Abstract: A curable composition for encapsulating an electronic component comprises one or more mono- or polyfunctional maleimide compounds, or one or more mono- or polyfunctional vinyl compounds other than maleimide compounds, or a combination of maleimide and vinyl compounds, with a free radical curing agent, and optionally, one or more fillers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel method for preparing polymers (preferably (meth)acrylate polymers and copolymers) having a narrow molecular weight distribution by metal-free anionic polymerization in the presence of a phosphonium salt of a nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur anion. The present invention also concerns block copolymer and methods of making the same using anionic polymerization in the presence of the phosphonium salt to prepare at least one block of the copolymer.

Abstract: A process of making a cosmetically or pharmaceutically-acceptable emulsion or gel composition which comprises: (a) heating a reaction mixture comprising, by weight, about 5-70% of a vinyl monomer in about 30-95% of an oil as solvent, wherein said oil is selected from the group consisting of a silicone oil, a mineral oil and a water-insoluble organic ester and a free radical initiator, optionally in the presence of a crosslinking agent and/or an oil soluble surfactant, with agitation, under an inert gas, at about 40-150° C., wherein the oil is present in an amount sufficient to keep the resultant vinyl polymer in a stirrable state until the end of the polymerization, (b) adding a surfactant, if a suitable surfactant was not present during polymerization, and, (c) then adding water to form an oil-in-water, a water-in-oil or a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion or gel, in a volume ratio of oil-in-water of 30:70 to 10:90, or water-in-oil of 90:10 to 30:70.

Abstract: A polyacrylate ester, and more particularly a polymethacrylate ester based dispersant-viscosity improver for lubricating oil compositions. Specifically, the dispersant viscosity improvers of this invention are nitrogen-containing copolymers comprising units derived from (A) from about 5% to about 75% by weight of alkyl acrylate ester monomers containing from 1 to 11 carbon atoms in the alkyl group; (B) from about 25% to about 95% by weight of alkyl acrylate ester monomers containing from 12 to about 24 carbon atoms in the alkyl group; and (C) from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of at least one nitrogen containing monomer selected from the group consisting of vinyl substituted nitrogen heterocyclic monomers, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate monomers, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide monomers and tertiary-alkyl acrylamides, provided that the total equals 100%. Processes for preparing the compositions, additive concentrates and lubricating oil compositions are described.

Abstract: A copolymer which can provide an aqueous solution thereof having high viscosity, a cationic high molecular weight flocculating agent comprising the copolymer and a process for producing the copolymer. The copolymer is formed by a process where copolymer units necessary to form the copolymer are reacted with a polyamine in the presence of ammonium chloride and/or a hydrochloride of an amine. The copolymer has units represented by the following formulae (1) and (2) where substituents are defined in the specification: The copolymer has a Brookfield viscosity as a 1 wt % aqueous solution thereof of 10 to 10,000 centipoise.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production process for a vinylpyrrolidone polymer which process prevents the polymerization reaction of N-vinylpyrrolidone from being hindered by by-products (as formed by nucleomethylation of N-vinylpyrrolidone) or &ggr;-butyrolactone, and therefore enables to obtain a vinylpyrrolidone polymer that has a desired molecular weight and involves only a small amount of residual monomers, wherein the vinylpyrrolidone polymer can display excellent properties even if the vinylpyrrolidone polymer is, for example, crosslinked to convert it into a water-absorbent resin. The production process for a vinylpyrrolidone polymer comprises the step of polymerizing a polymerizable monomer component or components which include N-vinylpyrrolidone, wherein: the N-vinylpyrrolidone as used is N-vinylpyrrolidone having a &ggr;-butyrolactone content of not more than 500 ppm; and/or the N-vinylpyrrolidone as used is N-vinylpyrrolidone obtained without using acetylene as a raw material.

Abstract: An itaconic acid derivative having the following formulas (1) or (2): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a phenyl lower alkyl group, wherein the phenyl ring of the phenyl lower alkyl group is unsubstituted or substituted by at least one lower alkyl group, R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group and A represents a lower alkylene group, or salts thereof. Copolymers can be made from the itaconic acid derivatives.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink composition which comprises water, an acid dye, a monovalent salt, a polyquaternary amine compound, and an optional nonionic or cationic surfactant, said ink being substantially free of organic solvents. The ink is particularly suitable for applications such as ink jet printing and marking pens. The disclosed inks in some embodiments are substantially indelible. Also disclosed is a composition for removing the ink compositions from substrates to which they have been applied which comprises water and a dianionic surfactant, optionally further containing a salt, urea, and/or a viscosity building agent such as a gum.

