Abstract: A Chelating agent comprising a polymer backbone. The polymer backbone has a plurality of carbon atoms. There are two carboxylate groups or carboxylic acid groups per repeating unit being coupled to separate carbon atoms of the backbone.

Abstract: Described herein are a group of degradable, thermoplastic polymers, which are able to change their shape after an increase temperature. Their shape memory capability enables bulky implants to be placed in the body through small incisions or to perform complex mechanical deformations automatically. The shape memory polymers are preferably biocompatible and can be biodegradable or non-degradable polymers. Preferably, the biodegradable polymer has a linear degradation rate. In a specifically preferred embodiment, the suture is formed of biodegradable polymer capable of forming a self-tightening knot. In a most preferred embodiment, the suture is used to close a wound or body scission.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for preparing macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) directly from monomer via heterogeneous catalysis, rather than by depolymerizing a polyester. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, cyclic poly(butylene terephthalate) (cPBT) is produced by reacting butanediol (BDO) and dimethylterephthalate (DMT) in an organic solvent—for example, ortho-dichlorobenzene (oDCB). The mixture flows over (or otherwise contacts) the catalyst-coated fiberglass or silica gel, e.g., which is packed in a column or bed. MPO is produced in the reaction mixture, while residual linears and catalyst residue remain in the column/bed.

Abstract: Coating composition comprising an oxidatively drying binder and a reactive diluent. The diluent is an ester of a polyunsaturated alcohol, the ester being without chain-end double bonds. The alcohol can selected from the group comprising geraniol, nerol, citronellol, and farnesol. The ester can be a di-ester of a dicarboxylic acid, such as malonic acid or a polyester comprising at least one terminal malonate group.

Abstract: Processes for preparing polyester resins as toner production components. The processes include reacting an organic diol and a cyclic alkylene carbonate to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and a polyalkoxy diol. The carbon dioxide is reacted with an alkylene glycol or alkylene oxide to produce additional cyclic alkylene carbonate having the same chemical structure as the cyclic alkylene carbonate used to produce the polyalkoxy diol. The additional cyclic alkylene carbonate is added with the cyclic alkylene carbonate used to produce the polyalkoxy diol. The polyalkoxy diol can be reacted with an organic diacid or diester in preparing a polyester resin. To prepare a toner, the polyester resin can be contacted with at least one toner production component.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for the chemical synthesis of methylene malonates using the Knovenagel synthesis reaction. The method of the invention provides for improved methylene malonates by significantly reducing or eliminating the formation of alternative and/or deleterious side products, significantly reducing or eliminating unwanted consumption of methylene malonates, and significantly reducing or eliminating the degradation of methylene malonates. These advantages result in methylene malonates, which upon recovery, are of higher quality, greater purity, improved yield and possess overall improved performance characteristics (e.g., improved cure speed, retention of cure speed, improved shelf-life and/or stability).

Abstract: Provided are a polyester polymerization catalyst with which the generation of foreign materials caused by the catalyst or mold pollution at the time of molding are reduced and polyesters having remarkably superior thermal stability and color tone can be obtained. Provided is a polyester polymerization catalyst produced by the reaction of a titanium compound and a mannitol in a molar ratio of titanium atom to mannitol of from 1:1 to 1:3. A method for producing a polyester employs the polyester polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a purified 2-aryl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine of formula (I) wherein R1 is hydrogen or a C1-25 hydrocarbyl group and R2 is a hydrogen, a C1-25 hydrocarbyl group, or a halogen, and wherein the method comprises dissolving a crude phthalimidine compound in an aqueous base solution; precipitating the dissolved, crude phthalimidine compound from the aqueous base solution by adding an acid in an amount effective to lower the pH of the solution to 9.0 to 12.0, to provide a semicrude phthalimidine compound; and isolating the semicrude phthalimidine compound from the aqueous base solution, to provide the purified 2-aryl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine of formula (I), and having a phenolphthalein compound content of less than 2,500 ppm, based on the weight of the purified 2-aryl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a polymer is obtained by polycondensation of a fluorinated dicarboxylic acid derivative of the general formula (M-1) or an acid anhydride of the fluorinated dicarboxylic acid with a polyfunctional compound having two to four reactive groups corresponding in reactivity to carbonyl moieties of the fluorinated dicarboxylic acid derivative or acid anhydride. [Chem. 134] AOCF2C-Q-CF2COA???(M-1) In the above formula, Q represents a divalent organic group having a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring; and A and A? each independently represent an organic group. This polymer exhibits a sufficiently low dielectric constant for use as a semiconductor protection film and has the capability of forming a film at a relatively low temperature of 250° C. or lower.

