Abstract: A water-swellable polymer product which may be physically bound to an open celled cellulosic sponge is produced by thermally induced amide-forming insolubilization of polyethyleneimine (PEI). The polymer product has high affinity for the absorption of transition metal ions. A cellulosic sponge containing a high add-on of the polymer product is permeable to water and substantially unaffected by water-borne suspended matter.

Abstract: A graft copolymer is made by grafting, by a free radical reaction mechanism in aqueous solution, water soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomeric material on to a water soluble substrate having hydroxyl groups, and the free radicals are formed on the substrate using an oxidizing metal capable of being reduced by the substrate to a lower valency state (for instance cerium) and persulphate or other peroxy compound capable of oxidizing the metal back to a higher valency state. The process is preferably conducted as a reverse phase polymerization process and the invention includes also a novel reverse phase emulsion comprising a dispersion of reverse phase polymer particles of a graft copolymer of carboxymethyl cellulose, dextran or starch with acrylamide and acrylic acid and/or AMPS.

Abstract: A water resistant, starch-based alkaline corrugating adhesive which includes a polysaccharide graft copolymer containing a reactive aminoethyl halide group.

Abstract: A derivatized graft polymer of a polysaccharide, a crosslinked graft polymer of a polysaccharide, and a derivatized and crosslinked graft polymer of a polysaccharide are prepared. The derivatized polymer has the structure Sacch-g-[(M--CH.dbd.N--Y).sub.x -g-[(M).sub.q ]; the crosslinked polymer has the structure Sacch-g-[(M--CH.dbd.N).sub.z -P].sub.w -g-[(M).sub.q ] or Sacch-g-[(M--CH.dbd.C).sub.z -P].sub.w -g-[(M).sub.q ]; the derivatized and crosslinked polymer has the structure Sacch-g-[(M--CH.dbd.N--Y).sub.x ]-g-[(M--CH.dbd.N)-P]-g-[(M).sub.q ] or Sacch-g-[(M--CH.dbd.N--Y).sub.x ]-g-[(M--CH.dbd.C).sub.z -P].sub.w -g-[(M).sub.q ]. Sacch represents a polysaccharide such as starch, gum, or cellulose; g-represents a graft; M represents one or more ethylenically or allylically unsaturated monomers, at least one of which contains an acetal or aldehyde; P represents a multivalen residue from a reagent containing more than one primary amine group or ketone group; --N.dbd.

Abstract: In this invention, at least two monomers are grafted onto hydroxy-containing cellulose polymer. The invention thus provides a polymer of a cellulose containing a hydroxy group on which is grafted, by replacement of the hydrogen atom of the hydroxy group, with a copolymer having a polymerized lactam-containing moiety and a polymerized quaternized ammonium-containing moiety. The ratio of the polymerized lactam group of the quaternized ammonium moiety in the grafted copolymer can be predetermined to provide polymers which are particularly useful in the hair treatment industry.

Abstract: Water-absorbing and water-swellable polysaccharide graft polymers are prepared by inverse suspension polymerization of a polysaccharide with an ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing a carboxyl group followed by partial water removal and crosslinking.

Abstract: Cationic aqueous bituminous emulsion-aggregate slurries are disclosed to be formed with cationic emulsions prepared at elevated temperatures by emulsifying bitumen, such as an asphalt, in water with a cation-active emulsifier which is the product of the reaction of a sugar-containing syrup with modified polyamine which is the reaction product of a polyamine with certain polycarboxylic acids and anhydrides.

Abstract: A product is provided comprised of an open celled sponge of regenerated cellulose containing a polyamide polymer molecularly incorporated into the cellulosic cell wall material of the sponge. The product has the capability of absorbing metal ions from dilute aqueous solutions, and is particularly well suited for the absorption of aurocyanide from a cyanide leach solution as used in gold mining operations.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing an aqueous dispersion of water-absorbent particles and at least one matrix-forming hydrophilic thickening agent comprises the steps of evacuating gas from said dispersion and subjecting the latter to compression by means of a relative pressure sufficient to irreversibly transform the dispersion into a stable particle-matrix system. A method of preparing a stable semi-solid preparation of dry, preferably bead-shaped water-absorbent particles comprises forming a homogenous dispersion comprising from 30 to 70% by weight of said beads, from 0.1% by weight of at least one hydrophilic thickening agent, capable of forming a matrix for said beads, and from 20 to 55% by weight of water, and stabilizing the dispersion formed as above. The water-absorbent particles may consist of cross-linked carbohydrates or polyacrylamide or derivatives thereof. The stable preparation may advantageously be packed in aerosol type containers and be used for the treatment of wounds and skin.

