Abstract: The present invention relates to a new form of biocompatible materials (e.g., lipids, polycations, polysaccharides) which are capable of undergoing free radical polymerization, e.g., by using certain sources of light; methods of modifying certain synthetic and naturally occurring biocompatible materials to make polymerizable microcapsules containing biological material coated with said polymerizable materials, composites of said polymerizable materials, methods of making microcapsules and encapsulating biological materials therein, and apparatus for making microcapsules containing biological cells (particularly islets of Langerhans) coated with polymerizable alginate or with a composite thereof (e.g., alginate and PEG). The present invention also relates to drug delivery systems relating to the foregoing, as well as bioadhesives and wound dressings made utilizing the foregoing technology.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods to render cells non-adhesive and/or non-immunogenic with respect to macromolecules typically encountered in culture media or in physiological media.

Abstract: The invention discloses a starch graft poly(meth)acrylate blast media which is effective in paint removal. The media is superior to a physical blend of the components (i.e., starch and acrylic polymers) and to either a starch polymer or an acrylic polymer used singly. The hardness of the media is between 65-90 Shore D.

Abstract: The invention relates to the chemical bonding of a polymer/or polymers onto non-metallic substrates such as cellophane by ultrasonic techniques. The cellophane film is preactivated by contacting with silver nitrate solution followed by treatment with potassium hydroxide solution whereby particles of silver and silver oxide are uniformly distributed, in situ, over the surface of cellophane film. The pretreated cellophane film when contacted with grafting solution, that contains monomers, prepolymers, catalyst, graft initiator and other ingredients of the composition, which is being agitated with ultrasonic energy results in polymerization of monomer/prepolymer onto the surface of the cellophane film.

Abstract: Photocurable glycosaminoglycan (GAG) derivatives and crosslinked glycosaminoglycans, which are highly safe and biocompatible, a method of preparing such photocurable GAG derivatives readily moldable by casting using a solvent when desired, by which method unreacted substances causative of adverse effects can be readily eliminated, and a method of producing the crosslinked GAGs and medical materials based on the photocurable GAG derivatives or crosslinked GAGs are provided. The photocurable GAG derivatives comprise a glycosaminoglycan and a photoreactive compound bound thereto and can be produced, for example, by subjecting hydroxyl or carboxyl groups of the glycosaminoglycan to esterification reaction or amidation reaction, respectively, with the photoreactive compound. The crosslinked GAGs are derived from the photocurable GAG derivatives by intermolecular crosslinking of the photoreactive compound bound thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-soluble, acid groups-containing graft copolymers which are at least partially biodegradable and are based on polyhydroxy compounds and monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids and/or phosphonic acids or the salts of said acids as well as optional further monomers. The present invention further relates to a process for producing said graft copolymers at temperatures of up to 200.degree. C. by means of radical polymerization initiators, in that a total mixture is polymerized which consists of 1-60%-wt. of polyhydroxy compounds, their derivatives or their mixtures, and 95-40%-wt. of a monomer mixture comprising at least one monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, at least one monoethylenically unsaturated sulfonic acid, one monoethylenically unsaturated sulfuric acid ester and/or vinylphosphonic acid or the salts of said acids with monovalent cations, as well as optional further monomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified cellulose ester containing unsaturated pendent groups which can be prepared by reacting a cellulose ester containing residual hydroxyl groups with, for example, maleic anhydride in acetic acid solvent with sodium acetate catalyst. The modified cellulose ester is not homopolymerizable but will copolymerize in the presence of vinyl crosslinking agents and a photoinitiator upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The modified cellulose ester is useful as a protective and/or decorative coating for wood, metal, plastics, paper, board, and other substrates, as well as an additive to printing inks, and as a nail polish. In addition, because of the propensity for the pendant carboxyl groups to form hydrophilic salts with amines, the modified cellulose esters can be formulated to be water-dispersible.