Abstract: A non-aqueous, heterogeneous polymerization process comprises heating a reaction mixture of about 5-70%, preferably 10-30%, by weight, of a vinyl monomer in an oil as solvent, and a free radical initiator, optionally in the presence of a crosslinking agent and/or a surfactant, wherein the oil solvent is present in an amount sufficient to keep the resultant polymer in a stirrable state throughout the polymerization. The polymer reaction product is capable of forming a uniform emulsion or gel upon addition of water thereto.

Abstract: A process of making a vinyl caprolactam (VCL)-based polymer which comprises suspension polymerizing the monomers in aqueous medium in the absence of an added protective colloid, wherein polymer formed at an early stage of the polymerization functions as a dispersing agent to maintain polymer particles suspended in water throughout the polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer represented by following Formula 1 and a method of forming a micro pattern using the same: wherein R1 is a C1-C10 straight- or branched-chain substituted alkyl group, or a benzyl group; R2 is C1-C10 primary, secondary or tertiary alcohol group; m and n independently represent a number from 1 to 3; and X, Y and Z are the respective polymerization ratios of the co-monomers. The photoresist polymer according to the present invention is suitable for forming an ultra-micro pattern such as used in 4 G or 16 G DRAM semiconductor devices using a light source such as ArF, an e-beam, EUV, or an ion-beam.

Abstract: What is described herein are conditioning/styling terpolymers of vinylpyrrolidone (VP), dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide (DMAPMA) and C9-C24 alkyl dimethylaminopropyl methacrylic acid quaternized monomers (QDMAPMA), in a defined compositional range. Hair and skin care compositions which include these terpolymers exhibit advantageous low tackiness and high humidity resistance.

Abstract: A polymer having the formula wherein M1 and M2 signify monomer units for homo- or copolymers. “x” and “y” indicate the mole fractions of the comonomers, with in each case 0<x≦1 and 0≦y<1 and x+y=1. The symbol “p” signifies 4 to 30,000 and “S1” and “S2” signify spacer units. “Q1” signifies a structural unit of the formula —A—(Z1—B)z—Z2— and “Q2” signifies a structural unit of the formula —A—(Z1—B)zR1. “A” and “B” each independently signify pyridine-2,5-diyl, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, 1,4—Cyclohexylene,1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl or optionally substituted 1,4-phenylene.

Abstract: Water-soluble or water-swellable copolymers containing sulfonic groups and based on (meth)acrylamide alkyl sulfonic acids and (meth)acrylamide or N-vinyl compounds are described, as well as their use as additives in aqueous building material mixes or for water-based painting and coating systems. The copolymers of the invention, even when used in relatively small quantities, serve as very effective and highly compatible water retention agents in such building material mixes and surface-coating systems.

Abstract: A radiation absorbing polymer is characterized by having a main chain copolymer containing recurring units of dicarboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride group with an organic chromophore bonded to the carboxyl group through methylene or alkylene linkage group, where the organic chromophore is bonded to the carboxyl group by esterification reaction. Residual carboxyl groups of the radiation absorbing polymer can optionally be amidized and/or imidized with an aromatic compounds having a reactive amino group. When the photoresist is applied on the antireflective coating and is exposed by radiation such as deep ultraviolet radiation, a resist pattern with high resolving power is formed, which is not affected by standing wave upon manufacturing integrated circuit elements.