Abstract: A film of a carboxylated polymer of formula (I): wherein the sum of x, y and z is an integer from 10 to 10,000 and degree of hydrolysis is 0.05 or greater provides gas separation materials in which the degree of hydrolysis may be used to tune the selectivity of the gases to an optimal required range. Such films may be prepared by casting a film of a polymer of formula (II): wherein n is an integer from 10 to 10,000, and hydrolyzing all or a portion of the —CN groups to form —COOH groups.

Abstract: Methods for preparing active carbonate esters of water-soluble polymers are provided. Also provided are other methods related to the active carbonate esters of water-soluble polymers, as well as corresponding compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of modified polymers by incorporating a compositional modifier into a polymer to produce the modified polymer. More particularly, the invention relates the preparation of condensation type copolyesters or copolyamides by joint short length polyester or polyester oligomers or short length polyamide or polyamide oligomers with a modifier which contains hydroxyl acids blocks.

Abstract: Disclosed are formaldehyde-free, thermally-curable, alkaline, aqueous binder compositions, curable to formaldehyde-free, water-insoluble thermoset polyester resins, and uses thereof as binders for non-woven fibers and fiber material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing a polyether-polyester block copolymer with a di(C 1-C 4)alkyl ester of aromatic dicarboxylic acid, an aliphatic diol or aliphatic polyol and a polyether having at least one terminal hydroxyl group in an inert solvent. In the present invention, the inert solvent 5 is used to prevent the di(C 1-C 4)alkyl ester of aromatic dicarboxylic acid from sublimation instead of excessive polyol, such that the subsequent removal of excessive polyol under high temperature and high vacuum is avoided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved linear microdialysis probe comprising a continuous length of flexible tubing (1) having at least one window (4) formed therein, said window covering at least one part of the circumference of the tubing, while the remaining part forms at least one unbroken connection between a first end of said tubing and a second end of said tubing, said ends adapted to be attached to an inlet for perfusion liquid and the other end forming an outlet for the dialysate, said at least one window (4) exposing a tubular semipermeable membrane (2).

Abstract: Polyester compositions described herein have properties which are particularly suitable for extrusion blow molding (EBM). These properties relate primarily to the rate of crystallization and melt strength or melt viscosity. Articles prepared from the polyester compositions exhibit good clarity, aesthetics, and other physical properties. The polyester compositions also exhibit broad molecular weight distribution (MWD), resulting in improved processability and melt strength. The crystallization rate allows for good drying characteristics while also enabling the use of regrind. In addition, the compositions exhibit improved recyclability, such as in existing PET recycling streams. In one aspect, articles are prepared in an extrusion blow molding method by combining a dry first polyester copolymer component, a dry second polyester component, and a chain extender to form a feed material suitable for extrusion blow molding.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a biodegradable nitric oxide-generating polymer comprising a nitric oxide-releasing N2O231 (NONOate) functional group. The polymer can be applied to various medical devices for the treatment of various diseases such as thrombosis and restenosis.

