Abstract: Methods for preparing polymeric reagents bearing a maleimide are provided. Also provided are compositions comprising the polymeric reagents, and conjugates prepared by polymeric reagents obtained by the described methods.

Abstract: Water-soluble, hydrophobically associating copolymers which comprise new types of hydrophobically associating monomers. The monomers comprise an ethylenically unsaturated group and a polyether group with block structure comprising a hydrophilic polyalkylene oxide block which consists essentially of ethylene oxide groups, and a terminal, hydrophobic polyalkylene oxide block which consists of alkylene oxides with at least 4, preferably at least 5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cross-linked polyether which is obtained by polymerization of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of (a) (?-X-methyl) vinyl-EWG, (?-X-methyl) vinyl-ERG, or (?-X-methyl) vinyl-aryl, where X is oxygen, sulfur, PEG, PPG or poly (THF); (b) a monomer which is polymerizable with a PEG, PPG or poly (THF) cross-linker having at least one (?-X-methyl) vinyl-EWG, (?-X-methyl) vinyl-ERG or (?-X-methyl) vinyl-aryl, where X is oxygen, sulfur, PEG, PPG, or poly (THF); (c) a PEG, PPG, or poly (THF) cross-linker having at least an acrylamide or a methacrylamide end group; and (d) mixtures thereof. Various monomers, resins and methods for preparing such cross-linked polyethers are also disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a composition capable of forming an insulating film which is endowed with a low dielectric constant, heat resistance, chemical resistance and a high mechanical strength that enables the insulating film to withstand CMP, and which, when an inorganic insulating film layer is provided thereon as an overlying layer, has a high adherence thereto. The composition for forming an insulating film contains polyphenylene, wherein the polyphenylene in an insulating film formed from the composition has a number of carbon atoms (C) and a number of oxygen atoms (O) which together satisfy a condition O/(C+O)?0.050. With the composition, the above object is attained.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds having in their molecule a structure contributing to high hydrophilicity, and having high photopolymerizability, as well as polymers of such compounds, and a method for producing the compound. The compounds are diol (meth)acrylate having a urethane bond represented by the formula (1), and cyclic ketal (meth)acrylate having a urethane bond represented by the formula (2): (R1: H, —CH3; R2: —(CH2)n-; R3: —(CH2)m-; n: 1-4; m: 1-8; (AO): C2-C4 oxyalkylene group; x: 0-1000; R4, R5: H, —CH3, —C2H5).

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds having in their molecule a structure contributing to high hydrophilicity, and having high photopolymerizability, as well as polymers of such compounds, and a method for producing the compound. The compounds are diol (meth)acrylate having a urethane bond represented by the formula (1), and cyclic ketal (meth)acrylate having a urethane bond represented by the formula (2): (R1: H, —CH3; R2: —(CH2)n-; R3: —(CH2)m-; n: 1-4; m: 1-8; (AO): C2-C4 oxyalkylene group; x: 0-1000; R4, R5: H, —CH3, —C2H5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a copolymer comprising, in polymerized form, (a) from 80 to 99.9 mol %, based on the total amount of the monomers polymerized to prepare the copolymer, of at least one monomer A which in each case comprises a heterocycle having at least 1 nitrogen atom and composed of from 3 to 10 ring members and a C2-C6-alkenyl group bonded to a carbon or nitrogen ring atom of the heterocycle; and (b) from 0.1 to 20 mol %, based on the total amount of the monomers polymerized to prepare the copolymer, of at least one monomer B copolymerizable with monomer A, said monomer B having a monoethylenically unsaturated double bond and also a linear or branched poly-C2-C4-alkylene oxide group having on average from 4 to 500 C2-C4-alkylene oxide units, in liquid and in solid detergent formulations. In addition, the invention relates to a process for preparing such a copolymer, and also to a liquid or solid detergent formulation comprising at least one such copolymer.

Abstract: Polyolefin waxes bearing (meth)acrylate groups, process for preparing them and their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stimulus responsive composition, which includes a polymer complex that a polymer including repeated units of polyvinyl ether structure is chemically bonded to a functional substance, and a solvent. It is desirable that a solvent is water and that the polymer in the composition contains a polyvinyl ether structure. The present invention also relates to an ink composition including the above composition, an image forming method and image forming device using the above composition, and recording medium contains a stimulating material or composition which stimulates the above composition.