Abstract: A novel biodegradable, water-resistant polymer material which can be produced with defined material properties is suggested, in particular in the form of foils, films, strips, masses, molded articles or the like, this material consisting essentially of a product of the cross-linking reaction of polysaccharides and/or polypeptides, the hydroxyl, amino, imino, thiol and/or carboxyl groups of which are derivatized at least partially in a non-radical reaction with agents which include groups cross-linkable in a process step following the derivatization and separate therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new form of biocompatible materials (e.g., lipids, polycations, polysaccharides) which are capable of undergoing free radical polymerization, e.g., by using certain sources of light; methods of modifying certain synthetic and naturally occurring biocompatible materials to make polymerizable microcapsules containing biological material coated with said polymerizable materials, composites of said polymerizable materials, methods of making microcapsules and encapsulating biological materials therein, and apparatus for making microcapsules containing biological cells (particularly islets of Langerhans) coated with polymerizable alginate or with a composite thereof (e.g., alginate and PEG). The present invention also relates to drug delivery systems relating to the foregoing, as well as bioadhesives and wound dressings made utilizing the foregoing technology.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions prepared by polymerization of vinyl acetate, ethylene, and comonomers selected from the group consisting of vinyl esters of aliphatic (C.sub.3 -C.sub.18)-carboxylic acids, acrylic acid esters, methacrylic acid esters, and maleic acid diesters of aliphatic (C.sub.1 -C.sub.18)-alcohols in the presence of 0.05 to 0.95% by weight of .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acids, 0 to 0.95% by weight of methacrylic acid esters or acrylic acid esters which carry epoxide or hydroxyl groups, and 1.5 to 20% by weight of cellulose ether, to form a copolymer having a glass transition temperature of -40.degree. to 0.degree. C. and comprising a cellulose ether in at least partly grafted form, are suitable as adhesives, for example, for gluing polyolefins.

Abstract: Moisture-shrinkable films can be extrusion blown from flour-poly(methyl acrylate) graft copolymers. The films shrink when exposed at room temperature to relative humidities approaching 100%. The films have potential application in shrink-wrapping irregularly shaped articles without application of heat. Easy removal of the films by water washing is another feature suitable for this use. This invention allows the use of unmodified cereal flour in lieu of gelatinized starch as the substrate for graft polymerization. This substitution greatly simplifies the preparation and isolation of the graft copolymers and reduces the expense of the process by lowering raw material costs.

Abstract: A process for preparing a modified polysaccharide graft copolymer complex which comprises the steps of:i. subjecting polysaccharide to graft copolymerization with a vinyl monomer;ii. treating the polysaccharide graft copolymer with:a. polyethylene glycol to provide a polymer-PEG complex; orb. a silicate compound to provide a silica precipitated polymer; andiii. recovering the polymer-PEG complex or silica precipitated polymer.This modified polysaccharide graft copolymer may be used as a surface sizing agent in the preparation of paper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-soluble, acid-groups-containing graft copolymers which are at least partially biodegradable and are based on sugars and monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids and/or phosphonic acids or the salts of said acids as well as optional further monomers. The present invention further relates to a process for producing the graft copolymers at temperatures of up to 200.degree. C. by means of radical polymerization initiators, in that a total mixture of 5-60 %-wt. mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, the derivatives thereof or the mixtures thereof, and 95-40 %-wt. of a monomer mixture comprising at least one monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, at least one monoethylenically unsaturated sulfonic acid, one monoethylenically unsaturated sulfuric acid ester and/or vinylphosphonic acid or the salts of said acids with monovalent cations, as well as optional further monomers is polymerized.

Abstract: Graft polymers are obtainable by free radical polymerization of(A) monomers or monomer mixtures of(a) from 10 to 100% by weight of open-chain N-vinylcarboxamides(b) from 0 to 90% by weight of other, carboxyl-free monoethylenically unsaturated monomers which are copolymerizable with the monomers (a) and(c) from 0 to 5% by weight of monomers containing two or more ethylenically unsaturated, non-conjugated double bonds in the molecule,in the presence of(B) natural substances containing saccharide structures, such as mono-, oligo- and polysaccharides,in a weight ratio (A):(B) of from 95:5 to 20:80 and, if required, subsequent hydrolysis of the amido groups of the polymerized monomers (a) of the graft polymer with formation of amino groups, and said polymers are used as dry and wet strength agents for paper, board and cardboard.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a sized synthetic fiber comprising the steps of (a) preparing a sizing composition for synthetic materials used in textile manufacturing comprising (i) a lubricant or wetting agent and (ii) a binder composition comprising starch and a reaction product of styrene and 1,3-butadiene wherein said starch is characterized by an intrinsic viscosity of from about 0.07 dl/g to about 0.35 dl/g; (b) sizing synthetic fiber with the sizing composition of step (a); and (c) removing excess sizing composition from the sized fiber.

