Abstract: A resin useful for producing objects is provided, which resin contains a photoinitiator of low cytotoxicity. The resins may be suitable for use in additive manufacturing techniques such as bottom-up and top-down stereolithography, produce objects that are bioresorbable and non-cytotoxic, and/or produce objects that are flexible or elastic. Methods of use of the resin and objects produced therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: A specific mixture of polyols, at least one of which contains the transesterification product of the polymer polylactic acid with natural oils. The mixture of polyols can be used as one component of a two-component adhesive for laminating flexible packaging. The other component comprises an isocyanate-functionalized compound. The two components are combined before use and the resulting adhesive can be used to bond films to form a flexible packaging material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kind of organic metal-free catalysts containing both electrophilic and nucleophilic dual-functions, preparation methods of making the same, and uses thereof. The organic metal-free catalysts in the present invention have the chemical structure shown in formula (I): Compared with the metal-free organic polymerization catalytic systems that have been reported before, the organic metal-free catalysts in this invention have the combined advantages of simple preparation, high reactivity, easy operation, low cost, wide applicability, easy for industrial production.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, systems and methods related to a polypropiolactone composition comprising polypropiolactone polymers. Such polymers include polypropiolactone chains of Formula (I): [Formula should be inserted here] where n is an integer from 10 to about 1,000 and Y is either —H or a cation.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for producing biodegradable beta-propiolactone-based polyester polymers from renewable EO and CO on an industrial scale.

Abstract: A polycaprolactone fumarate polymer useful as a matrix material for a biocompatible scaffold for tissue engineering applications is disclosed. The polycaprolactone fumarate polymer can be prepared by reacting caprolactone with an alkane polyol to prepare a polycaprolactone precursor, and then reacting the polycaprolactone precursor with fumaric acid or a salt thereof to prepare the polycaprolactone fumarate polymer. The use of an alkane diol, such as 1,2-propanediol, provides a linear polycaprolactone diol precursor. The use of an alkane triol, such as glycerol, provides a branched polycaprolactone triol precursor. The biocompatible polycaprolactone fumarate formulation releases no diethylene glycol or other undesirable byproducts during degradation.

Abstract: The invention provides polymers of Formulas I-III, such as polyesters and unsaturated polyesters, and crosslinked and copolymerized polymers thereof. The invention also provides methods to catalytically ring-open five-membered rings such lactones, lactams, and thiolactones, as via ring-opening polymerization. The polymerization products are recyclable and can be depolymerized back to their monomer form via thermolysis and acid or base catalysis.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for producing biodegradable beta-propoiolacone-based polyester polymers from renewable EO and CO on an industrial scale.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reactor apparatus and processes for thermolysis of polypropiolactone to produce highly pure acrylic acid. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the processes comprise introducing a feed stream comprising polypropiolactone to a thermolysis process vessel through an inlet; maintaining a concentration of active salt by adding and removing portions of active salt by at least one inlet and at least one outlet; heating the thermolysis process vessel; and recovering a product including acrylic acid from an outlet. In certain preferred embodiments, the active salt may be present as a catalyst used for polymerization of the polypropiolactone in the feed stream. In some embodiments, one or more active salts may be added to the feed stream and/or the thermolysis process vessel.

Abstract: A coating composition including a hydrophobic first aliphatic polyisocyanate, a second aliphatic polyisocyanate including a hydrophilic portion, a polyester polyol, a hydrophilic polyol, and a fluorinated polyol compound is disclosed. A coated substrate including a topcoat including the composition is also disclosed. Methods of forming the topcoat on a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous webs include a multiplicity of continuous fibers formed from one or more thermoplastic polyesters and polypropylene in an amount greater than 0% and no more than 10% by weight of the web. The webs have at least one dimension which decreases by no greater than 10% in the plane of the web when heated to a temperature above a glass transition temperature of the fibers. A spunbond process may be used to produce substantially continuous fibers that exhibit molecular orientation. A meltblown process may be used to produce discontinuous fibers that do not exhibit molecular orientation. The webs may be used as articles for filtration, sound absorption, thermal insulation, surface cleaning, cellular growth support, drug delivery, personal hygiene, medical apparel, or wound dressing.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods of controlled polymerization of cyclic compounds catalyzed by carbene derivatives having a general formula as shown below, and to obtain a biodegradable polymeric material having a large molecular weight, a narrow dispersity, and no metallic impurity.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method of making polylactic acid using carbon dioxide adducts of carbenes, wherein the adducts of carbenes have a structure represented by formula (I) as follows:

Abstract: A method for producing a polymer, including: (i) bringing a compressive fluid and raw materials containing a ring-opening polymerizable monomer into contact with each other at a mixing ratio represented by the following formula, to thereby allow the ring-opening polymerizable monomer to carry out ring-opening polymerization: 1>{Mass of the raw materials/(Mass of the raw materials+Mass of the compressive fluid)}?0.5.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a halogen-free thermosetting composition including a benzoxazine compound, a monobenzoxazine monomer, and a naphthalene epoxy. The halogen-free thermosetting composition is especially suited for use in aerospace, automobile, rail and marine applications.