Abstract: A thermoset composition exhibiting reduced water absorption in the cured state includes an olefinically unsaturated monomer and a capped poly(arylene ether) prepared by the reaction of an uncapped poly(arylene ether) with an anhydride capping agent. The capped poly(arylene ether) is isolated and/or purified by methods that reduce the concentrations of polar impurities that contribute to water absorption by the cured composition.

Abstract: A polymer extender composition comprising monomers copolymerized in the following percentages by weight: (a) from about 5% to about 90% of a monomer of the formula I: R1—OC(O)—C(R)?CH2??(I) (b) from about 5% to about 85% of vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, or a mixture thereof, (c) from about 0.5% to about 3% of a monomer of the formula II: HO—CH2—NH—C(O)—C(R)?CH2??(II) (d) from about 0.5% to about 3% of a monomer of the formula III HO—CH2CH2—OC(O)—C(R)?CH2??(III) and (e) from about 1% to about 5% of a monomer of the formula IV: H—(OCH2CH2)m—O—C(O)—C(R)?CH2??(IV) (f) from 0% to about 25% of methyl methacrylate, vinylbenzyl chloride, styrene or a mixture thereof, wherein each R is independently H or CH3; R1 is a linear or branched or cyclic alkyl chain having from about 4 to about 18 carbon atoms, and m is 2 to about 10.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-purpose alkali-swellable and alkali soluble associative polymers, which are the polymerization product of a monomer mixture comprising: (a) at least one acidic vinyl monomer; (b) at least one nonionic vinyl monomer; (c) a first associative monomer having a first hydrophobic end group; (d) a monomer selected from the group consisting of a second associative monomer having a second hydrophobic end, a semihydrophobic monomer and a combination thereof; and, optionally, (e) one or more crosslinking monomers or chain transfer agents. When monomer (d) is an associative monomer, the first and second hydrophobic end groups of monomers (c) and (d) have significantly different hydrophobic and/or steric character from one another. The multi-purpose associative polymers surprisingly provide desirable rheological and aesthetic properties in aqueous media.

Abstract: Superabsorbents are produced by polymerization in the presence of at least one unsaturated polyetherol selected from the group consisting of polyetherols having the following structural formulae (1), (2), (3) and (4): where n is 0 or 1, m is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, o is a natural number from 1 to 200, and A is —(H2C—CHR1—O)— or —(R1HC—CH2—O)—, where R1 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or an organic radical.

Abstract: Hydrophilic, arylsiloxy-containing monomers and macromonomers have at least a terminal hydrophilic group attached to an arylsiloxy group. The aryl groups attached to siloxy groups can be substituted with other hydrophilic groups. Polymers comprising such hydrophilic, arylsiloxy-containing monomers and macromonomers avoid or reduce the risk of forming vacuoles of absorbed water. Furthermore, such polymers have high refractive index, and, thus, are advantageously used for making ophthalmic devices, such as intraocular lenses, contact lenses, corneal rings, corneal inlays, and keratoprostheses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation in aqueous solution of water-soluble acrylic polymers or for the preparation in aqueous dispersion of water-dispersible acrylic co-polymers, polymerised from, the total being 100 mol %: a) 5 to 70 mol % of one or more monomer(s) (A) which are (alkoxy)polyalkylene glycol (meth)acrylates and/or ((alkoxy)polyalkylene glycol)(meth)acrylamides; b) 5 to 95 mol % of one or more unsaturated carboxylic monomer(s) (B); and c) 0 to 85 mol % of one or more hydrophobic monomer(s) (C) which are water insoluble, in the absence of a chain-transfer agent, and in the presence of a sufficient amount of a water-soluble alkoxyamine, until a conversion of at least 90% by weight of the monomers (A), (B) and (C) is obtained. The polymer has a polydispersity index Mw/ Mn advantageously <2 and an Mn of between 10 000 g/mol and 50 000 g/mol.