Abstract: A film formed from a biodegradable polymer matrix within which is contained at least one fragrance is provided. The ability to incorporate a fragrance into the polymer matrix is achieved in the present invention by controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, including the nature of the fragrance, the nature of the biodegradable polymer, the manner in which the polymer matrix and fragrance are melt processed, etc. For example, the fragrance may be injected directly into the extruder and melt blended with the biodegradable polymer. In this manner, the costly and time-consuming steps of pre-encapsulation or pre-compounding of the fragrance into a masterbatch are not required. Furthermore, to obtain a balance between the ability of the fragrance to release the desired odor during use and likewise to minimize the premature exhaustion of the odor during melt processing, the fragrance is selected to have a boiling point (at atmospheric pressure) within a certain range, such as from about 125° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a liquid crystal polyester, which includes the steps of: (1) polycondensing a mixture of 70.5 to 71.5 mol % of a compound represented by the defined formula (I) (for example, 4-acetoxybenzoic acid) with 28.5 to 29.5 mol % of a compound represented by the defined formula (II) (for example, 6-acetoxy-2-naphthoic acid) to form a prepolymer, wherein the prepolymer has a flow initiation temperature of 200° C. or higher, and the mixture is polycondensed until reaching the temperature which is at least 30° C. lower than the polycondensation temperature; (2) removing the prepolymer in a molten state, followed by solidification and further grinding to produce prepolymer particles; and (3) subjecting the prepolymer particles to a heat treatment at 200 to 310° C. under circulation of an inert gas while remaining in a solid phase state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the continuous production of polymer mixtures comprising: a) from 10 to 80% by weight of a biodegradable polyester (Q) composed of aliphatic or aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids and of aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, and b) from 20 to 90% by weight of one or more polymers (T) selected from the group consisting of: polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, polypropylene carbonate, polyglycolide, aliphatic polyester, cellulose acetate, and polyhydroxyalkanoate, where i) a mixture composed of the aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, of the aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids and, if appropriate, of further comonomers (component C) is mixed, without addition of any catalyst, to give a paste or, as an alternative, the liquid esters of the dicarboxylic acids are fed into the system, as also are the dihydroxy compound and, if appropriate, further comonomers, without addition of any catalyst, and in a first stage this mixture, together with the entire amount or with a

Abstract: To provide a method for producing a polymer, which contains: bringing a compressive fluid and a ring-opening polymerizable monomer into contact with each other, followed by adding a catalyst thereto, to thereby allow the ring-opening polymerizable monomer to carry out ring-opening polymerization.

Abstract: A blood cells removal module including a casing having an inlet into which a blood flow before blood cells removal flows, and an outlet in which a blood flow after blood cells removal is discharged, an adsorbent for blood cells removal of short fiber shape accommodated in the casing, a mesh being provided inside the inlet and the outlet, respectively, and holding the adsorbent for blood cells removal in the casing, wherein a length of the adsorbent for blood cells removal is within a range from 1 to 60% of the internal diameter of the casing.

Abstract: To provide a charging member that can have a uniform electrical resistance, can not easily change in electrical resistance even by any long-term continuous electrification and, as a result thereof, may cause less change in its charging performance with time. A charging member having a conductive support and an elastic-material layer; the elastic-material layer comprising a vulcanized rubber; the vulcanized rubber being a vulcanized product of a composition which comprises i) a binder polymer comprising a polymer having a butadiene skeleton and ii) carbon black as electrically conductive particles; and the polymer having a butadiene skeleton has a molecular terminal modified with an atomic group having a specific structure.

Abstract: Methods for producing biocompatible compositions are provided. The biocompatible compositions include an aliphatic polyester macromer produced without the use of solvents or catalysts. The resulting aliphatic polyester macromer may be reacted with a polyisocyanate to form an end-capped aliphatic polyester macromer which, in turn, may be reacted with a polyol to produce a polyurethane. The polyurethane, in turn, may be reacted with a second polyisocyanate to produce an isocyanate-functional polyurethane. The compositions prepared by the methods of the present disclosure may be used as adhesives or sealants for medical/surgical uses.