Abstract: Radiation curable coating compositions for providing solvent-resistant abhesive coatings comprise polyfluorinated acrylates and methacrylates, polyethylenically unsaturated crosslinking agents and a film-forming organic polymer. The compositions can be used after radiation curing to render substrates oil, soil, and water repellent. The cured compositions have particular use as release coatings in image transfer systems wherein a fused xerographic image is transferred from the release coated surface, to another surface due to the particular characteristics of the coatings. Novel poly(fluorooxyalkylene)urethane acrylate compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fine polishing composition for wafers, comprising water, particulate amorphous silica and a polysaccharide polymer graft-polymerized with acrylamide alone or together with at least one vinyl monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and styrenesulfonic acid, and adjusted with an alkaline substance to a pH of from 8 to 12.

Abstract: A polysaccharide graft copolymer containing a reactive aminoethyl halide group is provided, said copolymer represented by:Sacch--g--(M).sub.a --(T).sub.bwhere Sacch is a polysaccharide base substrate, M is a repeating unit of the formula: ##STR1## where X is halogen and R is hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 2 carbons; T is an ethylenically unsaturated comonomer, a is at least 1 and b is 0 or 1 or more, with the total of a and b being at least 2.Another embodiment provides preparing this graft copolymer by reacting the monomer in a system that is maintained at a pH level of below 7 to prevent premature reaction of the halogen on the aminoethyl halide group during the grafting procedure.

Abstract: Conducting polymer films comprising a polymer matrix with intercalated, bonded conducting polymers, prepared from a polysaccharide matrix and the monomer of conducting polymer, are useful as anti-static materials, optical filters, solid electrolytes, electrodes and electrochemical sensors. The conducting polymers are polyheterocycles such as polyaniline, polythiophene and their derivatives.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel composition comprising a water- and caustic-insoluble, inswellable, fibrous, particulate polymer comprising cross-linked units of a water-soluble polymer and a water-soluble cationic poly(diallylamine)-epichlorohydrin resin. This polymer is useful as an exchange resin, tablet disintegrant, thickener and suspending aid.

Abstract: A new class of polyhydroxypolyamides is disclosed. The polyhydroxypolyamides, useful as fibers, plastics, coatings and adhesives, are characterizied by the repeating structural unit--CO--(CHOH).sub.x --CO--NHCH.sub.2 --(CR.sup.1 H).sub.y --CH.sub.2 NH].sub.nwhere R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.50 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.50 alkenyl or C.sub.7 -C.sub.50 aralkyl; x is an integer of 1 to 6; y and z are the same or different and are 0 or an integer of 1 to about 30; and n is an integer of at least about 10.A process for making these polyhydroxypolyamides is also taught. It includes the steps of reacting an aldaric compound, said compound selected from the group consisting of a diacid, an acid-lactone, a dilactone and mixtures thereof, with an alkanol to form an esterification product and forming the polyhydroxypolyamide by polymerizing the esterification product with a primary amine in a polar solvent.

Abstract: This invention relates to water soluble heterocyclic cationic graft polymers of cellulose containing units of the structure ##STR1## wherein R is the residue of a cellulosic polymer containing hydroxyl groups; R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl; R.sub.2.sup.+ is a quaternized amino amide, a quaternized amino ester or a quaternized 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring having up to 2 nitrogen atoms in the ring structure; R.sub.3 is a C.sub.3 to C.sub.8 alkylene group which is optionally substituted with methyl; R.sub.4 is hydrogen or hydroxy; x is an integer having a value of from 1 to 1000 and X is a halide anion.