Abstract: The use of prime starch to make a starch graft copolymer allows the resulting starch graft copolymer to be extruded with reduced torque and pressure as compared to a starch graft copolymer made from conventional dried starch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophilic, swellable graft polymers which comprise, in a random distribution, from 0.5 to 50% by weight of radicals of the general formula I ##STR1## and radicals of the general formula II ##STR2## from 49 to 99% by weight of radicals of the general formula III ##STR3## containing an acid group, and from 0.1 to 2% by weight of radicals of a crosslinking agent which are derived from monomers containing at least two olefinically unsaturated double bonds, where the radicals R.sup.1 to R.sup.4, X and Y and n and m are where X and Y, independently of one another are COCH.sub.3, CH.sub.2 COOR.sup.2, COCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 COOH ##STR4## n and m, independently of one another, are 2 to 300, R.sup.1 is hydrogen or methyl, R.sup.2, independently of one another, are hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, R.sup.

Abstract: A method for producing stabilized polymers, exhibiting enhanced thermal stability, which comprises polymerizing a mixture comprising: a monomer comprising an allyl-containing group which is bonded to primary and/or secondary hydroxyl groups on a saccharide, preferably a long chain (C.sub.3 -C.sub.20) allyl-containing ether group on the hydroxyl group; and one or monomers selected from methacrylate ester monomers, acrylate ester monomers, acrylamide monomers and styrene monomers, in amounts sufficient to produce a polymer exhibiting enhanced thermal stability. Polymers having enhanced thermal stability are obtained using a monomer comprising an allyl-containing group which is bonded to primary and/or secondary hydroxyl groups on a saccharide, as a novel stabilization crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Photocurable glycosaminoglycan (GAG) derivatives and crosslinked glycosaminoglycans, which are highly safe and biocompatible, a method of preparing such photocurable GAG derivatives readily moldable by casting using a solvent when desired, by which method unreacted substances causative of adverse effects can be readily eliminated, and a method of producing the crosslinked GAGs and medical materials based on the photocurable GAG derivatives or crosslinked GAGs are provided. The photocurable GAG derivatives comprise a glycosaminoglycan and a photoreactive compound bound thereto and can be produced, for example, by subjecting hydroxyl or carboxyl groups of the glycosaminoglycan to esterification reaction or amidation reaction, respectively, with the photoreactive compound. The crosslinked GAGs are derived from the photocurable GAG derivatives by intermolecular crosslinking of the photoreactive compound bound thereto.

Abstract: Compounds are provided for use in an electrolyte comprising repeating unit selected from the group consisting of cyclic and heterocyclic species having y carbon atoms and z heteroatoms, X, and where y is 4, 5 or 6 and z is 0, 1 or 2. The heteroatom is selected from the group consisting of O, S and N. The repeating unit is further substituted by four to six pendant groups having the formula, (CHR.sub.1).sub.m O(CHR.sub.1 CHR.sub.1 O).sub.n Y, where the majority of pendant groups comprises at least two O and further,in which m is 0 or 1,in which n is in the range of 0 to 25,in which each R.sub.1 is the same or different and R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, allylic and alkenyl radicals having 1 to 18 carbon atoms and Y, andin which each Y is the same or different and Y is a functional group selected from the group consisting of polymerizable functionalities, plasticizing agents and ionic species. Electrolytes, plasticizers and macro-ions prepared from these compounds are described.

Abstract: A dried film reinforced with coalescable water insoluble polymer particles which are substantially noncoalesced is disclosed. Also disclosed are dried films reinforced with noncoalesced water insoluble polymer particles which are readily water dispersible. Also disclosed are stable aqueous dispersions for formation of such films which comprise (a) a water insoluble component comprising coalescable polymer particles which have a T.sub.g less than 55.degree. C. and a majority of which have a particle size of less than 1 micron; and (b) a water soluble component which comprises a water soluble polymer capable of inhibiting coalescence of the polymer particles, or a water soluble polymer and a component capable of inhibiting coalescence of the polymer particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to high temperature aqueous processes for the polymerization of monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic monomers to produce low molecular weight, water-soluble polymer products useful as detergent additives, scale inhibitors, dispersants and crystal growth modifiers. Suitable monomers include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, crotonic acid, and itaconic acid. The reactions are run at temperatures ranging from about 130.degree. C. to 240.degree. C., preferably from about 140.degree. C. to about 230.degree. C. The process can be continuous, semi-continuous, or batch.

Abstract: The present invention provides graft copolymers that are highly absorbent to aqueous electrolyte solutions.