Abstract: A process for producing higher molecular weight polyester includes heating a polyester to form a melt, and applying and maintaining a vacuum of between about 5 mm and about 85 mm of mercury to the melt while passing bubbles of gas through the melt until molecular weight has increased. The process may involve esterification of a diacid component and a diol component at elevated temperature. After the acid functional groups have essentially reacted, a vacuum of about 5 mm of mercury or less was applied and excess diol stripped off during transesterification, thereby increasing molecular weight.

Abstract: The birefringent film of the present invention contains an aromatic polyester having a repeating unit represented by the following general formula (1). In the general formula (1), A(s), B(s), C(s), and D(s) are each independently represent a group selected from a halogeno group, an alkyl group which has 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and an aryl group. Also, a and b each represent an integer of 0 to 4, and c and d each represent an integer of 0 to 3. R1 represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group which has 1 to 10 carbon atoms. R2 represents an alkyl group which has 2 to 10 carbon atoms. R3 to R6 each independently represent a group or atom selected from a hydrogen atom, a halogeno group, an alkyl group which has 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and an aryl group. Furthermore, l and m each represent an integer of 2 or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of organic chemistry and particularly to the optical retardation films for liquid crystal displays. The present invention provides an optical film comprising a substrate having front and rear surfaces, and at least one solid retardation layer on the front surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A process is disclosed wherein ricinoleic acid from petroleum alternative vegetable castor oil that has a hydroxyl group at the 12-position or a derivative thereof (an ester or a hydrogenated compound thereof) is polymerized in the presence of a synthetic zeolite and an immobilized lipase at around normal temperature without using any harmful polymerization catalysts or organic solvents which can cause environmental pollution whereby a polyester useful in the industry that has a weight average molecular weight of 20,000 or more is obtained. This high-molecular weight polyester is crosslinked to give a crosslinked elastomer that is comparable to synthetic rubbers.

Abstract: Method for removing a foreign substance from a polymer composition including subjecting a polymer composition to a medium selected from the group comprising chemical reagents, electron beam radiation, electromagnetic radiation, or combinations thereof, removing the transformed foreign substance from the polymer composition, where the foreign substance is by subjecting the polymer composition to the medium at least partially transformed into a form that facilitates removal from the polymer composition.

Abstract: This invention provides an economical process for extruding a PLA resin into a low density foam with a high closed cell content. Excellent quality, low density foam is produced easily and reproducibly. The PLA resin in the foam has a weight average molecular weight of at least 500,000 and an intrinsic viscosity of at least 1.4 deciliters/gram.

Abstract: A polyamide composition is formed by combining a phosphorous containing catalyst with monomer starting materials under conditions suitable to cause polymerization of the monomer starting material into a low molecular weight polyamide material. The polyamide material, which may include remaining or residual catalyst, is then further polymerized via solid state polycondensation at a temperature suitable to form a high molecular weight polyamide material. The presence of the catalyst results in increased solid state polymerization rate and a final polyamide material composition with increased viscosity and a higher molecular weight.

Abstract: A resin composition containing: an ester compound including a carboxylic acid ester obtained by using (1) a monohydric alcohol having an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; (2) a dicarboxylic acid having an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; and (3) a dihydric alcohol having an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, the ester compound having an acid value of 1.00 mgKOH/g or less, a hydroxyl value of 5.0 mgKOH/g or less, and a number-average molecular weight of from 300 to 700; and an aliphatic polyester. Since the resin composition of the present invention inhibits the generation of volatile compounds, the resin composition can be suitably used in various industrial applications, such as daily sundries, household electric appliance parts, and automobile parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polylactide resin having excellent heat resistance, a preparation method thereof, and a polylactide resin composition including the same. The polylactide resin is characterized by high polymerization activity owing to an organic coordinated metal catalyst even though it has a low catalyst content, and a molecular weight reduction due to thermal decomposition at high temperature and a rate of thermal decomposition including depolymerization are greatly suppressed by a low catalyst content and a low resin acidity, and thus provided is the polylactide resin having superior heat resistance.