Abstract: Oxymethylene copolymers having a high proportion of terminal alkyl ether groups and having terminal hydroxyalkylene groups are described. These polymers are distinguished by high thermal stability and high hot water resistance.

Abstract: A photosensitive polymer for a photoresist and a photoresist composition having the same are provided. The photosensitive polymer for a photoresist includes the repeating unit represented by the formula below: wherein R1 is a C1-C20 hydrocarbon group or a C1-C20 hetero hydrocarbon group including at least one hetero atom selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, fluorine and sulfur.

Abstract: An amphiphilic block copolymer having an ionic functional group, wherein the ratio (N10/N5) of a rotational viscosity (N10) of a 10% by mass solution of the copolymer in purified water to a rotational viscosity (N5) of a 5% by mass solution of the copolymer in purified water is 2.5 or lower.

Abstract: There is provided a polymer compound including a repetitive unit structure represented by the following general formula (2): General formula (2): (where X? represents a polyalkenyl group; A represents a linear or branched alkylene group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 15, which may be substituted; m represents an integer of 0 to 30; B represents a single bond or an alkylene group which may be substituted; D represents an aromatic ring structure which may be substituted; n represents an integer of 0 to 10; and R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may be substituted, or an aromatic ring structure which may be substituted). The polymer compound is suitable for improving dispersibility of a coloring material or solid material in an ink composition or toner composition.

Abstract: A block polymer compound containing block segments, characterized in that at least one hydrophilic segment among the block segments is a copolymer segment composed of an ionic or hydrophilic repeating unit structure and a hydrophobic repeating unit structure.

Abstract: A reactive polymeric surfactant that contains: (a) at least two hydrophilic monomeric units per molecule, each independently according to formula (I): wherein R1 is alkylene or oxyalkylene, R2 is H, methyl, or ethyl, R3 is H, and n is greater than about 5, (b) one or more hydrophobic monomeric units per molecule, each independently according to formula (II) wherein R4 is H or methyl, R5 is a hydrophobic group, is useful in stabilizing aqueous emulsions and aqueous dispersions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing super-absorbent polymers, comprising providing a reaction mixture which comprises at least a first monomer and a second monomer and a radical-forming polymerization initiator, and subsequently causing the monomers to polymerize under the influence of an energy source, wherein radical formation occurs and the polymerization is started, wherein the first monomer is neutralized with an inorganic base before polymerization, in addition to the manufactured super-absorbent polymers. The invention further relates to a method for applying a coating of super-absorbent polymers to a carrier.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing copolymer, which comprises a hydroxyl-terminated fluorine-containing vinyl ether, represented by the following general formula: CF2?CFORfCH2OH (where Rf is a fluoroalkylene group, a fluoroalkyl ether group, or a fluoroalkoxyfluoroalkyl ether group, having 1-25 carbon atoms), and at least one of other fluorine-containing unsaturated monomers, where a high-molecular weight fluorine-containing copolymer having a melt viscosity (230° C.) of 0.1-100 g/10 min. is insoluble in a solvent, and can be used suitably for melt molding, whereas a low-molecular weight fluorine-containing copolymer having a glass transition temperature Tg of 20° C., or higher, and a number average molecular weight Mn of 1,000, or more is soluble in a solvent, and can be used suitably for coating agents, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyvinyl ethers and to their use as supports for synthetic methods (organic synthesis, peptide synthesis, oligonucleotide synthesis, oligosaccharide synthesis or any other synthetic procedure) and to their use for chromatographic applications (such as affinity chromatography), immobilisation of enzymes, reagents or catalysts.

Abstract: A noble alicyclic unsaturated compound represented by the general formula (1): wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a fluorine atom or a fluorinated alkyl group; a polymer formed by the polymerization of a polymer precursor comprising the alicyclic compound. The polymer is useful, in the lithography using a light having a wavelength of 190 nm or less, as a chemically amplified resist which exhibits excellent transparency with respect to the light for use in exposure and also is excellent in the adhesion to a substrate and the resistance to dry etching.