Abstract: A method for producing polymer particles, including (A) polymerizing and granulating a ring-opening polymerizable monomer in a compressive fluid with a catalyst in the presence of a surfactant, or (B) polymerizing and granulating an addition polymerizable monomer in a compressive fluid in the presence of a silicone surfactant.

Abstract: To provide a method for producing a polymer, which contains: bringing an intermediate polymer, which has been obtained through ring-opening polymerization of a ring-opening polymerizable monomer, into contact with, and melting the intermediate polymer in a compressive fluid having a density of 230 kg/m3 or greater, at temperature lower than a melting point of the intermediate polymer, at a ratio of 0.05 to 10, to dissolve a low-molecular-weight compound contained in the intermediate polymer in the compressive fluid, to thereby extract the low-molecular-weight compound, wherein the ratio is a ratio of a mass of the intermediate polymer to a mass of the compressive fluid.

Abstract: To provide a polymer product, which is substantially free from an organic solvent and a metal atom, and has a number average molecular weight of 12,000 or greater.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer obtainable by bulk polymerization of lactide or lactic acid or a lactic acid copolymer obtainable by copolymerization of lactide or lactic acid with glycolide, glycolic acid and/or hydroxyacids in open or closed (cyclic) form in the presence of at least two organic and/or organic/inorganic chain regulators or a functionalized nanoparticle (nanosilica, montmorillonite).

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 process for producing an aliphatic polyester, comprising: subjecting at least two serial stages of bulk-phase ring-opening polymerization and a solid-phase polymerization step, wherein a cyclic ester held in a dry air atmosphere is supplied to a first reactor to perform a first stage polymerization, thereby obtaining a partially polymerized molten product, and the resultant partially polymerized molten product is supplied to a second reactor held under a dry inert gas atmosphere to perform a second stage polymerization. As a result, the production efficiency can be improved, while maintaining excellent properties of the aliphatic polyester product.

Abstract: The present invention is an aliphatic polyester resin in which a polyhydroxy acid skeleton is a main component, manufactured using a polymerization catalyst, characterized in that a specific organophosphorus compound is copolymerized in the resin. Activity of the polymerization catalyst contained in the aliphatic polyester resin of the present invention after the polymerization is well lowered and a lactide is hardly produced even by heating after the polymerization or after the manufacture.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel processes for synthesis of polymers and/or polymer composites.

Abstract: A composition which comprises polylactide and has excellent heat stability, color and hydrolytic resistance. The composition comprises (i) polylactide, (ii) a metal catalyst and (iii) a hypophosphorous acid-based deactivator or a metaphosphoric acid-based deactivator.

Abstract: Novel semi-crystalline, segmented copolymers of lactide and epsilon-caprolactone exhibiting long term absorption characteristics are disclosed. The novel polymer compositions are useful for long term absorbable meshes, surgical sutures, especially monofilament sutures, and other medical devices.

Abstract: Method of polymerization for producing polylactic acid of configuration L or D, with number-average molecular weight between 60 000 and 200 000 having an insertion defect rate between 0 and 0.5 wt. % of polylactic acid and a racemization defect rate between 0 and 2.5 wt. % of polylactic acid, characterized in that the method is a bulk process comprising contacting, at a temperature between 170 and 200° C. and for a reaction time between 5 and 75 minutes, the corresponding lactide of stereochemical configuration L-L or D-D having an optical purity of L or D of at least 99.5 wt. % with at least one catalyst in the presence of an initiator to form poly-L-lactic acid or poly-D-lactic acid.

Abstract: A method for producing a polymer, including polymerizing a ring-opening polymerizable monomer in a compressive fluid with a metal-free organic catalyst to produce a polymer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the polymerization process of the present invention are directed to polymerizing free radically polymerizable monomers in the presence of a polymerization medium initially comprising at least one transition metal catalyst and an atom transfer radical polymerization initiator. The polymerization medium may additionally comprise a reducing agent. The reducing agent may be added initially or during the polymerization process in a continuous or intermittent manner. The polymerization process may further comprises reacting the reducing agent with at least one of the transition metal catalyst in an oxidized state and a compound comprising a radically transferable atom or group to form a compound that does not participate significantly in control of the polymerization process.