Abstract: A cosmetically active oil-in-water (o/w) or water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion, for topical applications comprising (a) the reaction product of a non-aqueous, heterogeneous polymerization of a liquid reaction mixture containing between about 5 and about 70%, preferably 10-40%, by weight, of N-vinylamide monomer in an oil solvent, a free radical initiator, between about 0.1 and about 2.5% by weight of a crosslinking agent and optionally a surfactant, (b) water sufficient to form said emulsion, (c) a cosmetically active hair and/or skin treating chemical or chemical composition and optionally (d) a surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an abrasion-resistant and blocking-resistant hot melt ink, which can be printed at a temperature of approximately 80.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. which includes an adhesion-facilitating substance, a viscosity-facilitating substance and a copolymer of polyvinyl pyrrolidone with one or several long-chain .alpha.-olefins with at least 10 carbon atoms. The ink has excellent adhesion properties with respect to the imprintable material or printing substrate, and withstands normal handling such as folding or bending. Additionally, the present invention includes colored hot melt inks that exhibit improved transparency properties even if the inks are formulated for printing at low temperatures.

Abstract: Water-soluble, branched, high molecular weight, cationic and non-ionic polymeric flocculants capable of manifesting their full performance potential without shearing are produced by polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated cationic and non-ionic monomers and a branching agent in the presence of a chain-transfer agent. They are useful as flocculating agents for releasing water from dispersions of suspended solids.

Abstract: A soft intraocular lens material which consists essentially of a polymer obtained by polymerizing polymerizable components containing a hydrophilic monomer, and which has a water absorptivity of from 1.5 to 4.5 wt %.

Abstract: A process is described for making substantially homogeneous polymers of at least two monomers having substantially differing reactivity rates.

Abstract: A cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition which comprises at least one polymer or copolymer which is obtainable by free-radical emulsion or suspension polymerization in the presence of at least one chain-transfer reagent, has a glass transition temperature above -35.degree. C. and a content of organic volatile constituents .ltoreq.0.5% by weight, and is at least 20% by weight composed of a (meth)acrylic ester.

Abstract: What is described herein is a crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPP) copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) and monomer derived from 1-vinyl-3-(E)-ethylidene pyrrolidone (EVP).

Abstract: A process is described for making substantially homogeneous copolymers comprising 20-99% of vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) and 1-80% of N-3,3-dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide, (DMAPMA), preferably 50-95% VP and 5-50% DMAPMA, and, most preferably, about 80:20, by weight, having a weight average molecular weight of about 200,000 to 1,500,000, as a clear, low viscosity aqueous solution of the homogeneous copolymer, at a 5-20% solids level, preferably about 10-15%, by weight of the solution, having a viscosity of about 5,000 to 80,000 cps, preferably about 10,000 to 70,000 cps. The solution obtained herein has lower viscosity and better clarity, and provides hair care products with enhanced curl retention (hold), when compared to non-homogeneous copolymers of the same composition, or related existing commercial products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing water-soluble copolymers of at least one water-soluble N-vinyllactam of the formula I ##STR1## where n=1 or 2, and at least one hydrophobic comonomer having a water-solubility of 1 to 85 g/l, by free-radical polymerization in aqueous solution.

Abstract: Luminol derived monomers, and luminol derived water-treatment polymers formed from the luminol derived monomers, as well as methods for monitoring of the chemiluminescence of such water-treatment polymers are disclosed. The novel chemiluminescent polymers require only a very low level of incorporation of the chemiluminescent moiety, and are useful for monitoring, even in systems containing impurities which either quench fluorescence or fluoresce themselves.

Abstract: The use of copolymers ofA) 60-99 mol % of N-vinylpyrrolidone, andB) 1-40 mol % of a monomer selected from the group ofb1) C.sub.8 -C.sub.30 -alkyl esters of monoethylenically unsaturated C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 -carboxylic acids,b2) N-alkyl- or N,N-dialkyl-substituted amides of acrylic acid or of methacrylic acid with C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 -alkyl radicals, orb3) vinyl esters of aliphatic C.sub.8 -C.sub.30 -carboxylic acids, or mixtures of these monomers,as surface-active substances in preparations of water-insoluble substances.

Abstract: A controlled-release, drug-delivery, emulsion composition for topical application comprising (a) the reaction product of the non-aqueous, heterogeneous polymerization of a reaction mixture of about 5-70%, preferably 10-30%, by weight, of a vinyl monomer in an oil as solvent, and a free radical initiator, optionally in the presence of a crosslinking agent and/or a surfactant, wherein the oil solvent is present in an amount sufficient to keep the resultant polymer in a stirrable state throughout the polymerization, (b) water, (c) a surfactant and (d) a pharmaceutical medicament.