Abstract: A cationic graft-copolymer comprising a unit derived from a cationic derivative of a water-soluble linear polymers having a hydroxyl groups, namely, a cationic polysaccharide of the following formula (1)[C.sub.6 H.sub.7 O.sub.2 (OH).sub.3-a (OX).sub.a ].sub.x H.sub.2 O (1)and the cationic derivative of polyvinylalcohol of the following formula (2) or the cationic derivative of the partial hydrolyzed polyvinylalcohol of the following formula (3)[CH.sub.2 CH(OH).sub.1-b (OX).sub.b ].sub.n (2)[CH.sub.2 CH(OH).sub.1-b-c (OX).sub.b (OAc).sub.c ].sub.n (3)and a unit derived from a polymerizable olefin compound of the following formula (4) ##STR1## (a, x, b, n, c, Ac, X, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, and R.sub.7 are defined in claim 1-4); a process for preparing the same and a latex reagent made therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-repellent polymeric carbohydrate composition, wherein a substantial number of the hydroxyl groups of the carbohydrate moieties are reacted with a metal/ammonium complex. The composition of this invention finds particular utility as an oil absorbent, and can also be utilized in other applications where a water-repellent cellulose is necessary, i.e., water-repellent insulation, water-repellent papers, etc.Additionally, this invention relates to a method for producing a water-repellent composition and to a method for utilizing the water-repellent composition as an oil-absorbent in applications where an oil-absorbency and a water-repellency is desirable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single-stage method of producing polysaccharide g FD-water/g polymers. Fine particulate graft polymers with very high water absorption capacity can be prepared by employing a nonionic lipophilic surface active agent and a nonionic hydrophilic surface active agent.

Abstract: A polymer comprises at least one methacrylamide functional group on the average per polymer molecule, which polymer comprises the reaction product of at least one hydroxy functional polymer with at least one isopropenyl azlactone in the presence of an acidic catalyst, said hydroxy functional polymer having a number average molecular weight above 20,000.

Abstract: Preparation of a graft copolymer prepared by reacting a cellulose ester and a mono- or di-ester of maleic or a fumaric acid, thereby obtaining a cellulose derivative bearing a polymerizable double bonding, and then copolymerizing said cellulose derivative with other copolymerizable monomer(s). The invention also includes a coating composition based on thus obtained graft copolymer.

Abstract: The invention described herein comprises a two component sealant composition and process for applying the same for repair of ruptures, holes, cracks, etc., in hoses, pipes, tires, etc. The first component is an alpha-cyanoacrylate glue which is applied as a layer covering the rupture or crack and after a very short period the second component, a powder, is applied to the surface of the alpha-cyanoacrylate. This second component comprises a polymerization initiator having hydroxyl and/or carboxylate groups therein, such as carbohydrate, i.e., saccharides, etc., hydrolyzed polyvinylacetate, etc. A particularly preferred initiator is alginate.

Abstract: Cationic polymer - containing compositions in dry, powder form and having enhanced water-solubility are obtained by mixing (1) from about 5% to about 99% by weight of a solid, finely divided water-soluble cationic polymer and (2) from about 1.0% to about 95% by weight of a solid, finely divided, water-soluble anionic surfactant. The compositions are useful in cosmetic preparations and as flocculating agents, sludge dewatering agents and paper auxiliaries.

Abstract: Certain urea-sulfuric acid components, comprised of urea and sulfuric acid in a 1/4 to 7/4 molar ratio, contain a monourea adduct of sulfuric acid, which is catalytically active for promoting organic chemical reactions. The invention provides methods employing such urea-sulfuric acid components for catalyzing organic reactions such as oxidation, oxidative addition, reduction, reductive addition, esterification, transesterification, hydrogenation, isomerization (including racemization of optical isomers), alkylation, polymerization, demetallization of organometallics, nitration, Friedel-Crafts reactions, and hydrolysis. Novel catalysts are disclosed which involve combinations of the urea-sulfuric component with one or more transition metal halides and/or with one or more surfactants. The surfactant-containing compositions are particularly useful for the treatment of materials containing lipophilic substances.

Abstract: Novel s-triazine compounds containing at least one N,N-bis(alkoxy or hydroxyalkoxy-carbonyl-amino C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkyl) amino substituent function in self-condensation and as crosslinkers for compounds containing active hydrogen groups. The compositions cure to coatings with excellent properties, especially corrosion resistance, humidity resistance, abrasion resistance and flexibility. The coatings have excellent exterior durability.