Abstract: A catalytic lactide and glycolide copolymerization system comprising a trifluoromethane sulfonate as a catalyst and copolymerization additive and a copolymerization process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to absorbable microspheres comprising a copolymer formed from greater than 88 to about 99 mole percent ?-caprolactone or p-dioxanone, and about 1 to less than 12 mole percent of a different second monomer selected from the group consisting of glycolide, p-dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate and the lactides and combinations thereof, said microspheres having a particle size ranging from about 5 to 2,000 microns. Also described herein are a method for making such microspheres and formulations comprising such absorbable microspheres.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an alternating copolymer of phenylene vinylene and oligoarylene vinylene, a preparation method thereof, and an organic thin film transistor including the same. The organic thin film transistor maintains low off-state leakage current and realizes a high on/off current ratio and high charge mobility because the organic active layer thereof is formed of an alternating copolymer of phenylene vinylene and oligoarylene vinylene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to absorbable microspheres comprising a copolymer formed from greater than 88 to about 99 mole percent ?-caprolactone or p-dioxanone, and about 1 to less than 12 mole percent of a different second monomer selected from the group consisting of glycolide, p-dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate and the lactides and combinations thereof, said microspheres having a particle size ranging from about 5 to 2,000 microns. Also described herein are a method for making such microspheres and formulations comprising such absorbable microspheres.

Abstract: A synthetic route is provided to prepare poly(?-hydroxycarboxylic acid) polymers via the ring-opening polymerization of ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid cyclic oligomers. The cyclic oligomers can be prepared directly from biorenewable sources, such as 3-hydroxypropionic acid. The method can be used to prepare high molecular weight polymers from the cyclic oligomers. Good molecular weight control can be obtained for both solution state and melt polymerizations.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a novel lactide monomer derivative and process for preparing the lactide monomer derivative. The monomer derivative of the invention is bifunctional in nature, and can be employed a variety of efficient synthesis processes to prepare various polymers. Further, the bifunctional monomer derivative can be used to prepare various intermediate-stage compounds and polymers, which in turn can be used to synthesize other compounds, polymers, copolymers and composites. The lactide monomer derivative has a bifunctional norbornene spiro lactide structure, spiro[6-methyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione-3,2?-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept[5]ene], and structure as follows: and stereoisomers thereof. The lactide monomer derivative is bifunctional in that either 1) the norbornene ring, 2) lactide ring, or 3) both, can be opened and used in polymer synthesis for the backbone or the reactive branch for other polymeric syntheses.

Abstract: A lactone compound represented by following General Formula (1), such as ?-caprolactone, is reacted in the presence of a powdered activated carbon where necessary with an initiator such as a polyhydric alcohol, an aliphatic alcohol, or an aliphatic carboxylic acid to thereby yield, for example, a polylactone, a polylactone alkyl ether, or a polylactone alkyl ester. [Chemical Formula 1] Wherein R1 is an alkylene group having two to eighteen carbon atoms which may be substituted with one or more alkyl groups each having one to ten carbon atoms. Accordingly, a target compound can be produced in a high yield with high quality, from which the catalyst can be easily removed.

Abstract: A process for producing an aliphatic polyester by subjecting a cyclic ester to ring-opening polymerization, which comprises adding water to a cyclic ester purified to the extent that a water content is at most 60 ppm to control an overall proton concentration in the cyclic ester, thereby controlling at least one physical property among melt viscosity, molecular weight and yellowness index of the resulting aliphatic polyester.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a hyperbranched polymer having a weight-average molar mass of at least 30,000, comprising coupling a first prepolymer having at least three functional end groups with a second prepolymer having at least two functional end groups by a dehydration condensation reaction between the end groups in the prepolymers. According to the present invention the number of arms and/or molar mass of the functionalized prepolymers can accurately be adjusted, thus affecting the properties of the resulting hyperbranched polymer in a desired way. Thus the polymer can be equipped e.g. with hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts. Also, the number of functional end groups, that optionally can be used for further chemical reactions, in the hyperbranched polymer can easily be adjusted to a desired level.

Abstract: Provided is a new organic-acid-based catalyst enabling production of a polyhydroxycarboxylic acid by direct dehydration polycondensation of a hydroxycarboxylic acid such as L-lactic acid, specifically, an organic-acid-based catalyst comprising an amine salt of a sulfonic acid or a phosphine salt of a sulfonic acid for production of polyhydroxycarboxylic acids such as poly-L-lactic acid.

Abstract: Halogenated cyclic lactones, polymers made from halogenated cyclic lactones and compositions containing such polymers provide antimicrobial properties and are suitable for use in making textiles, medical devices, delivery agents, packaging materials, coatings for such items, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are terpolymer compositions of lactide, glycolide, and caprolactone and methods of making such polymers with an initiator. Methods of using the terpolymers as a drug delivery platform are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing polyhydroxyalkanoates by polymerization of lactones of the general formula I, where the substituents and the index n have the meanings given in the description, in the presence of at least one catalyst of the formula (II) LIMaXam, where the substituents and indices have the meanings given in the description. The invention further relates to poly-3-hydroxybutyrates which have a novel property profile and are obtainable for the first time by means of this process, and also biodegradable polyester mixtures based on these poly-3-hydroxybutyrates.

