Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a polyoxyalkylene polyester polyol by reacting a polyoxyalkylene polyol with a lactone in the presence of a Brønsted acid catalyst, wherein the catalyst has a pKa value of 1 or less; the number-average molar mass of the polyoxyalkylene polyol is ?1000 g/mol, preferably ?1500 g/mol, particularly preferably ?2000 g/mol; and in the lactone a CH2 group is bonded to the ring oxygen. The invention further relates to polyoxyalkylene polyester polyols obtainable using the method according to the invention, and to a method for producing polyurethanes by reacting the polyoxyalkylene polyester polyols according to the invention with polyisocyanates.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a polylactic acid composite and use thereof. The polylactic acid composite includes the following components: (A) 89 to 98 parts by weight of polylactic acid; (B) 1 to 4 parts by weight of talcum powder; and (C) 1 to 7 parts by weight of a plasticizer. In the component (A), the polylactic acid has a polydispersity index P satisfying the following relationship: 1.55?P?2.02. In the component (B), the talcum powder has a particle size D(50) satisfying: 1 ?m?D(50)?2.6 ?m. In the component (C), the plasticizer has a relative molecular weight M satisfying: 180?M?670. Through research, the present invention has unexpectedly discovered that by using the polylactic acid having the polydispersity index P satisfying the relationship 1.55?P?2.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric having polylactic acid-containing fibers forming a nonwoven web is provided. The web has a side having an alternating pattern of individualized bonded areas which bonded areas define rods arranged in the cross direction of the web. The rods are arranged so that in the machine direction of the web no uninterrupted regions exist along the web while in the cross direction the arrangement of rods defines uninterrupted regions that extend continuously along the web, the alternating pattern of individualized bonded areas defines a non-bonded area. The web has a basis weight from 5-50 g/m2, the surface of the bonded areas is from 5-20% of the total surface of the side, and the surface of the non-bonded area is from 80-95% of the total surface of the side. Processes for forming the nonwoven fabric and an absorbent article including the nonwoven fabric are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are membrane separation systems and methods suitable for use in separating carbonylation catalyst from a beta-lactone product stream. Such membrane separation systems utilize a cross flow separation technique and employ a sweep stream.

Abstract: A composition is described comprising semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer; polyvinyl acetate polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 25° C.; plasticizer; and optionally amorphous polylactic acid polymer. In another embodiment the composition further comprises nucleating agent. Also described are films comprising the composition as well as articles, such as a tape or sheet, comprising the film described herein and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the film.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyurethanes including a reaction product of components including: (1) a reaction product of (a) an isocyanate functional urethane prepolymer including a reaction product of components including: (i) about 1 equivalent of at least one polyisocyanate; and (ii) about 0.005 to about 0.35 equivalent of at least one polycaprolactone polyol; and (b) about 0.01 to about 0.5 equivalent of at least one polyol having 2 hydroxyl groups, based upon the about 1 equivalent of the at least one polyisocyanate; and (2) about 0.3 to about 1.0 equivalent of at least one polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups, based upon the about 1 equivalent of the at least one polyisocyanate, wherein the at least one polyol (b) can be the same or different from the at least one polyol (2); compositions, coatings and articles made therefrom and methods of making the same.

Abstract: Provided are new bottlebrush polymers and diblock bottlebrush copolymers, which can self-assemble into structures of desired morphology (e.g., hexagonal cylindrical, gyroid). The self-assembled structures of the bottlebrush polymers and copolymers provide useful materials such as photonics (e.g., photonic crystals), functional materials, chromatography media, stimuli-responsive materials, lubricants, nanolithography, films, and coatings. In certain embodiments, the backbone repeating units of the bottlebrush polymers and copolymers have two different polymeric sidechains covalently attached to the backbone repeating unit through a branched linker, wherein one of the polymeric sidechain is a polysiloxane. Also provided are methods of preparing the bottlebrush polymers and copolymers described herein.