Abstract: The invention provides [I] a water-absorbing agent composed of a water-absorbing resin powder having the molecular chains near its surface being crosslinked, said powder being obtained by mixing 100 parts by weight of a powder of a carboxyl-containing water-absorbing resin selected from the group consisting of a hydrolyzate of a starch-acrylonitrile graft polymer, a partially neutralized product of a starch-acrylic acid graft polymer, a saponification product of a vinyl acetate-acrylic ester copolymer, a hydrolyzate of an acrylonitrile copolymer, a crosslinked product of a hydrolyzate of an acrylonitrile copolymer, a hydrolyzate of an acrylamide copolymer, a crosslinked product of a hydrolyzate of an acrylamide copolymer, a partially neutralized product of polyacrylic acid, and a crosslinked product of partially neutralized polyacrylic acid with 0.001 to 10 parts by weight of a polyhydric alcohol, 0.

Abstract: The present invention relate to a method of preparing a novel polyurethane polymer having good flame-retardent qualities from an ammonia-modified polyether polyol. The preferred method comprises treating a reducing sugar with an epoxide to form a polyether polyol which is then treated with ammonia, which reacts with the polyol chemically and becomes chemically bound thereto. The ammonia-modified polyether polyol is then reacted with an isocyanate to form a fire-resistant polyurethane.

Abstract: Compositions containing sulfuric acid and one or more of certain chalcogen-containing compounds in which the chalcogen compound/H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 molar ratio is below 2 contain the mono-adduct of sulfuric acid which is catalytically active for promoting organic chemical reactions. Suitable chalcogen-containing compounds have the empirical formula ##STR1## wherein X is a chalcogen, each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is independently selected from hydrogen, NR.sub.3 R.sub.4, and NR.sub.5, at least one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is other than hydrogen, each of R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is hydrogen or a monovalent organic radical, and R.sub.5 is a divalent organic radical. Such compositions are useful for catalyzing organic reactions such as oxidation, oxidative addition, reduction, reductive addition, esterification, transesterification, hydrogenation, isomerication (including racemization of optical isomers), alkylation, polymerization, demetallization of organometallics, nitration, Friedel-Crafts reactions, and hydrolysis.

Abstract: Preparation of a graft copolymer prepared by reacting a cellulose ester and a mono- or a di-ester of maleic or fumaric acid, thereby obtaining a cellulose derivative bearing a polymerizable double bonding, and then copolymerizing said cellulose derivative with other copolymerizable monomer(s). The invention also includes a coating composition based on the thus obtained graft copolymer.

Abstract: A particulate substantially homogeneous polymeric product is made by dispersing ungelatinised polysaccharide in aqueous monomer containing polymerization initiator, initiating polymerization and thereby inducing exothermic polymerization, utilizing the exotherm to provide part at least of the heat necessary to gelatinise the polysaccharide and thereby producing a comminutable gel comprising polymerized monomer and gelatinised polysaccharide, comminuting the gel and drying the comminuted gel. The product generally comprises a blend of water soluble synthetic polymer, gelatinised polysaccharide having a low degree of graft polymerization and optionally gelatinised polysaccharide. Products comprising these components are particularly suitable for use as wallpaper adhesives.

Abstract: Heavy metals can be fixed to solid carriers to which an .alpha.-amino- or an .alpha.-iminohydroxamate ligand has been covalently bound. The ligand can have the structural formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represent H or an alkyl, or may be a compound of two or more hydroxamate substituents. The carrier can be formed of polysaccharides, polygalactanes, polyacrylates or silica dioxide. The adsorbent is prepared by an .alpha.-aminohydroxamate in an aqueous solution having a pH value of 4-9 being brought into contact with an aldehyde derivative of a carrier, followed by reduction with sodiumborohydride or sodiumcyanoborohydride.

Abstract: Polysaccharide graft copolymers are prepared by a water-in-oil emulsion polymerization process in which the polysaccharide and water-soluble monomer are emulsified in an oil phase containing emulsifying agents and polymerized therein. The resultant emulsion polymers are in stable form and may be used directly, for example, as adhesives for prepasted wallpaper, or may be inverted into aqueous systems and used for their thickening or flocculating properties.