Abstract: A polyimide resin is produced by the reaction of a compound selected from 1,2,4,5-cyclohexanetetracarboxylic acid, dianhydride thereof and reactive derivatives thereof and a compound selected from diamines and diisocyanates each containing at least one phenylene group and at least one isopropylidene group. The polyimide resin is colorless and exhibits a high heat resistance, a high transparency and a low water absorption.

Abstract: A lactone compound represented by following General Formula (1), such as ?-caprolactone, is reacted in the presence of a powdered activated carbon where necessary with an initiator such as a polyhydric alcohol, an aliphatic alcohol, or an aliphatic carboxylic acid to thereby yield, for example, a polylactone, a polylactone alkyl ether, or a polylactone alkyl ester. [Chemical Formula 1] Wherein R1 is an alkylene group having two to eighteen carbon atoms which may be substituted with one or more alkyl groups each having one to ten carbon atoms. Accordingly, a target compound can be produced in a high yield with high quality, from which the catalyst can be easily removed.

Abstract: An aliphatic polyester polyether copolymer is provided having an aliphatic polyester moiety comprising 35 to 50 molar % of an aliphatic diol unit, 35 to 50 molar % of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid unit and 0 to 30 molar % of an aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid unit and a polyether moiety, wherein ?sp/C is not less than 1.40 and the ratio by weight of the polyether moiety to the aliphatic polyester polyether copolymer is 0.1 to 90% by weight.

Abstract: A cyclic ester (e.g., a lactone such as ?-caprolactone) is ring-opening addition polymerized with a dihydroxycarboxylic acid in the presence of a basic compound (e.g., an amine). In a polyester polyol obtained by such a process, at least part of a carboxyl group of the polyester polyol forms a carboxylate with the basic compound, and the content of the dihydroxycarboxylic acid in a free form can be remarkably reduced (for example, reduced to not more than 5% by weight relative to the total polyester polyol). According to the present invention, a polyester polyol having a reduced content of a free or unreacted dihydroxycarboxylic acid is provided even in the case of using a dihydroxycarboxylic acid (e.g., a dimethylolalkanoic acid such as dimethylolpropionic acid) as an initiator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-linear optical material having a dendrimer structure; and, more particularly, to a non-linear optical material having organic chromophores at the ends and formed based on ester linkages and/or ether linkages. Since the non-linear optical material of the present invention is formed based on ester linkages and/or ether linkages, it is very stable. Also, because it is a dendrimer structure, it has the properties of a polymer while having a strong connection ability at the ends, and this makes the non-linear optical material easily adopt organic chromophores easily. As it is stable thermally and optically, it can be applied to optical communication usefully.

Abstract: A biocompatible stable composition containing a hydrophobic drug, such as paclitaxel. The composition, which forms a syringeable polymeric micellar solution in aqueous or body fluids, is a freeze-dried product comprising a hydrophobic drug, i.e. paclitaxel, and an amphiphilic block copolymer wherein a hydrophobic group having affinity or attraction with the hydrophobic drug, such as paclitaxel, is incorporated on its end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biaxially oriented film of a polylactic acid resin that is suitable for films for bags and packaging films for various windows, particularly films for outlook window envelopes. The film is biodegradable and, as films for outlook window envelopes, is superior in the coating adaptability for an antistatic agent, a lubricant and an antiblocking agent or the like and in the high-speed cutting property. The present invention discloses a biaxially oriented film of a polylactic acid resin comprising not less than 50% by weight of a polylactic acid resin, which has a storage modulus E?at 80° C. within the range from 10 MPa to 3,000 MPa, as determined by the test method for temperature dependency of dynamic viscoelasticity, in accordance with JIS K7198 (method A); a heat shrinkage of not higher than 10%, upon heating at 80° C. for 10 seconds; and a tear strength in the width direction (TD direction) of the film of 10 to 200 mN, as determined in accordance with JIS K7128 (method B).

Abstract: A biologically absorbable polyhydroxycarboxylic acid in which a content of water-soluble acid components is not more than 0.07 mol/kg in terms of monobasic acids, and which has a weight average molecular weight of 4,000 to 100,000 and contains neither a catalyst nor an organic solvent, and a production method thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are copolymers of cyclic esters, e.g., caprolactone, and cyclic formals of substituted or unsubstituted diols, e.g., 1,3-dioxepane. The copolymers can provide a low melting temperature rendering them liquids at room temperature. Elastomeric polyurethanes prepared from such copolymers can exhibit a low Tg transition and good resistance to hydrolysis and oxidation. The copolymers are particularly useful for elastomers, coatings, adhesives, inks or binders requiring low temperature flexibility and good resistance to hydrolysis and oxidation.