Abstract: A method of improving the mechanical properties of polymers is described. The method involves heat treating the polymer at a temperature below the glass transition temperature in a wet or in a dry environment. Polymer articles capable of moisture uptake in humid environments, as well as polymer articles less susceptible to moisture uptake, have improved mechanical properties, particularly improved stress relaxation behavior and set properties, when treated in accord with the heat treatment method.

Abstract: In a curable coil coating composition comprising a mixture of: (a) a curable polyester that is a liquid at room temperature, (b) a cross-linking agent; and (c) a solvent; the improvement comprising preparing the polyester from a composition comprising a mixture of 1,3- and 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol wherein the molar ratio of the 1,3 isomer to the 1,4 isomer is from about 60:40 to about 5:95. Cured coil coatings prepared from these compositions exhibit an excellent combination of flexibility and hardness.

Abstract: A control system is provided for shifting an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, which includes, but is not limited to a speed controller, and an electronic control device. Through the electronic control device the parameters vehicle speed, position of the speed controller and acceleration of the speed controller can be captured. Through the electronic control device and through comparison of the captured values of the parameters with predetermined reference values a shifting time is determined for shifting the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A method for forming a biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyester suitable for use in fibers is provided. In one embodiment, for example, an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is melt blended with an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in a wide variety of fiber forming applications, such as in the meltblowing of nonwoven webs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a class of thermotropic liquid crystalline polyesters (TLCPs) and molding compositions comprising the polyesters and glass fiber. The TLCPs consist essentially of repeat units derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA), 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (HNA), terephthalic acid (TA), and hydroquinone (HQ), and the mole percent of HBA, HNA, TA and HQ is 34-72%, 12-26%, 4-21% and 4-21%, respectively. The TLCPs have a melting temperature equal to or below 355° C., an inherent viscosity of 4.0-10.0 dL/g and a Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) in the range of 260-285° C. when compounded with 30% by weight glass fiber. The optimum compositions, selected from the above-mentioned compositional ranges exhibit a relatively low melting temperature and a relatively high HDT. Specified compositions, selected from the above-mentioned compositional ranges have low melting point, which are useful to blend with conventional polymers such as poly (ethylene terephthalate) and nylon etc.

Abstract: Disclosed are formaldehyde-free, thermally-curable, alkaline, aqueous binder compositions, curable to formaldehyde-free, water-insoluble thermoset polyester resins, and uses thereof as binders for non-woven fibers and fiber materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of polyamide block copolymers by sequential monomer addition. More particularly, it relates to catalysts capable of copolymerizing not only cyclic amides, but other monomers such as cyclic esters and epoxides as well, using sequential addition so as to produce useful and novel block copolymers.

Abstract: The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic biodegradable polymers. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linking is performed by functionalization of one or more OR groups on the pre-polymer backbone with vinyl, followed by photopolymerization to form the elastic biodegradable polymer composition or material. Preferably, acrylate is used to add one or more vinyls to the backbone of the pre-polymer to form an acrylated pre-polymer. In various embodiments, acrylated pre-polymers are co-polymerized with one or more acrylated co-polymers.