Abstract: An amorphous polylactic acid polymer having a weight average molecular weight in the range of about 35,000 to 180,000 is described. The polylactic acid polymer composition can be hammer milled without cryogenics result in the form of particles wherein 90% of the particles have particle size of about 250 ?m or less and the material has a glass transition temperature of between about 55° C. to about 58° C. and a relative viscosity of about 1.45 to about 1.95 centipoise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a haemostatic material comprising a carrier layer and a material for wound contact comprising at least one haemostat in particulate, granular, powder, flake or short fibrous form. Such a haemostatic material is useful, for example, in reducing or stopping bleeding of a physiological target site in a person or animal, and can also be used to stem bleeding during medical procedures.

Abstract: A chelated zinc adjuvant composition includes water, an effective amount of a micronutrient consisting of zinc chelated with an organic acid and an organic amine, a mono-, di- or polysaccharide and an alkyl polysaccharide. The adjuvant has a pH of up to 6.5. When admixed with a pesticide capable of precipitating with the zinc, due to the zinc being chelated, the zinc is prevented from precipitating with the pesticide and is available for uptake. When the adjuvant composition is applied in seed, soil, foliage or fruit applications, zinc uptake is improved.

Abstract: Provided are integrated processes for the conversion of ethylene oxide to polypropiolactone. Systems for the production of polypropiolactone are also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a five-carbon ring derivative-containing polyurethane involves introducing a DCPD-derived 5-carbon cyclic compound into a polyurethane material and effectuating polymerization in the presence of a solvent of a low boiling point and low toxicity to produce a five-carbon ring derivative-containing polyurethane of a high molecular weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantification of the amount of lactide in a lactide-based polymeric matrix by means of Infra Red Spectroscopy measurement. According to the invention the quantification is based on measurements performed on absorptions in the near Infra Red region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The invented method allows a rapid, easy and cheap quantification of lactide in a polymeric matrix, especially in PLA.

Abstract: The present invention describes compostable or biobased foams that are useful for fabricating foamed articles and methods for producing the same. The foams are produced using a compound comprising a compostable or biobased polyester and a blowing agent. Additives including plasticizers and chain extenders are optionally included in the compostable or biobased composition. These foams can be produced using conventional melt processing techniques, such as single and twin-screw extrusion processes. In one embodiment, foamed strand profiles are cooled and cut using conventional strand pelletizing equipment. In another embodiment, foamed beads are produced by cutting the foamed strand at the face of the extrusion die and the foamed bead or strand is subsequently cooled. The resulting compostable or biobased foamed bead has a specific gravity less than 0.15 g/cm3 and the foam is compostable, as determined by ASTM D6400.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pigmented aqueous basecoat material comprising a reaction product which is preparable by reaction of (a) at least one aliphatic linear polyester having two functional end groups (a.1), with (b) at least one diene polymer having two functional end groups (b.1), where at least one type of group (a.1) is reacted in a linking manner with at least one type of group (b.1), said components (a) and (b) are used in the reaction in a molar ratio of 2.3/0.7 to 1.7/1.6 and the resulting reaction product possesses a number-average molecular weight of 1000 to 15 000 g/mol.

Abstract: In a human or animal patient, two bone portions separated by a cut or fracture are stabilized in a desired position relative to each other by bringing the two bone portions into this desired position, by pulling them against each other, by providing an opening having a mouth on a bone surface and reaching across the cut or fracture and walls in both bone portions, by inserting an implant into the opening and anchoring the implant in the walls of the opening with the aid of a material having thermoplastic properties and energy transmitted into the implant for in situ liquefaction of at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties. One exemplary application of the stabilizing procedure concerns the two tibial bone portions separated by tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in a canine patient suffering from cranial cruciate ligament damage or rupture in a stifle joint.

Abstract: A composition includes polydioxanone and/or a copolymer thereof and at least one carboxylic salt. A molding includes the composition. A thread includes the composition. A medical kit includes the composition and a medical product includes the composition.

Abstract: A process of forming a matrix-bondable polylactide includes forming a methylidene lactide molecule from an L-lactide molecule. The process includes forming a functionalized lactide monomer from the methylidene lactide molecule. The process also includes forming a lactide feedstock that includes at least the functionalized lactide monomer. The process further includes polymerizing the lactide feedstock to form the matrix-bondable polylactide.

