Abstract: This invention relates to the reversible protection of hydroxy-silane functional groups by acid cleavable protecting groups. The development of reversible protecting groups greatly enhances the current utility of silanes while introducing further novel applications. For instance, reversibly protected silanes are of particular value in applications where room temperature cure and/or adhesion is of value, such as coatings, high resolution imaging, caulks, adhesives, sealents, gaskets, and silicones. Reversibly protected silanes can also be beneficially used in reticulating agents, and in sizing agents, tires, and release coatings. The incorporation of reversibly protected silanes into coating resins is of particular value. The reversibly protected silane can be incorporated into the coating resin by polymerizing a monomer containing the reversibly protected silane into the resin or by post-addition into the coating formulation.

Abstract: This invention relates to the reversible protection of hydroxy-silane functional groups by acid cleavable protecting groups. The development of reversible protecting groups greatly enhances the current utility of silanes while introducing further novel applications. For instance, reversibly protected silanes are of particular value in applications where room temperature cure and/or adhesion is of value, such as coatings, high resolution imaging, caulks, adhesives, sealents, gaskets, and silicones. Reversibly protected silanes can also be beneficially used in reticulating agents, and in sizing agents, tires, and release coatings. The incorporation of reversibly protected silanes into coating resins is of particular value. The reversibly protected silane can be incorporated into the coating resin by polymerizing a monomer containing the reversibly protected silane into the resin or by post-addition into the coating formulation.

Abstract: This invention relates to the reversible protection of hydroxy-silane functional groups by acid cleavable protecting groups. The development of reversible protecting groups greatly enhances the current utility of silanes while introducing further novel applications. For instance, reversibly protected silanes are of particular value in applications where room temperature cure and/or adhesion is of value, such as coatings, high resolution imaging, caulks, adhesives, sealents, gaskets, and silicones. Reversibly protected silanes can also be beneficially used in reticulating agents, and in sizing agents, tires, and release coatings. The incorporation of reversibly protected silanes into coating resins is of particular value. The reversibly protected silane can be incorporated into the coating resin by polymerizing a monomer containing the reversibly protected silane into the resin or by post-addition into the coating formulation.

Abstract: An ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, represented by the formula (1): wherein n represents a number in the range of 15 to 15,000, and a method of producing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer wherein an 1,4 -polybutadiene is hydroborated in non-gel state in a solvent, followed by oxidation to be hydroxylated so as to derive an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer represented by the formula (1): wherein n represents a number in the range of 15 to 15,000.

Abstract: This invention provides both a pigment dispersing resin which is a copolymer of: (A) polymerizable unsaturated monomer containing at least one kind of ionic functional group selected from the group consisting of tertiary amino group, quaternary ammonium salt and sulfonic acid group; (B) nonionic polymerizable unsaturated monomer having polyoxyalkylene chain; (C) ultraviolet-absorbing polymerizable unsaturated monomer and/or an ultraviolet-stabilizing polymerizable unsaturated monomer; and (D) other ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and water-based pigment dispersion which comprises said pigment dispersing resin, pigment, aqueous medium and, as circumstances may demand, dispersing agent as well.

Abstract: Coating compositions are described that can be used to impart hydrophobicity, oleophobicity, stain resistance, or combinations thereof to various substrates. The coating compositions include an amino resin and a reactive fluorinated copolymer. The reactive fluorinated copolymer has pendant perfluoropolyether groups as well as pendant groups capable of reacting with the amino resin. The pendant perfluoropolyether groups of the reactive fluorinated copolymer have a molecular weight of at least 750 g/mole. Articles and methods of preparing articles using the coating compositions are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides an optically active polymer which is a product obtained by polymerizing a chiral alkoxy-substituted phenylacetylene such as p-(2-methylbutoxy)phenylacetylene, of which the 2-methylbutoxy group has chirality, in an organic solvent such as triethylamine in the presence of a rhodium complex compound as a polymerization catalyst. The optically active polymer exhibits a much larger optical rotation than the monomeric compound per se and is colored in different colors of, e.g., yellow and black, depending on the organic solvent used for polymerization. The yellow polymer turns to black by exposure to the vapor of a specific organic solvent such as chloroform and returns to yellow by re-precipitation from a chloroform solution with addition of methyl alcohol as a precipitant.