Abstract: Cationic starch graft copolymers are disclosed which improve the dry strength of paper when used as wet-end additives. Such copolymers comprise cationic starch, nonionic vinyl monomers and cationic vinyl monomers which have been polymerized.

Abstract: Maltooligosaccharide syrup is hydrogenated under nickel catalyst and high pressure so as to reduce the end-groups of the maltooligosaccharide syrup. The reduced syrup and cyclodextrin are mixed, and the volatile corrosion inhibitor is included by means of the cyclodextrin to form cyclodextrin clathrate compound of volatile corrosion inhibitor. The cyclodextrin clathrate compound of volatile corrosion inhibitor is mixed with a thermoplastic synthetic resin, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl chloride. Then, the thermoplastic resin mixed with the volatile corrosion inhibitor is formed in a desired shape, by way of blown-film extrusion, injection molding or expansion molding.The thus obtained rust preventive comprises a thermoplastic synthetic resin including a cyclodextrin clathrate compound of volatile corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: A modified polysaccharide material which comprises: (1) polysaccharide covalently bonded to a synthetic polymer; (2) the synthetic polymer being made from (a) a polymerizable compound which is capable of being covalently coupled directly or indirectly to said polysaccharide, and (b) one or more polymerizable compounds containing (i) an ionizable chemcial group, (ii) a chemical group capable of transformation to an ionizable chemical group, (iii) a chemical group capable of causing the covalent coupling of the compound (b) to an affinity ligand or a biologically active molecule or (iv) a hydrophobic compound.

Abstract: Saccharides having pendant ethylenically unsaturated groups covalently bonded thereto are employed as coupling agents in filled and/or reinforced polymer compositions. Said saccharide is applied to the surface of a particulate or fibrous filler and/or reinforcing material and the resulting saccharide-coated filler and/or reinforcing material is intimately mixed with the polymer material to be filled and/or reinforced thereby.

Abstract: A uranium adsorbing material made of a graft polymer with a graft ratio of 20 to 100% which contains amidoxime groups and cation exchange groups in a molar ratio of 1:1 to 20:1 and a process for preparing said material are herein disclosed.

Abstract: A pullulan copolymer obtained by reacting with a polymerizable olefinic compound a pullulan ester which is produced by reacting pullulan with an unsaturated acid to introduce a double bond of carbon thereinto. It is highly hydrophilic and is a material having a high affinity for a living body and which is, therefore, useful for making contact lenses, intraocular lenses, artificial bones and blood vessels, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel graft copolymers and to a novel process for the preparation thereof. The polymeric compositions provided by the present invention comprise the reaction product of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a carboxylated cellulose ester having an acid number of at least about 5, an inherent viscosity of from about 0.01 to about 1.00 and wherein the anhydroglucose units thereof have ring substituents comprising by weight based on total polymer weight, of from about 0.05 to about 20% hydroxyl groups, from about 0.5 to about 44% acetyl groups, from 0 to about 54% butyryl groups, from 0 to about 47% propionyl groups, from about 0.4 to about 4.0% total carboxyl groups wherein from about 20% to about 100% of these carboxyl groups are non-saponifiable backbone, and wherein the material has a lactone level of from about 4.52.times.10.sup.-15 to about 6.13.times.10.sup.-4.

Abstract: Product constituted by a polymer or a copolymer having in its chain substitutable groups to which are statistically fixed X and Y groups, in which X represents SO.sub.3 --R.sup.1, with R.sup.1 being a hydrogen atom or a physiologically acceptable metal, wherein the Y groups have the formula --SO.sub.2 --R.sup.2, in which R.sup.2 represents a radical derived from arginine or an arginine derivative, bonded by its amino function --NH-- to the radical --SO.sub.2 --.The invention also relates to a process for preparing such a product and to a process of the separation and purification of thrombin.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved cellulosic ester or ether product with a degree of ester or ether substitution of between 2.0 and about 2.9 which is derivatized or further reacted by reaction with an acrylamide reactant to provide pendant acrylamide functionality or substituents at a degree of substitution (D.S.) of at least about 0.05 (preferably from about 0.05 to about 0.5) and to thereby provide a polymerizable organic solvent-soluble product which is insoluble in water and copolymerizable with vinyl monomers. The product is conveniently prepared by reacting said cellulose ether or ester derivative with a catalyst and the acrylamide reactant at a pH of from between about 4.2 and about 4.5. The reaction is carried out at a temperature between 80.degree. C. and 120.degree. C. for from one-half to three hours, while removing the water of reaction.