Abstract: A method and a device for manufacturing lactide, whereby crude lactide, being prepared by means of depolymerization of lactic acid oligomers, is purified by means of a distillation step. The prepared crude lactide is maintained for a period of at least 5 hours in a reaction vessel at a temperature between 97° C. and 200° C. prior to the distillation step. Keeping the lactide during a period of time in a reaction vessel leads to a decrease of the lactic acid content and an increase of the lactic acid oligomer concentration, so that the resulting crude lactide can be more efficiently purified during subsequent distillation. A pre-distilling step gives additional advantages.

Abstract: Therapeutic agent delivery systems, which include a thermally-sensitive copolymer and optionally a therapeutic agent, are disclosed. The copolymer is water soluble and biodegradable and, in accordance with exemplary embodiments, includes hydrophobic and hydrophilic portions. The systems may include supplemental compounds, such as polymeric nanoparticles, micelle compounds, or a combination thereof, to further provide sustained release of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Novel stay suture devices and stay suture combinations with meshes are disclosed. The stay suture devices have a clip and a suture. The clip has leg members that are mounted to a hernia mesh implant such that the leg members are locked in a closed configuration. Also disclosed are novel methods of mounting stay sutures to a surgical mesh implant and repairing a body wall defect such as a hernia defect.

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: Provided is a method for purifying an aliphatic polyester which reduces coloring of the aliphatic polyester, reduces the amount of residual monomer and residual catalyst, and improves stability and appearance. This method for purifying an aliphatic polyester subjects an aliphatic polyester containing a monomer to heat treatment under dry air containing oxygen at a temperature at or above the melting point of the monomer and at or below the melting point of the aliphatic polyester.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to prepare a polylactic acid comprising the steps of performing a ring opening polymerization using a catalyst and either a catalyst killer compound or an endcapping additive to obtain a raw polylactic acid of MW greater than 10,000 g/mol, purifying the raw polylactic acid by removing and separating low boiling compounds comprising lactide and impurities from the raw polylactic acid by devolatization of the low boiling compounds as a gas phase stream, and purifying the lactide from the devolatization and removing the impurities from the gas phase stream of evaporated low boiling compounds by means of crystallization by desublimation from the gas phase, wherein the lactide is purified and the removed impurities include a catalyst residue and a compound containing at least one hydroxyl group such that the purified lactide is then polymerized by feeding it back into the ring opening polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating comprising a reservoir layer comprising a semi-crystalline polymer and a primer layer comprising an amorphous polymer on an implantable device and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a polylactic acid film. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for stably and effectively obtaining optimized stereocomplex crystals through specified boiling point and evaporation time of a solvent allowing the content of stereocomplex crystals to be 100%.

Abstract: A PLG copolymer material, termed a PLG(p) copolymer material, adapted for use in a controlled release formulation for a bioactive material is provided, wherein the formulation exhibits a reduced “initial burst” effect when introduced into the tissue of a patient in need thereof. A method of preparation of the PLG copolymer material is also provided, as are methods of use.

Abstract: A process for preparing a copolymer comprising subjecting a first cyclic ester having a ring size from 4 to 11 atoms and a second cyclic ester having a ring size from 12 to 40 atoms to ring-opening copolymerization using as catalyst a compound of formula I, wherein M is trivalent Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, yttrium, Sc or lanthanides; X and X? are both a heteroatom; Y and Y? are O, N, S or P; Z is a substituent as described herein; L1 is an organic moiety linking X and Y; L2 is an organic moiety linking X? and Y?; L3 is an organic moiety linking Y and Y? and has a chain length between Y and Y? of at least 2 atoms. The copolymer has a randomness of at least 0.5 and a number average molecular weight of at least 15000 g/mol.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing polymeric stents by forming a pattern on a polylactic acid tube using a second harmonic generator laser and polylactic acid polymeric stents having a pattern formed using a second harmonic generator laser.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing urethane-free polyfunctional acrylate compounds. The method includes reaction of a polyol with acrylic acid in the presence of an inhibitor. A catalyst may also be present. The catalyst may be an acid and the inhibitor may be a substituted phenol compound. Excess acid may be removed by adding a salt and excess water may be removed by adding a drying agent. The reaction converts alcohol groups of the polyol to acrylate groups to provide a radiation-curable polyfunctional acrylate compound. The reaction is applicable to polyols generally and provides a scalable high yield process for forming urethane-free polyfunctional acrylates over a wide range of molecular weights. Coatings made from the acrylate products exhibit modulus and tensile strength characteristics favorable for primary fiber coatings.