Abstract: Terpolymer compositions of vinyl caprolactam (VCL), dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide (DMAPMA) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) are described to coat substrates for use in computer printers, and provide advantageous print quality thereon.

Abstract: Optical devices fabricated from solvent processible polymers suffer from susceptibility to solvents and morphological changes. A semiconductive polymer capable of luminescence in an optical device is provided. The polymer comprises a luminescent film-forming solvent processible polymer which contains cross-linking so as to increase its molar mass and to resist solvent dissolution, the cross-linking being such that the polymer retains semiconductive and luminescent properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to new polymers useful in non linear optical (NLO) applications, particularly as optical waveguide materials.

Abstract: This invention provides a pigment dispersing resin which is a copolymer of: (A) sulfonic group-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer, (B) polyoxyalkylene chain-containing nonionic polymerizable unsaturated monomer, (C) (C-1) (meth)acrylic acid ester type polymerizable monomer having two tertiary alkyl groups per molecule and/or (C-2) (meth)acrylic acid ester type polymerizable monomer having one tertiary alkyl group and one secondary hydroxyl group per molecule, and (D) other ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and also provides water-based pigment dispersion which comprises said pigment dispersing resin, pigment, aqueous medium and, as circumstances may demand, basic neutralizer and/or dispersing agent as well.

Abstract: Optically transparent, relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses and corneal inlays made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the polymerization of one or more copolymers with one or more hydrophilic monomers and optionally one or more aromatic-based monomers, hydrophobic monomers or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising poly-HEMA having a peak molecular weight between about 25,000 and about 100,000, preferably between 25,000 and 80,000 and a polydispersity of less than about 2 to less than about 3.8 respectively and covalently bonded thereon, at least one cross-linkable functional group. The present invention further relates to low polydispersity poly-HEMA suitable for making the crosslinkable prepolymers, processes for functionalizing and purifying said poly-HEMA to form said crosslinkable prepolymers, viscous solutions made from said crosslinkable prepolymers, hydrogels made from said viscous solutions and articles made from said crosslinkable polymers, hydrogels and viscous solutions.

Abstract: A polymer produced by polymerizing via water-in-oil emulsion polymerization one or more water soluble monomers with one or more polyalkoxylated monomers wherein said one or more polyalkoxylated monomers contains at least 25 alkylene oxide units and wherein said product demonstrates thermothickening properties, its method of manufacture and use thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel synthetic methods for PEG-maleimide derivatives, specifically, novel synthetic methods for PEG-maleimide. The final products thereof are useful as a pegylation reagent in the field of bioengineering and the medicinal field or the preparation of medical appliances and by conjugating with certain moieties or specific domains of polysaccharides and biological proteins such as antibodies as a bio-compatible or bio-degradable polymer.

Abstract: Polymers of high oxygen permeability and a low modulus of elasticity and ophthalmic lenses and contact lenses using the same are provided. The polymers are characterized in that they are obtained by copolymerizing 5 to 90 parts by weight of a monomer (SiMAA) represented by the formula below, 5 to 90 parts by weight of 3-tris (trimethylsiloxy) silyl propyl methacrylate (TRIS), 5 to 70 parts by weight of N,N-dimethyl acrylamide (DMAA) and 0.1 to 3 parts by weight of monomer having two or more copolymerizable carbon-carbon unsaturated bonds in 1 molecule (provided that the total quantity of SiMAA, TRIS and DMAA is 100 parts by weight and that the total quantity of SiMAA and TRIS is 30 to 95 parts by weight), and which are used for ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel synthetic methods for PEG-maleimide derivatives, specifically, novel synthetic methods for PEG-maleimide. The final products thereof are useful as a pegylation reagent in the field of bioengineering and the medicinal field or the preparation of medical appliances and by conjugating with certain moieties or specific domains of polysaccharides and biological proteins such as antibodies as a bio-compatible or bio-degradable polymer.

Abstract: A water-soluble, cationic polymer comprising from about 1 to about 65 mole percent of one or more cationic monomers, from about 99 to about 35 mole percent of one or more nonionic monomers and from about 1 to about 1000 ppm, based on the total monomer content, of one or more hyperbranched monomers wherein the hyperbranched monomer contains from about 2 to about 20 allyl, vinyl, or acrylic end groups and method of dewatering sludge is disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrophilic ethylenically unsaturated macromonomer is disclosed that is prepared by the addition polymerization of addition polymerizable monomers that include monomers that have hydroxyl or amino functional groups, some of which may be subsequently reacted to provide (meth)acryl ethylenic unsaturation. The macromonomers may be used to form intraocular lenses in situ by polymerization of the macromonomers.