Abstract: The application provides a method of producing a comb polymer comprising the steps of: (a) Providing: (i) a plurality of monomers which are linear, branched or star-shaped, substituted or non-substituted, and have an olefinically unsaturated moiety, the olefinically unsaturated moiety being capable of undergoing addition polymerisation; (ii) an initiator compound; the initiator compound comprising a homolytically cleavable bond. (iii) a catalyst capable of catalysing the polymerisation of the monomer; and (b) Causing the catalyst to catalyse, in combination with the initiator, the polymerisation of a plurality of the monomers to produce the comb polymer. Catalysts and polymers obtainable by the process are also provided. Preferably, the comb polymer is capable of binding proteins and may be produced from monomers which are alkoxy polyethers, such as poly(alkyleneglycol) or polytetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: A polymer compound is provided which is suitable to improve the dispersibility of coloring materials or solids in an ink or toner composition and which has a repeating unit represented by the general formula (2): (2) wherein X? represents a polyalkenyl group; each A represents independently a linear or branched alkylene group of 1 to 15 carbon atoms which may be substituted; m represents an integer of 0 to 30; B represents a single bond or an alkylene group which may be substituted; each D represents independently an aromatic ring in which at least one hydrogen atom attached to the ring is displaced by a fluorine atom; n represents an integer of 1 to 10; and R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may be substituted, or an aromatic ring which may be substituted.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of copolymers with styrene-oxide-based, vinyl-functionalized polyethers for preparing aqueous pigment preparations.

Abstract: A compound represented by the following general formula (1): (1) wherein A represents an alkenyl ether group which may be substituted; B represents a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms which may be substituted; m represents an integer from 0 to 30; when m is larger than 1, B may be different from each other; D represents a single bond or a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms which may be substituted; E represents any one of an aromatic ring which may be substituted, a condensed ring which may be substituted, and a structure formed by bonding through single bonds at most three aromatic rings which may be substituted; R represents a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms which may be substituted, or an aromatic ring which may be substituted; n represents a positive number larger than 1; a COOR group in the formula is substituted into the aromatic ring of E; and a hydrogen atom in the aromatic ring, which is not substituted

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a polycarboxylic acid polpolymer which improves the water reducing capacity and workability of cement compositions and the like and making them easier to handle when the fluidity and water reducing capacity are at the same levels, a method of producing the copolymer, and a cement additive and a cement composition comprising the copolymer. The present invention is further to provide a polycarboxylic acid copolymer and a cement additive which are capable of improving the strength and durability of hardening products of cement compositions, hence can advantageously be used in ultrahigh strength concrete. The present invention is polycarboxylic acid copolymers having high water reducing capacity, reducing the viscosity of cement compositions and improving the workability in applying cement.

Abstract: A dispersible composition that comprises a polymer compound, a functional substance such as a colorant, and a solvent or a dispersion medium, where the polymer compound is comprised of a monomer unit represented by the general formula (1) wherein A is a straight-chain or branched alkylene group of 1 to 15 carbon atoms with or without substitution; m is an integer of 0 to 30, and when m is 2 or more, A is the same or different each other; B is a single bond or an alkylene with or without substitution; D is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring structure; n is an integer of 1 to 10, and when n is 2 or more, D is the same or different with each other. The composition is usable as an ink composition or toner composition.

Abstract: Polymeric compounds suitable for ink and toner compositions, and image forming methods and apparatus using an ink or toner composition containing such a polymer compound, and particularly to a polymer compound having a repeating unit structure represented by the general formula wherein B is a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms and may be substituted, m is an integer of 1 to 30, q is an integer of 2 to 30, and R1 is hydrogen, an alkyl group which may be substituted, or an aromatic ring structure which may be substituted, with the proviso that when m is a plural number, the B groups may be different from each other, ink and toner compositions containing the polymer compound, a solvent or dispersion medium and a coloring material, and image forming methods and image forming apparatus using such a composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-purpose polymers that are the polymerization product of a monomer mixture comprising at least one amino-substituted vinyl monomer; at least one nonionic vinyl monomer; at least one associative vinyl monomer; at least one semihydrophobic vinyl surfactant monomer; and, optionally, comprising one or more hydroxy-substituted nonionic vinyl monomer, crosslinking monomer, chain transfer agent or polymeric stabilizer. These vinyl addition polymers have a combination of substituents, including amino substituents that provide cationic properties at low pH, hydrophobic substituents, hydrophobically modified polyoxyalkylene substituents, and hydrophilic polyoxyalkylene substituents. The polymers provide surprisingly beneficial rheological properties in acidic aqueous compositions, and are compatible with cationic materials. The multi-purpose polymers are useful in a variety of products for personal care, health care, household care, institutional and industrial care, and industrial applications.