Abstract: Cyclodextrin containing polymeric siloxanes wherein the cyclodextrin is connected to the polymeric siloxane by a single linking member connected to the 2, 3 or 6-position of the cyclodextrin are disclosed. These polymers are chemically and thermally stable to gas, supercritical fluid chromatographic conditions. The single arm attachment provides cyclodextrin containing polysiloxane polymers having synthesis reproducibility from batch to batch resulting in consistent chromatographic performance of the resulting chiral phases. The use of such polymers as chiral stationary phases in analytical and preparative gas, supercritical fluid and liquid chromatographic separations, and particularly for analysis of enantiomeric and other stereoisomeric mixtures of various substances is shown.

Abstract: Metal cations absorbed within a hydrogel chelation polymer are insolubilized for safe disposal by treating the polymer with a precipitative anion such as carbonate, aluminate, hydroxide, phosphate, silicate, or sulfide. Further insolubilization of the metal cations may be achieved by subsequent treatment of the polymer with a water-dilutable prepolymer composition such as phenol-formaldehyde resin, then heating to cause cross-linking of the prepolymer. The hydrogel chelation polymer, containing metal sulfide formed by virtue of the insolubilization process, is useful in abstracting from water metals whose sulfides are less soluble than the metal sulfide initially within the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides graft copolymers that are highly absorbent to aqueous electrolyte solutions.

Abstract: Graft polymers are obtainable by free radical polymerization of(A) monomers or monomer mixtures of(a) from 10 to 100% by weight of open-chain N-vinylcarboxamides(b) from 0 to 90% by weight of other, carboxyl-free monoethylenically unsaturated monomers which are copolymerizable with the monomers (a) and(c) from 0 to 5% by weight of monomers containing two or more ethylenically unsaturated, non-conjugated double bonds in the molecule, in the presence of(B) natural substances containing saccharide structures, such as mono-, oligo- and polysaccharides,in a weight ratio (A):(B) of from 95:5 to 20:80 and, if required, subsequent hydrolysis of the amido groups of the polymerized monomers (a) of the graft polymer with formation of amino groups, and said polymers are used as dry and wet strength agents for paper, board and cardboard.

Abstract: Expanded foam materials having a high degree of biodegradability are prepared by combining a starch-graft copolymer (SGC) with grain based starch containing materials and 15-25% water and expanding the mixture either with or without blowing agents. The mixture of SGC and grain based material is directly expanded at elevated temperature with an extruder or other expansion means. The product may be customized for particular applications by manipulating the particular grafted monomer, manipulating the ratio of SGC to grain based material and/or by the addition of nucleators, blowing agents, plasticizers or other additives, and/or by varying moisture content and the conditions of expansion.

Abstract: The present invention provides graft copolymers that are highly absorbent to aqueous electrolyte solutions.

Abstract: The present invention provides graft copolymers that are highly absorbent to aqueous electrolyte solutions.

Abstract: Fine-particle, water-swellable polysaccharide graft copolymers by prepared inverse suspension polymerization of 5 to 40 parts of polysaccharide and 95 to 60 parts of an olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid, in which an aqueous phase which contains the olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid, polymerization initiator and 100 to 75 wt. % of the polysaccharide is metered into a hydrophobic solvent which contains 0 to 25 wt. % of the polysaccharide at 40.degree. to 100.degree. C., exhibit improved absorptivity properties and particle size distribution.

Abstract: The present invention provides graft copolymers that are highly absorbent to aqueous electrolyte solutions.

Abstract: The present invention provides graft copolymers that are highly absorbent to aqueous electrolyte solutions.

Abstract: Polysaccharide graft polymers are prepared by semi-continuous reverse-phase suspension polymerization, partial dewatering and crosslinking, wherein during and after the suspension polymerization, in which an aqueous solution of an at least partially neutralized, olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid is added to a suspension of a polysaccharide in a nonpolar organic solvent, the viscosity is reduced by adding amphoteric ammonium compounds or quaternary imidazolinium salts to the reaction medium.

Abstract: Finely divided polysaccharide graft polymers having a high absorption capacity for urine and water are prepared by semi-continuous reverse-phase suspension polymerization, in which an aqueous solution of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and an initiator is metered continuously into a suspension of a polysaccharide in an organic solvent and the polymer obtained is subsequently partial dehydrated and the crosslinked.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrogel which is a copolymer of a polymerizable monomer mixture which containsa) 2-85 mol-% of a hydrophobic vinyl monomer with at least three fluorine atoms,b) 2-80 mol-% of a hydrophobic polyhydroxy vinyl monomer whose hydroxyl groups are in protected form,c) 2-70 mol-% of a hydrophilic vinyl monomer and,d) based on the total amount of monomers a)-c), 0-5 mol-% of a crosslinker, in which hydrogel the hydroxyl groups of the segments formed by the monomers b) are in protected or in free form.These hydrogels can be used, for example, as contact lenses, intraocular lenses or in other areas of application where biologically tolerated materials are required.