Abstract: A hydrophobe-containing alkali soluble or swellable copolymer thickener comprising an emulsion polymerization product of (A) an ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable surfactant monomer having a cloud point of from about 65° C. to about 95° C., wherein the surfactant monomer has the formula M(EO)x(BO)zOR1 wherein M is a residue selected from the group consisting of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, and an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid, EO is an ethylene oxide unit; BO is a butylene oxide unit; x is from 10 to 45; z is from 5 to 35; provided that x+z is from 20 to 45; and R1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylene, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylene, and arylalkyl group wherein the alkyl group has 1 to 4 carbon atoms; (B) an &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid monomer; and (C) a nonionic &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated monomer.

Abstract: Optical devices fabricated from solvent processible polymers suffer from susceptibility to solvents and morphological changes. A semiconductive polymer capable of luminescence in an optical device is provided. The polymer comprises a luminescent film-forming solvent processible polymer which contains cross-linking so as to increase its molar mass and to resist solvent dissolution, the cross-linking being such that the polymer retains semiconductive and luminescent properties.

Abstract: Foldable intraocular lenses having a reduced risk of posterior capsule opacification are disclosed. The foldable intraocular lenses have optics that are prepared such that their surface is glassy and their bulk is rubbery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer by polymerizing a component containing 3,4-epoxy-1-butene in the presence of a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst and a hydroxy-functional starter and it also relates to the obtained polymers.

Abstract: Water-soluble polymers having a water-soluble backbone and side units having in water a lower critical solution temperature, LCST, the polymers being obtainable by free-radical precipitation polymerization of water-soluble monomers and of macromonomers comprising a unit with an LCST whose heat-induced demixing temperature in aqueous solution is from 5 to 40° C. for a concentration by mass in water of 1% of the said unit. Also described is a process for preparing these polymers by free-radical precipitation polymerization, and aqueous compositions containing these polymers and the use of these polymers and compositions, especially in cosmetics, for the cleansing and/or making up and/or care and/or antisun protection of keratin materials.

Abstract: Optically transparent, relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses and corneal inlays made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the polymerization of one or more copolymers with one or more hydrophilic monomers and optionally one or more aromatic-based monomers, hydrophobic monomers or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Optically transparent, high refractive index hydrogels and intraocular lenses fabricated therefrom. The preferred hydrogels have a refractive index of 1.45 or above and a water content of approximately 5 to 30 percent by weight.

Abstract: Disclosed are soft, high refractive index, acrylic materials having an elongation of at least 150%. These materials, especially useful as intraocular lens materials, contain an aryl acrylic hydrophobic monomer as the single principal device-forming monomer. In addition to their use as intraocular lens materials, the present materials are also suitable for use in other ophthalmic or otorhinolaryngological devices, such as contact lenses, keratoprostheses, corneal inlays or rings; otological ventilation tubes and nasal implants.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a composition of vinyl compounds, comprising a) at least one polymerizable compound which has at least one O-vinyl group or one N-vinyl group, and b) at least one ammonium salt of the formula (I) where R is NH2, O− NH4+, C1-C18-alkyl, C6-C18-cycloalkyl, or C7-C18-alkylcycloalkyl. The invention further relates to the use of an ammonium salt of the formula (I) as additive to polymerizable compounds which have at least one O-vinyl group or one N-vinyl group, and also to a process for inhibiting premature polymerization of compositions which comprise polymerizable compounds which have at least one O-vinyl group or one N-vinyl group, which encompasses adding to the compositions an ammonium salt of the formula (I).

Abstract: Synthetic polymers having hydrogen bonding capability and one or more polysiloxane moieties are capable of providing two distinct properties to paper products, such as tissues, which properties heretofore have been imparted through the use of at least two different molecules. The backbone of these synthetic polymers is based on modified vinyl polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamides and polyacrylic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed are soft, high refractive index, acrylic materials having an elongation of at least 150%. These materials, especially useful as intraocular lens materials, contain an aryl acrylic hydrophobic monomer as the single principal device-forming monomer. In addition to their use as intraocular lens materials, the present materials are also suitable for use in other ophthalmic or otorhinolaryngological devices, such as contact lenses, keratoprostheses, corneal inlays or rings; otological ventilation tubes and nasal implants.