Abstract: A polymer support is provided which comprises protected hydroxypolyC2-4 alkyleneoxy chains attached to a cross-linked polymer wherein the protected hydroxypolyC2-4 alkyleneoxy chain contains from 2 to 10 C2-4 alkyleneoxy groups and wherein the hydroxypolyC2-4 alkyleneoxy chains are protected with an acid labile group. The acid labile protecting group is preferably a poly-aryl methane protecting group. A monomer and process for the preparation of said support are also provided.

Abstract: A thermoplastic allyloxymethylstyrene-based resin comprising structural units of the following formulas (I) and (II): as repeating units, wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group, and m and n each denote an integer of 0 or 1 or higher, provided that m and n are not 0 at the same time.

Abstract: A new family of concrete admixture additives can be derived from reacting a mixture of olefins/cyclic olefins-maleic anhydride copolymers and methoxy polyethylene glycol amines and/or polyethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers, or a mixture of styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers and methoxy polyethylene glycol amines and/or polyethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers, or a mixture of styrene-olefins/cyclic olefins-maleic anhydride terpolymers and methoxy polyethylene glycol amines and/or polyethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers. These reactions lead to formation of a kind of carboxylic salt containing polymer, which can be used alone in concrete. Only a small amount of this substance is needed to provide excellent water reduction, high concrete flowability and high early strength.

Abstract: A composition comprises a non-aqueous solvent containing reverse micelle particles formed of block polymers having amphipathic properties. A particle composition and a composition wherein particles are dispersed, which exhibits excellent dispersion properties and can form superbly uniform particles, is provided. Further, display elements, a recording method, and recording apparatus, which employ the composition having excellent dispersion properties and forming superbly uniform particles, are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of polyether polyols, which process involves: (a) contacting a phosphorus containing compound having at least one hydroxyl group with alkylene oxide to obtain alkoxylated initiator, (b) contacting the alkoxylated initiator with further alkylene oxide in the presence of a double metal cyanide complex catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink composition containing a pigment dispersed uniformly in a solvent and a block polymer having an ionic functional group, an image-forming method and an image-forming apparatus employing the ink composition. The composition comprises a pigment, a solvent and a polymer having an ionic functional group, an acid residue, or a base residue at the terminal. The polymer having an ionic functional group, an acid residue, or a base residue at the terminal is a block polymer of ABX type having A, B, and X segments, wherein A and B are respectively a block segment having a vinyl ether structure as the repeating unit, and X is a terminal segment having an ionic functional group, an acid residue, or an base residue.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-purpose alkali-swellable and alkali soluble associative polymers, which are the polymerization product of a monomer mixture comprising: (a) at least one acidic vinyl monomer; (b) at least one nonionic vinyl monomer; (c) a first associative monomer having a first hydrophobic end group; (d) a monomer selected from the group consisting of a second associative monomer having a second hydrophobic end, a semihydrophobic monomer and a combination thereof; and, optionally, (e) one or more crosslinking monomers or chain transfer agents. When monomer (d) is an associative monomer, the first and second hydrophobic end groups of monomers (c) and (d) have significantly different hydrophobic and/or steric character from one another. The multi-purpose associative polymers surprisingly provide desirable Theological and aesthetic properties in aqueous media.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation-curable prepolymer. The radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention is prepared by reacting an isocyanate-capped polyurethane with an ethylenically unsaturated amine or an ethylenically unsaturated monohydroxy compound or a mixture thereof, wherein the isocyanate-capped polyurethane is a copolymerization production of: (a) at least one polyalkylene glycol; (b) at least one branching agent having at least three hydroxy groups; and (c) at least one di- or polyisocyanate. The radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention can find use in economically producing contact lenses which have durable, highly elastic soft contact lenses with desired physical properties. In addition, the present invention provides method for making a radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention and for making a medical device, preferably an ophthalmic device, more preferably a contact lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel gel forming methacrylic blocking copolymers that exhibit cationic pH-sensitive behavior as well as good water solubility. The copolymers are constructed by polymerization of a tertiary amine methacrylate with either a (poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) polymer, such as the commercially available Pluronic® polymers, or a poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether polymer. The polymers may be used for drug and gene delivery, protein separation, as structural supplements, and more.