Abstract: A multicomponent homogeneous polymer of (a) from about 30 to about 90 wt. % of a N-vinyl lactam, (b) from about 5 to about 30 wt. % of a quaternized and/or non-quaternized aminoalkylacrylic -ester and/or -amide, (c) from about 0.5 to about 30 wt. % of an unsaturated monomer selected from the group consisting of an acrylic ester or amide having a C.sub.4 to C.sub.22 alkyl group, a C.sub.4 to C.sub.22 .alpha.-olefin, a C.sub.4 to C.sub.22 vinyl ether (VE) and a vinyl ester of a C.sub.2 to C.sub.22 carboxylic acid and (d) from about 1 to about 30 wt. % of an unsubstituted acrylic or methacrylic acid and/or an unsubstituted amide of said acrylic or methacrylic acid and optionally, (e) up to 20 wt.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink composition which comprises (1) water; (2) an anionic dye; and (3) a copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidinone and a vinyl imidazolium salt. Also disclosed are methods for using the aforementioned ink compositions in ink jet printing processes.

Abstract: Described is an ink for use in ink jet printers, comprising (a) a solvent, which consists at least of approximately 80% of a homopolar, non-watery solvent, (b) a pigment dispersed in the solvent and (c) a copolymer of vinyl-pyrrolidone with one or several long-chain .alpha.-olefins with at least 6 carbon atoms, specifically with 6 to 24 carbon atoms. Properties of the ink are as follows: reduced color bleeding, reduced penetration of coloring agent into the surface of the paper, improved optical density and improved storage stability.

Abstract: Novel maleimide copolymers have at least two monomeric units, a maleimide unit and a vinyl unit having a pendant group, the pendant group having two to twenty-one carbon atoms, at least one nitrogen atom and at least one oxygen atom. The copolymer has an average molecular weight between about 1,000 and about 6,000,000. Preferred maleimide copolymers include acrylamide/maleimide copolymers, N-vinyl amide/maleimide copolymers, vinyl lactam/maleimide copolymers, alkenyl cyclic imino ether/maleimide copolymers, and acryloylamide/maleimide copolymers. The substantially water soluble maleimide copolymers are useful for inhibiting the formation of clathrate hydrates in a fluid having hydrate-forming constituents by reducing the rate of nucleation, growth, and/or agglomeration of gas hydrate crystals in a petroleum fluid stream, thereby inhibiting the formation of a hydrate blockage in the pipe conveying the petroleum fluid stream.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel statistical copolymers and the preparation and possible uses thereof. Copolymers are described that are water-soluble and cross-linkable and that comprise the copolymerization product of a monomer mixture consisting substantially of a vinyl lactam (a) and at least one further vinyl monomer (b) of a different type selected from the group consisting of hydrophobic, hydrophilic and functional vinyl monomers, wherein the monomers are present in the copolymer in the form of statistically distributed building blocks, and, if a functional vinyl monomer is present as a building block in the copolymer, that building block is, where appropriate, modified with a reactive vinyl monomer (c), the reactive vinyl monomer (c) being linked to a building block of a functional vinyl monomer with retention of its vinylic group and with the formation of a covalent bond.

Abstract: A process for preparing polymers comprising peroxycarboxyl groups, wherein a suspension of a polymer comprising monoolefinically unsaturated dicarboxylic anhydride basic building blocks is mixed with hydrogen peroxide in an inert diluent.

Abstract: Unsheared, water-soluble, branched, high molecular weight, anionic, polymeric flocculants are produced by polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated anionic, and optionally non-ionic, monomers and a branching agent in the presence of a chain-transfer agent. They are useful as flocculating agents for releasing water from dispersions of suspended solids.