Abstract: A stable aqueous polymeric dispersion comprising a graft copolymer of thinned, gelatinized starch and one or more vinyl grafting monomers, the vinyl monomers including at least 10% by weight 1,3-butadiene is disclosed. Also disclosed are paper coating color compositions comprising the polymeric dispersions and pigments and improved high gloss papers coated with the coating color compositions.

Abstract: An aqueous, salt stable polymeric dispersion comprising the reaction product of a thinned, gelatinized starch and one or more vinyl monomers, said monomer(s) comprising at least 10% 1,3-butadiene by weight is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of producing a molding compound on the basis of starch and a plasticizer starting product, characterized in that the starch and the plasticizer starting product are simultaneously reacted with ethylene oxide in one and the same reaction vessel.

Abstract: Cellulosic fibers were pre-treated with maleic anhydride or phthalic anhydride in the presence of an intitiator to improve the bonding and dispersibility of the fibers in the polymer matrix. High density polyethylene (HDPE) was filled with chemically treated chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP) and wood flour. Composites of HDPE-pre-treated wood fibers, characterized at different fiber ratios, produced superior mechanical properties than the untreated fiber composites. These composites can be compression or injection molded to produce useful articles.

Abstract: Monomers such as hydrophobic olefinically unsaturated monomers have been grafted onto maltodextrins and other low molecular weight starch hydrolyzates to prepare stable fluid emulsions of coatable viscosity and reduced graininess. Polymer films of high tensile strength which are useful in a variety of applications, including high temperature applications may be formed by casting and drying these emulsions.

Abstract: Improved articles having reduced thrombogenicity when in contact with blood products containing albumin and methods of their preparation and use are provided. The articles comprise at the surface of blood contact a water insoluble polymeric substrate material having covalently attached thereon aliphatic extension of 12 to 22 carbon atoms. When exposed to blood, the aliphatic chain extensions provide a hydrophobic binding site for albumin. The articles when implemented with whole blood or blood products selectively enhance albumin affinity binding to the exclusion of other blood components, and subsequently minimize thrombus formation as well as other biocompatibility parameters, such as foreign body immune responses.

Abstract: Novel carboxylic acid-functional polymers are obtained by reacting:(a) a hydroxy-functional polymer having an average of at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule; and(b) a cyclic anhydride under reaction conditions to produce acid groups and ester groups; andwherein the hydroxy-functional polymer is obtained by the copolymerization of:(i) 1-95 weight percent of a cellulose ester; and(ii) 5-99 weight percent of at least one ethylenically unsaturated alcohol copolymerizable with the cellulose acetate butyrate; and(iii) 0-94 weight percent of at least one other ethylenically unsaturated monomer copolymerizable with the cellulose ester and the ethylenically unsaturated alcohol.Curable compositions especially useful as coatings are prepared by mixing the novel carboxylic acid-functional polymers with epoxy-functional compounds and, optionally, with anhydridefunctional compounds and, optionally, hydroxy-functional compounds. The coatings are especially useful in clearcoat/basecoat compositions.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a polymer/starch composite. The process involves forming the polymer in the presence of starch, an organometallic cocatalyst, and a particulate olefin polymerization catalyst. Also there is disclosed a process for improving the activity of a particulate olefin polymerization catalyst by the employment of a suitable amount of starch during the polymerization.

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: Monomers such as hydrophobic olefinically unsaturated monomers have been grafted onto maltodextrins and other low molecular weight starch hydrolyzates to prepare stable fluid emulsions of coatable viscosity and reduced graininess. Polymer films of high tensile strength which are useful in a variety of applications, including high temperature applications may be formed by casting and drying these emulsions.

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

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a highly water-absorbing resin comprising a polymer obtained by polymerizing a monomer composition mainly composed of an ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid and/or an alkali metal salt thereof. The process comprises incorporating an oil-soluble polyfunctional epoxy compound having a solubility in 100 g of water at 20.degree. C. of not more than 0.3 g into the polymer by adding 0.0005-3 parts by weight of the oil-soluble polyfunctional epoxy compound to 100 parts by weight of the polymer or the monomer composition to be subjected to polymerization and thereby causing crosslinking.

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: 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.