Abstract: A resin composition for a laminate, containing at least 10% by weight of a vinyl compound represented by the formula (1), and a prepreg and a metal-clad laminate using the resin composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel block copolymers as structural supplements for injectible bodily prosthetics employed in medical or cosmetic procedures. The invention also includes the use of such block copolymers as nucleus pulposus replacement materials for the treatment of degenerative disc disorders and spinal injuries. The copolymers are constructed by polymerization of a tertiary amine methacrylate with either a (poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) polymer, such as the commercially available Pluronic® polymers, or a poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether polymer.

Abstract: A composition containing a polymer compound and medium being a solvent or a binder resin, wherein the polymer compound comprises monomer units represented by the general formula (1): wherein A is a straight-chain or branched alkylene group of 1 to 15 carbon atoms, which may be substituted; m is an integer of 0 to 30, and; B is a single bond or alkylene, which may be substituted; D is an aromatic ring structure; n is an integer of 1 to 10, and R is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, which may be substituted, an aromatic ring structure, or a mono- or poly-valent metal cation.

Abstract: A monomer as represented by general formula (a) or (a?) below, with which a polymer having high oxygen permeability and transparency and suited to an ophthalmic lens is obtained, is provided. Suitable monomers include: wherein A is a siloxanyl group; R1 is H or a methyl group; R2 is a substituted group that is selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that may be substituted, aryl groups with 6 to 20 carbon atoms that may be substituted and formula (c) below.

Abstract: A monomer as represented by general formula (a) or (a?) below, with which a polymer having high oxygen permeability and transparency and suited to an ophthalmic lens is obtained, is provided. Suitable monomers have the formula: wherein A is a siloxanyl group; R1 and R2 are H or methyl groups; R3 is a substituted group that is selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that may be substituted and aryl groups with 6 to 20 carbon atoms that may be substituted; m indicates an integer of 0 to 200.

Abstract: A composition that can be used as a catalyst is disclosed. The composition comprises, or is produced by combining, a titanium compound, a glycol, a phosphorus compound, and optionally water. Also disclosed is a process that can be used for producing a polyester. The process comprises contacting, in the presence of a catalyst composition, a carbonyl compound and an alcohol under a condition suitable for esterification, transesterification, or polymerization. The catalyst composition comprises, or is produced by combining, a titanium compound, a glycol, a phosphorus compound, and optionally water.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink composition containing a pigment dispersed uniformly in a solvent and a block polymer having an ionic functional group, an image-forming method and an image-forming apparatus employing the ink composition. The composition comprises a pigment, a solvent and a polymer having an ionic functional group, an acid residue, or a base residue at the terminal. The polymer having an ionic functional group, an acid residue, or a base residue at the terminal is a block polymer of ABX type having A, B, and X segments, wherein A and B are respectively a block segment having a vinyl ether structure as the repeating unit, and X is a terminal segment having an ionic functional group, an acid residue, or an base residue.

Abstract: Polymers having non-thrombogenic properties can be prepared by copolymerizing monomers of at least three classes selected from (a) monomers having sulphate groups, (b) monomers having sulphonate groups, (c) monomers having sulphamate groups, (d) monomers having polyoxyalkylene ether groups, and (e) monomers having zwitterionic groups. The polymers can additionally be provided with anti-thrombogenic properties by including an additional comonomer having a pendant heparin (or hirudin, warfarin or hyaluronic acid) group. The polymers can be used as coating materials for medical devices, such as tubing or connectors, in order to provide them with non-thrombogenic, and optionally anti-thrombogenic, properties.