymerized in organic solvents at elevated temperatures and superatmospheric pressures in the presence of a source of free radicals.

Abstract: Hydrophilic copolymers are prepared of compounds having the formulae: ##STR1## where R is hydrogen or methyl, R.sub.2 is alkylene of 2 to 3 carbon atoms, R.sub.1 is alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R.sub.3 is alkylene of 2 to 3 carbon atoms and m is an integer of 2 to 6. The preferred copolymers are hydroxyethyl methacrylate-methoxytriethyleneglycol methacrylate copolymers. The products are characterized by having an unusually high oxygen permeability compared to other hydrophilic polymers and are particularly valuable in making contact lenses.

Abstract: Novel anionic hydrogels, containing acidic groups, and their preparation are described. These novel hydrogels are stable, three-dimensional polymer networks, having good water permeability and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A copolymeric hydrogel for contact lenses with physiological saline uptake 65-85% is formed from an N-vinyl lactam e.g. N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and up to 15% of a hydrophobic comonomer of formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl (preferably methyl) X is --O-- or --NH-- and R.sup.2 is aryl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl substituted by aryl or aryloxy, or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy substituted by aryl or aryloxy. Preferably the aryl or aryloxy group contain one or two six-membered carbocyclic aromatic rings; they may be C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, or halogen, substituted. Crosslinking agents used preferably have their two functional groups differing in reactivity e.g. allyl, or 3-allyloxy-2-hydroxypropyl, methacrylates.