Abstract: A crosslinked hydrophilic gel in which the crosslinker used in a compound of Formula I or Formula II or combination thereof. These crosslinked hydrophilic gels provide enhanced separation in electrophoresis. The use of the crosslinkers of Formula I and/or II can result in electrophoresis gels having improved properties including: 1) a broader pore size range; 2) control of pore size distribution; 3) greater resistance to hydrolysis in alkaline media; 4) greater clarity of gels prepared with high concentration of the crosslinkers; and 5) improved background silver staining.

Abstract: A non-aqueous, heterogeneous polymerization process comprises heating a reaction mixture of about 5-70%, preferably 10-50%, by weight, of a vinyl amide monomer in an oil as solvent, and a water-soluble cosolvent, 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: Binder formulations based on aqueous polymer dispersions having a minimum film-forming temperature of below 10° C. and comprising at least one binder polymer P in the form of an aqueous dispersion comprising at least one anionic emulsifier and at least one nonionic emulsifier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing water-soluble homopolymers and copolymers, comprising oligoalkylene-imine side chains of the general formula (I), wherein [AI]m, m, Y and x have the definitions given in claim 1, by radical homopolymerisation or copolymerisation of monomers A of the general formula (II), wherein [AI]m, m, n, Y and R have the definitions given in claim 1, in an aqueous reaction medium. The invention also relates to the homopolymers and copolymers obtained by this method and to their use as auxiliary agents in paper production.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to vicinal hydroxyl-functionalized hydrocarbon polymers having a mole ratio of methylene to hydroxyl group of greater than 1 and to films, coatings and articles useful in packaging applications containing said polymers.

Abstract: An air-activatable polymerisable composition useful, in the field of adhesives, sealants, surface coatings, moulding resins and composite matrices, comprises: a) at least one free-radically polymerisable monomer, b) an activator system for effective polymerisation of the free-radically polymerisable monomer, said activator system comprising at least one auto-oxidisable compound which is a beta diketone, c) a soluble ionic salt, particularly a transition metal salt, d) and a weak acid or a latent weak acid, with the proviso that the composition does not contain a peroxide, or a peroxide precursor which produces peroxide in the absence of air, or any ingredient which is a significant source of radicals in the absence of air.

Abstract: A physically cross-linked copolymer comprising hydrophobic monomers, hydrogen bonding monomers, and thermosensitive monomers, said thermosensitive monomers having a distinct phase change at its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) when existing as a homopolymer. The physically cross-linked copolymer is used for drug delivery system or for enzyme delivery system. The physically cross-linked copolymer is also used for casting shapes of cavities, for production of miniaturized, detailed micro-parts or micro-machine parts, or for production of thermal switches.

Abstract: Disclosed are soft, high refractive index, acrylic materials having an elongation of at least 150%. These materials, especially useful as intraocular lens materials, contain an aryl acrylic hydrophobic monomer as the single principal device-forming monomer. In addition to their use as intraocular lens materials, the present materials are also suitable for use in other ophthalmic or otorhinolaryngological devices, such as contact lenses, keratoprostheses, corneal inlays or rings; otological ventilation tubes and nasal implants.

Abstract: An acrylamide derivative of the following general formula (I) is used to prepare a polymer or copolymer: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a straight-chain or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a C3-6 cycloalkyl group, R2 and R3 each independently represent an alkylene group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms or R2 and R3 may be combined to form a ring, X represents a hydrogen atom, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a halogen atom, a carboxyl group or a —COOR4 group wherein R4 represents a C1-6 straight-chain or branched alkyl, C3-6 cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, benzyl or substituted benzyl group, and Y represents an amino group, a halogen atom, a carboxyl group or a —COOR4 group wherein R4 represents a C1-6 straight-chain or branched alkyl, C3-6 cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, benzyl or substituted benzyl group.