Abstract: A method to produce a purified dihydroxy aromatic compound from a polycarbonate-containing composition is provided. The method includes depolymerizing the polycarbonate by alcoholysis using a titanium-based catalyst producing a dihydroxy aromatic compound and a dialkyl carbonate, recovering the dihydroxy aromatic compound as a crude dihydroxy aromatic compound; and contacting the recovered crude dihydroxyl aromatic compound with an acid in the presence of a solvent at an elevated temperature. Alternatively, the method comprises dissolving the recovered crude dihydroxyl aromatic compound in a solvent; contacting the dissolved crude dihydroxy aromatic compound with a base; and neutralizing the combination of the dissolved crude dihydroxy aromatic compound and the base with an acid.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed to provide a method for producing a polyester with reduced CD content and elution amount, in which even after the production method, a reduction in physical properties of the polyester is small, and furthermore, a polyester having good moldability can be produced, and the present invention is concerned with a method for producing a polyester including an esterification reaction step of allowing an aliphatic diol and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid to react with each other; a step of pelletizing a polyester obtained through the esterification reaction step; and a contact treatment step of bringing the obtained polyester pellets into contact with a mixed solution containing ethanol and water, wherein the mixed solution contains water in an amount of 10% by mass or more and not more than 99% by mass relative to the whole of the mixed solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-shrinkable polyester film with very good perforation-tear property and also very high productivity. A heat-shrinkable polyester film made of a polyester resin including ethylene terephthalate as a main constituent and containing 15% by mole or more of at least one monomer capable of forming an amorphous component in the whole components of the polyester resin, which exhibits specific heat shrinkage properties and specific mechanical properties after the heat shrinkage.

Abstract: Provided herein is a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having a methanol metabolic pathway that can enhance the availability of reducing equivalents in the presence of methanol. Such reducing equivalents can be used to increase the product yield of organic compounds produced by the microbial organism, such as 1,4-butanediol (BDO). Also provided herein are methods for using such an organism to produce BDO.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for manufacturing a polyester resin having a molar ratio of a diol compound to a dicarboxylic acid compound ranging from 1.05 to 1.4, in which the composition includes 5 ppm to 50 ppm of a phosphorous (P) compound (based on an amount of P), 10 ppm to 40 ppm of a cobalt (Co) compound (based on an amount of Co), 0.2 ppm to 20 ppm of a color enhancer, and 5 ppm to 25 ppm/3 ppm to 30 ppm of a titanium (Ti)-germanium (Ge) composite catalyst compound (based on an amount of Ti/Ge), based on weight percentage.

Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide a resin composition which contains an aromatic polycarbonate resin and a polyester resin and which has excellent mechanical strength, flowability and thermal stability and also has excellent moist heat resistance together. The present invention is a resin composition containing 50 to 99 parts by weight of an aromatic polycarbonate resin (component A) and 1 to 50 parts by weight of a polyester resin (component B), the component B being a polyester resin polymerized in the presence of a titanium-phosphorus catalyst obtained by reacting titanium tetrabutoxide, etc., with monolauryl phosphate, etc.

Abstract: A polyester film containing a polyester resin having an intrinsic viscosity IV of from 0.73 to 0.9 dL/g in which the polyester film has a specific heat change at 85° C. to 135° C. (?Cp) of from 0.06 to 0.1 J/g, has an excellent weather resistance, a good planar surface state and a low thermal shrinkage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing porous polybenzimidazole. The method includes providing polyaminoimide by reacting aromatic amine including at least two ortho-positioned amino groups and acid dianhydride, obtaining polypyrrolone from the polyaminoimide, subjecting the polypyrrolone to alkaline treatment, and subjecting the alkaline-treated polypyrrolone to heat treatment. The polybenzimidazole shows permeability and selectivity for various gases due to a fractional free volume and well-connected picopores.

Abstract: A method for producing a binder resin comprises polycondensing a polycondensable monomer by using a polycondensation catalyst that comprises: at least one of compounds of formula (I) or (II); and at least one of compounds represented of formula (III) or (IV), wherein weight ratio of total amount of the compounds of formula (I) or (II) to total amount of the compounds of formula (III) or (IV) is from 5:95 to 95:5: wherein R1 represents a C8-C20 straight-chain alkyl group; R2 represents a monovalent organic group; and number n of substituents R2 represents an integer of from 0 to 4; R3—SO3H??(II) wherein R3 represents a C8-C20 straight-chain alkyl group; wherein R4 represents a C8-C20 branched alkyl group; R5 represents a monovalent organic group; and number m of substituents R5 represents an integer of from 0 to 4; and R6—SO3H??(IV) wherein R6 represents a C8-C20 branched alkyl group.