Abstract: Polylactic acid-backbone graft and bottlebrush copolymers with low moisture vapor transmission rates are synthesized by polymerizing a lactide-functionalized hydrophobic macromonomer using ring-opening polymerization (ROP). In some embodiments of the present invention, the macromonomer is a lactide-functionalized hydrophobic polymer that may be synthesized by, for example, polymerizing a hydrophobic monomer (e.g., a fluorinated vinyl monomer such as 2,2,2-trifluroethyl methacrylate) capable of undergoing radical polymerization (e.g., styrenic, vinylic, acrylic, etc.) using a brominated lactide initiator via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The brominated lactide initiator may be 3-bromo-3,6-dimethyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione prepared by, for example, reacting lactide with N-bromosuccinimide in the presence of benzoyl peroxide.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for treating an intervertebral disc herniation by local administration of one or more biodegradable drug depots comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a glucocorticoid at or near the intervertebral disc herniation to reduce the size of the intervertebral disc herniation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of tailored di-, tri- and multi-block as well as gradient polyesters/polycarbonates copolymers prepared by introducing monomers simultaneously in the reaction medium in the presence of an organometallic, metal salt or organic catalyst.

Abstract: Polyester compounds obtained by reaction of a compound represented by formula (1): (defined herein) with a compound represented by formula (2): (defined herein) exhibit high thermal resistance.

Abstract: Polyester compounds obtained by reaction of a compound represented by formula (1): (defined herein) with a compound represented by formula (2): (defined herein) exhibit high thermal resistance.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer of 3HB (3-hydroxybutyrate), 3HP (3-hydroxypropionate) and 5HV (5 -hydroxyvalerate) disclosed. The polyhydroxyalkanoate can be used for bioplastic or biomaterial. A method for producing the polyhydroxyalkanoate comprises culturing a microorganism belonging to Ralstonia genus in a culture medium that comprises lactone and/or hydroxy acid or salt of hydroxy acid as a carbon source.

Abstract: The provided are a polylactic acid-polyalkylene glycol copolymer and a composition comprising the same which have excellent crystallization rate, wherein the polylactic acid-polyalkylene glycol copolymer is prepared by melt-reacting polylactic acid with polyalkylene glycol of which one end group is substituted with a functional group and has improved eco-friendliness, injection moldability, and excellent heat resistance which makes it to be suitably applied to various molded articles requiring great heat resistance, such as disposables, kitchen utensils and containers, electric-electronic parts and automobile parts.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed that afford drug delivery from two-part polymer compositions that rapidly form covalent linkages when mixed together. Such compositions are particularly well suited for use in a variety of tissue related applications when rapid adhesion to the tissue and gel formation is desired along with drug delivery. For example, the compositions are useful as tissue sealants, in promoting hemostasis, in effecting tissue adhesion, in providing tissue augmentation, and in the prevention of surgical adhesions.

Abstract: An encoding/decoding apparatus and method using a low-density parity-check code (LDPC code) is disclosed. Basic column group information, serving as a set of information regarding positions of rows with weight 1, is extracted from a reference column in each column group of a predetermined parity-check matrix. Column group information transforms the positions of rows with weight 1 into positions whose lengths are within a required parity length. A parity-check matrix is generated according to the generated column group information. Data is encoded or decoded based on the generated parity-check matrix.

Abstract: Methods of making a biodegradable polymeric stent made from poly(L-lactide) and a low concentration of L-lactide monomer is disclosed. The concentration of L-lactide is adjusted to provide a degradation behavior that is suitable for different treatment applications including coronary, peripheral, and nasal. Methods include making a poly(L-lactide) material for a stent with uniformly distributed L-lactide monomer through control of polymerization conditions during PLLA synthesis, control of post-processing conditions, or both.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: Lactone/alkylene oxide polymers are useful as additives to inhibit or prevent the deposition of paraffin in hydrocarbon fluids, particularly crude oil produced from a subterranean formation. These polymers are random or block polymers made from addition reactions of a hydroxyl- and/or amine-containing base compound with at least one lactone monomer and at least one alkylene oxide monomer. In one non-limiting embodiment the lactone monomer is optional.