Abstract: A grafted starch polymer solution having a lower viscosity through the incorporation of styrene into said grafted starch polymer.

Abstract: Affinity chromatography media are prepared by reacting mono or di-chloro triazine dyes with a solid support matrix containing free hydroxy or amino groups in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide and an alkali metal salt. In the absence of cyanogen bromide activation, the linkage to the support is entirely via the triazine ring giving high and specific protein-binding capacity. Suitable support matrices include polymers and copolymers of agarose, dextrose, dextran and acrylamide with agarose being particularly preferred. Dye binding levels are much higher than those obtained in the presence of carbonates or bicarbonates.Mono-chlorotriazinyl dyes are bound at a pH which is preferably above 9.5. The reaction time is about 40-60 hours at room temperature, however this may be reduced if the reaction temperature is increased. Dichlorotriazinyl dyes are bound at pH 8 to 12.5 in a few hours at room temperature.

Abstract: Under particular conditions, a cationic ring-opening polymerization of an oxirane monomer selected from the group consisting of an acyclic glycidyl ether, a cyclic glycidyl ether, and a haloalkyl epoxide, in the presence of a hydroxyl-containing backbone of a polymer ("HCB") and a particular catalyst, produces a polymerization having `living polymerization` characteristics, provided the OH groups are aliphatic OH groups and not aromatic OH groups. The result is a graft copolymer the molecular weight (mol wt) of which is directly proportional to the conversion of the monomer. The HCB, which may have from 1 to about 400 pendant OH groups, and more preferably at least 7 pendant OH groups, provides grafting sites for the grafting segments. Where a grafted segment contains halogen, the segment may be aminated. If the HCB is hydrophobic, the aminated block copolymer is amphiphilic.

Abstract: The invention relates to water soluble cyclodextrin polymers substituted by ionic groups, containing structural units of formula (I) ##STR1##

Abstract: An oxygen permeable, wettable, optically acceptable vision correction lens can be made from homopolymers of aminoglycans, substituted aminoglycans, or crosslinked polymers thereof.

Abstract: Contact lenses and implants for human medicine can be fabricated from a polymer blend comprising 98-80% by weight of component A and 2-20% by weight of component B wherein:component A is a cellulose ester of an aliphatic carboxylic acid with up to 40% by weight of total component A of an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer having 30-98% by weight, relative to ethylene/vinyl acetate, of incorporated vinyl acetate andcomponent B is a homopolymer or copolymer of water-soluble vinyl monomers and up to 10% by weight relative to the total polymer B of multifunctional crosslinker vinyl compounds.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium monomers and monomers copolymerizable therewith are reacted in the presence of anionic polymers to directly form a dry coacervate by a process which comprises forming a solution comprising the monomer(s), the anionic polymer, solvent(s) and a free-radical initiator and simultaneously polymerizing and drying the solution at a temperature above the boiling point of the solvent.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for producing amino polyols useful in preparing polyurethane foams. The improvement concerns charging ammonia, a primary amine or a secondary amine to the reaction vessel at the end of the oxide digestion step. The amine or ammonia scavenges the residual oxide and the resulting alkanol amine becomes one of the components of the polyol mixture. Alkanol amines are beneficial components of urethane polyols.In prior art industrial practice, residual oxide is vented to a scrubber system and then stripped to a low concentration.

Abstract: Processes for manufacturing starch copolymer compositions are provided. In one process, a modified starch is reacted with a hydrophilic vinyl monomer to produce a starch copolymer gel which is, in turn, divided in a plurality of gel fragments. The gel fragments are then dried with a stream of gel to produce a flowable, particulate starch copolymer composition. In another process, water is evaporated from the copolymer gel and further polymerization of vinyl monomers is inhibited during the evaporating by any of a variety of means such as reducing the level of residual vinyl monomer or avoiding conditions which initiate polymerization.