Abstract: Water-thickening copolymers are obtainable by copolymerization of(A) one or more monomers of the formula IR.sup.1 HC.dbd.CR.sup.2 R.sup.3 IwhereR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be identical or different and each is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -alkyl, andR.sup.3 is ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be identical or different and each is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -alkyl,R.sup.4 is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -alkyl,R.sup.5 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkylene,R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 can be identical or different and each is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 -alkyl, andM is hydrogen or an alkali metal, 1/2 alkaline earth metal or ammonium ion, and(B) one or more monomers of the formula IIa or IIb ##STR2## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be identical or different and each is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -alkyl,R.sup.4 is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -alkyl,X is --COOM where M is hydrogen or alkali metal, 1/2 alkaline earth metal or ammonium ion,Y is ##STR3## where R.sup.8 is C.sub.6 -C.sub.30 -alkyl, alkylaryl or aryl and R.sup.9 is H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: Quaternized copolymers suitable as active ingredients in hair styling compositions are obtainable from N-vinylimidazoles, N-vinylcaprolactam, N-vinylpyrrolidone and, if required, further monomers.

Abstract: A terpolymer for ink jet recording comprises by weight, 1-99% of a vinyl lactam, preferably vinyl pyrrolidone, 1-99% of a polymerizable carboxylic acid, preferably acrylic acid and 1-99% of 2-carboxyethyl (meth)acrylate, preferably crosslinked with a polyfunctional aziridine, This terpolymer forms water-insoluble coatings on a support such as paper or polyester which are particularly receptive to water-based ink jet printing inks.

Abstract: A preparation method of polymerid rod using free radical bulk polymerization with temperature gradient, comprising the steps of, charging a mixture of monomer which can be subjected to a radical polymerization, polymerization initiator and cross linking agent into a reaction container of tube shape having a constant inner diameter and performing radical polymerization of the monomer, by passing the said reaction container in a constant dipping speed through a zone downwardly from upper part to lower part of the said zone, wherein the upper part of the zone is maintained at a relatively low temperature (TL) and the lower part of the zone is maintained at a relatively high temperature (TH) than that of the said upper part so that the medium part located between the upper part and lower part has a temperature gradient of (TH-TL)/L (wherein, L is defined as a vertical distance of the temperature-gradient zone).

Abstract: The present invention relates to superabsorbent cross-linked polymers for watery liquids, which are built-up of partially neutralized monomers having monoethylenlcally unsaturated acid groups, optionally further monomers copolymerizable therewith, as well as polymers optionally suitable as graft basis, and which can be manufactured by using a cross-linker/monomer combination ofCH.sub.2 .dbd.CHR.sup.6 --CO--(OCHR.sup.3 --CHR.sup.3).sub.z O--CH.sub.2 --CHR.sup.6 .dbd.CH.sub.2CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHR.sup.6 --R.sup.5 --(OCHR.sup.3 --CHR.sup.3).sub.v OR.sup.4R.sup.1 --?O(CHR.sup.3 --CHR.sup.3 O).sub.u --CO--R.sup.2 !.sub.x, and/or di- or triallylamine and/or bisacrylamidewithR.sup.1 : multivalent C2-10-alkyl,R.sup.2 : linear or branched C2-10-alkenyl,R.sup.3 : H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5,R.sup.4 : H, linear or branched C1-10-alkyl,R.sup.6 : CO, CH.sub.2R.sup.8 : H, CH.sub.

Abstract: This invention relates to substantially colorless and odorless vinyl lactam polymers containing less than 100 ppm residual vinyl pyrrolidone and less than 1000 ppm vinyl caprolactam monomers and to the process for producing said polymers in the above state of purity which comprises contacting a vinyl pyrrolidone and/or vinyl caprolactam polymer containing excessive residual monomer with between about 0.1 and about 9 wt. % of porous resin having a sulfonic and/or carboxylic functionality wherein said resin has a particle size between 5 and 500 mesh.

Abstract: A process for preparing nitrogen-containing copolymers useful as dispersant-viscosity improvers for lubricating oil compositions, additive concentrates and lubricating oil compositions are described.

Abstract: A water-absorptive soft contact lens material having a high transparency, an excellent flexibility, a high oxygen permeability independent of water content, a high mechanical strength and an adequate hardness, which comprises a copolymer prepared by the polymerization of a monomer mixture comprising an N,N-dialkyl acrylamide or methacrylamide, an N-vinyllactam and a bis(silicon-containing alkyl) fumarate in a specific ratio, and which provides water-absorptive soft contact lenses having excellent properties such as high transparency and high oxygen permeability.