Abstract: Multi-layer biaxially oriented polylactic acid (BOPLA) film with a novel formulation improves the heat seal initiation temperature and heat seal performance of BOPLA films while maintaining good optical clarity. The film may include a core layer including polylactic acid base polymer resin, and a heat sealable layer including amorphous polylactic acid base polymer and a modifier comprising polycaprolactone or poly(butylene-adipate-co-butylene terephthalate).

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the invention, novel compositions containing injectable particles are provided in which the injectable particles contain at least two polymeric components that differ in composition from one another (e.g., because at least one polymeric component contains a polymer that is not present in another polymeric component).

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer, homo- or copolymer or oligomer for the photoalignment of liquid crystals comprising a main chain and a side chain, wherein the side chain comprises a difluoromethylene group, compositions thereof, and its use for optical and electro optical devices, especially liquid crystal devices (LCDs).

Abstract: A photosensitive composition and a photoresist are provided. The photoresist is formed by compounding a photosensitive composition. The photosensitive composition comprises a binder agent, a photomonomer and a photoinitiator. The binder agent has a chemical structure comprising following repeating unit: R1 is H or CH3, n is 2-40 of integer. The photomonomer has an amount of about 25-95 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of a solid content of the binder agent. The photo initiator has an amount of about 0.5-15 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the solid content of the binder agent.

Abstract: A polylactic acid stereocomplex has a crystal melting peak temperature of 215° C. or more, wherein the crystal melting peak is a single peak and has a peak half width of 12° C. or less, and a crystal melting enthalpy of 60 J/g or more as measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The polylactic acid stereocomplex has a high melting point, good heat resistance, and a high level of mechanical properties and chemical resistance. The method for producing a polylactic acid stereocomplex includes chaotic mixing of 30 to 70 parts by weight of (A) poly-L-lactic acid and 30 to 70 parts by weight of (B) poly-D-lactic acid based on 100 parts by weight of the total of (A) poly-L-lactic acid and (B) poly-D-lactic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing stereo complex crystals of polylactic acid, with which a polylactic acid having excellent heat resistance and containing stereo complex crystals at a high ratio can be efficiently produced, the method including: a step of dissolving in a solvent a block copolymer, which includes polylactic acid containing an L-lactic acid unit or poly lactic acid containing a D-lactic acid unit together with at least one kind of an organic polymer having a different structure from that of polylactic acid, and a polylactic acid homopolymer containing a D-lactic acid unit or a polylactic acid homopolymer containing an L-lactic acid unit, the lactic acid unit being an optical isomer that is not contained in the block copolymer, to prepare a polymer mixture solution; and a step of removing the solvent from the polymer mixture solution.

Abstract: There is provided a pattern forming method comprising (1) a step of forming a film by using an actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition containing (P) a resin having a repeating unit represented by the specific formula, (2) a step of exposing the film by using an actinic ray or radiation, and (3) a step of developing the exposed film by using an organic solvent-containing developer to form a negative pattern, wherein the content of the repeating unit represented by the specific formula is 25 mol % or more based on all repeating units in the resin (P).

Abstract: A polymer production apparatus, including: supplying unit containing first supplying unit to supply raw materials containing monomer, and second supplying unit to supply compressive fluid; contacting unit to bring the monomer and the compressive fluid into contact together; and outlet configured to discharge reaction product of the monomer, wherein reaction unit is provided between the contacting unit and the outlet, where the reaction unit is to pass the monomer from the contacting unit side to the outlet side, while allowing the monomer to carry out a polymerization reaction in the presence of the compressive fluid, and wherein the reaction unit contains circulation unit containing first pipe and second pipe, where a fluid is passed through the first pipe from the contacting unit side to the outlet side, and the second pipe is to return the fluid from return port provided upstream extrusion unit to inlet provided upstream the return port.