Abstract: Use of neutralized or partially neutralized copolymers obtainable from A) from 50 to 99% by weight of monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and B) from 1 to 50% by weight of at least one comonomer chosen from the groups a) to d) or also mixtures of different monomers from groups a) to d) a) monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid esters with a saturated C8- to C30-alcohol b) N-alkyl- or N,N-dialkyl-substituted carboxamides, the alkyl radicals independently of one another being aliphatic or cycloaliphatic alkyl radicals having at least 8 to 18 carbon atoms, c) vinyl esters of aliphatic C8- to C30-carboxylic acids, d) C8- to C18-alkyl vinyl ethers, for the preparation of hair cleansers.

Abstract: Fluorochemical polymers for use in providing stain-release properties to a substrate material are disclosed. The present invention provides for polymeric fluorochemical polymers that include perfluoroaliphatic, hydrophilic, cationogenic, and either N-hydroxyalkylacrylamide and/or diacrylate monomers.

Abstract: A copolymer comprising monomers copolymerized in the following percentages by weight: (a) from about 40% to about 75% of a monomer of formula I: Rf—CH2CH2—OC(O)—C(R)═CH2  I (b) from about 15% to about 55% of a monomer of formula II: R2—OC(O)—C(R)═CH2  II (c) from 1.5% to about 5% of a monomer of the formula III: HO—CH2CH2—OC(O)—C(R)═CH2  III (d) from 1.5% to about 5% of a monomer of the formula IV: H—(OCH2CH2)m—O—C(O)—C(R)═CH2  IV (e) from 1% to about 3% of a monomer of the formula V: HO—CH2—NH—C(O)—C(R)═CH2  V (f) from 0% to about to about 9.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water or alcohol soluble or dispersible thermoplastic elastomeric copolymers and to cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions containing these copolymers. This invention especially relates to copolymers useful for hair styling purposes, and to hair styling compositions containing these copolymers. This invention further relates to copolymers useful for providing cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions for topical application to the skin. These topical skin care compositions are useful for delivereing and/or transdermally transporting active ingredients to or thorugh the skin.

Abstract: This invention discloses an emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) that can be employed in manufacturing tire tread formulations that have rolling resistance and treadwear characteristics that are similar to those made with solution SBR but with improved traction characteristics. Thus, the emulsion SBR of this invention is superior in many respects for use in tire tread compounds to conventional solution SBR and conventional emulsion SBR. This invention more specifically discloses a styrene-butadiene rubber composition which is comprised of repeat units which are derived from styrene, 1,3-butadiene, and a hydroxy alkyl acrylate monomer, wherein the styrene-butadiene rubber composition has a number average molecular weight as determined by field flow fractionation which is within the range of about 50,000 to 150,000, and wherein the styrene-butadiene rubber has a light scattering to refractive index ratio which is within the range of 1.8 to 3.9.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide cationic hollow crosslinked polymer particles that maintain a cationic property over a wide pH range, has adequate strength, and is favorable for use in filled paper, pigments for coating paper, additives for paints, fillers for resins, rubbers, and the like. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing the abovementioned cationic hollow crosslinked polymer particles with excellent characteristics in a stable manner. The hollow crosslinked polymer particles of the present invention are characterized in that (I) the zeta potential as measured in an aqueous medium of pH 2 to 9 is in the range of +5 to +100 mV, (II) the volume hollowness is in the range of 1 to 80%, and (III) the average particle diameter is in the range of 0.03 to 10 &mgr;m. This hollow crosslinked polymer particles are produced by a method that (a) 1 to 99.99 weight % of a crosslinking monomer, (b) 0.

Abstract: Applicants herewith submit an Abstract on a separate sheet of paper numbered Page 28.

Abstract: High refractive index copolymers suitable for use in ophthalmic devices are disclosed. The copolymers comprise a) two or more monomers of the structure: wherein: X is H or CH3; m is 0-10; Y is nothing, O, S, or NR wherein R is H, CH3, CnH2n+1(n=1-10), iso-OC3H7, C6H5, or CH2C6H5; Ar is any aromatic ring which can be unsubstituted or substituted with H, CH3, C2H5, n-C3H7, iso-C3H7, OCH3, C6H11, Cl, Br, C6H5, or CH2C6H5; a crosslinking monomer having a plurality of polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated groups, and b) a total of about 5 mole % or less of one or more monomers of the structure: wherein: X is H or CH3; W is —CH3 or (CH2═C(—X)—C(═O)—); and n is such that the weight average molecular weight is approximately 600-1000 if W is —CH3 and approximately 400-1000 if W is (CH2═C(—X)—C(═O)—).

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 %.