Abstract: Polymers of alkyl-1-vinylimidazoles, a process for preparing polymers of alkyl-1-vinylimidazoles by free-radical polymerization of a monomer mixture comprising(a) 10-100% by weight of at least one alkyl-1-vinylimidazole and(b) 0-90% by weight of 1-vinylpyrrolidone, 1-vinylcaprolactam, 1-vinyltriazole, 1-vinylimidazole, 1-vinyloxazolidinone or mixtures thereof,(c) 0-30% by weight of other monoethylenically unsaturated monomers and(d) 0-10% by weight of a monomer containing at least 2 monoethylenic double bondsin water, at least one C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alcohol or mixtures thereof, and the use of polymers which comprise at least 10% by weight of an alkyl-1-vinylimidazole as copolymerized unit as additive to detergents to inhibit transfer of dyes during the washing process.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of poly(N-vinyl-.di-elect cons.-caprolactam) is prepared by polymerizing N-vinyl-.di-elect cons.-caprolactam in an aqueous medium in the presence of a polymerization initiator and from 0.1 to 20% by weight, based on the monomer used, of a water-soluble polymeric protective colloid and is useful as a textile printing adhesive, as a raw material for adhesives, as a lubricant additive, as a cosmetic formulation aid, as a detergent additive and as an opacifier in automatic shading systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swellable, solvent-insoluble, tack-free, elastomeric, acrylate microsphere having a shear storage modulus of at least 6.0.times.10.sup.6 Pascals at 23.degree. C. and 1 Hz and a Tg of less than about 0.degree. C., wherein the microsphere comprises the polymerization product of:(a) about 40 to 99.7 equivalent weight % of free radically polymerizable monomer selected from the group consisting of alkyl acrylate esters of non-tertiary alkyl alcohols, the alkyl groups of the alcohols which comprise from about 4 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkyl methacrylate esters of non-tertiary alkyl alcohols, the alkyl groups of the alcohols which comprise from about 4 to about 18 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof;(b) optionally, about 45 to about 1 equivalent weight % polar monomer copolymerizable with the monomer of element (a); and(c) about 10 to about 0.3 equivalent weight % of a multifunctional crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel copolymer and coating prepared therefrom. The coating which is capable of being written on effectively with both solvent-based and water-based inks is also bleedthrough resistant. A repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive note is capable of effectively adhering to the coating. The invention also provides substrates coated with the coatings and articles such as pads formed from the coated substrates.

Abstract: Crosslinked copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) for use in personal care products are made herein in aqueous solution by copolymerization of VP and DMAEMA monomers in aqueous solution using 1-vinyl-3-(E)-ethylidene pyrrolidone (EVP) as the crosslinking agent. The product is a one-phase, aqueous gel of the copolymer which is useful in hair care products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing clear sera which are stable over a long period and also to their use in diagnostics.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel statistical copolymers and the preparation and possible uses thereof. Copolymers are described that are water-soluble and cross-linkable and that comprise the copolymerisation product of a monomer mixture consisting substantially of a vinyl lactam (a) and at least one further vinyl monomer (b) of a different type selected from the group consisting of hydrophobic, hydrophilic and functional vinyl monomers, wherein the monomers are present in the copolymer in the form of statistically distributed building blocks, and, if a functional vinyl monomer is present as a building block in the copolymer, that building block is, where appropriate, modified with a reactive vinyl monomer (c), the reactive vinyl monomer (c) being linked to a building block of a functional vinyl monomer with retention of its vinylic group and with the formation of a covalent bond.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive that includes the polymerization product of:(a) 25-97 parts by weight of an acrylic acid ester of a monohydric alcohol whose homopolymer has a T.sub.g less than 0.degree. C.;(b) 3-75 parts by weight of a non-polar ethylenically unsaturated monomer whose homopolymer has a solubility parameter of no greater than 10.50 and a T.sub.g greater than 15.degree. C.; and(c) 0-5 parts by weight of a polar ethylenically unsaturated monomer whose homopolymer has a solubility parameter of greater than 10.50 and a T.sub.g greater than 15.degree. C. The relative amounts of the acrylic acid ester, the non-polar ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and the polar ethylenically unsaturated monomer are chosen such that the 90.degree. peel adhesion of the pressure sensitive adhesive to a polypropylene surface is at least 2 lbs/0.5 in. after a 72 hour dwell at room temperature as measured according to Test Procedure B.